Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2024

52 presentation theatre to help passengers understand more about the animals and geography they see during their cruise. MP: The Galapagos Seaman Journey features practical amenities, including spacious cabins with panoramic views, indoor and alfresco dining areas, and a sun deck. The onboard library adds an educational touch, enhancing passengers’ understanding of the Galapagos Islands. FB: Oceanwide Expeditions provides dedicated space for lectures and workshops on all topics related to polar travel, from history to glaciology and citizen science. We host these in our large observation lounge or separate lecture room. Our ships are elegantly designed with stylish mid-century modern decor, creating a distinctive cosy and informal atmosphere. SW: Ponant offers a unique style of exploration travel, with small capacity ships in an intimate and elegant atmosphere. Expedition leaders, naturalists and enthusiastic experts organise safe disembarkation, shore excursions and culture, scientific or historical conferences onboard. Le Commandant Charcot particularly reflects this with outstanding gastronomy in collaboration with Alain Ducasse, relation in the indoor pool surrounded by its winter garden and the outdoor Blue Lagoon, which offers views of scenery. SS: Our vessels offer a wide range of options in terms of capacity, cabins and style. Guests may be attracted to the classic wooden decor of Ocean Adventure, the world-class spa on World Explorer, or the outdoor viewing space on Ultramarine, which is more expansive than on other expedition ships of the same size. Onboard facilities across our fleet include a sauna with full-length windows, spa facilities and rooms to prepare for expedition trips. CP: Both our vessels have ocean-front suites with a private veranda and a total of 30,000 square feet of open deck space in public areas to optimise opportunities for viewing scenery and wildlife. We also have 4K Gyro-Stabilized Systems Cineflex cameras capable of broadcasting imagery from up to five miles away on monitors located throughout our ships so guests don’t miss out on seeing wildlife, even if they are inside. Outdoor activities are a key part of any expedition cruise. What equipment and amenities do you have onboard your ships to ensure these excursions run smoothly? SR: We have multiple Zodiac-loading locations onboard Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory to make it easy to access the water for adventures. For Ponant provides all the equipment needed for guests to explore destinations Photo: Oliver Touron FEATURE

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