Expedition adventures Expedition cruises take guests to some of the most remote destinations in the world, but it takes a well-designed excursion to enable them to truly explore these regions. Alex Smith speaks with cruise line executives to learn more about their offerings Expedition cruising is defined by its sense of adventure. From the cold polar waters to untouched tropical paradises, these cruises take guest to parts of the world that very few people will ever have the chance to see. Excursions are an essential part of this journey, allowing guests to explore and experience the destinations they’re visiting while taking part in activities that can both delight and inform. The polar regions offer the quintessential expedition experience, allowing guests to explore the most remote of destinations. Both the Arctic and the Antarctic have long been visited by expedition cruise lines, many of which alternate itineraries between the two poles for their summer seasons. The freezing environment of the poles provides opportunities for adventurous excursions, such as those offered by Atlas Ocean Voyages. “One of the most sought-after activities with Atlas Ocean Voyages is overnight camping in Antarctica where a select number of guests can join the expedition team onshore, make their own overnight accommodations by digging into the snow and revelling at the sheer beauty of the night skies,” says Bernard Carter, international sales at Atlas Ocean Voyages “For those wanting a more immediate thrill there is the Polar Plunge, where guests take the opportunity to jump from a special platform on the ship into the icy waters. Guests describe the experience as invigorating – and the atmosphere onboard afterwards is euphoric!” Expeditions aren’t just limited to colder waters, however. The Galápagos Islands are among the most popular destinations for expedition cruises, with the unique environment of the remote Pacific islands offering a cruise experience unlike any other. Metropolitan Touring regularly visits Punta Suarez on the western point of Isla Española, where guests can walk along a trail through both coastal and inland environments. “Right on the landing jetty, we’ll often find Galápagos sea lions wallowing and sunbathing, completely fearless of us humans,” says Edwin Alba, expedition leader onboard Metropolitan Touring’s yacht, La Pinta. “Reaching the shore, you can see large marine iguanas – a unique species to the archipelago – sunbathing on the dark rocks in large groups. The highlight for many people, though, is the waved albatross. Punta Suárez is the only visitor site in the archipelago that affords us the possibility of being close to numerous nesting couples, who perform beautiful, synchronised courtship rituals FEATURE 42 Punta Suarez offers the only opportunity to see the synchronised courtship rituals of the waved albatross
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