50 51 bhgrecollection.com | | THE DISTINCTIVE LIFE® Volume 13 While incorporating indulgence into settings that traditionally only hardcore adventurers sought out, luxury expedition cruise operators successfully tapped a market that has only grown over the last few years. What exactly is an expedition cruise? Think of travel aboard a ship that handles all types of weather and sea conditions, and carries passengers to pristine locations to experience wildlife and nature. What is a luxury expedition cruise? Imagine passage on a vessel that resembles a five-star hotel, and just so happens to sail to some of the most untouched places on the planet. Cruise lines craft luxury expedition ships practically, to fit into inland canals and handle the rugged terrain of the polar regions. But, they also design them with modern sensibilities you’d expect from firstclass tour providers, such as with high-end restaurants and spa-like swimming pools. And, with spaces to engross and entertain like observation libraries and research labs. TRAVEL TRENDS IN EXPEDITION CRUISING Some of the newest luxury expedition cruise ships feature extravagant amenities, such as expansive suite-style staterooms with private verandas and butler service. They infuse opulence at every turn like with a dedicated crew member for each guest and 24-hour gourmet dining. Passengers on these cruises are typically curious, lifelong learners interested in the environment and science. For this reason, a luxury expedition cruise today might include the opportunity to track weather and ocean patterns with experts in the field or enjoy off-ship excursions like helicopter rides to remote regions that few humans have walked. Expedition cruise companies traditionally grouped about 50 people or less for itineraries to some of the most uninhabited places on the globe; perhaps to lend a sense of intimacy to breathtaking encounters with un-imagined scenery. Now, luxury expedition cruises commonly bump up the passenger count to roughly 200, to allow for the biologists, geologists, naturalists, and historians that often accompany guests on their itineraries to the inconceivable. Another trend in expedition cruising focuses on light exploration. While some of us can take on the rocky coastlines and jagged icebergs by arm and foot with no problem, others need or want to take in the sights and sounds from the ship's comfort. This means getting up close and personal with penguins by viewing them from the safety of an expansive hull.
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