CRUISE EXPEDITION DESTINATIONS


Oexplorers cean


Embrace the spirit of adventure with the latest trend for expedition cruising, writes Jane Archer


M


udroom, wellington boots and science centres are


not words usually associated with cruising, but the times they are a-changin’. Now, cruisers are swapping DJs and cocktail dresses for the thrill of a voyage to places where few people have gone before. An expedition cruise used to


be synonymous with roughing it at sea. The ships were old and basic, often with shared accommodation, but people put up with it because it was the only way to get to places such as the Arctic and Antarctica.


Then the tide began to change in 2009, when Silversea put the luxury in expedition with the launch of Prince Albert II (renamed Silver Explorer in 2011). The ship was not new – it was actually 20 years old - but a multimillion-dollar makeover brought it up as far as possible to Silversea’s standards. Capacity was reduced, suites


were added, and drinks and gratuities were included in the price – all changes that would appeal to Silversea’s past passengers as well as


people who wanted to cruise to Antarctica in a bit more style. Fast-forward eight years and while plenty of the old expedition ships are still around, an incredible 15 new vessels – many of them pushing new boundaries in luxury – are being built over the next two years. Between them, they promise amazing


features such as underwater lounges, glass balconies and submarines. No matter how posh they are though, they all also have fleets of inflatable Zodiacs and expedition experts on board to take passengers ashore in remote spots where there are no ports or terminals. Seabourn’s senior manager


19 October 2017 travelweekly.co.uk 55


PICTURE: SERGEY A FROLOV


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