TO THE ICE AND BEYOND
A new wave of expedition ships is taking cruisers to the most remote and amazing places on Earth
NEVER CONSIDERED yourself a cruiser? Well, you haven’t been on an expedition cruise. Even the staunchest anti-cruiser is bound to love an adventure or expedition cruise. Think small ships and the chance to get off-the-beaten-track and see some of the world’s most remote destinations.
It’s no surprise this form of cruising is gaining momentum, heading to these frontiers like great explorers did not so long ago is a life-changing experience and, thankfully, these days it can be done in luxurious comfort. Cruise lines have responded to rising demand with a number of impressive expedition ships and itineraries. Here’s the latest on how you can experience the new wave in this form of cruising. WHO ARE EXPEDITION CRUISES FOR? Expeditions cruises are for anyone who has a great sense of adventure. This is not stock standard megaship ocean cruising, there’s no giant buffet, waterslides, casinos nor big theatre productions; expedition cruising is all about adventure and immersive experiences – it could be spying falls in the Kimberley or spotting rare seabirds off the coast of Iceland. Many of these destinations are otherwise inaccessible or extremely difficult to reach.
“Big ships have their place in cruising, but expedition cruising provides a more intimate and involving connection with the destinations, their communities, wildlife and cultures,” says Michael Corbett from Ponant.
Another bonus? You won’t be sharing the view with 4000 other passengers. APT’s ships, for example, offer an intimate atmosphere with an average of 100 passengers looked after by 75-80 crew. “Our travellers range in age and include couples and singles, early retirees and people who are still working. They all share a sense of adventure,” says APT’s Mladen Vukic.
Robert Halfpenny of Aurora Expeditions says passengers love expedition cruising as they can choose the level of adventure they want to undertake while having a very comfortable base camp to come back to on board. “Whether they want to take part in just landings and Zodiac cruises or some of the more extreme activities like the Shackleton’s crossing (in Antarctica), expedition cruising can accommodate everyone,” he says.
Another plus of small ships, says Coral Expeditions’ Jeff Gillies, is not overwhelming the small communities they visit. “Guests have access to intimate interactions with experts and local cultures.” NEW SHIPS SET SAIL Last year was a bumper year in expedition cruising with the introduction of groundbreaking ships including the world’s first “discovery yacht”, Scenic Eclipse, and Aurora Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer, the first passenger ship featuring the patented Ulstein X-Bow. And the momentum continues.