In most cases, expedition cruise ships are equipped with expedition boats, also known colloquially as Zodiacs or tender boats. In many of the regions of the world that are explored on expedition cruises, the harbors are not big enough to dock a large ship. There, the expedition boats can be used to take guests from the ship to land. This is done either via a jetty or a natural landing site.

We also take our guests on outings with the expedition boats. On these cruisings, we try to gain new perspectives on the regions we visit, either by simply sailing through fjords that the ship cannot reach or by moving so far away from the ship in otherwise pristine nature that we can no longer see it and are “alone” in nature. In the polar regions of the world, it is particularly exciting to navigate alongside icebergs and ice floes (at a safe distance, of course) and see what lies around the next bend. Nature will always provide a surprise or two, and with the necessary caution and care, you can also get closer to the wildlife. However, just like on land, there are regulations on minimum distances and behavioral guidelines.

I still remember my first boat driving lessons a few years ago. On my first attempt to dock at a tenderpit (the place on the ship where the small expedition boats dock to let guests on and off), I damaged one of the small boats. After (many) hours of training later, I was allowed to drive through the Antarctic ice for the first time alone and without an instructor in January 2020. After several laps and hours among icebergs, seals, and even the occasional humpback whale, I could no longer feel my fingers, but my happy smile was frozen in place. 

With experience came routine and the anticipation of beautiful days on the water. When the boats are lowered into the water before a round trip, there is always a brief moment to pause and enjoy life. The photo below was taken at such a moment. With binoculars, radio, and ski goggles on, I wait to be called to the tenderpit so that I can pick up the guests in the best possible weather. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, work on board naturally had to undergo changes as well. The necessary measures even extended to our small boats, which we, as drivers, had to disinfect again and again in between each tour.