Author Update: In December 2014, Ponant Cruises acquired many of the assets of Travel Dynamics International. Ponant specializes in luxury expedition cruises aboard its fleet of five yacht-style vessels, with a focus on destination-rich itineraries, including 15 years sailing the polar regions.
For 45 years, Travel Dynamics International offered world-class educational cruises to destinations around the world, accompanied by distinguished academics, expert teachers and local guides.
By combining the expertise of the two companies, Ponant intends to develop enrichment programs with a focus on cultural travel and expeditions to the seven continents. Some of the information for Travel Dynamics International in the remainder of this article is out of date, but Ponant Cruises offers a similar luxurious atmosphere and setting on its five small cruises.
Older travelers looking for less luxury might enjoy Grand Circle Cruises, which offers a similar educational atmosphere for cruise travelers on their small cruises.
————————————————– ————-
Travel Dynamics International Lifestyle:
Travel Dynamics International (TDI) operated small cruises between 1969 and 2014. The company focused primarily on educational cruises to destinations in North America, Europe, South America, Africa, and Antarctica. The onboard dress is country club casual.
Travel Dynamics International Cruises:
Cruise travelers who enjoyed sailing with Travel Dynamics International can find three of the ships previously used by TDI that are now owned and operated by Grand Circle Cruises: the Corinthian, Arethusa and Artemis. Grand Circle also specializes in educational cruise tours.
Travel Dynamics International Passenger Profile:
The passengers on the TDI ships were those interested in lifelong learning and interested in history, culture and nature. The cruises had experts on board who gave lectures on a variety of topics, and all shore excursions were included in the rate. Of course, those who are not interested in conferences or just want to stay on board and enjoy the ship are welcome, but most of the TDI guests were engrossed in destinations and wanted to expand their physical horizons.
Travel Dynamics International Accommodation and cabins:
Travelers found no large suites on TDI ships. However, on a small boat, it won’t take long to get from your cabin to the outside!
Travel Dynamics International cuisine and gastronomy:
Breakfast and lunch were served as buffets, and dinner was a five-course à la carte dinner featuring continental European cuisine. All meals were open-seated and served in the ship’s restaurant or outdoors on the deck, weather permitting. House wine and beer were free with lunch and dinner. Room service was also available.
Activities and entertainment on board of Travel Dynamics International:
As noted above, most TDI guests were interested in learning about cruise destinations, so much of the time on board was filled with expert speakers leading discussions on ports, culture, history. , the art and flora / fauna / geology of the area. Many of the professors were world-class academics, authors, or educators. Some are household names, like former professors Marvin Kalb, Peter Hillary, and Paul Volcker.
