| WHAT IS AN EXPEDITION VOYAGE?
Expedition cruises use special ice-strengthened vessels and ice-breakers to reach areas that are inaccessible to normal cruise ships. They are often former scientific research ships, which have been specially converted to offer comfortable but not luxurious accommodation, and a relaxed and informal atmosphere. They are based on small groups, often numbering as few as 40 to 60 people. Small groups make for a more personal experience and importantly, minimise the impact on sensitive and vulnerable environments.
Each trip has an expedition leader, usually an experienced naturalist. On some cruises, the leader is supported by a team of naturalists and guest lecturers, often specialists in a particular field. All are chosen not only for their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm, but also for their willingness to share it with visitors. The emphasis on these trips is on wildlife and nature in general and in fact many people go just for the scenery and outstanding photographic opportunities.
A daily programme of activities is always offered on board and many of the itineraries involve some days of sea travel in the open ocean. This is a good time to observe, often in the company of the ship’s naturalist, a variety of sea birds in flight and spot whales and dolphins, their tell-tale blow often visible from quite a distance. The days at sea provide an opportunity to catch up on some background reading in the ship’s well-stocked library and sometimes lectures, documentary videos or films are offered during this time.
There is no organised programme of evening entertainment as we find people prefer to spend time soaking up the scenery and wildlife on deck. All ships have a bar and lounge and with an open bridge policy, everyone is welcome to watch the ship negotiate ice-filled channels – although occasionally, for safety reasons, the bridge area is closed. Some of the vessels have a sauna, fitness room or swimming pool – please see pages 110 to 112 for details.
The captain and crew of these ships are extremely experienced in navigating safely in polar seas. In addition, the vessels are equipped with all necessary safety equipment. For shore landings, either helicopters or Zodiacs are used (rigid-hulled inflatable boats) and these are operated following strict safety guidelines and life-vests are worn at all times during Zodiac excursions.
WHO GOES ON EXPEDITION CRUISES?
A typical group consists of single people and couples in their forties, fifties and sixties. However, we’ve noticed that more and more passengers younger or older than this join the voyages each year. Groups are of mixed nationality but the main language spoken is English.
Provided you are active and in good health, you’ll be able to enjoy an expedition cruise – you don’t have to be super-fit. Most shore excursions involve using helicopters or Zodiacs, rigid-hulled inflatable boats. The Zodiacs are also used to explore places which are inaccessible by a larger vessel, for getting up close to icebergs and for a less obtrusive approach to viewing wildlife. Getting in and out of the boats requires some agility but most people soon get used to it and a helping hand is never far away.
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Iceland
