By Virginia López Valiente
Managing Director of Cruises News Media Group and Editor of CruisesNews magazine
Editorial from CruisesNews magazine no. 45 – June 2018
Expedition cruises, with smaller ships and adventurous itineraries, are starting to have their moment.
It's not a trip for everyone, neither because of the cost nor the activity itself. On this type of trip, you can't expect to relax by the pool with a margarita. The expedition experience is about disembarking and boarding Zodiacs that will take you to marine wildlife sanctuaries and icebergs. Onboard, you're more likely to be offered lectures by naturalists and scientists than musicals or casino nights.
The ships are a different size, capable of anchoring in smaller ports. Many have reinforced hulls to navigate icy waters, and the destinations are always remote and exotic. But there's also the luxury, which, combined with the inherent luxury I've already mentioned, makes them, as I said, exclusive. You could say that the most important trend in luxury expedition cruises is that, well, it's a trend. Between 2016 and 2017, 12 new expedition ships were ordered, mostly in the luxury category, and several existing luxury ships have undergone a “refurbishment” “expedition”.
Luxury, here I stay.
But why is it trending? Is it due to the influx of younger travelers into the cruise market or the luxury market? Is it the growth of the luxury segment itself? Or perhaps climate change has created a sense of urgency to see places before it's too late?
Combining luxury with adventure at sea was a concept that began in the late 1980s. But in recent years, as small-boat (and river) cruising has become more popular, adventure travel has also expanded. It attracts seasoned travelers seeking new experiences and horizons, but also those who were never drawn to the traditional cruise concept. These are cruises to explore new parts of the world, using inflatable boats and kayaks, or even helicopters and submarines, before returning with muddy boots, exhausted from walking on a glacier or kayaking among seals in the Galapagos, to a glass of French champagne or a massage at the spa.
What sets these cruises apart from other expedition cruises is the five- or six-star service, the high crew-to-passenger ratio, the personalized attention, and the luxurious amenities. From the aforementioned champagne, served in the finest crystal glasses, to French designer toiletries, there's much more. Instead of cruise directors, there are expedition leaders; instead of tour guides, there are local rangers and naturalists; state-of-the-art technical equipment; photography; wildlife viewing; seminars; interaction with native communities; and visits to completely pristine territories. But by combining luxury with the concept of expedition—a very smart and lucrative decision pioneered by a certain French company—we find that cabins with balconies, suites, butlers, spas, swimming pools, renowned chefs, and so on have been incorporated.
Snobbishness is snobbish, yes, but on the other hand, the companies seem to be making new investments in minimizing their environmental impact with new LNG-powered constructions that leave the seabed undisturbed, scrupulously complying with current regulations and making generous donations to organizations that protect ecosystems.
I want to see it; I'm not much of a mud-boot kind of guy, but there are experiences you have to have, if you can.
