Viva Expeditions

06/01/2025

Next up is: Juanita’s Flavourful Mexican Escape

Juanita’s journey to Oaxaca in 2024 was a feast for the senses!

From ancient ruins to vibrant markets, every moment was a celebration of culture and flavour.

In Oaxaca, the Pan de Mu**to (Day of the Dead bread) is a delicious and symbolic treat, uniquely adorned with a figurine known as “la dama del pan” (the lady of the bread), representing the soul of a loved one. This sweet bread, flavoured with sesame seeds, cinnamon, and orange zest, is an essential part of Día de Mu**tos, shared among families and offered to the departed.

Highlight: Exploring Monte Albán, a breathtaking archaeological wonder, and sampling local dishes at Mercado de Artesanías.

Expert Tip: Don’t miss Tacos Chemita for an authentic meal. Look for the local ‘auntie’ at street food carts—she’s likely serving the best tamales in town!

02/01/2025

At Viva, we believe the best way to truly understand a destination is by experiencing it firsthand. In 2024, our team ventured into some of the world’s most incredible places, blending adventure, culture, and luxury.

First up: Rach’s unforgettable family safari—a perfect mix of luxury and adventure!

From the vibrant streets of Soweto to the tranquil salt pans of Botswana, her journey captured the heart and soul of Africa.

Highlight: Camping under Botswana’s starry skies and witnessing elephants enjoying their ‘spa day’ at Nxai Pan.

Expert Tip: Balance the itinerary! Mix up activities—game drives for wildlife, village tours for culture, and even a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view.

Want to dive deeper into Rach's African safari? Read her blog post and get inspired for your next adventure: https://vivaexpeditions.com/viva-travel-hub/exploring-africa-a-journey-of-discovery-and-adventure

Stay tuned—more inspiring adventures from our team are coming soon!

31/12/2024

✨ Here’s to a Magical New Year! ✨

The Northern Lights—nature’s most breathtaking spectacle—remind us of the beauty and wonder that’s out there, waiting to be discovered. As the ribbons of green and pink danced across the Arctic sky, we were reminded of what matters most: the experiences that take our breath away and the memories that stay with us forever.

At Viva Expeditions, we believe in living boldly and fully and we call it Viva La Vida, where experience is everything. It’s about exploring the world’s most incredible destinations, connecting with different cultures, and saying yes to moments that make you feel truly alive.

As we step into 2025, we wish you a year filled with adventure, discovery, and unforgettable memories. Whether it’s watching the Northern Lights, standing at the edge of the world, or simply finding magic in the everyday, may this year be your best yet.

Here’s to a New Year full of possibilities, and to making it one for the books. Happy New Year from all of us at Viva Expeditions!

29/12/2024

✈️ 2025 Multi-Generational Travel Trends You Can’t Miss!

Imagine this: your entire family – from grandparents to grandkids – embarking on an epic adventure together. At Viva Expeditions, we’ve crafted the perfect multi-generational holiday ideas for 2025 that blend adventure, relaxation, and family bonding like never before.

Highlights Include:
🧊 Antarctica Cruises for families with adult children
🐢 Galapagos Cruises for wildlife encounters
🦁 Safari Lodges in Southern Africa for exclusive adventures
🌴 Amazon Jungle Lodges for immersive nature experiences

Pro Tip: Balance activity with downtime and consider private accommodations for added comfort and flexibility.

🔗 Dive into the details and start planning the family trip of a lifetime with our new blog: https://vivaexpeditions.com/blog/multi-generational-extended-family-holiday-ideas

Contact our Destination Specialists today to make it happen!

Discover Viva’s pick of the best family holiday destinations tailored for unforgettable multi-generational trips.

27/12/2024

From the Top of the World to the Remote East Coast of Greenland

Having reached the North Pole, there was nowhere further to go—so we headed south. Our journey continued into the wild and breathtaking landscapes of Greenland's remote east coast, where adventure and discovery awaited at every turn.

We explored Scoresby Sound, the largest fjord system in the world, surrounded by towering icebergs stretching as far as the eye could see. We visited Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote settlement on Earth, with just 345 residents, immersing ourselves in local Inuit culture and experiencing life in one of the planet's most isolated communities.

With Le Commandant Charcot, every moment was designed to connect us deeply to this untouched world—whether through ice landings, Zodiac cruises, kayaking, or simply hiking through landscapes that defy imagination.

– “A journey of fjords, icebergs, and remote beauty. A place where the world feels vast, untouched, and awe-inspiring.” – Tara

24/12/2024

🎅 Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas everyone!

After days of navigating the frozen Arctic, braving the icy winds, and spotting polar bears, Tara made it all the way to the North Pole, and what visit to the North Pole would be complete without seeing Santa himself?

Looks like Tara made the VIP nice list this year!

Wishing all of you a magical Christmas filled with laughter, joy, and a little bit of unexpected adventure.

From our team to yours—Merry Christmas!

24/12/2024

Polar Plunge: North Pole Edition!

With a wind chill of -28°C and dressed only in a swimsuit, Tara took the leap (and maybe a sip of bubbly for bravery 🍾). Was it freezing? Let’s just say she was too cold to even think!

Here's to embracing bold adventures, the holiday joy, and a touch of champagne to celebrate it all.

