Your Top Frequently Asked Questions about Expedition Cruises Answered
If you’re itching for an adventure and eager to embark on exciting excursions to some of the most remote destinations around the world, then expedition cruises are the perfect option for your next getaway. Not only will you have the chance to indulge in the sensational cuisine, world-class wellness facilities, and comfortable cabins available aboard a smaller cruise ship, but you’ll also be afforded the opportunity to explore breathtaking bucket list destinations and enjoy unforgettable experiences while ashore. Sounds exciting, right?
Well, it is; but, embarking on an expedition cruise isn’t quite as casual as hopping on an all-inclusive adventure to the Caribbean or taking advantage of the short breaks available to the Mediterranean or Norwegian Fjords. Expedition cruising is something you need to make sure you’re prepared for – both physically and mentally, as well as with what you pack to take with you and what you should expect once you set sail.
Thankfully, while a serious undertaking, it’s not quite as daunting as it might sound and we have answers to some of the most frequently asked expedition cruising questions right here. So, if you’re ready to embrace your inner explorer, keep reading to find out more on all aspects of expedition cruising.
Contents:
- What is the difference between cruising and expedition cruising?
- How long are expedition cruises?
- What should I pack for an expedition cruise?
- Are expedition cruises suitable for families?
- How much is an expedition cruise?
- What’s included in the fare of an expedition cruise?
- How mobile do I need to be?
What is the difference between cruising and expedition cruising?
Well, this is the big question, isn’t it? What makes embarking on an expedition cruise actually any different from embarking on any other kind of cruise holiday? Well, while there are a few key differences worth keeping in mind – primarily revolving around the destinations and experiences on offer when you embark on an expedition cruise – you’ll also find that, at its core, expedition cruising is a lot like any other kind of cruising; you’ll get to head off on an exciting adventure to stunning destinations around the world, stay in stylish accommodation with excellent service, indulge in fantastic food made with the freshest ingredients, and make memories that will last a lifetime. That doesn’t sound so bad, right?
When it comes to enjoying an expedition cruise, you’ll find that expedition cruise ships are often smaller than standard cruise ships – and, they rarely come with the same extent of entertainment amenities and family-focused facilities as a larger cruise ship. With the destinations you visit and the shore excursions you embark on when you head ashore the highlight of an expedition cruise, the smaller ships used are more functional in their design and – thanks to this functional design and smaller size – they’re able to visit smaller ports of call in more remote destinations than larger cruise ships.
Marina (Oceania Cruises) in the South Pacific, aboard a Zodiac inflatable boat in Canada with Silversea Cruises, the spa aboard Seabourn Venture
This, which influences and facilitates the different itineraries you’ll find when expedition cruising, is the main difference between an expedition cruise and cruising more generally speaking. When you embark on an expedition cruise, you’ll be whisked away on an active adventure to some of the most remote destinations around the world – destinations with ports of call that larger ships simply can’t visit, meaning you won’t often find these destinations on other itineraries. The fact that you’ll have the chance to explore these breathtaking, bucket list destinations on an expedition cruise, and you wouldn’t have the chance to explore them on another kind of cruise, is a huge part of what makes expedition cruising stand out.
Beyond this, you’ll also find that the equipment available aboard an expedition cruise ship is quite different from what you’ll find on a larger, more traditional cruise ship. From watersports equipment like Zodiacs and kayaks to helicopters and submersibles, expedition cruise ships are all about exploration and discovery – and, all the equipment onboard is there to help facilitate that.
Not only this, but the crew on an expedition cruise is almost always complimented by a team of naturalists and expedition leaders; they’re there to enhance your experience ashore with their expertise and ensure you make the most of your time in the stunning destinations you’ll visit.
So, while you’ll still find all the modern luxuries of a traditional cruise ship aboard an expedition cruise ship – things like comfortable accommodation, spa facilities on select ships, fantastic food, bars, and lounges – you’ll also find a whole host of things to ensure that exploration and education are at the forefront of your experience onboard. There won’t be a theatre putting on Broadway-style productions each night, but there will likely be lectures or demonstrations in dedicated areas onboard - such as in a science centre.
It might be missing a video arcade with the latest games and VR experiences, but you’ll be able to take advantage of other amenities, such as a watersports marina platform on select days during your voyage – an amenity available on select ships. You’re unlikely to find a casino onboard with table games and Vegas-style slots, but the resident expedition team will host informative lectures and presentations each day with information and insight about your next port of call and the world around you.
Expedition cruising isn’t for everyone, and that’s fair enough, but it’s an enriching and rewarding experience everyone should at least consider when it comes to booking their next cruise getaway.
How long are expedition cruises?
An expedition cruises’ length depends on the itinerary you choose – meaning, it’s something that can vary from a couple of weeks to a month or more! However, when looking at expedition cruises, it’s wise to allow for at least two weeks – while also keeping in mind that expedition cruises to more remote locations will also require more pre-cruise and post-cruise travel than others.
