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When a Polar Adventure Meets a Modern Expedition Ship

Journey to the Ends of the Earth for an Ultimate Cruise Adventure Experience

DETROIT (March 9, 2023) - Polar expedition cruises and expedition ships these days are not merely about adventure, but rather adventure accompanied by culinary and cabin comfort.

There is no reason that the adrenaline rush of an adventure experience on expedition ships cannot include the following experiences:

  • Base camp

  • Polar diving/snorkeling

  • Mountaineering

  • Antarctic camping

  • Skiing and hiking

  • Paddleboarding

  • Kayaking

  • Snowshoeing

  • Rock Climbing

  • Flightseeing by Helicopter

  • Submarine Exploration

5 cruise lines that excel in this marriage of adventure and comfort:

  1. Quark Expeditions (Category: Adventure / Premium)

Quark Expeditions newest vessel, Ultramarine, comes equipped with a winning portfolio of adventure activities and restaurants onboard. This vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration and offer an unmatched Antarctic experience, including an unforgettable flightseeing tour and a selection of adventures that are more extensive than any other ship in its class. After a day full of outdoor adventures, return to the ship for a unique Tundra to Table experience that takes guests on a culinary ride to the Nunavut. The guests can enjoy a bite at Bisto 487 with indoor/outdoor dining, perfect for enjoying the landscape, or enjoy the Balena restaurant offering spectacular views from the wrap-around deck and dine on Intuit classics like Greenlandic lamb with pommes Anna or honey-glazed ptarmigan. You can be assured of the freshness of the food, with seafood caught fresh from the Arctic.

Must Try: The beer-braised musk ox with mashed potatoes, mushroom sauce and berry jam served at Balena.

Quark Expeditions Ships to Sail: Ocean Adventurer, Ocean Diamond, Ultramarine, World Explorer

  1. Aurora Expeditions (Category: Adventure / Premium)

Aurora Expeditions' enthusiasm for adventure, discovering nature, and sharing this experience with people is as strong now as it was 30 years ago. They have pioneered more adventure activities than any polar expedition cruising company to help guests explore in their own individual ways and strive to get guests off of the ship for these activities as often as possible. Return to the ship after an exhilarating day in the outdoors and enjoy the comforts of all of their splendid dining options. The guests are feted with changing menus of varied cuisines and 24x7 beverages at the open seating dining area on the cruise, promoting camaraderie between guest travelers.

Must Try: After a challenging day in the wilderness, you can unwind with a selection of house wine or beers along with multi-course meal.

Aurora Expeditions Ships to Sail: Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle

  1. Oceanwide Expeditions: (Category: Adventure / Premium)

A pioneer of expedition cruises, Oceanwide Expeditions was one of the first cruise lines to take their guests deep into the heart of the polar region to the Arctic Island of Spitsbergen. The cruise offers the experience of nature up-close taking you near the wildlife and exotic landscapes. Guests can power up for a day of adventure activities from snowshoeing to scuba diving in the large retro-themed Dining Room.

Must Try: The large buffet spread for breakfast and lunch.

Oceanwide Expeditions Ships to Sail: m/v Ortelius, m/v Plancius, m/v Hondius, m/v Janssonius, s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

  1. Hurtigruten (Category: (Category: Adventure / Premium)

Hurtigruten Expeditions has been sailing polar waters since 1893 - for 130 years. After a century of cruising through exotic, pristine and secluded icy waters, Hurtigruten has perfected expedition cruises and sustainable tourism. Head out on an expedition boat for beach landings, kayak for water level exploration or snowshoe in some of the most pristine places in the world. Get up close and personal with the environment in each destination. After a day of adrenaline-pumping action, guests can soak in a hot tub and dine in the ships' restaurants offering mouth-watering favorites. The menus are heavily influenced by the regional cuisines - the main dining Restaurant Aune dishes up all three meals in an informal social setting with panoramic views. The fine-dining restaurant Lindstrom serves an a la carte menu of Norwegian cuisine fused with modern flavors while the outdoor BBQ, on the top deck of MS Fram, is a place to feast on delectable meals using local ingredients.

Must Try: Three-course dinner entrees centered on locally produced food, including vegetarian dishes.

Hurtigruten Ships to Sail: MS Fram, MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen

  1. Lindblad Expeditions / National Geographic (Category: (Category: Adventure / Premium))

This cruise line is meant for nature discovery, where staff always go the extra mile for an unforgettable memory - whether pulling an all-nighter for a polar bear sighting, docking at an incredible wildlife site at the first twilight, or wait staff serving gourmet ice cream bars in the middle of exploration. And of course, this is any photographer's dream with National Geographic Photography Experts available to help guests. The ice breaker ships with the signature X-bow also have a lot to teach about culinary options. The main dining room, 270 aptly named for its wide panoramic views, offers a selection of plant-based options and artisanal vegan cheese, while guests can head to C. Greens restaurant for a lighter lunch of salads, grilled meats or burgers.

Must Try: Any menu choices inspired by local, sustainable and regionally available food and delicacies.

Lindblad Expeditions Ships to Sail: National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Explorer

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