Expedition Cruising – A Growing Trend

Firstly, WHY are travellers drawn to expedition cruises?

Adventure – Expedition cruises offer the chance to explore remote regions, from polar to jungles, islands and other hard-to-reach destinations in an adventurous way. Activities like hiking, kayaking and polar plunges add excitement.

Learning – There is a significant educational component with lectures from experts and naturalists as well as shore excursions that focus on nature, wildlife and culture.  Definitely an enriching experience for the mind, body and soul.

Unique Wildlife – Seeing Antarctica’s penguins, the Arctic wildlife like polar bears and whales, the Galapagos’ endemic species, witnessing rare animals unique to that region, etc. is a definite drawcard for almost everyone who embarks on an expedition cruise.

Remoteness – Just the thought of traveling somewhere off the beaten path, like Antarctica or the Kimberley, can be highly appealing. It’s a ‘polar’ opposite experience from any other type of holiday!

Flexibility – Because expedition ships can and often do quickly change course to take advantage of wildlife sightings or weather, it’s this spontaneity and flexibility that is part of the adventure.

Scenery – Dramatic landscapes like icebergs, fjords, rugged coasts and turquoise lagoons provide stunning and ever-changing scenery.

Small Groups – Depending on the cruise line, expedition ships usually have less than 200 passengers for a more immersive experience with the crew and the expert guides.

Sustainability – Many expedition companies highlight sustainability, conservation, and responsible travel. This appeals to eco-conscious travelers.

Bucket List – For some travelers, visiting Antarctica or seeing the Amazon is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and worth the splurge. It’s a bucket list achievement.

WHAT do you need to know?

Aside from being an exciting adventure, expedition cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore remote and often untouched destinations while immersing yourself in pristine nature and wildlife. While we are mostly familiar with the joys of river and ocean cruising, here are a few important  factors to take into consideration before booking an expedition cruise:

Flexible Itineraries: Expedition cruises often have flexible itineraries due to weather, wildlife sightings, and other unpredictable factors. Your expedition leaders will always prioritise your safety and will strive to maximise your experience, so do trust them and be prepared for any changes.

Small Ship Destinations: To allow for a far more immersive experience, expedition cruises almost always utilise smaller ships designed for navigating remote waters and reaching unique destinations for a chance to experience nature in its purest form. Expedition ships often take you to remote and pristine areas, away from typical tourist routes.

Nature and Wildlife: Expedition cruises are centered around exploring and appreciating nature, wildlife, and their ecosystems.  Expert guides onboard and ashore will provide incredible knowledge regarding the flora, fauna, and geology of the areas you visit.

Expert Guides: Expedition cruises are accompanied by experienced naturalist guides who are knowledgeable about the destinations and the wildlife you’ll encounter. Typically, you’ll be offered onboard lectures and talks and guided hikes or zodiac trips to enhance your understanding.

Limited Passengers: Naturally, smaller ships mean fewer passengers, which fosters a sense of camaraderie, creating a more personalised and memorable experience, perhaps even making a new friendship or two.

Clothing and Gear: Depending on your destination and activities, pack appropriate clothing and gear such as comfortable hiking shoes, waterproof and windproof clothing, sun protection, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.

Physical Fitness: Some activities offered on an expedtion tour like hiking and snorkeling, may require a certain level of physical fitness. Ideally, to maximise your experience, you would want to be reasonably fit.

Responsible Travel:  With an emphasis on eco-friendly tourism and minimising your impact on the environment, the “Leave No Footprint” principle is imperative.

Seasickness: While modern expedition ships are equipped with stabilisers to reduce motion, they are still small ships and seasickness can still be an issue for some. If you’re inclined to get motion sickness, it’s a good idea to bring medication or equivalent remedies with you.

Social Interaction: Expedition cruises encourage interaction with fellow travelers, fostering a sense of community among passengers who share a passion for exploration and nature.

Booking in Advance: Expedition cruises can fill up quickly due to their limited capacity and high demand. It’s advisable to book well in advance to secure your preferred travel dates and cabin type. Also if there are optional land tours that are not part of the standard itinerary, you may want to check if these need to be booked in advance as well.

