Silversea Expeditions celebrates 10 years of pioneering exploration in the luxury segment.
Article from CruisesNews magazine: Silversea Expeditions, 10 years of dream cruises
As Senior Vice President of Strategic Development, Expeditions and Experiences, Conrad Combrink plays an active role in many Silversea Expeditions and is at the forefront of strategic planning for all expedition itineraries, program development, and staff recruitment for expedition voyages. Conrad also oversees the creation of the Silversea Couture and Signature Land programs and is actively involved in the annual Silversea World Cruise presentation.
What is an expedition cruise?
Expedition cruising began in 1969 when Lindblad Expeditions took the first travelers to Antarctica. It was the first time a group of tourists could travel to these incredible, remote destinations. Since then, expedition cruises have experienced significant growth. Expedition cruises are typically conducted on smaller ships, with a capacity of around 200 passengers, sometimes up to 250, but what truly matters is the destination itself. It's more about the experience at the destination than the experience on board. Travelers who choose this type of trip are very curious and deeply interested in the experience at the destination, and in fact, the more remote the place, the more interesting it is to them.
That's why our destinations are so diverse, including Antarctica, the Russian Far East, the Arctic… and many other places, but it's really about the destination.
He has a contagious passion for expedition travel. He spends many months of the year searching for new and remote destinations and exciting adventures for Silversea guests.
What are the differences between an expedition cruise and a traditional Silversea cruise?
I truly believe the main difference lies, once again, in the destination. Silversea is known for its onboard product and for offering luxury experiences on board its ships. Ten years ago, when we started Silversea Expeditions, we were the first company to introduce luxury to the expedition cruise segment. Previously, the expedition cruise segment was filled with ships that were very basic, generally very old, with very basic facilities and few amenities. They were often research vessels, Russian research ships with very small and very basic cabins. So, when Silversea started, it became almost a benchmark in the evolution of expeditions, by offering luxury. That's what defines us, but for it to work as a luxury expedition, we have to be very focused on what we're going to offer at the destination. So, the big difference between a Silversea Expeditions voyage and a Silversea cruise is the destination combined with the onboard experience. All of our experiences are complimentary. Everything we do, including excursions and all our offerings, is included and tailored to provide an educational aspect to the trip. We don't offer entertainment on expedition ships, whereas we do on our other ships. We have an expedition team on expedition ships, which we don't have on our classic ships. Of course, the expedition team is there to showcase the destination in depth. We have educational content with lectures about the destination, wildlife, cultures, and current events, and we have an expedition leader instead of a cruise director, and the expedition leader is truly in charge. Also, in many parts of the world, the itineraries aren't completely fixed, such as in Antarctica or the Arctic, where we don't have a set itinerary. We know we'll be there for a certain period of time, and the expedition leader and the captain work from there, so the itinerary is a bit less structured.
Antarctica is the ultimate destination. What makes it so exceptional?
It's truly difficult to explain Antarctica because it's such a special, unique place, and it evokes so many emotions. I feel very fortunate to have been to Antarctica 65 times, although there are people on our expedition team who have been more times than I have. Each time I've been there, it's been different, and the experience has been distinct. It's the vastness, the wildlife, the landscape. It's one of those destinations that, unless you've visited it, is difficult to describe. It's an incredible opportunity to be in a pristine environment that has barely been touched by humankind. To operate in this environment, even as tourists and as cruise operators, we have to promote sustainable tourism because it's a truly unique environment—I mean, there's nothing else like it.
What would you say to someone who thinks the environmental risk is too high?
Regarding Antarctica in terms of environmental risk, we belong to IAATO. IAATO is the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, and it's an international organization to which all of us who operate in Antarctica belong. Therefore, as members of this organization, we promote sustainable ecotourism in Antarctica. Obviously, we follow international standards to minimize any impact. Both our operations in Antarctica and those of the other companies operating there cause minimal impact; basically, everything we do has no long-term effect. We are also very aware of the growth of Antarctic tourism, and as an organization, it is very well controlled. Another example is the Galapagos Islands, where the growth has been very significant. Nearly 100,000 tourists visit the Galápagos Islands each year, and the impact is barely noticeable because it's very well managed by the Ecuadorian government and by the tour operators and cruise lines that operate in the area, all of whom are very environmentally conscious. The same is true in Antarctica and the Arctic. I sincerely believe that tourism in Antarctica has fostered "ambassadors" who spread awareness of the need to protect the continent. Now more than ever, there is an awareness of Antarctica, and now more than ever, there is a movement to preserve it for future generations. I truly believe that without tourism, this awareness wouldn't have developed, and I really believe that, since Antarctica belongs to no one, without tourism the region would be very vulnerable and could easily undergo changes.
