When you hear ‘Expedition Cruising’ what comes to mind?
Yet expeditions aren’t just to cooler climates. Why not follow the Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana, who completed the first known navigation of the Amazon River? Or Abel Tasman, the Dutch navigator who charted much of the Kimberley coast in northwest Australia? Or the popular Galapagos Islands, well known for Darwin’s exploration, yet initially discovered in 1535 by Tomas Berlanga, bishop of Panama.
As technology moves on the world seems to shrink. The remote areas become more accessible, which poses further questions. Should we really be visiting Antarctica? Is tourism contributing to the destruction of the last wild places on our planet? Tourism is, in fact, a good thing, when controlled and properly regulated. In 1991 the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) was founded, with the primary goal being to “advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica”. A similar Association exists in the Arctic, and the Galapagos Islands have a National Park fee, helping the Ecuadorian Government to maintain their pristine environment.
TV programmes like Blue Planet, have shown us the beauty we can experience whilst raising awareness of the fragility of these eco-systems. The knowledge that these places of wonder may be lost to future generations is a good thing. It’s causing us to change everyday habits. You may never visit Antarctica but reducing the amount of plastic you use is helping to preserve the wildlife here and in all our oceans.
Each ship to visit these areas abides by strict regulations, like vacuuming your jackets and trousers before going ashore. Yes, seriously! A seed, caught in the Velcro on your jacket cuff, and deposited on shore in Greenland, could be responsible for an invasive species taking root. It’s recommended to buy new outer clothes before an expedition cruise, and most companies issue a jacket that you may keep. The ships also loan gumboots (always request a larger size to fit a couple of extra pairs of socks!) and you walk through an anti-bacterial wash before you leave the ship. You do this on return too, as you’ll often pick up some fishy smelling penguin guano whilst ashore.
In addition to the regulations, cruise lines are developing their new ships with incredible environmental features, such as hybrid engines, whilst also moving to eradicate all single use plastics onboard. Hurtigruten are pioneers in this field, with the first of their new ships, MS Roald Amundsen, joining the fleet this year. The hybrid technology, combined with the advanced construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board, will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20%. MS Amundsen will also be much quieter, better for the guests and for the nature around them.
New technology aside, expedition cruising differs from regular cruising because the focus isn’t on the facilities on board, it’s truly about the destination. Itineraries are a suggestion of what you may see and can change depending on weather and wildlife sightings. You won’t want to rush to the next landing site if a pod of Minke whales have decided to play alongside the ship.
What can you expect to encounter on an expedition?
If you want to see polar bears, visit Spitsbergen. Accessible during our summer months, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago is forged by ice, wind and sea. Experience landings which take you to the ghost towns of early whaling stations, and see spectacular fjords and icebergs, whilst looking for the King of the Arctic.
Many people, myself included, would love to see the Northern Lights. I know from personal experience this is never guaranteed. However, give yourself the best chance with a Norwegian Coastal Voyage on Hurtigruten. Sailing from Bergen all the way to Kirkenes, inside the Arctic Circle, you pass amazing fjords and some of the best coastal scenery on the planet. Maximise your chances of the Lights with a round trip, taking time to explore the many tiny ports en-route. This coastal voyage is also a transport provider for the locals, giving you a great opportunity to discover what life here is really like. Take the trip in summer to see how different it is, becoming The Land of the Midnight Sun.
If you prefer to be a bit warmer and love wildlife try the Galapagos – islands of the tortoise. (Galapago is an old Spanish word for tortoise). The archipelago of 13 major islands and more than a hundred smaller ones, straddles the equator, 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast. These volcanic islands are home to unique and extraordinary species such as giant tortoises, iguanas, fur seals, sea lions, sharks and rays, plus 26 species of native birds including the blue footed booby, who looks like he stepped in a paint pot!
Travel to the other end of the earth and visit Antarctica. If possible, I urge you to choose an itinerary which includes South Georgia too. The wildlife here is incredible, and penguins really are as funny as they seem. Each species, from chin strap to adelie, macaroni to gentoo and of course the regal King penguin, has its own characteristics and little fear of humans. Whilst there are guidelines to be followed, if you sit on the beach at Salisbury Plain and watch the penguins as they come ashore, you will be approached by the weaned pups of the elephant seals, known as “weaners”. They are the ugly duckling story in reverse. With such beautiful soulful eyes they're very cute, yet grow up to be ferocious fighting machines. South Georgia is also home to Shackleton history. Hike to Stromness, following the Shackleton crossing to experience a fraction of what he did in 1916.
Whichever destination you choose you will have guides experienced in wildlife, history and culture, who offer lectures onboard, lead the shore excursions and answer any questions. All the fresh air will work up an appetite and top chefs provide culinary delights made with local produce, where possible. At the end of the day, after relaxing in the bar, return to your very comfortable en suite cabin to recharge for the next day.
An Expedition Cruise can change your life. Let me find the right one for you.