Expedition Südsee, (South Seas) Tahiti to Fiji, 14 days.
It’s rated the world’s only 5-star expedition cruise ship
according to the authoritative Berlitz Guide and it’s easy to see
why. Even though this Finnish-built, 1A Super ice-rated vessel is
approaching her 20th birthday, she is still in better condition than
some ships half her age. Continuously modernised with fancy
comforts like the new in-cabin entertainment and e-mail system,
she still maintains an ‘as new’ feel. Her most recent upgrade took
place in June 2011.
First impressions? Well, sailing aboard any Hapag-Lloyd (HL)
vessel is a distinction, but it is also a new cultural experience for
many first-timers like me. Shipboard manners are somewhat
more formal than you might be used to on other smaller vessels,
expedition or not. I’m used to adventure ships with a distinctly
casual atmosphere, but while there are plenty of smiles and
pleasant greetings, this is a ship for the well-to-do and you are
often treated in a semi-regal fashion by the spotlessly uniformed
and impeccably mannered staff. No-one has clicked their heels
yet, but you get my drift.
Cuisine and food presentation is masterful and truly fine dining.
Five or six courses in the single-seating Marco Polo Restaurant is
de rigeur or you can make a reservation in the more convivial
Bistro Lemaire, where ‘ethnic’ dishes are rotated to reflect the
international flavour of the itineraries. The cabin minibar, with
soft drinks, beer, water and juice is included, but curiously water
(E1.50) and wine (E3.50) is charged in the restaurants. Coffee, tea
and gourmet snacks are available all day, and the coffee is good.
Shipboard facilities are what you would expect from a much
larger ship with gym, boutique, salon, pool, cabin service, etc. It
really is a practical combination of the luxury elements of the
line’s premier vessel, Europa, and the capabilities of a smaller,
expedition ship. As expected, there is a dedicated lecture hall.
Most frontline staff are German with fluency in English, whereas,
as is common, deck hands and crew are Filipino.
Cabins exist across eight categories on four of the six decks and
all are outside, but none have private balconies. Two cabins are
disabled-friendly, while the eight cabins and four suites on top
deck enjoy butler service.
Shore excursions are conducted with a combination of tie-ups
at wharves and tendering by either zodiac or enclosed lifeboats
as appropriate for the destination facilities. Organised tours are
typically 50-70 EURO or you can do your own thing, but prior
research is advised if you are the independent type.
Reservations? As with all expedition vessels, this type of
cruising will not suit everyone. The main language aboard is
German and while all staff are fluent in English, not all are
familiar with the subtleties of the language, let alone Australian
humour. Some voyages (like this one) are advertised as bilingual,
so announcements, some lectures and documentation
are available in English also. All ICCA agents trained to sell HL
cruises will point these factors out to prospective clients. Having
said all that, my dear octogenarian mother, who wouldn’t know
Franz Beckenbauer from a Dachshund is a diehard HL fan.
More information: www.hl-cruises.com.
