Cruising Expedition Style
Traditional cruises may not interest you, but put those stereotypical ideas of cruises aside and consider an expedition cruise. Expedition cruises offer an alternative way to explore off the beaten track destinations where larger traditional cruise ships do not or cannot sail. These ships sail with expert guides in the region to regale you with tales of the local area’s history and wildlife while keeping you safe during your exploration. From luxury prices to more affordable options, there is an expedition cruise that can fulfill your travel wanderlust.
Depart for places many dream of, but few see. Think the polar regions, North West Passage, and Galápagos Islands and envision yourself in the shoes of Sir Francis Drake or Sir Ernest Shackleton except with better accommodations, better food and without the risk of scurvy! Expedition cruises may include excursions, winter gear for polar regions and wetsuits for Galápagos.
Hop on a Zodiac and buzz your way onto the stunning landscapes of the Antarctic peninsula; the continent most difficult to visit. Walk through penguin colonies and watch for whales, seals and other wildlife. Or simply watch some of the largest icebergs pass by. Departures for Antarctic expedition cruises generally leave between November to March. Some embarkation ports include Buenos Aries and Ushuaia, Argentina and Valparaiso, Chile. Arrive a few days early to explore fascinating people, landscapes and cuisine in these amazing countries like the Gauchos in Buenos Aries, the mountains and glaciers of Patagonia, and world renowned wines from Colchagua and the Maule Valley of Chile.
The Arctic has the most itineraries of the polar regions with multiple embarkation ports. May to September will offer the most cruises to the Arctic. While navigating the tricky and scenic North West Passage you will see frozen tundra, small Inuit communities and hopefully some polar bears. And while polar bears may be a highlight, other wildlife such as musk ox, arctic wolves and marine wildlife can be seen. From icebergs to glaciers you will sail by some of the world’s biggest ice producers. Arctic expeditions differ from Antarctica with one huge difference. The Arctic is inhabited! On these expeditions you will stop in small Inuit communities and experience how the modern Inuit live today. Immerse yourself into the culture by visiting a local community centre and listening to women perform unique throat-singing or walk through the town to see sled dogs and caribou and polar bear skins drying. Some towns have a thriving artist community where you can purchase unique paintings and hand crafted soapstone and antler carvings. Check out Qattuu, an Inuk throat-singer originally from Pangnirtung, Nunavut who puts a beautiful modern element to a traditional form of Inuit art. Qattuu can be found on the streaming platforms Spotify and Apple Music.
I became fascinated with the Galápagos Islands at a young age after reading the Kurt Vonnegut book “Galápagos” where part of the story plays out. The archipelago is so unique that over 97% is a National Park and the 77,000 square kilometres of ocean surrounding the islands is a designated marine reserve. It is the second largest behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The islands are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On land, Galápagos giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas are a huge draw to visitors as well as being a birder watcher paradise. Diving or snorkelling to see sea lions, sharks (hammerhead, Galápagos and reef sharks), sea turtles, and other tropical fish will also keep you entranced with a huge variety of marine life. Although located on the equator, the optimal time to visit is in the warm season, December through May, where the average sea and air temperatures are 25 degrees Celsius and the winds are minimal. Galápagos Island cruises have a few different itineraries. Research what itinerary matches your needs or message your travel agent for assistance.
Expedition cruises can be costly, but there is nothing else that will get you as close to some of the most fantastical places on earth. Companies that I recommend are Hurtigruten, Ponat, Viking, GAdventures and Celebrity (for Galápagos Islands only). If you want the Disney experience their collaboration with Ponat and GoGalápagos will certainly bring you a magical experience.