Photography: Goes without saying! Bring a good camera or smartphone with a decent camera to capture everything amazing!  Please remember to respect wildlife by staying a safe distance and not disturbing them.

Local Cultures: Expedition cruises often include interactions with local communities. Be respectful and open-minded when engaging with local cultures and perhaps do a little research before you leave home!

Activities – Expedition cruises offer activities including kayaking, hiking, polar plunges, Zodiac excursions, and hands-on educational experiences. Traditional cruises focus more on entertainment, dining, pools, shows and relaxation.

Coral Expeditions

Ambiance – The atmosphere on expedition ships is casual, laid-back and centered around the destination adventures. Traditional cruises have a more formal vibe with entertainment and dining as the focus.

Comfort – Expedition ships offer comfortable but not lavish accommodations. Traditional cruises have larger staterooms, multiple restaurants and ample lounging areas.

Itineraries – Expedition itineraries are flexible to adapt to changing nature and weather conditions. Traditional cruise itineraries are usually very port-focused and consistent.

So in short, expedition cruises are more adventurous and destination-focused, while traditional cruises offer more amenities, dining, entertainment and a fixed itinerary.

Expedition cruising offers a chance to connect with nature, explore remote destinations, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. By keeping these important points in mind, you can make the most of your experience and create lasting memories of a remarkable journey.

Expedition cruise destinations continue to grow in popularity and here are a few top destinations:

Kimberley Coast, Australia – Remote and rugged, the Kimberley is known for its stunning, untouched landscape. Expeditions cruise here from April to October and is the most popular expedition destination Cruise Express book.

Antarctica – Antarctica cruises continue to be highly sought after for the chance to see majestic icebergs, penguins, whales and polar wildlife up close. The Antarctic season runs from November to March.

Arctic – Cruising around the Arctic regions of northern Norway, Greenland, Iceland and Canada allows passengers to see glaciers, fjords and potential northern lights. Peak season is June to August.

Galapagos Islands – This unique Ecuadorian archipelago with its abundance of wildlife and bird species remains a bucket list destination. The best time to visit is typically December to May.

Alaska – Cruising along Alaska’s coastline and glaciers is a popular way to see majestic sights like Glacier Bay, Denali and the Inside Passage. The main cruising season is May to September.

South Pacific – Remote island nations like Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Fiji that offer stunning beaches and exotic cultures are increasing in popularity as expedition destinations. The dry season from May to October is best.

Call us on 1300 766 537 or email info@cruiseexpress.com.au if you would like to discuss an expedition cruise adventure today.

The Kimberley Uncovered!

An Interview with Mick Fogg

PONANT’s Australian Expedition Manager

Mick is the Director of Expeditions and Destination Development, Asia Pacific for PONANT, and has led more than 300 expeditions through the Sub-Antarctic, South East Asia and Oceania regions spanning a 15-year career.

His enthusiasm for the cultures, wildlife and wonders of Australia is contagious! Below follows an article from PONANT where Mick talks about one of his all time favourite places – Australia’s Kimberley that we would like to share with you.

Question: After having led more than 300 expeditions through the Sub-Antarctic, South East Asia and Oceania regions, why does The Kimberley still amaze you?

MICK FOGG: It’s like nowhere else on earth, a wild land of remote, spectacular scenery spread over vast distances, it’s the Antarctica of the tropics. The sheer size and age of the landscape are humbling and it is a privilege to experience such a pristine environment that has so many facets.

It is home to the oldest continuous culture on earth, the world’s largest living reptile, the only two ‘horizontal falls’ on the planet, the world’s largest inshore reef and the largest population of migrating humpback whales on the planet. The Kimberley is one of the world’s last great wilderness areas and one of Australia’s greatest natural assets. It is a destination that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Question: Why is it different travelling by sea compared to doing The Kimberley by land?

MICK FOGG: The Kimberley coastline extends over 12,000 kilometres and contains more than 2,500 islands. The coastal environment is very different to the inland region, the spectacular archipelagos, pristine mangrove environments and deep gorges can only be accessed from the sea.

