The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
The ships that will shrink the world
A new generation of small, high-tech vessels can reach parts of the planet that others can’t, says John Wilmott
Until relatively recently expedition cruising meant boarding a comfy yet fairly basic ship that was originally designed for another purpose, such as scientific research. Today, travellers can enjoy close-up views of polar bears while sipping a glass of champagne, or tuck into a gourmet dinner after a swim with sea lions. Places that were once the domain of TV nature programmes are within reach of anyone with deep pockets.
The next generation of ships would not look out of place in Monaco’s glamorous harbour. Tough, as well as sumptuous, many convey fewer than 200 passengers, boast spas and plush accommodation and offer fine dining and carry the very latest water toys.
Several ships have extendable xtendable platforms to enhance the viewing of sea mammals. All carry rubber inflatable craft for shore landings, and some me have helicopters or submarines bmarines for swooping over glaciers iers or seeking rarely-seen sea creatures.
With state-of-the-art t technology and innovative ative hull designs, these vessels sels can safely sail among the he icebergs of the Antarctic ic or drop anchor off a far-flung ung tropical island for some e paddleboarding or scuba ba diving. The latest expedition dition ships are shrinking the world, bringing the far-flung, dramatic or exotic within hin reach. Today, it seems, anyone can be Sir
David Attenborough.
THE ONE THAT (MIGHT) VIEW TITANIC
Why just admire your surroundings from sea level when you can view them from above and below, too?
The megayacht Crystal Endeavor, due for launch next summer, will accommodate two helicopters and a submarine to give guests thrilling new perspectives on the places they visit. There are plans (to be confirmed) for an ROV – a robot sub – that will bring live views from the sea bed, possibly including the wreck of Titanic at 12,500ft (3,810m) below the surface, off the coast of Canada.
The 200-passenger Endeavor will also carry jet skis, scuba gear and SeaBobs (underwater scooters). After their adventures, guests relax in balconied suites with butler service.
Endeavor will cruise both polar regions and, in between, follow the migratory routes of whales. crystalcruises.co.uk
THE ONE FROM THUNDERBIRDS
One look at the Greg Mortimer and you would be forgiven for thinking it had emerged from Tracy Island. It’s the ship’s upside-down bow that is so striking; the first time this X-Bow design has been used on a passenger ship. The bow smooths the passage of the ship through choppy waters, specifically the notoriously rough Drake Passage crossing to Antarctica.
Thoughtful features include platforms that pop out of the ship’s sides for closer viewing of whales and icebergs and four exits (instead of the usual two) for departures on the 15 zodiac inflatables. Launching in autumn 2019, the Greg Mortimer will be one of the mo most stylish ships yet to plough Antarctic water, but the itineraries, wh which include the remote Fra Franz Josef Islands in the Arctic, sho should not be overlook overlooked. auroraexpeditions. aurora com.au com.
THE TH OTHER UPSIDE-DOWN U ONE O
The second ship with an eye-catching X-Bow d design will come from Li Lindblad in early 2020: th the 126-guest National Ge Geographic Endurance, nam named to honour lege legendary explorer Ernest Shac Shackleton. As well as the revo revolutionary hull,
s stabilisers will make choppy journeys even smoother. Company president Sven Lindblad says the ship will be able to visit “off-the-beatenpath Arctic islands”. These include the archipelago of Severnaya Zemlya, where few people have set foot. Full-height windows and 10,000 sq ft of glass will keep guests connected to the view and there will 12 cabins for solo travellers. expeditions.com
THE ONE WITH THE WHALE’S EYE VIEW
Few lines are embracing the concept of champagne adventures at sea with more enthusiasm than French line Ponant, whose Le Laperouse is the first of six yachtstyle ships. The standout feature is two whale eye-shaped windows, built into an underwater lounge. Le Laperouse will sail in Northern Europe and the Med as well as more exotic hot and cold destinations such as the Orinoco River and Africa’s Bissagos Islands. French gastronomy and a pool provide cruise-style comforts, while the hydraulic viewing platform and marina deck will appeal to wildlife fans. In 2021 Ponant will be launching the first polar expedition ship capable of reaching the North Pole. en.ponant.com