1 8 CFI CURATED Cruise operators are designing ships for luxurious adventures Over the past two years, there has been an increase in the number of new expedition ships being ordered and debuted, with cruise lines introducing new polar exploration vessels in 2022. Some of these vessels include Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, which started sailing in November 2021; Seabourn’s latest ship Seabourn Venture, which debuted in April; Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega, which began service in January; and Viking Polaris, which will join the Viking fleet in August. Many of these ships share similarities when it comes to their interior designs, focusing on providing luxurious spaces that are also practical, durable and specifically tailored for active excursions that enable guests to get up close to remote locations. For example, Seabourn Venture and SH Vega both offer mud rooms and landing zones onboard that are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Meanwhile, Viking Polaris features The Hangar, an in-ship marina for Zodiacs and other water sports equipment, as well as tender exploration zones to make it easy for guests to travel into the water for excursions. In addition, Viking Polaris and three of the other ships have libraries, lecture rooms or laboratory facilities to enable onboard experts and research teams to teach guests about the destinations and wildlife they are seeing. In some cases, guests can also assist with data collection. The interiors of these spaces have been designed to encourage the educational aspect of expedition travel. The lecture rooms are decorated with calming and minimal designs, the libraries in a traditional fashion and the observatory lounges in ways that encourage guests to look outwards. The lecture theatre onboard Viking Polaris, for example, features floor-toceiling windows that can be blacked out quickly and easily with wall panels decorated with unique artwork. This creates a modern, luxurious and inviting area for guests to learn about the destinations they are visiting. As more expedition ships are being built to match expedition itineraries, operators are also introducing spa facilities that are in keeping with the climate that their ships travel to. Some spa areas reflect the environments the vessels visit. For example, Le Commandant Charcot features a small, enclosed snow room, similar to a steam room or sauna, which offers hot and cold therapies for the body. Seabourn Venture offers an infinity pool and treatment rooms, as well as an onboard mindful living programme as part of its spa and wellness facilities. “Spa and wellness is sure to be a standout space for our guests to embrace feelings of well-being in the midst of adventure on expeditions to the wonders of the world on our expedition ships,” said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn. By investing in research, expedition and unique leisure facilities, these cruise lines have demonstrated how they can successfully incorporate a luxury experience into an expedition ship through specifically designed interiors. CFI More cruise lines are investing in polar exploration vessels to accommodate the increased interest in expedition cruises and all of the learning, activities and relaxation that comes with this Le Commandant Charcot ’s snow room is designed to provide hot and cold therapies for the body
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