There are only a few places along the coast that can be accessed from the land, and these are only accessible to the truly adventurous over difficult 4WD tracks that require a lot of preparation. On board a luxury small ship like L’Austral you can experience all the coast has to offer in extreme comfort with a highly attentive crew to look after you.

Question: What do you continue to watch in awe, even after having experienced it over 100 times?

MICK FOGG: Montgomery Reef seemingly rising from the ocean.

Question: Can you explain how the reef rises from the ocean?

MICK FOGG: Imagine 400 square kilometres of reef system invisible at high tide, covered by more than five metres of water. Then, as the tide recedes, the earth appears to bend as the water struggles to escape off the top of the reef fast enough. As Montgomery Reef breaks through the surface, water starts to cascade off the reef, forming one of the world’s longest waterfalls. There really is no adequate way to describe it and photos and video don’t do it justice.

You have to see Montgomery Reef for yourself. It is an experience that will stay with you forever. Montgomery Reef at high tide completely covered by water, the water cascading off the reef turning into rapids. The reef appears before your eyes – a feeding frenzy for the birds which swoop down on all the marine life caught on the reef at low tide.

Question: I’ve heard the tidal changes in The Kimberley are something to be seen to fully appreciate the sheer volume of water and power of the tides

MICK FOGG: Absolutely! Talbot Bay and the ‘Horizontal Falls’ provide a great opportunity to witness the power of the tides. The Kimberley has, arguably, the 2nd largest tidal change in the world, creating a truly unique phenomenon. It’s amazing to think that there are only two ‘Horizontal Falls’ on the planet and both are in our own backyard! David Attenborough has described these Falls as one of the greatest wonders of the natural world. Ponant will take guests in Zodiacs to coincide with the peak flow at the Horizontal Falls taking you right to the mouth of the falls to feel the power of up to 1 million liters of water passing through the falls every second!

Question: The Kimberley is known for its breathtaking Gorges. What’s your favourite?

MICK FOGG: The 19-kilometre Gorge of King George with its spectacular 90 metre high sandstone cliffs. For the more adventurous guests we offer a hike to the top of the King George Falls where they will be rewarded by an amazing view and a refreshing swim, but for me it’s about the journey up the Gorge – it is absolutely spectacular. The colours of the Warton Sandstone change throughout the day creating endless photographic opportunities– an area ideal for exploration by Zodiac.

Question: The Kimberley is home to an incredible number of Indigenous rock art sites, and this is one of the primary reason for it being put forward for world heritage listing. Is there any style of Indigenous art that is close to your heart?

MICK FOGG: The Wandjina Rock Art Gallery of Ngumbre at Raft Point is a special place. There is a sense of tranquillity that spreads over you as you sit and contemplate the activities that have gone on in this significant location of the Worrorra people. I take great pleasure in watching Ponant guests interact with the traditional custodians of the land and learn about their ancient culture and stories in stone.

The Wandjina images came to prominence during the 2000 Sydney Olympics when a Wandjina image was chosen to represent Indigenous Australia. The image of a 40-foot-high Namarali rising from the ground was a very special moment. During the 2016 Vivid festival, there was a spectacular projection of Wandjina figures onto the Sydney Opera House and that is certainly an image I won’t forget for a very long time.

Question: Is it true that in The Kimberley you will find the oldest depictions of the human form on the planet?

MICK FOGG: Whilst no exact dates on the age of the Gwion Gwion style of rock art unique to the Kimberley has been validated, it is generally thought that they are at least 15,000 years old and may be as much as 40,000 years old. These intricate and complex depictions of the human form may be more than 5 times older than Egyptian Hieroglyphs. They were once known as ‘Bradshaws’ but their correct name is Gwion Gwion or Gyorn Gyorn. It is yet another fascinating aspect of our Kimberley experience.

Kimberley with National Geographic 2020

Question: What’s an unknown fact about The Kimberley that people discover?

MICK FOGG: When they travel to The Kimberley with Ponant in July and August, guests don’t realise that this is the prime breeding time for Humpback Whales. In fact, in The Kimberley there were 36,500 Humpback Whales there last year – the largest population of migrating Humpback Whales on the planet.

