Are you looking for a truly unique holiday adventure?
Have you ever been on a safari and wished you could have more of it? Do you have a strong passion for exploring uncharted territory and a thirst for knowledge? Perhaps you’re an avid photographer or birdwatcher? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then an expedition cruise may just be the perfect fit for you.
Expedition cruising is a world apart from traditional ocean cruising. While large ocean liners prioritise onboard amenities, expedition cruises focus on the destinations. They take you to places that are not easily accessed by any other means, such as Antarctica, the Arctic (including Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard), the Galapagos, Kimberly (Australia), and Alaska. However, you may be surprised to learn that the British Isles offers incredible expedition cruising, giving you the rare opportunity to visit remote destinations such as St. Kilda, the UK’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to nearly 1 million seabirds, including the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic puffins.
If you have a deep passion for awe-inspiring landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and adventure, then an expedition cruise might just be your ideal holiday. Each morning offers a brand-new horizon and endless opportunities for exhilarating discoveries in nature. It’s not just a holiday but an immersive journey into the wonders of our planet. Explore icy polar regions or lush rainforests, where each day presents a chance for unforgettable experiences.
Do you crave adventure and thirst for knowledge? Are you eager to connect with nature and like-minded explorers? If you’re excited about activities like zodiac landings, wildlife spotting, and informative lectures from experts, then an expedition cruise is the perfect match for you.
Embarking on an expedition cruise can be life-changing, but it’s important to know what to expect on board. Mandatory talks about destination rules and regulations are essential, providing vital information about what is and isn’t allowed during landings. Rules can be strict and restrictive, especially in Antarctica, which is a stark contrast to the freedom typically enjoyed during regular ocean cruising.
The advertised itinerary is subject to change due to unpredictable weather and ice conditions in remote areas. Being mobile is important, but ‘extreme’ fitness is not. Some cruise lines offer more or less strenuous onshore activities, but to get the most out of your expedition cruise, kayaking, snorkelling, and hiking are highly recommended. You will need to get in and out of the zodiacs (dinghy boats powered by an outboard motor that will take you ashore), but there are always people on hand to assist.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, despite efforts from cruise lines. However, we can guide you to the right destination and times of year to maximise your chances of seeing elusive animals like polar bears or whales. Although there are generally no guarantees, you will always be greeted by a mass of penguins when you arrive on South Georgia as part of a three-week Antarctic adventure.
Expedition cruising entertainment focuses on informative lectures, recaps, and briefings rather than traditional shows or activities. The Expedition Team leads excursions, ensuring passengers have a memorable educational experience. While some expedition cruises offer light entertainment in the bar, where you can enjoy singers, for example, the main focus is on the educational aspect of the journey.
Expedition cruising can be tiring, with erratic schedules and early morning landings. Passengers must be prepared for unexpected sightings at any time of day or night. Also, with extended hours of sunlight in the poles, you could be enjoying three activities a day!
Overall, an expedition cruise offers an unforgettable combination of exploration, education, and adventure. Understanding its unique aspects will help prepare you for the journey and maximise your experience. The next step is to choose your destination and your ship, as each can offer something unique and life-changing.
We work with all the major expedition cruise lines. If you’re already a seasoned luxury cruiser it’s likely that you’ll have come across Seabourn and Silversea, both of these cruise lines have purpose built expedition ships. However, there are many cruise lines that don’t offer mainstream cruises, only expedition, such as Quark Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions (AE) for example. We are on-hand to advise and guide you.
Cross-Canada By Train
One of our most popular Canadian itineraries starts with a flight to Calgary, followed by time spent in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. Exploring the Canadian Rockies by self-drive, private, or shared transfers, with highlights including the Banff Gondola (cable car), kayaking on Lake Louise and exploring the Columbia Icefield.
There are so many more options, perhaps to start your trip by flying and staying in Toronto for a few days, adding a Bear and Whale watching adventure in Vancouver Island, or an Alaskan cruise – you decide!
Rocky Mountaineer
Most clients continue their journey by joining the luxury scenic train – the Rocky Mountaineer – which takes them to Vancouver (with an overnight stop in a hotel in Kamloops).
The Rocky Mountaineer is a ‘bucket list’ rail trip for many, and it is a fabulous way to travel to Vancouver (or in reverse) but it is expensive and can swallow up to 50% of a £10k tour budget for just two days. However, there are more affordable alternatives.
The Canadian
My personal recommendation is the trans-continental train called the Canadian (operated by VIA Rail Canada, Canada’s national train operator) which links Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper and Vancouver, with services twice a week all year round, unlike the Rocky Mountaineer which only operates between mid-April and mid-October.
The complete journey takes 4 nights, however, the leg between Jasper and Vancouver only takes around 23 hours, leaving at 9.30am from Jasper and arriving in Vancouver around 8am the following morning.
TRAVEL CLASSES
I’m not recommending that anyone (except the very budget conscious!) attempt Economy class, albeit that the reclining seats are quite comfortable.
There is also a Sleeper Plus class, and a deluxe Prestige class however this ‘top’ class is a similar price to the Rocky Mountaineer, but it’s almost always sold out from the day of release (331 days before travel), but you’ll enjoy a much bigger and more luxurious cabin plus all drinks are included. However, I would recommend Sleeper Plus!
