John Tillitson: Behind the Scenes of 'Voyages of the Great Explorers'
by John Tillitson

On March 5, 2010, the luxury Spirit of Oceanus will depart on a 335-day circumnavigation of the globe: 24 voyages spanning 6 continents, more than 59 countries, 242 ports of call and 85 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

Meet John Tillitson, world traveler and mastermind behind developing these fascinating itineraries, as he tells us what went into the making of this remarkable series.

Click here to view introductory video, itineraries, maps, and special offers.
Click here to view Spirit of Oceanus slideshow.

Q&A with John Tillitson, Product Development Manager, Spirit of Oceanus:

1. What is your travel background? What are a few of your favorite places you’ve explored?

Being a native of the Northwest, I have had many opportunities to enjoy and treasure the wilderness, from alpine meadows filled with wildflowers to the thundering surf along the Washington coast. I think it was there that I learned to revel in the wonder of it all.

I was awakened to the wonders of travel as an exchange student to Japan. That experience left me completely enthralled with the richness and diversity of "foreign" cultures. (I still enjoy a hot bowl of noodles, haiku poems and drawing with sumi ink.) That wetted my appetite to visit the farthest away places I could find. During my college days, I was offered a job as a naturalist guide at St. Paul in the Pribilof Islands. It was a dream come true. I was dazzled by the abundance of fur seals, sea birds, the distinctive arctic flora as well as the Aleut people living there. In a sense, that island became one of my greatest teachers. While there, I met a number of illustrious scientists, naturalists and writers who encouraged me to travel far and wide to find the places that really made my imagination soar. I took their advice, and have been traveling ever since.

Some of my favorite travel experiences have been exploring in Papua New Guinea, the Russian Far East and some of the more remote island of the South Pacific. I have also been privileged to visit Antarctica, which has no equal. I admit that one of my favorite places seems to be anywhere I have not yet been....and the dream of going there.


2. How long have you been involved with designing expedition cruise itineraries?

I have been involved with operating and managing small cruise ships, developing itinerary plans, providing interpretive programs and even providing ships for over 25 years.


3. How did the "Voyages of the Great Explorers" come to be, and what was your role in developing this unique series?

The President and Chairman of Cruise West determined that they wanted to expand the companies mission of providing unforgettable memories to some of the most fascinating destinations on earth on a global scale. They envisioned a series of small ship voyages dedicated to delivering life enriching and intellectually engaging experiences while maintaining an up close and personal style. This has resulted in the evolution of a truly remarkable suite of journeys we have now titled " Voyages of the Great Explorers". The process has involved a number of very talented people with expertise in a number of fields. I have been involved in developing the itineraries, confirming port availability and coordinating communications between the various port and shore agencies involved in fulfilling the stated mission of these voyages.


4. Can you speak about the destinations included in these itineraries and why they were selected.

The various destinations were chosen for several reasons. Some were included because of their almost legendary allure and historic significant. Others because of the fame and grandeur they have maintained over hundreds and sometimes thousands of years. Others were chosen because of their relative isolation and relatively untouched authenticity. Yet others were chosen because of their unsurpassed natural beauty. It is our hope that we have combined these various aspects into uniquely beautiful voyages that will both inform and inspire our world travelers.


5. Do these cruises differ from other Cruise West voyages?

These voyages were created to meet the same core values as all Cruise West programs. We believe these voyages will provide unforgettable memories which will both surprise and delight our guests in the up close and personal style for which we have become so well known.

The Spirit of Oceanus is well appointed for her task; with comfort and fine amenities, a menu that will include regional selections, and fine wines as well as an enrichment program that will feature expert lecturers and regional specialists and local contributors.


6. Why do you think expedition travelers would enjoy one or more of these voyages?

By combining soft adventure with exceptional hospitality, an intriguing array of destinations, and a commitment to finding both the unique and insightful, we will discover together those authentic encounters which make a voyage by ship one of the most rewarding of travel experiences.


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