About 20 years ago, river cruising became the next big thing in travel. It had been around previously in a limited capacity, but nothing like it is now. About half the trips we book is on the river – and we are typical of many travel agencies.
Expedition cruising is in the same space from a market perspective that river cruising was a couple of decades ago. People have heard of it, but most of our clients have not experienced an expedition cruise.
Part of this is awareness, and part of it is the word “expedition”. It makes people feel they are not young or fit enough enjoy such a trip. We need to come up with a better word than “expedition”, but until that happens, here’s a quick test you can take to assess whether you would be a good fit for an expedition cruise:
- Are you between 55 and 75 (either chronologically, or at least in spirit)?
- Can you climb two flights of stairs easily? (you’re allowed to be a bit winded)
- Can you get in and out of a bathtub unassisted?
- Are you curious about the earth and outdoors?
If you answered “yes” to all four of these, you are a good match for an expedition cruise.
In reality, the cruise lines have blurred the line between expedition cruise products and small ship luxury products. All the expedition companies we deal with definitely qualify as luxury products as well. You won’t be roughing it. You can expect a comfortable stateroom, gourmet meals, and luxury ship amenities like a spa, swimming pools and saunas, and with only a few hundred people on board.
In many ways, an expedition cruise is much more like a river cruise – one that just happens to take place on the oceans (or the Great Lakes, or the Amazon… but more on that in a minute).
Here’s a look at the companies with whom we book the most Expedition Cruises:
American Queen Voyages. 168 guests in Alaska. See our ship tour video here: https://youtu.be/KVaMZC2oTrQ
Celebrity Galapagos. They have three ships there – the smallest holds 16, and the largest holds 100.
Hurtigruten. They have the hybrid electric powered ships, as well as science lab, and plenty of luxury amenities too. See our ship tour video here: https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0
Seabourn. Seabourn is best known for its small luxury ships, and the Seabourn Venture lives up the brand name, but with only 264 guests. They also have kayaks, zodiacs and a submarine on board.
SilverSea. SilverSea recently acquired the Crystal Endeavour, bringing its expedition fleet up to 5 vessels. Masters of the luxury cruise, they use this expertise to bring added comfort for the expedition cruiser
Viking. Viking is best known for its river product, but it has an ocean fleet of 9 vessels, and more recently added 2 expedition vessels to its fleet. This combination of river and ocean experience will serve them well as they build their expedition market. The Viking Octantis and Polaris each hold 378 guests. There is a submarine available for guest use.
So… where can you go on one of these expedition ships?
- Alaska
- Amazon River
- Antarctica
- Galapagos Islands
- The Great Lakes
- Northwest Passage
- Norwegian Coast
- Pacific South America (incl. Patagonia)
- West Africa
- Some out-of-the-way tropical places during repositioning season
What can you do on board?
Kayak adventures. You really don’t need any previous experience or special skills to paddle in a kayak.
Zodiac boat rides. If you don’t want to paddle, and leave the driving to someone else.
Gentle hiking. Most of the “hiking” excursions are more of a walk (although there are more challenging optional hikes).
Submarine rides.
Participate in scientific research – most expedition companies have agreements with educational institutions, and research is being conducted on board.
Whale watching.
Snorkeling. Believe it or not, you can do this in both warm water destinations, and cold water ones as well. We went snorkeling in Alaska a few years ago (with dry suits!), and it was spectacular.
Lectures and enrichment. Learn about the ecology, geography, and wildlife of the land and sea life where you are travelling.
What you DON’T do. Shopping malls and tourist traps.
If you’ve been to a lot of other places, and want to try something new, OR you just really like being outside, then an expedition cruise might be next for you. There’s no need to worry about being super-fit or active. It’s more about your interest and frame of mind.
Today’s Travel Opportunities
Already booked a Viking cruise? Please get in touch as soon as possible so I can add extra onboard credits to your existing reservation. Viking makes it really easy to book direct and often it makes sense to do that… but I want to make sure you’re getting all the extra perks you’re entitled to, just for being associated with my agency. I have access to exactly the same prices you’d receive by booking direct (including ‘invisible’ promotions), and in case you’re wondering, I do not charge any extra fees.
