14 August 2013 LeisureGroupTravel.com

As the cruise industry continues to evolve, so does

the actual experience. Interest in adventure cruising

has really taken off in the past decade as travelers

seek active, mind-expanding vacation experiences to write

home about. From niche cruise lines to high-end ones, there

are more options than ever before. Adventure cruising is

something to seriously consider when dreaming up your next

group cruise.

The world has become smaller because it’s so much eas-

ier to navigate. Does your group want a cold- or warm-weather

adventure? Frosty-weather fans choose Antarctica, a continent

that was virtually untouched by humans until the 20th century.

Today more cruise lines than ever are offering Antarctica op-

tions. Seabourn Cruise Line just unveiled plans to offer four

“Ultimate Antarctica and Patagonia” voyages, with the first de-

parture this fall.

If your group prefers a balmy clime, consider the Amazon

River or Galapagos Islands. Both Celebrity Cruises’ CelebrityXpedition and Lindblad Expeditions offer year-round cruising in

the Galapagos.

Celebrity Cruises is the only major cruise line that sails to

the Galapagos. Its Celebrity Xpedition is an intimate mega-

yacht that accommodates just 94 guests. Celebrity Xpeditionhas two exclusive itineraries that call on more than 20 island

locations and works closely with the Galapagos National Park

to ensure low-impact travel, leaving the islands pristine. All

Celebrity Xpedition passengers encounter unusual wildlife in the Galapagos.

Adventure Cruising on the Upswing

Whether navigating the Amazon River in Peru with G Adventures or exploring Antarctica with Lindblad Expeditions, it’s no ordinary cruise.

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©Michael S. Nolan

Exotic options tempt seasoned travelers with a thirst for the offbeatBy Cindy Bertram

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sailings are accompanied by naturalist guides certified by the

national park.

Another nice touch? The Celebrity Xpedition is a seamless

all-inclusive experience. The price covers all beverages (bot-

tled water, beer, wine, spirits, as well as coffee and tea service,

including espresso and cappuccino), gratuities and shore ex-

cursions. All snorkeling equipment is provided—wet suits, fins,

masks, snorkels and vests. Three levels of excursions are

ranked according to the activity involved.

Celebrity Xpedition’s seven-night cruise departs on Sun-

days. The cruise can be combined with pre- or post-cruise hotel

stays in Quito, Ecuador, creating a 10- or 11-night experience.

A post-cruise Peru visit also can be part of the package.

G Adventures recently increased capacity on the Amazon

River with the launch of its newly refurbished purpose-built ves-

sel, the Queen Violet. Departures began in May and continue

through January 2014. The Queen Violet accommodates only

32 guests, and each journey includes visits to local villages

where guests can spend time with a family.

A company that created quite a legacy, Lindblad Expedi-

tions was the first to take travelers to places where only

scientists had gone. Sven Lindblad has continued what his

father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, pioneered. Lars was among the first

to take explorers to many offbeat destinations, including

Antarctica (1966) and the Galapagos (1967).

Lindblad has increased the size of its owned and chartered

fleet to 10 ships, with two of them based in the Galapagos.

Worldwide options range from West Africa to the Arctic. It has

added some new programs to its expeditions, such as kayak-

ing in the polar regions and the Galapagos.

In 2004 Sven Lindblad created an unprecedented alliance

with the National Geographic Society, and since then guests

have been able to travel with National Geographic explorers,

scientists, writers and other experts in diverse fields. Lindblad’s

96-passenger National Geographic Endeavor and 48-passen-

ger National Geographic Islander expedition ships offer 10-day

trips in the Galapagos. A 16-day option combines the cruise

with a visit to Peru.

Silversea Cruises in 2008 launched its first expedition

ship, the Prince Albert II, offering a new product that combined

adventure cruising with its trademark ultra-luxury ambience. In

2011 the line renamed the ship the Silver Explorer and contin-

ues to market itineraries ideal for adventure-seeking travelers

who appreciate returning to Silversea’s pampering after a day

of authentic experiences in wild places. The 132-passenger

ship roams the world, from Antarctica and Polynesia to Nor-

way, Iceland and Northern Canada. The line’s newest addition,

the 100-guest Silver Galapagos, starts seven-night Galapagos

cruises in September.

The Silverseas expedition leader works closely with the cap-

tain to make sure opportunities for exploration and adventure

are the best possible, based on weather, wildlife activity and

other factors. Zodiac excursions are led by the expedition team

or a guest host. Activities vary with the actual itinerary and are

designed for different levels of physical ability and interests.

Shore excursions are complimentary. Another nice touch: The

itineraries follow a tentative schedule, which allows for some

flexibility as far as staying longer at a site of particular interest.

Seabourn Cruise Line’s new, all-inclusive Antarctica/

Patagonia cruises include five days touring the White Conti-

nent. The Seabourn Quest departs Nov. 20, Jan. 4 and Jan. 25

on 21-day cruises, while a special 24-day holiday version de-

parts Dec. 11 and includes South Georgia Island. Passengers

will be able to view glaciers and wildlife while cruising along

the shore in Zodiac rafts. While in Antarctica, guests will be led

by a team of naturalists, scientists and historians. Seabourn

ensures that these itineraries will have a minimal impact on the

environment. For instance, guests will be required to disinfect

their shoes before traveling to and from shore. Once on land,

they must stay in a small, contained group. Because of the

great interest, Seabourn plans to offer a few more Antarctica

voyages later in 2014.

With the increased demand for offbeat travel and authentic

experiences, adventure cruising appears to be a growth niche

that group planners should not ignore. These trips are not for

everyone, but for those with the time, the money and a sense

of wanderlust, an expedition to the Galapagos, Antarctica or

the Amazon promises to be the trip of a lifetime. LGT

LeisureGroupTravel.com August 2013 15

Camera-toting Lindblad travelers keep their cameras poised off Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska and along the icebound coast of Antarctica.

©Ralph Lee Hopkins ©Michael S. Nolan