Our tips for a warm-water expedition cruise

I recently had the incredible opportunity to embark on a warm water expedition with Ponant — and let me tell you, it was an adventure like no other. It’s important to remember, despite the fact that you’re cruising through sunny waters, this is still very much an expedition cruise. So, from waterproof essentials to magical island encounters, here's a glimpse into my unforgettable journey.

First up — you need to know exactly what to pack for a warm-water expedition.

Everything waterproof for when tropical storms come down (bags,  jacket, everything!)
Mosquito spray is absolutely essential — a good afterbite cream is a good idea too
Quick-drying clothes and clothes with long sleeves and legs
Sea shoes are an essential — I chose Crocs and they worked perfectly
Swimwear for all the incredible beaches you’ll visit
Binoculars to spot the hidden wildlife 

Each morning, we rose early to catch the zodiacs for our expeditions, returning for lunch before heading out again in the afternoon. Some activities consisted of hikes to see the stunning views of what this island really had to offer. You had the option to see the wildlife and waterfalls, but most of the excursions were zodiac tours and visits to islands to meet the locals. The days could be tiring but so worth it. You could choose to stay on the ship if you wished and take advantage of the sundeck and swimming pool located on deck 3. 

Daily meetings occurred to recap the day and discuss the next day's itinerary, typically in the evening before dinner. These sessions were incredibly helpful, but don’t worry if you missed it; there was an expedition desk on deck 3 that was available to address any queries. With daily programmes being distributed each evening for the upcoming activities, complete with timings, made it much easier to plan your days itinerary.

Expeditions were conducted separately for English and French speakers, ensuring ease of communication with your designated naturalist. The Naturalist team was incredible. A special shoutout to Tristan, who was exceptional -  friendly, knew our names from the very first day, and had impeccable knowledge about the wildlife we saw. With naturalists abundant on every expedition, safety was never a concern, even when there could have been a jaguar around the corner. Additionally, there were local naturalists from Honduras onboard with us to answer any queries we had about the culture and heritage of the island.

My personal highlight was visiting Half Moon Caye on our last day, an experience which felt like a dream. When we were arriving by zodiac, it felt reminiscent of a scene from Madagascar. The island was inhabited only by birds, turtles and mainland maintainers, offering breathtaking views and a chance to witness nesting Frigates, Red-footed boobies, and Grackles. The views around the island were unbelievable, it was a real pinch-me moment! Afternoon snorkeling revealed a range of marine life including nurse sharks, stingrays, and Barracuda.

Another unforgettable moment was visiting the locals on the island of Guanaja. I can't even describe how overwhelming it was arriving on the island; the local children from the school were on the dock awaiting our arrival. They greeted us with music, dance and enthusiastic waves. To top it off, a colorful banner stating “welcome to Guanaja” added to the heart warming atmosphere. The people were extremely kind and welcoming. Some of the islands we visited hadn't had a cruise ship visit since 2007, so they were very excited to meet us. The children asked us if they could come back to the ship with us, unfortunately, that wasn't possible. While to some people it may seem like they have next to nothing, they act like they have everything. They are so happy and grateful for what they do have. One little girl even tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a sweet.

While we were there, we visited numerous islands and were welcomed with open arms every time. Seeing their culture and their unique way of life was eye opening, from savoring a cold beer on a scorching day to participating in their traditions with their families, every moment was an opportunity. Fully immersing myself in their way of life was an experience like no other.

An experience I will never forget.

Thank you Ponant – I LOVED IT!

Call Panache Cruises on 0161 513 8200 if you want to learn more about expedition with Ponant.