Wishing you a joyful Christmas Eve!

23/12/2024

"The suspense onboard mounted as Captain Marchesseau skillfully maneuvered through the ice and parked the Charcot right on top of the world. We had reached 90 degrees North! The fireworks lit up the Charcot and the champagne flowed!"

“Setting foot on the frozen North Pole, thinking that humans had been to the moon before a ship was able to navigate to this spot!! Wow!! And yet there I was! How incredibly lucky I was to have visited this wild and inhospitable environment for a few days.”

Tara's incredible journey on Le Commandant Charcot didn't end there - stay tuned for more incredible stories as Tara travelled south through remote Greenland. The photos will blow you away!

23/12/2024

What excursions can you do on a cruise to the North Pole?

Viva's Operations Manager was recently onboard Le Commandant Charcot, and says one of her favourite highlights was cross-country skiing, and we can see why!

"Crossing the frozen landscape with a few meters of frozen ice and 4km of ocean depths below our feet was absolutely surreal.
The wind had created artistic ice sculptures all around."

Stay tuned for more stories from her epic trip. Do you think Santa will make an appearance when they make it all the way to the Pole? ;)

22/12/2024

“Some days felt like a never-ending sunrise over the frozen Arctic Sea. The sun rose only a couple of degrees above the horizon and stayed there the whole day because we were so far north and because of the time of year (it was late September). It was perfect for all the budding photographers onboard!" – Tara

Right up until Xmas we’re sharing Tara’s epic adventure all the way to the North Pole. Check our profile if you missed our earlier posts about life onboard Le Commandant Charcot and crushing through the ice.

And stay tuned right up to Xmas Day to find out if Santa was waiting for Tara at the North Pole!

20/12/2024

“The weather is cold and wild outside, indoors is warm, complete with fine dining, well stocked bars, a heated swimming pool, a spa, a sauna...a far cry from life onboard the ships of early explorers!” – Tara, from somewhere in the Arctic, en route to the North Pole.

Le Commandant Charcot is one of the finest ships around, and the only passenger ship in the world with a Polar Class 2 hull, allowing for navigation through multi-year ice.

Having travelled multiple times to both polar regions, Tara knows a thing or two about polar expedition ships – have a read of what she thought of this one on our blog - https://vivaexpeditions.com/blog/le-commandant-charcot-to-the-north-pole-trip-and-ship-review

And remember to stay tuned each day until Christmas to keep following Tara’s epic journey all the way to the North Pole – who knows, there might be a jolly man in red waiting for her there? 😉

18/12/2024

“I’ll never forget witnessing polar bears in their element, ambling from one ice flow to the next, riding the ocean swells and not bothered by us at all. In fact they were quite curious and one even came right up next to the ship. Perhaps he was enticed by the tantalizing scent of breakfast.” – Tara

Keep following along each day until Christmas for more stories from this Arctic adventure all the way to the North Pole!

16/12/2024

"After boarding in Svalbard, we voyaged north through the frozen Arctic Ocean. It was incredible to see the wide range of ice formations including pancake ice, and crushing through frozen sea waters (up to 2 metres thick!)" - Tara

Big ice, big adventure, but did she find the big man in red when she reached the North Pole?

Follow along each day until Christmas for more amazing stories from her journey, and to find out if her search for Santa was a success!

15/12/2024

Tara, one of our team’s most experienced polar expedition cruisers and a passionate adventure-seeker, recently embarked on a journey to the geographical North Pole aboard the luxurious Le Commandant Charcot.

Would she find Santa when she got there??
Follow along each day until Christmas to find out!

If you're interested in learning more about Tara's adventure, check out her blog 👉 https://vivaexpeditions.com/blog/le-commandant-charcot-to-the-north-pole-trip-and-ship-review

27/11/2024

Quote of the day, from Tanya Gurtin in Antarctica.
"When it's all too much, and you can't be bothered walking, make like a penguin, and slide on your tummy!" 😂

24/11/2024

Amazon River Cruises - Save up to 20%

Cruise along winding rivers, spot exotic wildlife, meet local communities, and immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of the jungle.

Get in touch with our South America travel specialists today for a personalised quote.

23/11/2024

Visiting Antarctica in November 🐧

🔷 It's the first full month of the Antarctic travel season, which means lots of pristine landing sites undisturbed by other visitors and white snowy landscapes.
🔷 Expect day-time temperatures of around 0 degrees Celcius, although windy days can feel colder.
🔷 Penguin rookeries are a hive of activity!
🔷 Sea ice is at its most impressive

📸 Pictures from the last couple of weeks in Antarctica on the Ocean Albatros.

🔖 Save this post for later if you're considering visiting Antarctica one day, OR
📞 Get in touch with our Antarctica Travel Specialists for expert assistance finding the right Antarctica cruise for you!

22/11/2024

Antarctica Expedition Cruises - Save up to 40%

Sail through icy waters, walk among massive penguin colonies, witness towering icebergs, and explore historic sites—all with expert guides by your side.

Our Antarctica Destination Specialists will work with you to find the perfect ship, cabin and itinerary to match your preferences. We work with nearly 30 different ships, and our experts have first-hand experience of expeditions to Antarctica so they can answer the questions you may not even have thought to ask.

Get in quick, these special offers won't last long!