TRAVEL CLASSES
I’m not recommending that anyone (except the very budget conscious!) attempt Economy class, albeit that the reclining seats are quite comfortable. However, I would recommend Sleeper Plus, where you’ll enjoy your very own private sleeping-car, plus complimentary meals in the restaurant car.
There is also a deluxe Prestige class which is a similar price to the Rocky Mountaineer, but it’s almost always sold out from the day of release (331 days before travel), but you’ll enjoy a much bigger and more luxurious cabin plus all drinks are included.
SLEEPER PLUS
The prices do vary but Sleeper Plus is around 600 to 900 Canadian dollars (depending on the date you’re travelling) so if you budget for around £1200 to £1800 (for two) this is less than 20% of your £10k budget. You can book Sleeper Plus cabins for solo travellers or for 2, 3 or 4 passengers.
Cabin for two (shown in the photo):
• Toilet and wash area available inside each cabin;
• Day time: two comfortable sofa chairs;
• Night time: upper and lower beds replace chairs (see photo);
• Large window with blind;
• Access to a shower room (one shower room per car);
• Amenities include small closet, drinking water, towels, pillows, sheets and blankets supplied.
By day you can enjoy wine tastings, presentations, access to lounges and scenic dome cars plus freshly cooked meals and regional specialties in the dining car, all accompanied by stunning views.
Book an appointment to start planning your Canadian adventure.
Canada
Canada is a hugely popular destination for 2023, particularly for families and couples! We hosted an amazing Canada and Alaska evening back in September, and it was clear to see that there was a huge amount of interest.
Canada is a truly gargantuan country, and while its cities are just as frenetic and cosmopolitan as any in the world, its vast and unpopulated countryside, home to Inuit communities, striking blue glacial lakes and fresh mountain air, are the real draw.
Download our fabulous brochure in partnership with Audley Travel here.
Canada - mountains, lakes, cities and wildlife
It’s a country of magnificent mountain ranges, ice-blue glacial lakes, remote coastal settlements and diverse cities, Canada offers a wealth of things to see and do. Wildlife is abundant with a healthy population of grizzlies, black and polar bears and plenty of places you can observe them in their natural habitat.
Across the country you’ll find diverse experiences on offer from white-water rafting and heli-hiking to haunted hikes and whale watching tours, while the country’s buzzing metropolises can be explored in unusual ways from fine food tours in Québec to food cart tours of Vancouver.
The best time to visit Canada is during the summer months, when sunny days and pleasant temperatures are the norm, this makes adventure and wildlife holidays in demand from families travelling during the school summer holidays.
Despite Canada’s size, weather patterns are largely the same across the country, with defined seasons similar to those in Europe. Coastal regions are usually more temperate than prairie provinces, and mountain ranges attract higher rainfall and snow in some areas than others. However, it’s cold everywhere in winter and warm in most locations in summer.
Springtime, which starts in late April through to early June, can also be a delightful time of year to visit. Gradual snow melt reveals forests and wildflowers, while Canadian wildlife re-emerges from the long winter hibernation.
September is considered the peak of the salmon run, attracting large numbers of bears. It also marks the start of autumn, with spectacular fall foliage lasting into October.
My recommendations!
Canada is the perfect destination to do a ‘road-trip’ so a self-drive holiday by car, or even motor home would be an ideal way to travel.
Taking to the wheel, you can follow a well-traversed route through the Canadian Rockies to see some of the region’s most remarkable natural features, such as the Athabasca Glacier and Lake Louise. You’ll visit both with a drive along the Icefields Parkway.
This 232-km (144-mile) road cuts through sheer-sided, glacier-clad peaks between Jasper and Lake Louise, following the milky waters of the Athabasca River past aquamarine lakes and frothing waterfalls. You can pause to follow forested hiking trails or picnic at one of the viewpoints.
Coastal Scenery & Vancouver Island
If coastal scenery is more your thing, British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast Highway curls along the forested seaboard north of Vancouver. Pausing for a few nights at one of the waterside properties gives you a chance to kayak on the sheltered waters, stroll nearby walking trails and relax with a spa treatment.
Then, cross over to Vancouver Island, driving through the island’s wild interior to Tofino for a chance to see bears foraging along the shoreline. You can make another stop in Victoria — arguably the best place in Canada for seeing orcas.
The Rocky Mountaineer
You can also join the Rocky Mountaineer in Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper to continue your train to the fabulous city of Vancouver!
See the sights by day, sleep in a hotel at night. With Rocky Mountaineer, you get the best of both worlds: maximum views, and maximum comfort. No sleeper cars here: stay in beautiful hotels at each destination.
Treat yourself to the GoldLeaf Service, where you will indulge your senses with gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chefs, and get expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass dome coach to the Canadian Rockies.
Whales and bears...
Spot beluga whales in Seal River
For the ultimate wildlife experience, visit Seal River Heritage Lodge, a remote wilderness setting where it is possible to see wild polar bears roaming the tundra and beluga whales.
View polar bears in Churchill
Seeing polar bears sparring or a mother and cub play from the safety of a Tundra Buggy is a truly unique wildlife experience. Travel during early November to see the bears when they are most active.
Download our fabulous brochure in partnership with Audley Travel here and get in touch to start planning your holiday in Canada.
