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Winner of the 13th Prix du Reportage: A “Luxurious Adventure” Aboard an Exploration Vessel (Part 1)

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Winner of the 13th Prix du Reportage: A “Luxurious Adventure” Aboard an Exploration Vessel (Part 1)

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The majestic Silver Explorer, 6,072 tons with a passenger capacity of 132.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Only small ships can navigate the Garonne River and dock in the heart of Bordeaux.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The Vista Suite stateroom, luxuriously equipped with a bathtub in every room.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The largest Owner's Suite spans 58 square meters, including the living room, walk-in closet, and veranda.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The veranda of the Owner's Suite offers spectacular views, perfect for enjoying breakfast.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> A photograph of Prince Albert II of Monaco from the ship's maiden voyage adorns the corridor.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Vintage Louis Vuitton advertisements, evoking the spirit of the Grand Tour, stir the wanderlust.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Items related to expeditions, such as photographs from Antarctic explorations, are also displayed.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The butler, who attended to personal needs, was exceptionally skilled, quickly learning preferences from packing luggage to morning tea.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The single dining venue offers a private experience, unlike casual cruises where meal times may be fixed or guests seated with strangers. Silver Explorer provides individual tables and flexible dining hours.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The restaurant staff, led by experienced maîtres, provide meticulous service. On this small cruise ship, they quickly learn guests' names, fostering a friendly atmosphere.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Executive Chef Christian Armster, a German-born chef with extensive experience across various cruise lines.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> All meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are à la carte, allowing guests to choose freely. Some dishes are curated daily by Relais & Châteaux master chefs. Vintage wines and champagne are included, excluding premium selections.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Deck 5 features a humidor and an adjacent bar lounge, serving as a social hub for gentlemen. Notably, there is no casino.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The expedition team, comprised of experts in fields such as ornithology and history, accompanies all excursions. Evening lectures cover the culture and nature of the visited ports.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Eight durable Zodiac boats, originally developed for military use, are carried. They enable landings in small coves and were instrumental during the recent visit to Quiberon.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Silver Explorer's high crew-to-guest ratio is a hallmark, ensuring personalized care that enhances the luxury of the cruise.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Even days at sea are enjoyable. Savor the luxury of watching the horizon change colors from your veranda, indulge in room service or complimentary on-demand movies in your suite, or enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Silver Galapagos, the second expedition ship to undergo renovation.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> With two explorer ships, expeditions to the Galapagos Islands, the setting for Darwin's "On the Origin of Species," are now possible.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The beautiful old town of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in culture and history. The Silver Explorer, docked at Place des Quinconces, offers views of this picturesque cityscape.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> While navigating the Gironde River, you'll pass various tankers. One such vessel carries parts for the latest Airbus A380, the double-decker aircraft from the aerospace hub of Toulouse—a thrilling sight for aviation enthusiasts.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The elegant streets of Saint-Émilion and its vineyards. This is one of France's premier wine regions, renowned for producing top-quality red wines.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Saint-Émilion's compact center is easily explored on foot, with bistros, wine shops, and cafes lining the streets.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> In Saint-Émilion, the landscape of vineyards seamlessly integrates with daily life, creating an atmosphere of gentle tranquility.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The monolithic church, carved directly from a single block of limestone rock between the 9th and 12th centuries.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The shop of Madame Blanche, said to be the originator of macarons. It's so unassuming you might walk right past it, marked only by its red and white striped awning.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The rumored macarons. Uniquely served stuck to paper, they are not filled with jam.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> A tasting exclusively for cruise guests within the winery, sampling four types of red wine.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Château Cadet-Piola is now part of Château Soutard, another renowned Saint-Émilion estate. This allowed for the luxurious experience of tasting wines from both châteaux.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> An elegant breakfast onboard, enjoyed at a table set just for you. By this time, the staff knew my name and face.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The charming port of Quiberon. For guests preferring independent exploration, a shuttle bus to the town center was provided.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The Zodiac boat speeding across the water. Juan Carlos, the expedition team's skilled leader, expertly maneuvered it, adjusting speed to match the guests' comfort.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Piles of Cruises (Japanese oysters). Freshly shucked and served immediately, they were delightful eaten plain or with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of Tabasco!

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> These are Blonds (flat oysters), a premium variety rich in minerals and with a milky flavor.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The impressive Carnac stones. Their connection to "ley lines," believed to be power lines running through the earth, makes them essential to ancient mysteries.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The area is surrounded by walking paths, allowing for exploration on foot in about an hour. A museum displays artifacts excavated from the site.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Part of the Kerlescan alignments, resembling tombstones. The weathered rock surfaces add to their mystique.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The Silver Explorer anchored offshore. Returning from an excursion, the warm welcome from the staff and butler, "Welcome back!" was always a delight.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The mini-bar in the suite, including champagne, is complimentary as it's included in the cruise fare. A butler will serve chilled champagne upon request.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Various programs are offered on sea days. Afternoon tea is elegant, and the lounge becomes a vibrant social space.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As expected, many Japanese tourists were present. The abbey, perched on a tidal island, is always a majestic sight.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> A new electric bus provides transport to the entrance. If time permits, one can also walk across.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Inside the island, restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafes line the streets, bustling with tourists. Narrow alleys branch off, leading to residential areas and hotels.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The inner courtyard of Mont Saint-Michel, considered its most beautiful part. It's a popular spot for visitors to take commemorative photos.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> A moment of profound silence. It feels as if you've stepped back into the Middle Ages.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The view from the abbey. The tidal range here exceeds ten meters, and in the past, many pilgrims tragically lost their lives to the incoming tide.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> The old town of Saint-Malo. The cobblestone streets are picturesque from every angle, and the town is perfectly sized for exploring on foot.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> Oysters are a local specialty here, with numerous oyster bars and restaurants serving them fresh.

<strong>Feature | From Bordeaux to the English Channel! Enjoy a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship</strong> A rite of passage upon departing Saint-Malo: the ship slowly navigates through the bridge, which opens and closes for passage, with mere inches to spare.

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【13th Prix du Reportage France-Japon Award Winner】 Embark on a "Luxurious Adventure" by Expedition Ship (Part 1)

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