The Essence of an Expedition.
When I first heard the term “expedition,” I pictured an action-packed trip of rock climbing, rappelling, whitewater rafting, and cliff-jumping. Several travelers in the know convinced me that expeditions were, in fact, nothing like my preconceived notions of REI models on steroids.
Let’s face it. My idea of adventure is wine tasting blindfolded or perhaps a Thai massage.
But Silversea, one of my favorite luxury cruise operators, has a range of expedition cruises that operate under the Silversea brand, “Silversea Expeditions.” Although I had traveled with Silversea on several of their luxury cruises, my eyes were opened to a new standard of travel during my recent Silversea Expedition cruise to Greenland.
Gone were the fear factors and adrenaline rushes. In their place was a thrilling, awe-inspiring, and humbling experience of uncompromised luxury.
Setting it apart from other forms of travel, the expedition tapped into the heart of unblemished tourism, sailing off-the-beaten-path where cultures were authentic and wildlife had moxie. On the remote shores of Greenland, I watched as weather-beaten fishermen cast their nets into the deep blue; I stood speechless as whales cut through icebergs, spouting water into the chilled air as if nature’s fountain.
The complementary activities on Silversea’s Expedition introduced me to close-up encounters with flora and fauna in remote landscapes and habitats. Along the way, I gained an awareness of my surroundings, and of myself, longing to become one with nature.
In part, I credit this to Silversea’s expedition team of over 40 experts who gave me a newfound passion for discovery of the wild. These experienced guides drove the zodiacs, led the hikes, hosted the lectures, and insured our safety. Along with 210 crew members onboard, the guest-to-staff ratio was about 1:1.
From the onboard luxury to the onshore experiences, it was hard to tell what I enjoyed more. In the face of nature, I felt dwarfed, yet powerful within myself. The 12-day expedition expanded my global perspective and prompted me to reevaluate what really matters.
Needless to say, I wanted more.
That trip marked the beginning of many expeditions yet to come. On my revised wishlist are now the Northwest Passage, Svalbard, Antarctica, and the Galapagos — where Silversea Expeditions take passengers to uncharted territories and natural wonders of the world. One day you could be snorkeling with sea turtles, and the next day blazing a trail through the rain forest. Every moment has the power to awaken your soul.