expedition cruising


From left: Aranui 5 in


French Polynesia; Explore in the Galápagos; Le Laperouse


for the level of luxury on offer. An eight-night voyage from Colombo to Mumbai on Le Laperouse – exploring the west coast of India, including Goa – costs from €3,180 for a December 20 departure (in a smart balcony cabin), making for a competitively priced Christmas break. Flights are extra. en.ponant.com


BEST FOR…SPORTY TYPES In a similar vein, Windstar’s ships aren’t expedition vessels as such, but they do offer some adventurous itineraries. The aft watersports platform on the four-masted Wind Star means clients can paddleboard, kayak and swim straight from the ship – a bonus in the steamy climates of Costa Rica and Panama. The line offers a seven-night cruise


from Colón in Panama to Costa Rica’s Puerto Caldera, taking in the Panama Canal and the bright lights of Panama City before heading north into the wilds of the Chiriqui Marine National Park, jungly Golfo Dulce, and Quepos,


travelweekly.co.uk/cruise


where hiking, river rafting and ziplining await. It costs from $2,458, excluding flights, departing on November 28. windstarcruises.com


BEST FOR…ADVENTURE SEEKERS French Polynesia is notoriously expensive, but doing it by ship makes Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands a more affordable prospect. The 254-passenger cargo/cruise ship


hybrid Aranui 5 operates a regular schedule out of Papeete, Tahiti, and if four friends don’t mind a dorm-style cabin – with four bunks, a porthole and a bathroom – they can get 12 nights for under £2,500 (prices start at €2,768 per person, based on four sharing for dates in 2020, excluding flights). What’s more, it includes all meals


with wine, as well as excursions exploring the volcanic islands, jungle- clad hillsides, colourful villages and shimmering aquamarine bays that make up this impressive region. aranui.com


TOP TIPS


f Encourage clients to book ahead; two years is normal for Antarctica. Many lines are offering better prices for 2022 than for 2021


f Alternatively, go for very late availability; with so much capacity coming in to the market, there will be space for clients with flexibility


f Look at shoulder seasons – prices drop dramatically in the Arctic in September


f Aim for shorter duration cruises – a week spotting polar bears in Svalbard is still an expedition


f Go for lines using older ships – the scenery and wildlife will be just as dazzling


f Try cabin-share schemes; G Adventures’ ship has quad share rooms at a very reasonable price, making it great for solo travellers


February 2020 37


PICTURES: PONANT/PHILIP PLISSON; SHUTTERSTOCK


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