Question: Who do you have travelling with guests Mick?

MICK FOGG: Each voyage is accompanied by 12 Expedition Guides who are experts in their fields – renowned anthropologists, marine biologists, historians, botanists, geologists, naturalists and ornithologists all giving guests a greater understanding of the area. They really are the best in the business and your journey will be so enriched by their knowledge, enthusiasm and experience.

Call us on 1300 766 537 or email info@cruiseexpress.com.au if you’d like to visit The Kimberley.

Nature’s Ultimate Playground

The Sub-Antarctic region holds incredibly unchartered abundance and diversity

While most of us are very familiar (and some even luckier to have been) to the Antarctic, the Sub-Antarctic is a little less familiar and far less touristed. Located in the southern hemisphere, immediately north of the Antarctic region, the Sub-Antarctic includes many islands in the very southern parts of the Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

The Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia are the ultimate in eco-tourism and have UNESCO World Heritage status, with some of the best-preserved and protected nature reserves in the world! These islands are so pristine and remote, and enjoy some of the most abundant and often endemic wildlife, with rare plants, birds and other animals. Fortunately, the isolation and harsh weather of the region are partially responsible for having kept tourists at bay and the New Zealand Government strictly controls shore visits.

Visitors are treated so sightings of fur, leopard and elephant seals, along with giant petrels, Auckland shags and Campbell Island teals, one of the rarest flightless birds in the world. 10 of the world’s 24 species of albatross breed in these islands, with five being endemic to the region. Campbell Island has six species, including the largest breeding population of southern royal albatrosses, the largest albatross in the world.

10 species of penguins inhabit the islands, two of them endemic (the Snares crested and erect-crested penguins), as well as king, royal and yellow-eyed penguins. Not uncommon are sightings of southern right, humpback and sperm whales, particularly around and in the harbours of Campbell Island.

The history of this region is fascinating and disturbing. Over the centuries, particularly in the 1800s, mankind wreaked havoc on the region, destroying much in its wake including a great deal of seal and whale slaughtering, even sea lions were hunted to extinction on the mainland (they are still critically endangered and confined mostly to the Sub-Antarctic).  

Not surprisingly, there were a significant amount of shipwrecks in the area in the 1800s. What seemed like a good idea at the time, was to provide provisions for survivors, so ‘castaway’ depots were created on land including Campbell Island. As technological advances in shipping meant the different trade routes by steam were embraced, these depots were abandoned. Unbelievably, these abandoned pigs, rabbits, goats, and rats annihilated vegetation, feral cats wiped out many native birds and sheep even developed self-dropping fleeces!

 

The introduction of invasive species including rats, rabbits, feral cats and farm animals was also catastrophic. While it is an ongoing issue for many of the islands, there is slow progress and in some areas, painstaking eradication programs have been successful, enabling many islands to flourish again.

Fortunately, a great deal of work has been done in preservation and conservation for many decades and for those preferring to travel to an uncrowded, immersive and unique destination, the Sub-Antarctic is the ultimate destination. 

To find out more about how you can visit this remarkable destination call us on 1300 766 537 or email info@cruiseexpress.com.au

Land of Ancient Wonders

Weathered by eons of rain, wind and sea spray, Australia’s untouched Kimberley is almost as old as the Earth itself

 

The walls of the cave are emblazoned with graffiti so old that no-one can really date these creations with certainty. Some researchers believe the exquisite rock art depictions we see in The Kimberley could be at least 50,000 years old. Staring at them, we try to imagine the ancient people who came here and painted these intricate murals.

Prehistoric animals, ornately attired hunter figures and mysterious deities of unknown origin all adorn the bare rock face; standing testimony to the tribes who once lived among these rough canyons.

“The Kimberley is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the world,” says former Chief Scientist of Western Australia, Professor Lyn Beazley AO. “Its biodiversity and marine ecosystem are among the world’s most pristine. The tropical savannahs of the region are the only near-untouched such landscapes left on the planet.”

