I want something a little different out of a vacation. I am looking for an experience, culture, a realness. I don’t necessarily need a production. When I first heard about Expedition Cruising I knew it was something I wanted to know more about. Expedition cruising is much like traditional cruising, but with more emphasis placed on the experience ashore, excursions and ports of call – many of which are much more off-the-beaten-track than mainstream cruises. … Expedition cruising is a taste of exploration and adventure like you’ve never known before.
Expedition cruising typically involves a smaller ship and more adventurous itineraries. Let’s look at some of the aspects that make expedition cruising different from regular cruising.
The Ships
Expedition cruising typically takes place on a small ship, think 200 passengers, not 2,000. The average size can be up to around 500 passengers. The small size allows it to pull into smaller ports, this gives you a much more real experience than a large cruise port. The small size also lends to easily changing direction as the need arises. Imagine cruising along and seeing an amazing rare penguin, on a large ship you may see it far off on a small ship they can easily get you in there close to get that once in a lifetime shot. Another advantage to the small size is the great crew to passenger ratio, it is a much more intimate situation. Simply put, the itineraries and smaller ship experience make a cruise an expedition. Although the ship is small typically they are very luxurious!
The Destinations
As far as destinations go, some of the destinations may be similar to those on large ships. The difference really comes with the experience in these destinations. You are really able to experience the culture and the “realness” of that destination. Places like Alaska, Norway, and Iceland. Others may be more remote and bucket-list-worthy, like Australia’s Kimberley Coast, Antarctica, and the Galápagos Islands.
The Vibe
This experience isn’t all about this ship, although the ships have a lot of great amenities to offer. This isn’t a relax by a pool with a margarita experience—the expedition cruising experience is all about getting off the ship. Zodiac boats will carry you to marine wildlife sanctuaries and icebergs. Onboard, you’re more likely to be offered lectures by naturalists and scientists than musicals or casino nights.
Why Expedition Cruising
The goal of an expedition cruise is to bring you closer to nature, with unmissable wildlife, bucket-list destinations, and interactions with experts on-board. With a growing market for expedition cruises and a longing thirst for adventure, an expedition cruise is a phenomenal opportunity to witness once-in-a-lifetime wonders and experience an unforgettable journey.
Oh, and if you are looking for a guaranteed way to see the Northern Lights? Check out Hurtegrutin’s Northern Lights Promise.
“We’re so confident the Northern Lights will make an appearance during your 12-day roundtrip cruise in Norway between October and March, that if they don’t, we’ll give you a 6- or 7-day cruise free of charge!”
Are you ready to experience a bucket list destination you didn’t even know you had, until now? Contact one of the amazing vacation planners at Wish Upon Afar to get started planning. Let us know in the comments or over on facebook where you would want to visit on an expedition cruise.
We Exist to provide each client with a highly knowledgeable travel professional dedicated to providing personalized service with attention to even the smallest detail.