Little Details go a Long Way!

Waterproof Expedition’s team members Fleur van Lieshout, Sales & Reservations, and myself, Elizabeth Robinson, Marketing & Operations Manager, joined a mini-expedition onboard Sea Spirit earlier this month. 

When searching for the perfect expedition for you, it can often feel that there are so many options. The conglomerate of destinations, ships, landing sites, and operators can feel daunting and we understand that! That is why we find value in having our team go onboard and experience the various ships, destinations, and operations firsthand.

While onboard Sea Spirit, there were a number of things that stood out to me that makes an expedition on this vessel unlike anything else. I have compiled a list of 10 details I noticed while onboard that show this operator, the crew, and the expedition team are there for you, the guest! And look out for special highlight #11 at the end!

It’s all in the little details!

1.Warm Welcome: Upon arrival in Llandundo, Wales, the team met us at the beach. The meeting point was clear, introductions were shared and a zodiac was waiting to bring us to the ship. When we reached the ship, the crew awaited us in the lounge with a warm hand towel, and we were personally escorted to our cabins. After settling in, we were welcomed to the lounge for welcome onboard snacks and drinks- the perfect combination after a long travel day.

2. Name Tag for Guests: A small, yet well-thought out detail was that each guest received a name tag for the voyage. This extra touch shows the effort to make these trips feel comfortable from the get-go. For solo travellers, this gesture serves as an ice-breaker to meet your fellow travellers and gain the confidence to strike up conversations. I know when I travel solo, I often feel too shy to introduce myself to others, but with name tags on everyone – not just the staff and crew – it shows that guest comfort is a top priority.

3. Outlet Converters in each Cabin: In our cabins, we found our complimentary expedition souvenir items such as a branded waterbottle, destination notebook,and tote bag, just to name a few, as well as outlet converters. While packing for an expedition – perhaps your first time to the Arctic, the Antarctic, or even first time on a ship – the packing list can seem stressful. Needing to travel half way across the world, finally arriving onboard and in your cabin, just to realise the power outlets are different from your home, can be frustrating. Maybe you can quickly purchase an adapter before departure or borrow one from a friend. But instead, the moment of stepping into your cabin with an outlet converter and extended already plugged in and ready to go, it feels like such a relief.

4. Decoration in the Corridors: During the ship’s tour, we walked through many corridors featuring well-thought-out artwork, photographs, and plaques honouring various aspects of expeditions, specifically in the polar regions. There were historic photographs of Roald Amundsen’s expeditions, vintage-style banners showcasing the various itineraries Sea Spirit ventures to, and an entire staircase with honourable plaques depicting memorable port calls from around the world. This little touch adds a classy way to confidently portray their experience in the industry without appearing too flaunty or flashy.

5. Library & Newspapers: What an impressive selection of books! From floor to ceiling on both port and starboard side, the plethora of polar exploration books, botany, wildlife guides, and personal stories was impressive. Additionally, everyday they provided newspapers from various countries. I personally appreciated this, as when onboard, I think it is best to disconnect from shoreside and not be worried about the internet connection. The connection that matters is with nature. Having the news available to quickly scan, or a wildlife guide to identify the bird I saw flying by, was a special touch. Not to mention the myriad of languages represented! This detail shows their effort to offer something for each guest that steps onboard, regardless of the langauge they speak.

6. Extensive Drinks Menu: At the end of a lovely day outside exploring – either on the zodiacs or on land – it is a treasure to meet your fellow passengers in the lounge for an end-of-day drink and moment of reflection. I was impressed with the multi-page drinks menu, the most I have ever seen on a ship! The options of local spirits and beers was impressive, the variety of mocktail drinks was plentiful, and the choices of soft drinks was refreshing. Again, it is a little detail that goes a long way on an expedition voyage!

7. Staff and Crew Retention: A chance to sit down with the expedition team proved very valuable in learning more about the behind-the-scenes operations. Hearing from some of the expedition guides, as well as the expedition leader, it is clear that many of them have worked there for years and years. They spoke of their favourite voyages, what it feels like to live the expedition guide lifestyle, and which destinations they look forward to in the upcoming season. This didn’t go unnoticed with the crew either. The wonderful dining room staff, the bar staff, and hotel receptionists had also been working onboard Sea Spirit for many years, with multiple seasons under their belts. As a guest onboard, hearing about the positive experiences from the staff and crew means a lot and shows the company treats its employees with respect.

8. Lounge Chairs Facing Forward: Perhaps the most simple highlight yet, but I noticed before the lectures and briefings began, all the chairs in the lounge faced the same direction. This simple touch shows the housekeeping staff think about everything – big or small – that can make a guest’s experience onboard more comfortable. It truly feels like you are being well taken care of by the staff and crew onboard when you walk into the lounge for a lecture and are greeting by smiling faces and a well-prepared presentation area.

9. USB to Take Home: This smart and efficient addition to the complimentary onboard souvenirs goes a long way. At the end of the voyage, it is standard to receive information and highlights from your trip. This includes daily programmes, maps, a slideshow with videos and photos from the onboard photographer, and more. Before disembarkation, these USBs are loaded with access to these items so the moment you step off the ship and find a computer, you have everything you need to reminisce about the trip. To top it off, the USB is also in the shape of Sea Spirit!

….and the last of the highlights!

10. “Beyond the Postcards”: While onboard, we attended many presentations, and what stood out to me the most was the consistent message that each expedition was planned to go ‘beyond the postcards’. I appreciated this, as it shows a deeper level of appreciation and planning for the different landing sites, the cultures guests would be immersed in, and the unique wildlife encounters sought out along the way.

Bonus Special Highlight

11. The Food Animals: What a fun addition! During each meal, the food was delicious, well cooked, and warm. But what couldn’t go unnoticed was the fun food animals the chef and his team prepared for us. Again, it’s the little things that mean a lot on these expeditions!

While disembarking, I felt a profound appreciation for the ship and the operations. During our mini-cruise, we witnessed the intricacy and professionalism involved in planning an expedition, welcoming guests onboard from around the world, prioritising safe operations, and consistently going above and beyond. When many destinations, ships, and operators can feel similar, I believe it is these little things that truly set an expedition like this one onboard Sea Spirit above the rest!

Check out our Sea Spirit highlight reel below!

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Een bericht gedeeld door Waterproof Expeditions (@waterproofcruisesexpeditions)