Go with the flow - how to travel 'expedition style'
Apr 22, 2018 5:16:00 GMT
Post by Admin on Apr 22, 2018 5:16:00 GMT
The golden rule of any kind of expedition travel and especially polar expedition travel - is flexibility. The ability to go with the flow. To throw away the itinerary on night one and enjoy each and every experience that comes your way, no matter what the weather, sea and ice conditions have in mind. Mother Nature rules your time in the South.
The cloudiest, stormiest or foggiest day is just as memorable and photo worthy as a sunny clear day. Zodiacing in falling snow is stunning. A cancelled landing in one location may become a thrilling whale encounter somewhere else.
My personal travel motto for many many decades has been
Attitude is the difference between an ordeal, and an adventure.
Don't be the person on board that stands there shrieking at the captain or expedition leader saying "according to my brochure we were meant to land here and here on this day - I am going to complain daily and sue you all". (Yep I and others have witnessed these very people on our voyages).
Instead, appreciate the fact that you are in an incredible location on this planet, having your own personal David Attenborough moments, and no matter what happens and where you land - its going to be the trip of a lifetime.
If you like a 14 day coach tour around Europe where every second of your day is already planned - and the idea of a delayed lunch or missed stop gives you anger or anxiety - then consider the fact that expedition travel may not suit your style or needs.
I have added some links to threads or trip reports that contain valuable thoughts and opinions on this topic from first time polar travellers and the many multi time polar travellers that have formed a great little community on Trip Advisor.
Its worth noting also, that no expedition company makes definitive promises about the exact itinerary and landing spots. Some quotes below from various expedition companies websites make this abundantly clear - its not hidden in the fine print.
Quarks website and brochures state:
IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar expedition.
Aurora Expeditions website:
Flexibility and freedom.
We stop for breaching whales! Our itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind. If weather or sea ice block our way, we always have a Plan B, C and D! We're always on the look at for new places to explore and we're not afraid to adjust our schedule if we stumble upon an unexpected wildlife display.
Oceanwide Expeditions website:
PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The on-board expedition leader will determine the final itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Heritage Expeditions website:
With unpredictable ice and weather conditions, a day-by-day itinerary is not possible but we assess the conditions daily and take every opportunity to make landings and launch the Zodiacs. You can anticipate wildlife viewing, visits to scientific bases and historic sites, as well as the spectacular white and blue scenery.
We hope to visit the following areas:
Ponant Website:
Subject to ice and weather conditions. The expedition highlights and itineraries described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Hurtigruten - Fram website:
This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the final sailing itinerary during the voyage. Hence, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience and why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.
The cloudiest, stormiest or foggiest day is just as memorable and photo worthy as a sunny clear day. Zodiacing in falling snow is stunning. A cancelled landing in one location may become a thrilling whale encounter somewhere else.
My personal travel motto for many many decades has been
Attitude is the difference between an ordeal, and an adventure.
Don't be the person on board that stands there shrieking at the captain or expedition leader saying "according to my brochure we were meant to land here and here on this day - I am going to complain daily and sue you all". (Yep I and others have witnessed these very people on our voyages).
Instead, appreciate the fact that you are in an incredible location on this planet, having your own personal David Attenborough moments, and no matter what happens and where you land - its going to be the trip of a lifetime.
If you like a 14 day coach tour around Europe where every second of your day is already planned - and the idea of a delayed lunch or missed stop gives you anger or anxiety - then consider the fact that expedition travel may not suit your style or needs.
I have added some links to threads or trip reports that contain valuable thoughts and opinions on this topic from first time polar travellers and the many multi time polar travellers that have formed a great little community on Trip Advisor.
Its worth noting also, that no expedition company makes definitive promises about the exact itinerary and landing spots. Some quotes below from various expedition companies websites make this abundantly clear - its not hidden in the fine print.
Quarks website and brochures state:
IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar expedition.
Aurora Expeditions website:
Flexibility and freedom.
We stop for breaching whales! Our itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind. If weather or sea ice block our way, we always have a Plan B, C and D! We're always on the look at for new places to explore and we're not afraid to adjust our schedule if we stumble upon an unexpected wildlife display.
Oceanwide Expeditions website:
PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The on-board expedition leader will determine the final itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Heritage Expeditions website:
With unpredictable ice and weather conditions, a day-by-day itinerary is not possible but we assess the conditions daily and take every opportunity to make landings and launch the Zodiacs. You can anticipate wildlife viewing, visits to scientific bases and historic sites, as well as the spectacular white and blue scenery.
We hope to visit the following areas:
Ponant Website:
Subject to ice and weather conditions. The expedition highlights and itineraries described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Hurtigruten - Fram website:
This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the final sailing itinerary during the voyage. Hence, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience and why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.