What's the most popular destination after Antarctica?
It's interesting for us because we have four ships. The Galápagos Islands are certainly extremely popular. We have a ship there year-round, offering week-long cruises, and for all our markets, it's an easily accessible destination from the Americas and Europe. For Spanish customers, who can easily fly from Madrid to Guayaquil and Quito to visit Baltra and San Cristóbal, it's truly our most successful destination, and we operate it year-round. Antarctica, of course, is seasonal. We operate there from late November to early March, and we now have two ships each season: the Silver Cloud and the Silver Explorer. We're very fortunate to have such success.
Other very good areas for us are Australia, the Kimberley Coast, which is quite a popular destination for the company. We operate there three months a year, offering 10-day cruises. And then there's the Arctic, of course. In the summer, we operate to Svalbard, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic, which is very easily accessible for the US market. Surprisingly, one area that's very successful for us is the Russian Far East; Siberia. Trips to Chukotka, Alaska, Kamchatka… we're one of the few companies offering these destinations. They're unique places. We're very proud that the ship is fully booked this season. It's been fully booked in recent years as well, although that's also because there are so few companies offering it. Fewer than 500 people a year visit this very special destination.
We're currently working hard on a new expedition for next year with the Silver Explorer. It's a 25-day journey from Nome, Alaska to Tromsø in Norway, passing through Eastern Siberia and the Russian Arctic.
Are there still untouched places on Earth?
It's a question we're often asked: Are there any places left to be discovered? The answer is no, there are areas that are unique and very pristine. The Russian Far East is one of them; Kamchatka, the Chukotka region—incredibly diverse and beautiful places, interesting cultures, fascinating nature, unique landscapes with very few tourists. Another place that, for example, we decided to start visiting a few years ago is Bangladesh. Last year, we became the first cruise line in the country's history to visit Bangladesh. It was with the Silver Discoverer. We had 100 passengers on board, and it was a great success. Truly a very interesting trip. So, are there any untouched places on Earth? No! Are there places we can still visit and offer unique experiences and perhaps a different perspective on the destination? Yes! The West African coast is another example. We are one of the few cruise companies that offer exploration voyages in West Africa, from Cape Channel to Lisbon. Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands are also incredibly unique and diverse places. They're not unknown, but they're definitely unique. My favorite place on Earth is Papua New Guinea. The culture, the people… everything, really.
What new destinations is the Company working on?
For us, the big news is that next year we'll be sailing the Northeast Passage. We've sailed the Northwest Passage before and will do it again in the future, but right now we're working hard on a new expedition for next year with the Silver Explorer. It's a 25-day voyage from Nome, Alaska to Tromsø in Norway, passing through Eastern Siberia and the Russian Arctic. Again, very few ships have ever done this, so it's a truly unique trip. We're almost fully booked. We've seen the first ships in the fleet that have become part of Silversea Expeditions. With the addition of new ships like the Muse, Dawn, and Moon, will we see the Wind, Shadow, and Whisper in the expedition fleet? That's the million-dollar question! The Shadow and Whisper are definitely too big for expeditions. There's absolutely no doubt within our company that either the Silver Shadow or the Silver Whisper will become expedition ships. Both play a very important role in our fleet. We are a small cruise line, and even with the Silver Dawn, Moon, Muse, and Spirit, which can accommodate up to 600 passengers, they are still small ships considering the ships being built and introduced into the cruise industry today. Therefore, the Shadow and Whisper are very special ships to us and to our guests, and they will remain part of our collection, offering passengers more intimate cruises. We are currently discussing the Wind and its future. The Silver Cloud has been extremely successful, and it has been demonstrated that we can offer a unique expedition voyage experience on a ship of this size. We have not yet made a final decision on whether the Wind will remain in its current position or be transferred to Silversea Expeditions. In any case, the ship will continue to be part of the Silversea fleet and will continue to offer our guests unique experiences.
