6 minute read
Breaking New Ground
With demand for far-flung and immersive travel experiences on the rise, a host of operators are venturing into new waters with purpose-built expedition ships.
Words: Lauren Ho
The 100-suite Crystal Endeavor (top) is set to launch in 2021; Viking (bottom and previous page) has announced its entry into the expedition market with Octanis
While the pandemic has prompted many of us to pause and reflect on what really matters in life, the truth is that the travel industry has long been making strides towards a more considered approach. Responsible travel, for example, has risen exponentially in recent years. Whether it’s reining in long-haul trips in exchange for microcations, consciously hunting out planet-friendly eco accommodation or booking with tour operators who carbon offset entire trips, it has been reported that over half of us are determined to make responsible travel choices. The bottom line is that we are keener than ever to slow down and appreciate the moment, to connect and fully immerse ourselves in a destination and, most importantly, to look after the environment and give back to local communities.
This too explains the rise in expedition cruising. So much so, the industry authority, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), reported that cruises to far-flung destinations like the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica, the Arctic and Greenland, grew by almost a third between 2017 and 2018. This, in turn, has spurred cruise lines such as Silversea, Ponant, Viking, Crystal Cruises and Seabourn to launch their own purposebuilt expedition ships, with Ponant dedicating an entire six-fleet series to expedition cruising – the last ship was delivered in July this year – along with the first hybrid electric polar exploration vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), scheduled to launch in 2021. “Travellers are increasingly looking for an escape and are eager to reconnect with nature,” observes Nicolas Dubreuil, Ponant’s Polar & Tropical Expedition Expert and Director of Sustainability. “This is certainly one of the reasons that has made the concept of expedition cruises so attractive.”
Robin West, Seabourn’s Vice President of Expedition, adds: “In the luxury travel category, today’s traveller is really inclined to seek out memorable experiences. The focus has shifted from tangible goods to spending on encounters that are much more focused on providing fulfillment and enrichment in people’s lives.”
Indeed, now with two new expedition ships in the pipeline – the first of which is due to launch in December 2021 – West says that Seabourn’s guest capacity has increased by 20,000 and that both of the new ships will “offer a true ultra-luxury expedition product with no compromise”. In short, the ships, which are being built by Genoa-based shipyard T. Mariotti, will be kitted out with top-of-the-range hardware and technology, two custom-built onboard submarines, a complement of double sea kayaks, mountain bikes, e-bikes and 24 zodiacs, alongside the usual slick Seabourn offerings, including plush interiors by Adam D. Tihany, which will unfurl over
© Nicolas Matheus
Ponant (top) now has a six-fleet series dedicated to expedition cruising, while Seabourn (bottom) has two new expedition ships in the pipeline
a handful of restaurants and bars, as well as Seabourn Square – otherwise known as the ship’s living room – and 132 ocean-front veranda suites. “These two new ships build upon the success of our Ventures by Seabourn programme,” says West. “Seabourn Venture and her sister ship have been designed specifically for the ultra-luxury expedition traveller by leading travel experts with deep levels of knowledge in expedition, fine dining and luxury cruising. The environment we’re aiming to create follows in the traditions of expedition travel, with a highly social, inquisitive vibe, where guests share the experience of a lifetime.”
For Crystal Cruises, the launch of its expedition ship, Crystal Endeavor, is the result of direct feedback from loyal guests. “Avid Crystal fans have expressed new ways in which they want to explore the world with the brand they love,” explains Mark Spillane, Director of Sales & Marketing Crystal Yacht and Expedition Cruises. “The expedition focus will offer these guests new experiences, destinations and adventures with the superior standard of luxury and service they’ve come to expect from Crystal.” Due to launch in 2021, the 100-suite ship, which is being constructed by German shipyard MV Werften, will feature no less than six drinking and dining options including the much-loved Umi Uma & Sushi Bar from chef Nobu Matsuhisa, an indulgent spa and a series of luxury expedition essentials including a submarine, two helicopters, 18 zodiacs, ocean kayaks, a drone and – unique to Endeavor – a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) with an underwater camera that will feed live footage and images to screens around the ship.
Indeed, with competition so high, it’s not surprising that brands are looking to offer
“Travellers are increasingly looking for an escape and are eager to reconnect with nature. This is certainly one of the reasons that has made the concept of expedition cruises so attractive.” NICOLAS DUBREUIL – PONANT
unique experiences. Viking, for instance, has developed The Hangar, an industry first inship marina, which allows the launch of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) or zodiacs from a flat stable surface – away from the wind and the waves – through the ship’s slipway. The new vessels, including Viking Octanis – set to embark on voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes in 2022 – also offer Nordic Balcony staterooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that lower for a sheltered al fresco lookout.
Of course, as lavishly decked out as each of these new ships are, their common objective is to access some of the world’s most far-flung destinations for travellers who are looking for an intimate and immersive experience. “There is greater demand for travellers to discover the ends of the earth and experience the rush of setting foot on the unknown and rarely explored,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President of Expeditions, Turnaround Operations & Destination Management. Silversea has, in fact, recently welcomed Silver Origin, its first destination-specific ship, to its fleet. Specifically designed for immersive travel in the Galápagos Islands, the vessel, which was built by Dutch shipyard De Hoop, bears all of the brand’s luxury hallmarks along with being one of the most environmentally-friendly cruise ships ever built. Features includes a dynamic positioning system that will automatically allow it to maintain position to protect the sea floor, in-suite fresh water purification systems to reduce single-use plastic bottles and the highest standards of energy efficiency. “The technological innovation of Silver Origin will complement Silversea’s significant efforts to make a positive impact on the natural and economic environment of the Galápagos Islands,” remarks Combrink. Dubreuil, from Ponant, adds: “Luxury is a mix of authentic and committed experiences. Travellers are increasingly wanting to travel sustainably and will certainly be more inclined to prioritise trips with minimal impact on the environment.”
This growing trend for responsible travel paired with a desire to experience far-flung destinations that only a smaller vessel can reach – not to mention the current climate of wanting to escape the crowds – can only mean good things for the sector. The sheer number of new vessels is a sure sign that expedition cruising, once a small niche for adventure-hunters, is now poised for dramatic growth.
