48 The Kimberley in Australia is currently in high demand for Seabourn expedition cruises PLANNER PERSPECTIVE In pursuit of adventure Seabourn’s Jen Martin tells Amber Hickman why adaptability and immersive excursions are key components for a successful expedition cruise When people think of a cruise, the first images that likely come to mind are exotic locations, relaxation and new experiences. Expedition cruise operators take this concept to the next level by combining luxury with adventure to provide the ultimate safari at sea. But what goes into planning an expedition cruise? According to Jen Martin, director of product development and expeditions at Seabourn, it involves a “combination of factors”. “We want to find compelling destinations that are difficult to access on one’s own,” she explains. “We look for places that also have different offerings, such as cultural experiences, great history, wildlife and natural beauty.” Martin notes that some destinations currently in high demand for expedition cruises include the Arctic, Greenland and Arctic Canada, as well as The Kimberley in north-western Australia. “These destinations are difficult to visit without a ship and have incredible wilderness to explore, with rich cultural traditions and a long history of human existence that is defined by the landscape,” she says. “Antarctica in particular has an incredible history of expedition, and we focus on a lot of the challenges faced by the early explorers with our guests.” Throughout the duration of each expedition cruise, Seabourn ensures that guests feel integrated with the region they are visiting. “ Being able to adjust plans at a moment’s notice is what really makes this type of cruise successful”
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