Something A Bit Different?

So you have sailed the Med. Gone to the Baltic. Visited the Fjords. Sailed down to the Canaries. Completed a transatlantic. Where do you go from here?  I do get asked that question a lot. This week I have been chatting to a client of mine who recently sailed up to the Arctic, now that is something a bit different, a Expedition cruise.

The difference between a normal and expedition cruise is the relationship between the voyages and ports. On a typical expedition cruise, the cruise experience is made up of equal measures of time on the ship as well as experiences ashore.  The ships will have a “expedition” team with a team leader and usually supported by naturalists and science oriented lecturers who give presentations on the culture, history, etc of the destinations.  One keystone of expedition cruising is the use of zodiac inflatable crafts instead of the normal tender boats (they get to places you thought you could not reach). Once you are ashore there are loads of things you can do such as hikes, kayaking outings, take a zodiac ride and get even closer to a iceburg or even a nice leisurely naturalist walk along the shorelines looking for rare birds or looking in the tidepools. Lets not forget the main thing which is to spot a polar bear.

One of the best areas to try this type of cruising is the Arctic. Most tours depart from the Norwegian cities of Tromso or Longyearbyen and generally weave along the islands of the Svalbard archipelago, including the largest, Spitsbergen.

The season is short though, usually June through to August. Other times of the year is too risky because of the ice packs.  Most ships can reach the most northerly points in July, which would increase your chances of seeing polar bears.  The allure of the Arctic is powerful. Vast tundra and sculpted icebergs. Deep fjords, and abundant wildlife with some fantastic folklore, makes you want to go – yes?

If this is the kind of thing your looking for on your next cruise, then look at Silverseas if you want a very luxurious way to travel or how about the Norwegian company, Hurtigruten? They know the waters probably better then most.

Let me know how you get on!