Eight Reasons to Choose an Expedition Cruise
Adventure travel and, in particular, expedition cruising, are amongst the fastest growing tourism trends as travellers look to get way from the masses, opting for intimate, bucket-list experiences where the unexpected is welcome and memories are made. Here are our eight top reasons to choose an expedition cruise for your next holiday.
An expedition cruise is a specialized, immersive travel experience focused on exploring remote, untamed, or ecologically sensitive destinations like the Arctic, Antarctica, or the Galapagos.
1: The Destinations
Expedition cruises tend to be less focused on the onboard facilities, and more focused on the destination. The smaller size of expedition vessels allows them to take modern-day explorers into some of the most remote locations on the planet. From the Arctic to Antarctica and from Greenland to the Galapagos Islands, guests are treated to up close and personal views of some of the world’s most striking, natural landscapes. Zodiac excursions enhance the wonder by allowing guests to go ashore and explore these spectacular locations, usually with experts.
2: The Wildlife
Being able to explore such isolated, natural locations means that guests are able to witness some of the world’s most rare and iconic creatures. Whether it’s polar bears in the Arctic, a pod of humpback whales passing by or one of the 126 bird species that call New Zealand’s Sub Antarctic Islands home, there are plenty of once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters to imprint on the memory.
3: Uncrowded
An expedition cruise offers a much more intimate and personal cruising experience – simply by catering to a lower number of guests. Many expedition cruise ships carry no more than 200 passengers, which means less time waiting in queues and no fear of overcrowding destinations.
4: Camaraderie
Expedition cruise-goers are a social bunch. With a lot of expedition vessels accommodating less than 100 passengers, being social is very easy. Meals are usually open seating, giving you the chance to share stories with your fellow, like-minded passengers. You’ll be hard-pressed to not make friends as most expedition cruise-goers are there for the adventure and experiences, just like you.
5: The Culture
Being able to access waterways and ports that big ships are unable to enter means that expedition cruises can immerse guests in some of the world’s most exotic and intact cultures. With local guides providing insightful knowledge, guests are treated to unique and intimate experiences with local cultures, such as a traditional Inuit welcome by the indigenous community of Pond Inlet in Canada or a good-bye ceremony pictured here in Japan.
6: Education
Not only do expedition cruises allow you to see and explore amazing locations, they also enrich you with knowledge about the destinations you visit. Most expedition cruises have onboard experts in many different fields. Whether it is history, geology, marine biology, photography or global warming, you will learn some interesting facts about your destination and its inhabitants.
7: Flexible Itinerary
Travelling in some of the world’s most unpredictable natural locations such as the polar regions means that each day on the water will be different, with the itinerary open and subject to change. And that’s exciting, with each day full of surprises. From the weather to wildlife sightings, expedition cruises go with the flow. One minute you’re on the way to a remote island, the next you are sailing alongside the ice to get a glimpse at a polar bear.
8: Individualised Attention
On an expedition cruise, you are not just a number and you are not lost amongst the masses. Instead, you are treated with a personal touch. The onboard expedition team knows your name and caters to your specific needs – just ask them!
Does this sound like your kind of travel experience? Contact the expedition experts at Cruise Traveller today!