Travel companies often use the term ‘pristine wilderness’ to describe somewhere away from the souvenir sellers and taxi touts of the world’s overcrowded tourist traps. But in the remote Kimberley region of Australia’s North West, you can be assured that its pristine wilderness is exactly that.

The Kimberley has been voted the top adventure cruise destination for Australians and is quickly establishing itself as a ‘must-do’. A secret well-kept by fishers, prospectors and cattle ranchers for decades, it’s a relatively new region for adventure cruising, explored only by more intrepid travellers over the past 30 years.

While overland travel is also popular, it can be a rough and uncomfortable experience and it’s not without its dangers. This is where the new breed of luxurious small ships come to the fore, offering comfort and sanctuary in a harsh environment. No other cruise line exemplifies this genre of modern, responsible travel better than Ponant.

Away from the crowded, commercialised ports, Ponant vessels are designed to reach remote, otherwise inaccessible locations with ease. They’re large enough to provide space and privacy for those onboard yet, each state-of-the-art vessel is also small enough to venture where mega-ships can never sail.

Excursions take place aboard sturdy Zodiac runabouts, with just a handful of passengers in each boat and an expert interpreter to guide your experience. With 30 years of maritime experience, Ponant is at the forefront of small ship cruising – it’s gleaming, futuristic vessels are equipped with the most advanced technological and environmentally sensitive tools. Guests can expect to receive a supremely comfortable voyage in luxurious surroundings akin to a 5-star hotel.

In 2018, Ponant responded to the urging of its many repeat guests and launched the first of its new Explorer-class ships, which are designed for adventurous voyages to remote or challenging destinations – including the sought-after Polar regions. These new vessels, of which a total of six are planned, are slightly smaller and more agile than the current fleet and have a raft of adventure-specific features such as an innovative underwater viewing lounge (the ‘Blue Eye’), as well as kayaks and paddleboards.

Ponant is also well known for its gastronomy, with menus devised by world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse. There’s also a comprehensive wine cellar aboard every ship, overseen by a knowledgeable sommelier. To bolster the luxury, indulgent spa treatments can be enjoyed after a conscience-cleansing workout in the gym. 

Another clever feature of these new Explorer-class vessels is the hydraulically retractable marina at the stern, where Zodiac tenders are embarked and disembarked. Climbing in and out of tenders can be a nerve-wracking process for less mobile guests, even in the relatively calm waters of the Kimberley.

But this versatile accessory simplifies the procedure considerably, making the overall experience more stress-free and enjoyable. Another thing worth noting is that the vessel dedicated by Ponant to cruising the Kimberley, Le Lapérouse, has a reasonable-sized swimming pool on board. This is much appreciated when you’re craving a relaxing dip in the sun because swimming in the waters off the Kimberley coast is not possible due to the abundance of saltwater crocodiles (a fact that will soon become clear as your expedition guide points out the big reptiles populating the riverbanks).

Ponant’s Iconic Kimberley itinerary is one of the most comprehensive offered by any major cruise operator. In 2020, 11 back-to-back 11-day voyages will take place between May and September, with a different set of excursions every day. The Hunter River, for example, is one of the most picturesque landscapes in the Kimberley, where wild mangrove forests are home to abundant bird species.

“The high point of this voyage,” says veteran expedition leader Mick Fogg, “will undoubtedly be our exploration of the King George River and its majestic twin falls, the highest in Western Australia. “We also visit Collier Bay, the site of the mysterious Montgomery Reef, where the entire marine ecosystem appears to rise from the sea with the falling tide like a reappearing Atlantis.”

Throughout each journey, Le Lapérouse will traverse one of Australia’s most ancient and awe-inspiring coastlines. The Kimberley’s spectacular waterfalls, stark gorges, vast savannah and desolate mountain ranges are all waiting to be explored by one of the world’s most modern, luxurious expedition cruise ships. A visit to the Kimberley is, in every sense, a giant step back in time to a land almost unchanged since dinosaurs roamed these parts. In fact, with a keen eye, you might just spot one.

