Cruises
can take you to places you haven’t been before, which can bring out a bit of
your inner explorer. Some cruises will take you to rugged, beautiful locations
where few people have ever been; that’s called an expedition cruise, and when
you choose one, you become an explorer automatically. If you’re familiar with
mainstream cruises, there are some important differences you need to think about
when deciding if an expedition cruise is for you.
First,
the ships. Expedition ships are small, built to maneuver into ports that are
well off the beaten path. The ships are very comfortable and even luxurious,
but you won’t find alternative dining venues, vast entertainment areas or pool
decks. The focus of an expedition cruise is not what’s on the ship, but what
you’ll see when you leave the ship.
There
are different crew roles than you’ll find on a mainstream cruise. Instead of a social director, you’ll have an
expedition leader, as well as experts who will educate you about the region
you’re sailing to.
Mainstream
cruises rarely vary from their set schedules, while expedition ships are more
likely to change course when the crew spots some wildlife, or the captain
identifies a smoother path through the water.
The
process of getting from ship to shore is different (which may have implications
if you have any mobility issues). On an expedition cruise, you’re less likely
to step off the ship onto a dock; you’re more likely to step from the ship into
an inflatable Zodiac craft that will take you to shore.
So,
where do these adventurous cruises go? Destinations include:
The
Amazon. Some
ocean-going ships sail up the river as far as Manaus, Brazil, but smaller
expedition ships can sail the Peruvian portion of the river, stopping to visit
villages surrounded by the jungle and its wild, colorful inhabitants.
Antarctica. It’s an incredibly
inhospitable environment, but cruising to Antarctica is on many bucket lists.
That probably has something to do with the stunning scenery and abundant sea
life, from waddling penguins to magnificent whales.
The
Arctic.
Expedition ships sail to the northern reaches of Norway, where you can hike the
tundra and take in spectacular scenery (including northern lights).
Galapagos
Islands.
Tourism here is strictly controlled to protect the islands’ unique and diverse
biosphere, and a cruise is one of the best ways to go.
Expedition
cruises can also take you to some of the less-visited parts of Alaska, the
South Pacific, Central America, Patagonia and more. Interested? Ask Anita, your
professional travel advisor for more details.
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