Elite Traveler March-April 2018

DISCOVER

elite traveler MAR/APR 2018 40

Cruises A STANDINGOVATION

TAKE THREE/// EXPEDITION CRUISES 1. THE ARCTIC LE BOREAL , ABERCROMBIE & KENT Travel the entire Northwest Passage from Greenland to Alaska — tracing the steps of Roald Amundsen, the first person to successfully make the journey in 1906 — aboard the exclusively chartered Le Boreal from luxury cruise line Ponant. During the trip, you’ll see giant icebergs and one of the world’s fastest-moving glaciers while listening to the eerie sounds of ice calving at Ilulissat Icefjord; sail among narwhals, polar bears, walruses and beluga and bowhead whales in Lancaster Sound; witness the Smoking Hills in Franklin Bay; traverse the Beaufort Sea, which is frozen 11 months of the year; and glimpse the northern lights. During the exploration by land and sea, via Zodiac cruiser, the world-class expedition teamwill deliver educational lectures. There are also exciting opportunities to explore Arctic history and culture, including that of the local Inuit people and ancient Thule hunters who inhabited the region 1,000 years ago. August 18 – September 10, 2018, August 26 – September 18, 2019. Limited to 199 guests. Owner’s Suite from $55,495 per person, based on double occupancy. Book online at abercrombiekent.com 2. GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDEAVOUR II , LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS A pioneer of Galápagos exploration, Lindblad has offered expeditions to the islands for over 50 years, now aboard a newly refitted ship with year-round cruises. See giant tortoises, penguins, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, land iguanas and sea lions in a unique

Fresh on the heels of introducing Seabourn Encore last year, the luxury cruise line Seabourn — known for its small ships and spacious rooms — gets ready to unveil her sister ship, Seabourn Ovation, who will spend her maiden summer in the Mediterranean, UK and Northern Europe. Adam D Tihany designed both ships, aiming to create a superyacht atmosphere where guests would feel at home during extended cruises. Marked by soft curves, sumptuous materials and unique design elements such as a seriously sexy spiral staircase, the decor invites relaxation in cozy spots with incredible views. For accommodations, a wide array of suites are available, including the 1,097-sq-ft Wintergarden Suite — featuring a solarium with a tub and daybed — and the Grand Signature Suite, with a 493-sq-ft forward-facing veranda. All come with a personal suite stewardess. Leave any preconceived notions of typical cruise cuisine on the dock. Most notably, chef Thomas Keller brings his world-renowned fare to sea for the first time at The Grill by Thomas Keller. The new restaurant Sushi features fish shipped in from Japan, and there are several relaxed dining options scattered throughout Ovation . Imbibers will rejoice to hear that the entire bar staff has recently been trained by celebrated mixologist Brian Van Flandern, whose cocktails grace the bars at three-Michelin-starred restaurants around the globe. His delicious handcrafted cocktail menu includes recipes that are exclusive to Seabourn. Despite the Ovation ’s small size (she allows a maximum of 458 guests in her 300 suites) there’s plenty to do on board. At night, stop by The Observation Bar for a drink, then head to The Club, which offers live music, a casino and an outdoor terrace with a plunge pool and two whirlpool spas, or visit the Grand Salon for a theatrical performance. Enjoy days spent lounging at the ultra-exclusive Retreat. This deck area features 15 living room–like cabanas, each outfitted with a sofa and an HD television, surrounding a large whirlpool and sun loungers. A flower-shaped canopy protects guests from the elements, and a dedicated concierge leads flawless service; arrange for an outdoor treatment in a private spa cabana. You can also find peace at sea thanks to mindful meditation and yoga classes, as well as spa and wellness experiences devised with wellness guru, Dr AndrewWeil. Inaugural Mediterranean spring voyage, May 5 - 16, Wintergarden suite from $36,000 per person based on double occupancy, seabourn.com

environment where they harbor no fear of humans, providing incredibly intimate encounters with the wildlife. Education is one of the pillars of the Nat Geo cruises, and it has the tools to match, including glass-bottom Zodiacs with onboard naturalists, hydrophones and an open bridge with friendly officers. The top-notch staff can include some of National Geographic’s most renowned experts, such as Paul Nicklen and Casey Anderson, and every cruise has a photographer aboard. The trip is well-suited for families, with many connecting rooms on the ship and the new National Geographic Global Explorers Program, which engages children and teens in daily activities led by certified field naturalists. It’s practically guaranteed to inspire a lifelong passion for exploration and the environment. Available year round. Limited to 96 guests. Suite C from $13,660 per person, based on double occupancy. Book online at expeditions.com 3. SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS SILVER EXPLORER , SILVERSEA This cruise leaves from Easter Island, so it’s best to arrive a few days early to see the sights, especially the moai sculptures left behind by the Rapa Nui people. From there, you’ll sail to the Pitcairns and visit Henderson Island, an extremely remote isle whose only residents are wildlife, including four endemic species of land bird (Henderson rail, Stephen’s lorikeet, Henderson fruit dove and Henderson reed warbler). Continue on to the Austral Islands, where infrequent guests are greeted with a remarkable traditional welcome ceremony and a trip to Ana Ae’o, one of the world’s last inhabited caves. End in Bora Bora and Tahiti, taking in their lush landscapes and famous teal waters filled with colorful fish. Days at sea will be spent in absolute luxury, complete with butler service, decadent onboard spa and lectures in the Explorer Lounge. March 16 – 30, 2019. Limited to 144 guests. Owner’s Suite from $30,400 per person, based on double occupancy. Book online at silversea.com

Enjoy a meal in The Grill, a steakhouse from renowned chef Thomas Keller

Words Kristen Shirley. Photos Eric Laignel, David Vargas, Philippe Bacchet