Robin West, vice-president of expedition operations and planning, Seabourn

Robin has worked in the travel industry for 22 years, having started his career as the owner of two outdoor adventure companies.

He joined Seabourn as expedition leader in 2013 during the line’s inaugural Antarctic season and has since been promoted to vice-president of expedition operations and planning. He has visited Antarctica more than 80 times and been on board 40 Kimberley sailings.

What kind of cultural experiences can be enjoyed on an expedition cruise?

Expeditions to breathtaking destinations such as Australia’s Kimberley and Arctic Greenland offer travellers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the rich heritage of these regions.

Expedition cruising is a gateway to exploring Indigenous communities, traditions and histories that have shaped the identity of these lands for centuries. With Seabourn, cultural engagement extends beyond mere observation – it involves active participation, immersive experiences and a respectful exchange of knowledge and traditions.

When visiting the Kimberley, guests may visit remote communities, where they can learn about traditional hunting and gathering practices and rock art interpretation.

Remote Inuit communities have inhabited the Arctic for thousands of years, developing ways of life that are adapted to the harsh environment. Expedition sailings to Greenland give guests the opportunity to interact with residents, visit historic settlements and learn about traditional crafts such as kayak building.

Seabourn Venture makes regular visits to places such as Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund) and Aappilattoq, where guests gain insights into the locals’ resilience, resourcefulness and deep connection to the natural world.

Cultural engagement is not only enriching for travellers but also contributes to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous cultures.

By supporting local artisans, attending performances and participating in community-led initiatives, each visitor plays a role in sustaining traditional practices and fostering intercultural dialogue.

This helps bridge the gap between different ways of life, fostering mutual respect, understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. One of the key aspects of cultural engagement is the emphasis on responsible tourism.

Seabourn works closely with local communities to ensure that cultural exchanges are conducted in a respectful and sustainable manner, including obtaining permissions to visit sacred sites, respecting traditional protocols and supporting community-led projects that benefit the local population.

Expedition cruising allows a unique kind of cultural engagement that gives each guest the opportunity to experience a transformative journey of discovery, connection and education.

The Kimberley and Greenland expeditions also offer guests the chance to encounter unique wildlife such as polar bears and humpback whales while cruising through rugged fjords and past ancient glaciers.