Adventurers and travellers concerned with how cruising might impact on the natural world can head to the Southern Ocean with a clear conscience.
As One Ocean Expeditions (OOE), launches its 2018-19 Antarctic cruise programme, featuring an expanded fleet, it also continues to maintain and strengthen partnerships with world-leading organisations in order to protect and conserve our nature and wildlife.
The recent acquisition of new vessel RCGS Resolute (formerly Hanseatic, of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises) is adding 146 berths to the company’s inventory. The slightly bigger and exceptionally comfortable vessel will begin its operation in the Antarctic in November 2018.
The A1S Lloyds’ ice class-rated vessel offers the highest quality amenities and safety features in the industry. These include large observation lounges with panoramic views, expansive outer decks for wildlife viewing, top-of-the-line multimedia room, superb gym facility and wellness centre as well as two dining areas for both large groups and smaller parties, offering panoramic views of the mystic scenery in this remote corner of the world.
OOE will operate the RCGS Resolute in the same ‘expedition cruise’ spirit as its other Polar research ships, the Russian flagged Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov. RCGS Resolute was originally built as Society Adventurer for Society Expeditions in 1993 at Finnyards in Rauma, Finland, the same yard that produced Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov.
The high staff-to-guest ratio (1:4), in addition to the educational and active programming, are what differentiates OOE from many other expedition cruise operations.
The 2018-19 programme provides diverse active adventures, exceptional learning opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, travelling alongside world-renown scientists, researchers and reputable educators, artists and guest speakers.
Activities offered are targeted at a wide range of ages and fitness levels and include sea kayaking, camping on the ice, zodiac wildlife viewing, snowshoeing and hiking excursions, as well as visiting unique landing sites and areas of interest to photographers and wildlife viewers. On specific departures, epic backcountry skiing and environmentally responsible sea kayak excursions are also available.
In the Antarctic, OOE works with exclusive partner The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) on multiple initiatives geared to the company’s five core pillars: education, exploration, science, socio-economic development, and sustainable travel. In recognition of this important partnership and shared values, OOE’s new vessel is named RCGS Resolute after a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory.
Since its inception, One Ocean Expeditions has been supporting ongoing ethical science and outreach programs and providing opportunities for accredited institutions to further their work on each voyage. A true leader in polar expedition cruising, OOE operates voyages to the Antarctic, the Falklands and South Georgia from the end of October to the end of March.
Due to high demand for 2018 and the popularity of the early booking offers currently available, it is recommended that travellers planning a trip to the Antarctic do so well ahead of departure.