EXPEDITION CRUISES PUT A NEW SPIN ON LUXURY AT SEA

These adventures focus on education, science and nature

Forget infinity pools, couples’ massages and karaoke lounges; the newest luxury ships are all about scientific discovery. Rather than stopping at the usual crowded European and Caribbean ports, expedition ships are taking guests — along with scientists, historians and naturalists — to places rarely visited by tourists. Subtract the discomforts traditionally associated with research vessels, and expedition ships are attracting travelers who may not have considered cruising in the past.

“The expedition segment is the fastest-growing segment of the cruise industry right now,” said Robin West, vice president of expedition operations and planning for Seabourn, a luxury cruise line. Until 2018, few new expedition ships were being built, West said. But about 45 are expected to be constructed between 2018 and 2023.

The reason for the uptick is a regulatory change by the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency responsible for maritime safety. Its Polar Code, which was implemented beginning in January 2017, stipulates that certain ships sailing in Arctic or Antarctic waters must abide by enhanced safety regulations, such as having a specific amount of structural reinforcement to help with operating through thick ice. Many older expedition ships do not meet the new requirements.

“The expedition industry was born out of very old tonnage, and many were polar research vessels, others were Baltic ferries,” West said. “Very few were purpose-built as expedition ships. The change in the Polar Code resulted in new

RACHEL WALKER FOR THE WASHINGTON POST The author’s son gets ready to descend on a trail. Bike parks often offer lessons and coaching for riders of all ages.

SEABOURN This artist’s rendering depicts the Venture, Seabourn’s first purpose-built expedition ship, which is expected to set sail for the first time in July.