Expedition - The next big thing in cruising
Once a niche market, expedition and adventure cruises are increasingly in demand as more and more holidaymakers discover that small ship cruising is the best way to get off-the-beaten-track and see some of the world’s most unspoilt and remote destinations.
From waking up anchored in a secluded bay with nothing but a morning swim on the agenda to opening your cabin’s curtains to the white wonderland of polar caps and the promise of penguins, expedition cruising is more about the destination than the ship.
Proving that bigger isn’t always better, small ships celebrate their boutique size by navigating tight waterways and accessing remote locations that other liners can’t reach, offering guests a truly unique holiday experience.
From the tips of Antarctica icebergs to the dramatic falls of the Kimberley, expedition cruising is often the only way to get to the heart of a destination, which really is best seen by sea.
Because of the size of the ships, there are sometimes only a few dozen or a few hundred guests sharing the experience, which means no one is a number in the crowd.
It also means flexibility when it comes to itineraries. Spontaneous guests will love the opportunity to drop anchor somewhere unplanned to enjoy a stroll ashore and meet some locals, or get swept up in a once-in-a-lifetime marine encounter or just because it’s beautiful, and they can.
A key attribute of expedition cruising is the opportunity for full immersion with crew often consisting of a mix of locals and experts who ensure the colour and culture of the place is just as alive on the ship as off.
Remote destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic have surged in popularity with cruisers of all ages making it a priority to tick these trips of a lifetime off their bucket list.
Expedition cruising attracts a lot of well-travelled holidaymakers who are seeking new adventures, enriching experiences and an authentic connection with their chosen destination – something that can only be achieved with small ship cruising.
Cruise guests feel like they have experienced the destination as a local, rather than a tourist. They often walk away with a shipload of friends, as well as lifelong memories.