What to Know About Expedition Cruises

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Galapagos Islands

They are immersive, adventurous, and educational; expedition cruises have all the ingredients of a thrilling and memorable vacation. That’s why expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments of the cruise industry. But, is it for you?

Expedition cruises are very different from ocean and river cruises. They sail to remote places that are beautiful, rugged, and undeveloped, with little to no tourism or infrastructure. Destinations include parts of the Arctic, such as Greenland and far northern Scandinavia; the Amazon River; the Galapagos Islands; parts of Southeast Asia; southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego; and Antarctica. Some mainstream cruise destinations, such as Alaska, are expedition cruise destinations, too – but the expedition ships go to more isolated places.

Expedition ships are different from ocean and river cruise ships, too. They are smaller and often tougher – their hulls may be reinforced with steel to handle icy waters. Their size makes them agile, so they can navigate narrow channels, sail into small bays, and get close to wild shorelines.

These ships don’t have a wide range of amenities: there may be just one dining area, and if there’s a lounge, spa, or gym, it will be small. However, the interior of an expedition ship is usually quite luxurious, designed to provide comfortable rest after each day of exploration. While there won’t be stage shows, casinos, or swimming pools, there will be delicious food and drinks, good company, and experts ready to talk about the history, geography, and wildlife of the destination.

Many expedition ships are equipped with small rubber boats that take passengers to shore for excursions like hiking, climbing, and trekking. The ships may also have gear like kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel and dive equipment, or parkas and snowshoes for passenger use. A few ships even have small submarines for underwater exploration.

Given the focus on undeveloped destinations, it’s important to be in good health for an expedition cruise. You don’t need to be ready for a triathlon, but it’s helpful to have good mobility, flexibility, and balance to handle transfers from ship to shore, as well as uneven or slippery terrain. If an expedition cruise appeals to you, it may be helpful to talk with your medical provider about activities you can do to help prepare.

And, of course, talk with Anita, your professional travel provider, about the many options for expedition cruises to some of the world’s most remote and beautiful areas.

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