60 sites it can go to, in what order and at what time. Additionally, since 2012 no ship has been allowed to return to the same site within Galápagos in a 14-night, 15-day circuit. While the geology and the wildlife provide an unrivalled uniqueness, we shape the quality of the experience with Royal Galápagos through our guides, who bring their own expertise and personality to the journey. LS: We design itineraries around opportunity rather than certainty. Our small vessels (which accommodate eight to 12 guests) allow us to adapt to wildlife, weather and sea conditions, reaching anchorages and landing opportunities that are often impractical for larger expedition ships. Every voyage is shaped by the environment, making each expedition genuinely unique. KS: HX Expeditions focus on creating a variety of nature and cultural experiences, while allowing enough flexibility for the expedition leader and master to take opportunities as they arise, rather than programming the voyage as a ‘timed routing’. We consider manageable distances to reduce our environmental footprint and seek out activities and places that not everyone visits. RW: Our new itineraries to the Austral Islands in French Polynesia have been carefully designed to prioritise cultural authenticity and deepen Aranui’s connections with island communities. The ship will also carry essential cargo to the islands for the first time, enabling meaningful engagement between passengers and residents. This creates a truly distinctive expedition experience that blends exploration with genuine purpose and community support. FGZ: Beautiful landscapes alone are no longer enough. The places that leave a lasting impression are those where extraordinary nature is matched by rich culture, knowledgeable local guides and experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Expedition cruising has reached a point where there is a temptation to follow proven routes, but that isn’t our philosophy; we have never been interested in creating another version of an itinerary that already exists. Our role is to offer a different perspective on a destination, not simply another way of visiting it. How do you balance guest demand, operational feasibility and environmental stewardship when selecting new expedition destinations? RB: We balance guest demand with operational practicality and environmental responsibility by working within strict regulatory frameworks, as well as assessing the sensitivity of ecosystems, all while delivering exceptional expedition experiences. SD: Safety, feasibility and regulation come first. We work within national requirements and the frameworks of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), then create the best guest experience within those boundaries. MP: Some areas of Galápagos are kept under tight control by The Galápagos National Park Directorate to enable them to recover, or to reintroduce species. In early 2024 a project to reintroduce 12 locally extinct species began on Floreana Island, including a species of the giant tortoise; it is expected to run for at least seven years. I love that all of this is happening while tourism carries on and our guides act as stewards, passing this story on to visitors. FEATURE Photo: Aqua Expeditions Photo: Polar Latitudes Expeditions Aqua Expeditions works with local communities, including the Asmat tribe (top), which inhabits a remote region in Southwest Papua, Indonesia. Above: Polar Latitudes Expeditions operates four purpose-built polar expedition vessels, including Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros (pictured in Antarctica’s Lemaire Channel)
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