Panama Canal with Viking Expedition
The folks at Viking are offering some incentives to get on their expedition ships. For expedition cruises booked between now and the end of the month, they’re throwing in Free Air, and the Silver Spirits Beverage Package.
- Sail from Fort Lauderdale to Santiago for 18-days.
- Departures in March, April, September or October 2023 from $9995
- Visit Cozumel, Colon, Manta (Ecuador), Lima, Iquiqui (Chile)
- Includes round-trip air, transfers, Beverage Package, a shore excursion or expedition activity at each port of call, all equipment, and wifi on the ship.
- The best priced room is a 215 square foot veranda with a King Bed.
South America and Patagonia with Viking Expedition
- Sail between Santiago and Buenos Aires for 15-days.
- Departures in February and March 2023 from $7995.
- Visit Ushuaia, Chilean Glaciers (4 days), Punta Arenas, Chilean Fjords, Tortel (Chile), Castro (Chile).
- Includes round-trip air, transfers, Beverage Package, a shore excursion or expedition activity at each port of call, all equipment, and wifi on the ship
Niagara & the Great Lakes with Viking Expedition
- Sail between Toronto and Milwaukee for 8-days.
- Departures in April 2023 from $5995
- Visit Niagara Falls, Point Pelee, Detroit, Alpena MI, Mackinac Island.
- Includes round-trip air, transfers, Beverage Package, a shore excursion or expedition activity at each port of call, all equipment, and wifi on the ship
Circumnavigate Iceland with Hurtigruten
Sail round-trip from Reykjavik for 9-days/ Departures in May & June 2023 from $4797 pp.
Rather than list all the unpronounceable Icelandic port of call, here’s what you’ll get to do:
- Wildlife: bird-watching, whales, dolphins, puffins
- Activities: Glacial cave tour, photography, hot springs, kayaking, zodiac boats, museum visits
- Take Photos of: ice-capped volcanoes, wildlife, waterfalls
- Visit: fishing villages, black sand beaches, botanical gardens, the Blue Lagoon
Warm-water Expedition with Hurtigruten
- Sail from Puntarenas (Costa Rica) to Puerto Vallarta (Mexico) for 9-days.
- Sail on board the world’s first hybrid electric cruise ship, the Roald Amundsen.
- Departure in April 2023 from $3987.
- Visit Nicaragua (San Juan del Sur, Leon), El Salvador, Puerto Chiapas (Mexico), and Huatulco NP.
Alaska with American Queen Voyages
Sail between Vancouver and Sitka for 12-days in May 2023 from $4699
You haven’t heard of most of the port stops between Vancouver and Sitka, so here’s what you’ll be doing:
- Wildlife: Eagles, whales, orcas, dolphins, grizzlys, black bears, moose, sea lions, mink, river otters.
- Activities: Photography, bird-watching, kayaking, zodiac boats, walks in the old-growth rain forest, bike ride through Stanley Park (Vancouver).
- Take Photos of: Ice-capped volcanoes, wildlife, waterfalls (lots of them!), totem poles, tide-water glaciers (calving into the sea).
- Visit: Fishing villages, and the very spot where Russia turned over Alaska to USA
Includes pre-cruise hotel night in Vancouver, open bar, shore excursion or expedition activity in every port of call.
Galapagos Islands on Celebrity Flora
Baltra round trip for 8-days from $9550 pp. Machu Picchu extensions available.
- Wildlife: Sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, tropical birds, sea turtles, finches, mockingbirds, albatross, flamingo, pintail ducks, iguanas, stingrays, sharks, penguins, fur seals, sunfish, surgeonfish,
- Activities: Photography, bird-watching, snorkeling, swimming, walking, zodiac boats,
- Take Photos of: Volcanic cones, green-sand beach, geysers, wildlife, lava flows, mangroves, underwater reefs, cactus,
- Visit: Charles Darwin Research Station, Tortoise breeding center.
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
