45 with their mates-for-life – a true privilege to observe, and a wonderful ‘Galápagos moment’ to savour.” The Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia offer an even more remote warm water destination for travellers, lying more than 4,800 kilometres from the nearest continental landmass. Aranui Cruises sails a 12-day, 2,500mile expedition from Tahiti to the islands onboard Aranui 5, a working cargo and passenger ship that delivers supplies to the six inhabited islands of the archipelago while also hosting 230 guests. “The voyage includes daily excursions with visits to Fakarava, a pristine Unesco Biosphere Reserve, and Rangiroa, the world’s largest atoll, as well as the mythical Bora Bora in the Society Islands,” says Vaima Devimeux, general manager of Europe for Aranui Cruises. “Highlights also include exploring the archaeological sites in the Taipivai Valley on Nuku Hiva, seeing craftspeople at work in the Unesco World Heritage Bay of Virgins on the remote island of Fatu Hiva, traversing the mountains of Ua Huka by 4X4, and spotting the famed Marquesan horses and rare endemic birds of the island.” Heritage Expeditions’ voyages, on the other hand, span both cold and warm water destinations. Its excursions are intended to support conservation initiatives, including wildlife encounters and cultural exchanges. “Our excursions are about being in the moment and having the opportunity to be actively involved,” says Aaron Russ, director and expedition leader for Heritage Expeditions. “Immersive, authentic experiential travel is all part of the Heritage Expeditions difference – whether it’s joining Malaita’s Kwaio people in a sacred dance exclusive to our guests that’s so revered the only way to witness it is to take part, swimming with whale sharks and walking with Komodo dragons, helping legendary mammalogist Professor Tim Flannery discover new species on rarely visited tropical islands, or stepping inside the historic huts of explorers Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton.” The experiences found on an expedition cruise can have a profound impact on travellers. Peter Shanks, managing director of UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa for Silversea, describes his own experiences on the cruise line’s voyages as “a burst of happiness”. “On my cruise around the Galápagos there were three life-changing experiences every day: one experiencing nature, a second while snorkelling and another looking out at the vistas,” he says. “I also feel very privileged to have experienced Antarctica. I have often described it as the closest thing to being on another planet whilst still on this planet. Having travelled on Silversea expeditions, I now feel even closer to this very special planet Earth, with its many remarkable and beautiful places.” Heritage Expeditions’ Antarctica voyages offer the chance to step inside Scott’s Hut, used by Robert Scott for his fateful Antarctic expedition Photo: A.Schluter, Heritage Expeditions FEATURE
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