EXPEDITION CRUISE? WHAT EVEN IS IT?
Amongst the intensive training sessions, I’ve also been meeting the expedition cruise operators, experiencing their ships and learning more about the destinations that they sail to. So, for the last 5 months I have been immersed in all things expedition cruise and I want to share this magnificent way of travelling with absolutely anybody who is willing to listen.
I’ve been asked on numerous occasions when I talk about expedition cruise – as this is something I do a lot of – what even is Expedition Cruise? The phrase polar expedition conjures up images of famous explorers like Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott and their race to be the poles.
And yes, there are synergies in that you will get to see and experience the magnificent untouched landscapes and wildlife that those pioneers were the first to set eyes upon but there perhaps the synergies end. These were individuals who were living dangerously and on the brink of disastrous consequences on a daily basis. They were explorers and it was in their blood.
But for an expedition cruise today, I am pleased to say it is obviously much safer than in the days of those pioneers. And it is far more luxurious too. I’ve just read the book “Endurance” which depicts Shackleton’s doomed expedition to cross Antarctic, the seventh continent from West to East and I can tell you what these pioneers achieved, in small wooden boats in perhaps one of the most dangerous seas in the world and the most inhospitable weather, is beyond imagination.
In today’s world of polar expedition, you will be staying aboard state of the art ships – many of which are Polar Ice class enabling them to break through the pack. They not only have gorgeous cabins and suites and beautiful communal lounges but also gyms, saunas, jacuzzi, swimming pools and fantastic dining. Some even have helicopters and submersibles. A stark contrast to the “Caird” which Shackleton and his 4 comrades travelled in from Elephant Island to St George island traversing 1000kms of treacherous seas.
Expedition cruise is all about exploration and education to distant regions of the planet where often there is no infrastructure and where you require to board a zodiac in order to land on these remote shores. Expedition is about being immersed in the destination and experiencing wildlife, culture, stunning scenery or perhaps all three at once! And it is likely that you will travel on a ship that has in the region of only 130 to 140 passengers – certainly below 200.
This is not a trip where there are thousands of passengers on a massive ship like we might understand traditional cruise to be. This is something entirely different. This is something unique and an experience that is very special indeed. But in expedition cruise terms - size really does matter. Small is most definitely best!
You see it’s important because wildlife regulations only permit a certain number of passengers to land ashore at any one time in certain destinations. That magic number for Antarctica for example is 100 people. So, when you are onboard a small ship all passengers can be off the ship at the same time – some landing on zodiacs and exploring the shore, some kayaking, some paddle boarding. For any ships which have a larger capacity then there may not be the option to do multiple landings per day like on smaller ships.
In terms of choosing an expedition cruise, there is a huge variety of both destinations and operators which is amazing. However, the downside of this breadth of choice is that it can be really overwhelming trying to decide where to go and which operator to go with. Let’s face it these trips are bucket list stuff and so by their very nature they are reassuringly expensive and so it has to be absolutely right for you.
So how do you choose? This is where I come in. With my expertise, I can help. By answering a few questions, it will enable us to hone in on the type of expedition and the type of operator that will perfectly match your requirements.
Hot or cold? That means do you want to go polar or not? If you’re the type of person who can’t stomach the cold then you need warm expedition in your life. There is absolutely no shortage of that – think Galapagos, Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat, the South Pacific, the Kimberley in North West Australia or a culinary cruise around the Mediterranean and so much more. This will quickly narrow down the choice for you.
What are your interests? Have you done safari to death but love animals? Or are you more of a historical buff interested in cultural or perhaps you are a seasoned photographer and love magnificent scenery. Perhaps you are interested in all three. Depending on the answer some operators will definitely be more suitable than others.
What is important to you about your expedition? Is it all about the immersive experience off the ship and you really see the ship as being just a vessel – a place to eat and lay your head for the night. Or is the ship experience really important to you too and you like the idea of having a butler and a glass of champagne waiting for you when you step off the zodiac or out of the helicopter or submersible.
How important are environmental and sustainability credentials to you? The bottom line is that all of these operators tend to be operating in a very sustainable way but some have more stellar credentials than others. So this may impact who you choose to cruise with.
What board basis do you prefer? Are you a lover of All Inclusive where you like the freedom of paying one price and then never thinking about having to put your hand in your pocket again for the duration of the trip? Or perhaps the food and drink is not a huge part of your trip? This will definitely have a bearing on the type of operator that will suit you.
Your answers to these questions will enable me to easily match the expedition cruise destination and operator to your unique requirements. If you’d like to explore taking your own expedition cruise then please do get in touch for a no obligation chat. It is currently my favourite topic of conversation!
