The expectation of luxury and prestige and what it means has experienced an evolution, as consumers now desire hard-to-access and more immersive experiences where they can really feel, see, taste and touch a destination. As expense no longer exudes status, according to a report by the Global Wellness Institute, ‘Having the best used to mean seven-star service. Now, status-hungry consumers seek off-the-grid experiences that convey prestige because they are unique and in contrast to traditional luxury.’
A&K is responding to this shift in demand by looking at where we travel, what we offer, and the types of experiences included in those offerings. This includes a focus on destinations that are off-the-beaten track and almost otherworldly, destinations like remote Northwest Passage, Antarctica, Madagascar and Easter Island. In a place where the very light of day is different than anywhere else in the world, Antarctica is a calm and peaceful continent where humanity seems almost insignificant, as nature just gets on with what it does all around you.
Dr James McClintock is a Climate Scientist and one of the experts who joins us on our Antarctica Cruise Adventure. He also heads up the Antarctica Climate Change Project, an incredible project supported by A&K Philanthropy (AKP). Since 2007, A&K guests and AKP have contributed nearly $500,000 to Dr McClintock’s pioneering studies and the purchase of equipment and laboratory supplies. You can deepen your understanding of environmental issues through his enriching lectures and excursions centred on environmental conservation, while on board our cruise. With the possibility to visit the U.S. Palmer Research Station for a behind-the-scenes tour.
For another ‘otherworldly’ and unique experience, guests on our French Polynesia to Easter Island Luxury Expedition Cruise are joined onboard by guest lecturer, Commander Susan Kilrain — a distinguished aerospace engineer and one of the first three women to pilot the space shuttle. On the voyage, she tells her story of her first mission and how it was tied to Easter Island.
Backed by an expedition cruising legacy of over 30 years, A&K’s award-winning Luxury Expedition Cruises journey to some of the most far-flung corners of the planet — taking guests to the heart of the action and up close and personal with wildlife. Joined onboard by notable experts in their fields including leading scientists, professors, photographers and cultural experts, guest will enjoy fascinating lectures and enrichment programs. We limit our exclusively chartered vessels to no more than 199 guests, with private balcony staterooms and a peerless staff-to-guest ratio of 1 to 3. Led by A&K’s own Expeditions Teams, they are the finest at sea, with every voyage is truly all-inclusive — from all excursions to meals, house drinks and onboard gratuities.
While on the topic, A&K is currently running a fantastic agent’s incentive on Luxury Expedition Cruises where if you sell three, you can sail for free! What an amazing opportunity to experience an A&K journey for yourself and the guest of your choice. The incentive ends on 31 January 2023 so there’s still time to become eligible.
Until next time.
Debra Fox
Managing Director for Tour Operations (outbound) Australia and New Zealand
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