Expedition Cruises: 5 Must-Know Differences From Regular Cruising

28.10.2023 - 15:43 / forbes.com / Cruises

Brochures advertising expedition cruises promise once-in-a-lifetime trips to some of the world’s most pristine destinations. Small vessels specifically designed for challenging waters travel to the likes of the Northwest Passage, Antarctica, and the Galapagos Islands throughout the year.

Companies including Quark Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea, and Hurtigruten Expeditions (soon to be rebranded HX) have made their mark in this niche part of the travel industry.

Despite the high cost of such trips, the promise of otherworldly scenery and unparalleled wildlife experiences convinces many to book. Yet there’s a lot to understand about expedition cruises before you hand over your credit card details, especially if you’re used to ‘regular’ cruises.

With the exception of some brand new cruise ships for which the ship itself is the pull, it’s itineraries that sell cruises. But the unpredictability of weather and sea conditions can dictate changes in the route or schedule.

While this is the case for all cruises, the chances of schedule changes on an expedition cruise are significantly higher. “None of the five expedition cruises I’ve done have run to the advertised itinerary,” said cruising expert Gary Bembridge on a recent Tips for Travellers video.

On such trips, schedule changes can be influenced by wildlife movements or to improve the odds of successful landings. So if you’re considering such a voyage, an adventurous, flexible attitude is essential.

Unlike cruise ships that dock at ports, expedition ships often rely on smaller boats, commonly known as Zodiacs, to get passengers ashore at the more far-flung destinations. Travelers should even be prepared for 'wet landings', where you disembark from the Zodiacs into shallow waters and walk ashore.

It can be a more strenuous process, demanding good physical fitness, but it also offers a more intimate and raw experience of each destination.

This also means that expedition cruises aren't always a good fit for those with a physical disability or other mobility problems. Check with the cruise line for their policies before booking.

Expedition cruises often travel to environmentally sensitive areas such as Antarctica or the Galápagos Islands. In such areas, there are strict rules to protect wildlife, prevent overcrowding, and to avoid introducing pests, among other factors.

On any expedition cruise, passengers should expect rules and regulations galore. This will include allotted time slots for going ashore, meaning you may spend less time on land than you had anticipated. There may also be disinfection procedures to prevent contamination, and strict "leave no trace" policies.

On a recent expedition cruise to Antarctica, National Geographic’s Emma