Thinking of an Expedition Cruise?

So You’re Thinking of Embarking on an Expedition Cruise?

How is it different from traditional cruises that have been around for decades?

Size – Expedition ships are much smaller, usually under 250 passengers compared to traditional cruise ships that can have thousands of passengers. This allows expedition ships to access more remote locations.

Destinations – Expedition cruises visit more adventurous destinations like the polar regions, Alaska, the Galapagos, remote islands, etc. Traditional cruises tend to visit more populated ports and cities.

Activities – Expedition cruises have activities like kayaking, hiking, polar plunges, Zodiac excursions, and hands-on educational experiences. Traditional cruises focus more on entertainment, dining, pools, shows and relaxation.

Ambiance – The atmosphere on expedition ships is casual, laid-back and centered around the destination adventures. Traditional cruises have a more formal vibe with entertainment and dining as the focus.

Comfort – Expedition ships offer comfortable but not lavish accommodations. Traditional cruises have larger staterooms, multiple restaurants and ample lounging areas.

Itineraries – Expedition itineraries are flexible to adapt to changing nature and weather conditions. Traditional cruise itineraries are usually very port-focused and consistent.

So in short, expedition cruises are more adventurous and destination-focused, while traditional cruises offer more amenities, dining, entertainment and a fixed itinerary.

Do you need a travel advisor to help you book an expedition cruise?

Booking an expedition cruise directly with the cruise company is certainly an option. However, there are some potential benefits to using a travel advisor:

Expertise – An experienced travel agent will have great knowledge of expedition cruising and remote destinations. They can guide you on the most suitable options for your interests, budget, personal abilities/fitness level and expectations.

Savings – Travel agents can often access promotions, discounts or added bonuses that aren’t available to the public booking directly. They can also often book a package deal that may save you money on thinks like flights, hotel stays pre and post cruise and port transfers.

Objectivity – Rather than just selling you on a specific cruise line, a good travel advisor should be able to offer objective advice across multiple expedition lines.

Handling issues – If any problems come up pre-trip or during the voyage, your travel agent can help manage changes, cancellations or concerns.

By booking with a travel agent, you simplify the booking process, get the best value and make sure an expedition cruise is the right fit.

Are insurance requirements stricter for expedition cruises?

Insurance requirements tend to be more comprehensive for expedition cruises compared to traditional cruises. There are a few reasons for this:

Remote locations – Expedition cruises often travel to very remote areas like the polar regions, deep in the Amazon, distant islands, etc. If an emergency occurs, rescue or medical care may be days away.

Activities – The activities on expedition cruises like kayaking, hiking and Zodiac excursions tend to be more physically demanding and risky than on typical cruises.

Weather conditions – The weather can be unpredictable and extreme in some expedition destinations. Things like storms, swells, ice and snow can disrupt plans.

Limited infrastructure – Remote destinations often lack developed infrastructure for medical care, hospitals, etc. This is especially true in the polar regions.

For these reasons, travel insurance is a must when embarking on an expedition cruise (or any cruise holiday!) Insurance simply provides an added safety net.