WORDS: RODERICK EIME

Magnificent Birds of the Kimberley

An extremely geographically diverse region, twice as large as Victoria, many bird-watching enthusiasts would regard the Kimberley as an absolute bird paradise. Almost one-third of Australia’s 900 or so species of birds can be seen at some time of the year in The Kimberley. The area boasts a remarkable diversity of habitats, from coastal and inland salt-pans to wetlands, from inter-tidal mangroves to rugged sandstone escarpments, and from eucalypt woodland to seabird islands. 

The convoluted coastline with a tidal range approaching 10m in places provides feeding and roosting areas for migratory shorebirds that breed in Siberia and spend the Spring and Summer in the region, such as Common Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Far Eastern Curlew. The diverse habitats in combination with the annual wet and dry seasons allow a rich bird fauna present in a relatively small area throughout the year. 

Even in the dry season, there is plenty of food for birds throughout the Kimberley. The seabird islands support nationally and internationally, significant breeding populations of Brown Booby, Roseate and Bridled Tern, Lesser Frigatebird and Common Noddy. Resident shorebird species such as Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers nest above the tide line, with Crested and Caspian Terns nesting close by.

The mangroves and river systems provide rich feeding areas for fish-eating birds such as Osprey, Brahminy Kite and White-bellied Sea-eagle, Striated Heron and Eastern Reef Egret. Azure and Collared Kingfishers are readily seen in mangroves throughout the region. Comb-crested Jacanas can be seen walking on river plants whilst feeding. Black-necked Storks and Australian Pelicans, Intermediate and Little Egrets are frequently seen around river edges.

Woodland areas support populations of Little Corella, Black Kite, Brown and White-throated Honeyeaters, Red-winged Parrot, Yellow Oriole, Figbird, Rainbow Bee-eater and Silver-crowned Friarbird.  White-quilled Rock-pigeon and Spinifex Pigeon are seen in the drier areas, as are Zebra, Double-barred and Gouldian Finches.

While some are unique to certain areas, many species can be found throughout the Kimberley. One of these is the spectacular Eastern Osprey, the ultimate predator along the Kimberley Coast skyline. When you visit we also suggest you keep an eye and an ear out for the Sacred Kingfisher with their distinctive calls. This region is also home to the Eastern Reef Egret and if you are lucky you may spot a dancing Brolga!

Ashmore Reef

Located on Australia’s North West Shelf, 610 kilometres north of Broome is Ashmore Reef. This incredible life-sustaining reef provides several marine habitats and species in and out of the ocean.

It is here you will find around 50,000 breeding pairs of various kinds of seabirds, including colonies of Bridled Terns, Common Noddies, Brown, Red-footed and Masked Boobies, Eastern Reef Egrets, Frigate birds, Tropicbirds, Roseate, Crested and Lesser Crested Terns.

The Rowley Shoals

Another stunning destination to observe birds is The Rowley Shoals, about 260 km northwest of Broome. The Rowley Shoals is a group of three atoll-like coral reefs on the edge of one of the widest continental shelves in the world. It is home to many ocean bids as well as a nesting site for the Red-Tailed Tropicbird, home to one of only two of Western Australia’s colonies, and the rare, newly discovered White-tailed Tropicbirds.

Other beautiful species found at Rowley Shoals include the Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Brown Booby, Eastern Reef-egret, White-breasted Sea Eagle, Ruddy Turnstone, Large Sand Plover, Crested And Sooty Terns And The White-throated Needletail.

Browse Island

Browse Island also is a spectacular destination to observe breeding seabirds and migratory shorebirds including the Brown Booby, Frigate Bird And Eastern Reef Egret.

As the Kimberley is so extensive, it’s important to keep in mind that many species migrate or are nomadic and move with the seasons, so if you are really keen on spotting a particular species you may need to do a lot more in-depth research.

If you have extra time and are feathered friend keen then we recommend you take a look at the Broome Bird Observatory in Roebuck Bay, a super passionate organisation dedicated to educating visitors about the birds that live and visit the area. 

Click here to find out more about our life-changing journey in 2020 with Ponant and National Geographic.

Thank you to Dr Eric Woehler for his insight and incredible knowledge.