Giving Back Magazine is a proud partner of Boutique Travel Advisors, an agency that specializes in designing once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Through this partnership, we have seen a great interest in a new style of cruising – Expedition Cruising. While many people are familiar with traditional cruise ships, Expedition Cruising replaces waterslides, tenders and casinos with small Zodiac landing craft, laboratories and classrooms, and professional scientists and expedition leaders.
We had the pleasure of experiencing the preeminent Expedition Cruise company – HX. Since 1893, the ships of Hurtigruten have been a hallmark of the Norwegian coast, and now they have expanded to unique destinations across the globe. We boarded the newest addition to Hurtigruten fleet, the MS Fridtjof Nansen – named after the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis.
Our journey started in Vancouver and the ship quickly felt like our home away from home. The clean and elegant interior design stems from Hurtigruten’s Scandinavian roots and can be seen in the various areas of relaxation in the lounges, three restaurants and bar. The core of the onboard experience is the Science Center which is packed with state-of-the-art technology, microscopes and high-tech gadgets such as touch screen maps. Our voyage was filled with adventure and discovery enjoying a mix of nature and scenic cruises. A team of specialists and modern-day explorers accompanied us to explore the Gulf and Saturna Islands via small expedition boats. The scientists not only guide you on your expeditions but use the Science Center to explain and demonstrate in detail biological traits or the animals, water column inhabitants, ocean temperature experiments and more. You enjoy and understand the learning behind your destination and the natural world you surround yourself with.
Hurtigruten voyages offers engaging insights on the nature, and wildlife allowing you to soak up the beauty, silence, and natural wonders of the world, whether Alaska, Northwest Passage, Antarctica, Greenland or Galapagos (stay tuned!) making it a perfect ESCAPADITA.
What can you expect on an all-inclusive expedition with HX
- All-inclusive includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks all day
- Daily expeditions and activities with guides
- Expedition gear and water bottle – yours to take home!
- A beautiful digital album of photos taken by the ship’s photographer
- Wi-Fi for all those emails that cannot wait
- Full Access to Science Center with onboard scientists, experts, , and our citizen science projects
Contact Boutique Travel Advisors and let them curate this, or a similar journey to meet your exact taste.
(480) 787-1477
www.travelbta.com
