Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2024

81 ice fjord, a 70 by 20-kilometre fjord completely choked with ice, produced by the largest and most active glacier outside Antarctica. The views are simply mind-blowing here and guests can explore the fjord further with a cruise amongst the icebergs.” Canada’s Arctic beauty includes the Gulf of Alaska, home to Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage. Expedition cruises often start in Vancouver, Canada, and head north to this region where Alaska’s largest glaciers can be found. For example, Maple Leaf Adventure Company, which has been operating since 1986, offers educational itineraries along the British Columbia coast, including the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii’s remote villages. Inland expeditions Expedition cruises are not just for oceans; lake and river exploration is also popular. For instance, Ponant and Viking Cruises sail on Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, with many itineraries stopping at Thunder Bay. The city entertains cruise guests with its cultural attractions such as The Spirit Garden, which is a space to honour the history and cultures of its indigenous people, and close access to the lake. “Guests love the fresh air, forests and clean water, indigenous and global cultural influences, and friendly residents at Thunder Bay while operators enjoy peace of mind of comprehensive local shore excursion and vessel servicing capacity,” says Paul Pepe, manager of tourism for Tourism Thunder Bay. Meanwhile, Antara Cruises offers itineraries on the Ganges River in India, highlighting ancient temples and bustling markets. The cruise line aims to connect guests with the region’s mythologies and monuments on rivers that were once the highways for trade. Diving destinations For water-based activities, Aqua Expeditions recommends Indonesia. The country’s 18,000 islands provide the prime conditions for bespoke excursions, Arctic Circle Antarctic Circle North America Alaska Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic Niagara and Great Lakes Central America and South Caribbean Baja California and Sea of Cortez Central America Colombia, Venezuela and Southern Caribbean South America and Antarctica Ecuador and Galapagos Amazon Peru, Chile and islands Antarctica South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Europe, Greenland and the North Pole North Pole Iceland and Greenland Scottish Highlands Northern Norway & Svalbard Africa and Indian Ocean West Africa South West Africa South East Africa Indian Ocean islands Australasia and Pacific Islands The Kimberley, Australia Indonesia and Borneo South Pacific islands East Antarctic and subantarctic islands Russia* Northeast Passage Russian Far East * Currently unavailable

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