Now everyone can be a polar explorer, but just be aware of your own limitations

Over recent years, a strong trend in travel is that a growing number of people are seeking adventurous and unique experiences for their holiday.

This trend can be seen in the cruise sector too, highlighted by the significant increase in the number of cruises taken in 2018 to exploration destinations – such as the polar regions, the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica.

The UK and Irish expedition cruise market saw an increase of 44 per cent in bookings in 2018 from the previous year, and this
huge growth is being driven by lines adding new ships including Silversea, Scenic, Celebrity Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd, and the off-the-beaten-track cruise destinations becoming more accessible and popular than ever.

“These are ‘sight-do’ cruises, rather than ‘sight-see’ and perfectly illustrates how travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that they wouldn’t be ordinarily able to enjoy,” Andy Harmer, UK and Ireland director of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), tells SeaView.

“The exploration ships, the incredibly diverse itineraries they offer, and the world-class onboard amenities and service, means that there’s never been a better, or more glamorous and comfortable time, to set sail into the less-explored parts of our planet.”

And while once upon a time such a cruise might have meant trading down in the comfort stakes, this is no longer the case. You can expect all the creature comforts, quality cuisine and exemplary service to be found on other cruise options

Every element is designed to maximise guests’ appreciation and understanding of the experiences that await them, usually starting with the vessels themselves that are smaller and can get up close and personal.

Shore excursions are active and sometimes quite demanding, often featuring transportation in inflatable zodiac dinghies and sometimes with inhospitable landings so be sure to consider your own limitations.

An expedition cruise is headed by an expedition leader and a team of field experts who bring the adventures to life with their extensive knowedge, both on excursions and in follow-up lectures.

And lesson number one: You find penguins in the Antarctic.