Why should someone who enjoys traditional cruising choose an expedition cruise?
I think if you're interested in a traditional cruise, by definition, you're interested in travel. And on Silversea, you get the best of both worlds. You can truly immerse yourself in the destination experience with our expedition team, with our shore excursion program, whether by Zodiac or in small groups exploring the area. Even in Europe, where we currently have expeditions with meals at Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoying regional cuisine, wines, and cheeses. But with Silversea, if you're a traditional cruiser, you'll get everything you would normally expect from a luxury cruise: butler service, the finest cuisine, flexibility—it's truly a combination. I like to think of it as the perfect cocktail; a blend of luxury and truly expeditionary experiences.
What's your favorite expedition destination?
Yes, as I mentioned before, Papua New Guinea. There's something truly special about that country; the people… It's a genuine experience when you visit. It's not fake, there's nothing artificial about it. It's true that when you arrive you might see some people dressed in their traditional costumes and performing typical dances, what they call "sing-sing," but the truth is they hold these festivals whether we're there or not, so it's not a fake experience, it's a true cultural immersion. The snorkeling is also incredible, the people are friendly, and each island is very different in terms of experiences, culture, and people. Papua New Guinea, and really the whole area—Micronesia, Melanesia, the Solomon Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia—you get the feeling of being in a remote place and the feeling that time has stood still.
Which is your favorite ship in the fleet?
That's a very tricky question! I'd probably have to say the Silver Explorer. I know we'll be going on the Silver Cloud, and it's a magnificent ship—the Silver Cloud is an absolutely wonderful expedition ship, very good—but I've known the Silver Explorer for a long time. In fact, I worked on board that ship before it became part of the Silversea fleet, so I have an emotional connection to this ship dating back to 1999. It really is a true beast. Since it first started sailing, it has covered hundreds of thousands of nautical miles, traveling the world steadily. Anything we ask of it, it will do: sailing through ice, sailing through the Northeast Passage. I know it's just an object, but to me, it has a soul, and when you talk to customers and ask which is their favorite expedition ship, it really has a fan club. It's a magnificent ship, even though it's ugly as sin, it's an amazing ship! I love everything about this boat, it's so intimate, so manageable… but I admit I'm being very biased!
Is the service the same on all ships, or are there specific features depending on the ship and destination?
I think each ship has its own personality and its own interpretation of the product. Especially if you consider our Expedition fleet, the four ships are all very different. They don't have a single thing in common. This is unique in the industry, and as you know, the ships operate in different regions of the world and are perfectly suited and equipped for the areas they operate in. Therefore, what we offer onboard, while clearly adhering to Silversea standards, is open to some interpretation, and we like to add a local touch. We can't help but buy fresh fish when we're in Polynesia or when we're in Ireland, as we are right now with the Silver Cloud, which is operating in Scotland, England, and Ireland. So we make sure to organize a visit to local pubs to bring a bit of local culture and entertainment onboard. So yes, we take care of and treat each ship and destination individually.
What is the profile of an expedition passenger?
There's this idea that expedition travelers are much younger, but that's not really true. Expedition travelers are often those who have the time for longer trips, time to travel to some of these remote destinations. Often, an expedition traveler has already been on a traditional cruise ship and wants to try something different. The average age of an expedition traveler is around 65. Something they all have in common is a strong desire to explore and learn about the destination they're going to visit. In terms of activity level and fitness, you don't need to be in top shape to go on an expedition, as we cater to all passengers regardless of their activity level on board. So, if you're looking for a Zodiac cruise in Antarctica, that's an option; if you want to do a land excursion, we have those options available too. We have kayaking programs, hiking programs, and so on.
Which nationalities are the most "exploring"?
That's an interesting question. Most of our clients are from the US, but it's such a large market that, purely by arithmetic, it's going to be the most important. We have a very strong presence in Australia and a very strong presence in Great Britain. And perhaps, although it's not such a large market for us, we do receive some German clients. The German market for expedition travel is enormous, but they mainly travel with Hapag-Lloyd.
