Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Should Levelers Try an Expedition Cruise?



Lonely Planet declared 2018 the year of the expeditionary cruise.

As a Leveler, should you try one? If you have always wanted to, yes.  Otherwise, maybe.

Expedition cruises can be expensive; they go to extreme areas that require special equipment and attire, skill to navigate and reach with limited accessibility. Serious expedition ships are smaller, less luxurious, without the amenities of casinos or show rooms, but are hospitable and comfortable. All of which limits potential passengers, many of whom prefer effortless experiences that follow set itineraries.

In polar climes, the ships usually provide parkas and waterproof boots, but you will need very warm gloves, head-coverings and waterproof pants in addition to normal winter attire.

Expedition cruises have itineraries but wind, seas and weather determine where you will go and what you will see. 

Levelers may not be up to all of a daily excursion. Thanks to a sinus infection that affected my balance, I wasn't when I took Poseidon's cruise to Greenland last year, but thoroughly enjoyed what I could do.

Staff made entering and exiting zodiacs safe and easy. We even transferred from one zodiac to another at sea.

While others clambered up rocky, icy slopes I stayed at lower levels learning about the geology, ecology and plant life from expert staffers who were delighted to show off the environment they loved.

When we visited a village, while others continued to reach the highest points allowed, I had time to interact with residents,























examine the museums and collections of things they valued and watch artisans at work. 
























Let me give you some of the details. It was Sea Spirit's first cruise of the season and winter had been unusually harsh and long. That meant there was thick ice where there shouldn't have been, limiting the ship's access to several prime spots in the itinerary. Disappointing yes, but we visited spots others didn't see.

TIP: Cruises later in the season will be more expensive but you are more likely to see what the itinerary promises and with less physical effort.

As the cruise came to an end, it was obvious we would not be able to get far enough inland for standard transport to the airport at Kangerlussuaq. Instead, with military planning and precision, our luggage was airlifted off via helicopter, we were loaded into zodiacs in groups, delivered to an abandoned fishing camp and shuttled via helicopter to the airport.

In short, an exciting for most - intimidating for a few - experience and a story to tell for years to come.

And isn't that what an expedition cruise is all about?



14 comments:

pokerdangal said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator. June 21, 2018 at 1:28 PM
Enna Smarty said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator. July 31, 2018 at 4:49 AM
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator. August 9, 2018 at 5:23 AM
aashutosh said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator. August 18, 2018 at 5:58 AM
Neha said...

All the images are very beautiful and eye-catching.

November 22, 2018 at 12:48 AM
Smart_Margauz said...

I can see that you had a wonderful expedition in a cruise. Big thanks for sharing this.

January 22, 2019 at 1:58 AM
Katherine Mills said...

I think they must try this travel experience. After parking their car aside they can enjoy Cruise experience. Manchester park and ride

February 22, 2019 at 7:07 AM
Rahul Sharma said...

This is really a great stuff for sharing. Thanks for sharing. I will appreciate for sharing the post and discussing topic. Glass Fiber Filters

May 28, 2019 at 5:44 AM
Rahul Singh said...

Amazing post thanks for sharing with us i really enjoyed your post. Thank you for the review. Nice doing business with you! filter paper

May 29, 2019 at 7:30 AM
Sam Anderson said...

Travelling in a cruise is interesting and people run after such travel deals to enjoy a great journey in a cruise.
meet and greet at stansted

October 15, 2019 at 6:13 AM
Zumi said...


Room for Rent in Bangkok at very AFFORDABLE PRICE of 9,900 Baht/Month. Contact us now at +669 8793 5696 & Look for Mr. Sam.

ให้ เช่าห้องพักโรงแรมราคาพิเศษ แบบรายเดือน BTS อ่อนนุช 9,900/เดือน

May 11, 2020 at 1:09 AM
Ravi Sharma said...

Great Information sharing I am very happy to read this article. Thanks for giving us go through info. I appreciate this post.
lateral flow membrane
vtm kits

January 7, 2021 at 12:56 AM
John Rights said...

I got here much interesting stuff. The post is great! Thanks for sharing it!
Corporate Travel Agents

March 31, 2022 at 3:27 AM

Post a Comment