What do you get when you cross adventure with luxury? Expedition cruising, a fast-growing travel trend that caters to adventure seekers who want to get off the beaten path, but don’t necessarily want to rough it!
The possibilities for expedition cruising are nearly endless, which makes it difficult to explain in a single blog post. But we’ll give it a try. (We’re always up for a challenge!) Here’s a list of our favorite words to describe the thrilling experience of an expedition cruise.
Remote, in the best way
When you book an expedition cruise, expect to see parts of the world that relatively few people see. It’s all about exploring the hardest-to-reach places, and some of them – like Antarctica’s islands – are only accessible by boat.
With expedition cruising, the focus is on immersion, both in the location and the culture. That means you’ll experience the wilderness of Alaska or the culture of the Galapagos Islands. And, you’ll have an up-close and personal view of native wildlife, like the colonies of king penguins in South Georgia.
And schedules are flexible, based on optimal conditions for sighting Polar bears or a cloud-free day that enables the best view at the culmination of a hike. Expedition cruises travel to a variety of ports, but they also take you to places with no ports at all.
Intimate, for a personalized trip you’ll never forget
A defining characteristic of expedition cruising is the smaller, more intimate ships. Many of the remote destinations limit the number and size of vessels, which only adds to the exclusive, one-of-a-kind feeling. The small ships can go places larger cruise ships can’t, putting you right in the middle of breathtaking scenery.
Most expedition cruise ships carry anywhere from 25 to 200 passengers, all of whom have a shared interest in discovering the region. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, you’ll make friends for life. But you and your 100 new friends won’t be giving up luxury. As their popularity grows, expedition cruises are serving an increasing number of travelers who long for fresh, out-of-the-way experiences but still want fine cuisine and practical-but-elegant accommodations. Just like you can find an adventure to fit your personal tastes, you can find the ship that offers the amenities you prefer.
Adventurous, for those once-in-a-lifetime moments
Don’t expect to do too much lounging in the sun on an expedition cruise. Adventure is the name of the game. From the moment you step onboard, a crew of experts, often including biologists, geologists, and historians, are available to share their deep knowledge of the region with informative talks and guided excursions.
Plan on being active with plenty of kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and more. The excursions typically break down into small groups, which allows you to choose the level of activity that’s right for you – such as rigorous hiking or a slower-paced nature walk.
But, the real magic of expedition cruises is the singular experiences they offer. Here are a few examples of many.
Visit the less-traveled parts of the Amazon to experience bird watching in the region with the world’s highest concentration of species, take a swim alongside dolphins, and explore the Amazon at water-level via kayak.
Or, bring out your inner nature photographer. Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic to offer a range of unique opportunities, including the chance to join a National Geographic photographer documenting Norway’s landscapes.
In many ways, Antarctica, the bottom of the world, is uncharted territory. For me, it’s the only continent I haven’t visited. But I’m rectifying that with a trip next February. I can’t wait to be on the beach with the playful penguins, and I know I can’t begin to imagine the amazing vistas of majestic icebergs and beautiful ice-covered terrain.
All-inclusive, to make your travel dreams come true
When you choose an expedition cruise, you get all the one-of-a-kind experiences, one-to-one access to local experts, and luxury amenities for a single all-inclusive rate. Ideal for solo travelers, families, and incentive groups, the Cruise Dreams team will find the perfect expedition cruise no matter where you want to go or the type of experiences you seek. And, we’ll deliver it all at preferred rates earned through our longstanding relationships with the top expedition cruise lines.
Let us help make your travel dreams come true! To explore expedition cruise options and get answers to any questions, call us at (877) 999-4533 or email us at travelplans@cruisedreams.com.
Waves to you and smooth sailings ahead!
