EXPEDITION CRUISES: EXPLORE OUT-OF-REACH DESTINATIONS

Love visiting exciting and out-of-the-way destinations, but still want to enjoy some home comforts during your downtime?

Eager to try a more unusual holiday, but not keen on arranging multiple trips on public transport to get you to far-flung places?

Then expedition cruising could be the perfect option for you!

Expedition cruises are something of a breakout travel trend. They haven’t been in the public consciousness for that long, so you might not have heard of them, but there are many firms that have been operating more intimate but equally as thrilling cruise trips for many years. In fact, some providers have been sailing adventurous travellers to far-faraway locations such as Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands since the 1960s.

WHAT IS AN EXPEDITION CRUISE?

Expedition cruises focus on exploring the more isolated parts of our planet that often can’t be accessed via larger ships. To put this into context, conventional cruise liners usually house around 2000 guests, whereas expedition liners can host anywhere between 12 and 500 people.

Vessels that have been exclusively created for expedition cruising are kitted out with landing craft that make lighter work of visiting harder-to-reach locations, so passengers can get up close and personal with the kinds of sights that typical holidaymakers rarely get to encounter. Generally, the smaller the group, the more you can expect to see! This is particularly true in areas like Antarctica, where there are strict rules that govern how many people are allowed ashore at any one time. Ships with more than 200 passengers are restricted from landing at certain sites, too. At Destination Seekers, we are able to advise you on the best company and ship for what you want to do.

Although the Polar Regions have become synonymous with expedition cruising, the possible destinations cover the whole world From the Amazon to Greenland, the Kimberley, Australia to Scotland and the Mekong to the Galapagos Islands, there's an expedition for everyone! 

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR EXPEDITION CRUISING EXPERIENCE?

• Fascinating conversations with like-minded travellers of all ages and from all walks of life.
• A once-in-a-lifetime experience that will expose you to hidden gems and untouched natural wonders, many of which cannot be seen or experienced from larger cruise ships.
• Activities including landings, walks, kayaking, ice plunge, diving, camping. These vary between destination and cruise company, however rest assured that there will be multiple activities available to you. 
• A specialist itinerary that covers the best that these regions have to offer (as long as you have chosen the correct tour, of course – this is something Destination Seekers can certainly help with!).
• Incredible discussions with bona fide experts who know everything there is to know about the flora, fauna, and ecological makeup of the destination you’re visiting. Talking with the teams onboard these types of cruises is fascinating, and you’re guaranteed to be enriched by their knowledge and passion for their work.
• Exciting and varied cuisine, served up by the professionals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you won’t need to lift a finger.
• All the facilities and amenities you need for a comfortable and pleasant holiday, without the excess (and environmentally damaging) features of traditional cruise ships.

You can expect all the above and much more when you decide to book an expedition cruise holiday!
 

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

Satellite internet is more readily available than ever before – but if you’re a phone or email addict, you’ll need to be aware that some expedition cruises will take you out of range from time to time. Be prepared to disconnect for a little while as you marvel at the scenery around you! Many customers appreciate the opportunity to go off grid for a few days, as it offers the chance to truly live in the moment – something we so often struggle to do these days.

Expedition cruise costs vary, and the final price will depend on the ship, the itinerary, the group size, the location, the time of year you will be travelling, and whether or not you want to include flights and/or transfers in your booking. Obviously, the best expedition cruises are some of the priciest, but if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience in a more private setting, it’s worth spending a bit more money to design the break you really want.

At Destination Seekers, we have experience in arranging exciting expedition cruise holidays all over the world. We have access to great deals from reputable firms that are operating in a range of regions, including Antarctica and the Arctic. Start your Expedition Cruise journey now and click here to contact our specialists.