Why expedition cruising is not just for polar waters
Abigail HealyAntarctica and the Arctic have long been the pin-up twins for adventurous types, but our expert discovers voyages in tropical waters to entice the boldest of cruisers
Savvy agents will do well to broaden their horizons when it comes to expedition cruising. While you may be used to selling Arctic and Antarctic bucket-list trips – with their polar bears, penguins and ice-breaker ships – there are plenty of expedition itineraries out there exploring warmer waters too. For clients seeking an intrepid adventure, these offer an exciting and often unique way to discover far-flung corners of the world. From inaccessible islands in the Pacific to the depths of the South American jungle, we round up itineraries worthy of a spot in your window.
FRENCH POLYNESIA
Aranui Cruises
Magical French Polynesia has called the likes of artist Paul Gauguin and author Robert Louis Stevenson to its shores. Today, adventurous travellers can explore its enchanting waters onboard Aranui 5 – part cargo, part cruise ship.
Beginning in Tahiti, a cruise to the Marquesas Islands sees guests visit nine islands with the Polynesian crew. Excursions include visits to archaeological sites and museums, walks in unspoilt nature and snorkelling in the Tuamotu atolls. Onboard, guests can enjoy ukulele classes, shows and even get a temporary Polynesian tattoo.
Agents can up the ante further by looking out for “discovery” voyages that head to the remote Austral Islands and the British outpost of Pitcairn on specific dates.
Vaima Devimeux, Europe sales and marketing representative, explains: “While sailing to the Marquesas, the ship supplies these isolated communities while guests can explore the islands, some of which are only accessible by sea.”
Book it: The 12-day trip with Aranui Cruises costs from €5,012pp; aranui.com
BARBADOS TO BRAZIL
Swan Hellenic
An Amazon River cruise is mesmerising in itself, but Swan Hellenic has devised an itinerary that supplements a rainforest journey with other highlights. Sailing from Barbados, SH Vega stops in Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname and the Salvation Islands before penetrating the Amazon. The itinerary then traces Brazil’s Atlantic coast, where passengers will discover the white-sand dunes and blue lagoons of Lencois Maranhenses National Park and a trio of Brazil’s most vibrant cities.
Swan Hellenic general manager Mario Bounas says: “Particular highlights of this inaugural and intimate expedition are visits to previously inaccessible and undiscovered wonders along the Amazon River. The onboard lecture and education programme, plus handpicked local experts, further cements these unique experiences to lifelong memories.”
Book it: The 19-day Explore South America, from Barbados to Brazil, costs from £6,980pp, based on a departure date of 12 October 2025; swanhellenic.com
MELANESIA
Heritage Expeditions
Many people will never even have heard of Melanesia, and fewer still will have experienced it. Yet this Pacific Ocean enclave combining Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu is rich in tradition, culture and biodiversity.
Guests on Heritage Expeditions’ voyage in the region will be welcomed by costumed dancers and encounter World War II sites, coral-fringed islands and volcanic landscapes.
Aaron Russ, commercial director and expedition leader, says: “Guests experience incredible cultural exchanges at remote islands and villages. For example, on Malaita in the Solomon Islands, they can join the Kwaio tribe in a little-known sacred dance exclusive to us.
“So revered is the dance that the only way to experience it is to take part. This opportunity is only possible due to our ongoing support of the region and strong ties with Chief Esau.”
Book it: The 17-day Discover the Secrets of Melanesia cruise starts from £10,750pp; heritage-expeditions.com
GALAPAGOS
Silversea
One of the most remote places in the world, the Galapagos Islands are home to 9,000 species of flora and fauna, and the archipelago was the world’s first Unesco Heritage Site. Silver Origin is Silversea’s first destination-specific ship, designed with the biodiversity of these islands in mind.
Onboard, clients will find a team of Ecuadorian national expert guides, the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos, eight Zodiacs and “living classrooms” where they can learn about wildlife, geology, history, and the environment.
Sales director Connie Georgiou says: “Guests experience the Galapagos through hiking along a lava shoreline, swimming alongside sea lions and looking for giant tortoises. Once back onboard, they can enjoy lectures on the archipelago’s past, present and future by Silversea’s expert guides.”
Book it: Silver Origin’s seven-day cruise starts from £13,700pp door-to-door, including flights, and departs 8 June 2024; silversea.com
COSTA RICA AND PANAMA CANAL
AE Expeditions
From tropical rainforests bustling with bird life to pristine coral reefs and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, AE Expeditions’ voyage through Central America takes guests to a sensory wonderland.
As well as discovering wildlife in the Costa Rican jungle and below the water’s surface in Panama, passengers will meet the indigenous Embera tribe, and learn the history of the Panama Canal on a guaranteed daylight crossing. The cruise then concludes in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
Head of global sales David Tanguay explains that, unlike traditional cruise itineraries in the region, AE encourages guests off-ship as much as possible.
He adds: “We include guided hikes and activities such as paddling, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding and, due to carrying a maximum of 132 passengers per voyage, we are flexible with different skill levels and capabilities.”
Book it: The 12-day cruise departs 19 April 2025 and starts from £7,276pp; aexpeditions.com
AUSTRALIA’S KIMBERLEY
Scenic
An inaccessible, ancient wilderness, Australia’s Kimberley coastline is a playground for intrepid adventurers. Clients keen to discover indigenous history, awe-inspiring geology and plentiful wildlife will be drawn to Scenic’s new discovery cruise in the region.
Nichola Absalom, managing director, sales and marketing, lists some of the highlights: “Guests can take a round trip by Zodiac to the King George River Falls, accessible only by water or air. Depending on the weather, they can get close enough to take a natural shower beneath the waterfall.
“Then, on Jar Island, we hike to see some of the oldest rock paintings in Australia, dating back approximately 17,300 years and at Freshwater Cove, located on Worrora country, guests can go ashore to meet traditional Dambimangari guides.”
Book it: Prices for the 11-day sailing start from £8,235pp, based on a 9 July 2024 departure; scenic.co.uk
INDONESIA
Aqua Expeditions
Known for its small-ship river cruises, Aqua Expeditions also features Aqua Blu, the first long-range ocean explorer yacht permanently based in East Indonesia.
The 15-suite yacht sails around Indonesia’s most biodiverse areas including Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park, and the Spice Islands – so called thanks to the discovery of nutmeg. On the week-long Spice Islands itinerary guests learn about the history of the nutmeg trade, visit vast volcanoes and explore colourful corals.
Maximiliano Campos, regional sales manager for UK and northern Europe, says: “To embark on adventurous hikes across active volcanoes, observe rare, native bird species, and immerse yourself in centuries-old history in small groups is an experience of a lifetime. Voyaging onboard Aqua Blu it is even more of a treat, with luxurious cabins, wonderful staff and experienced local guides to show you places so remote that you feel like a true explorer.”
Book it: The seven-night Spice Islands Itinerary starts from £7,510pp, departing 5 October 2024; aquaexpeditions.com
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