Zegrahm Expeditions & Seacology Announce Collaboration on Polynesia Eco Cruise

April 16, 2010 - PRLog -- Seattle, WA  -- Zegrahm Expeditions has teamed up with Seacology, a non-profit environmental organization devoted to preserving island biodiversity and traditional communities, on one of Zegrahm’s 2010 Polynesia eco cruises. On the September Bridging the Equator: Micronesia & Polynesia itinerary, travelers will have the opportunity to visit Seacology’s community project on Nanumea Atoll in Tuvalu. This project is devoted to planting mangroves along the unprotected coastline that is threatened with incoming tides due to the rising sea level.

Zegrahm’s Polynesia eco cruise itineraries are designed to include islands that often have little contact with the outside world. The intent is to give seasoned travelers the opportunity to visit remote communities that seldom benefit from tourism, the funds normally going to more popular tourist destinations. These efforts have been part of the Zegrahm Expeditions’ philosophy since its founding 20 years ago, and by partnering with Seacology on this Polynesia eco cruise, travelers are able to witness the time-honored traditions coupled with modern-day challenges of the tiny island nation of Tuvalu that stands no higher than 16 feet above sea level.

Prior to their visit to Tuvalu, travelers will have explored warm, tropical undersea kingdoms with a highlight being the best known of the Marshall Island, Bikini Atoll, which will offer divers breathtaking views of post-war wrecks. Above the waterline travelers are greeted with conch shells, the pounding of ancestral drums, and traditional games and dances. Men spin coconut fibers into sennit for lacing outrigger canoes, women weave pandanus mats, and throughout these voyages villagers invite us into their meeting houses, share local delicacies, and display their handicrafts.

Zegrahm’s accompanying leader and lecture team—many internationally renowned in their field—offer insightful introductions to both favorite and far-flung island destinations and their traditional cultures. Onboard lectures on this Polynesia eco cruise enhance the encounters with local islanders ashore, and recaps at the end of each day lend a multi-dimensional component to the experience. The executive director of Seacology, Duane Silverstein, will travel on this Polynesia eco cruise to add further depth to the lecture team and host travelers when we go ashore on Nanumea.

To learn more about Zegrahm Expeditions’ Bridging the Equator: Micronesia & Polynesia cruise, visit http://www.zeco.com.

Seattle-based Zegrahm Expeditions Inc., founded in 1990, is a leading adventure travel company specializing in small-ship eco cruises, tours, and safaris to remote and intriguing destinations around the world. Led by expert guides and lecturers, Zegrahm itineraries are carefully crafted and all-inclusive, feature deluxe accommodations, and operate in all seven continents. For more information, please access http://www.zeco.com.

Contact:
Carmin Arnot
Zegrahm Expeditions Inc
Seattle, WA
206.285.4000
carmina@zeco.com
http://www.zeco.com