For example, if you’re visiting Antarctica, you may need to fly to Chile or Argentina ahead of embarkation – something that will add days to your overall getaway and may not be accounted for when booking, if you opt for a package without flights included.
What should I pack for an expedition cruise?
When it comes to packing for an expedition cruise, there’s no one specific set of items you should bring; like any cruise, what you pack for an expedition cruise depends dramatically on the destinations you’ll be visiting on your voyage and the weather conditions you expect to encounter when you’re heading out on shore excursions. There are, though, a few items that – as a general rule of thumb – you should always consider packing when it comes to an expedition cruise, but you’ll also need to do a lot of your own research to determine what’s best for the situations you’ll encounter.
So, in addition to all the essential items you’ll want to take with you on any cruise, expedition or otherwise – clothing, comfortable footwear, toiletries, and all your important travel documents – you’re also going to want to consider bringing things like waterproofs, walking boots, sun hats, sun cream, and a camera (along with some spare batteries or film) with you.
Even in the coldest climates, protection from the sun and both UVA and UVB damage – which most high SPF sun creams will help with – is important; and, you may want to consider some moisturiser for your face, hands, and lips. Winds can be high, and this should help you avoid any discomfort.
Snowshoeing in Norway with Hurtigruten, exploring the Galapagos Islands with Silversea Cruises, a polar hike in Greenland with Ponant
The cruise line you’re sailing with, you’ll be pleased to know, will have all the important safety equipment you need available, and you’ll find some will even have a selection of wellington boots and polar parkas available to use – for when you need to use them, anyway. This, though, isn’t universal, so it’s important to double-check the details of what your cruise line offers when you’ve decided on the expedition cruise you want to enjoy; if you have a cold-weather coat and you’re sailing to destinations like Alaska or Antarctica, it might be worth bringing it with you.
Ultimately, preparing for an expedition cruise is, by and large, a lot like preparing for any other kind of cruise – or, indeed, any other kind of holiday. It’s best to pack comfortable clothing for your downtime, something formal, and some weather-appropriate outdoor clothing for when you head out on your next adventure – and, of course, comfortable footwear is a must!
Are expedition cruises suitable for families?
Expedition cruises are incredible, immersive experiences, making them an excellent option for families – so, the short answer to this question is ‘yes’. However, there are a few important things you need to consider ahead of booking yourself and your family onto an adventure to one of the top expedition cruise destinations out there.
Firstly, there are often age restrictions to consider when it comes to expedition cruising. While these can vary from cruise line to cruise line – and destination to destination, depending on where you’re planning on sailing to – the age restrictions on expedition cruises are typically between ages 8 and 12 years old. So, due to the nature of the experiences available and the remote destinations visited, younger children simply won’t be allowed to embark on expedition cruises.
On top of this, you then need to consider whether an expedition cruise and a voyage aboard an expedition cruise ship is actually the best option for your family. The ships used for expedition cruises are often specially-built vessels designed to take full advantage of the remote destinations on the itineraries available and they don’t come equipped with many children’s facilities – if any at all.
While you won’t have too many sea days to look forward to on an expedition cruise, the onboard entertainment aboard these ships is often limited to a lounge with the occasional low-key live music performance, a science centre, and a library. While this can be great for an inquisitive child who wants to learn more about the environment around them, there’s little in the way of traditional cruise ship entertainment here and this isn’t going to suit every family.
It’s also worth thinking about the suitability of the shore excursions available; an important part of expedition cruising and often the highlight of the experience, shore excursions on an expedition cruise can be fairly physically demanding – particularly on itineraries to destinations like Antarctica and the Arctic. So, on top of everything else, it’s important to consider whether these are suitable for your family or not.
With all that being said, though, expedition cruises can be a truly fantastic adventure for families and they’re definitely worth considering. Offering a unique holiday experience encouraging exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning, an expedition cruise will prove an unforgettable adventure for adults and children alike – and, it might just spark a new interest or two in the natural world and the flora and fauna found in the incredible regions on expedition cruise itineraries.
How much is an expedition cruise?
The exact price of an expedition cruise can vary and depends on a number of factors, including the duration of your cruise getaway, the stateroom you’re staying in, the cruise line you’re sailing with, and the destinations you’re sailing to. However, you are likely to find expedition cruises are on the more expensive end of the price spectrum; this is because they’re more exclusive experiences, with expedition cruises held on smaller ships with fewer staterooms and lower capacities. That, and the fact that a basic fare on an expedition cruise often comes with more inclusions than the basic fare on a traditional cruise – such as gratuities, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi internet packages, and more.
So, for example, while there’s no definitive answer to a question like “is it expensive to go to Antarctica”, it certainly will be more expensive than some of the other options available.
What’s included in the fare of an expedition cruise?
Aside from everything you would expect to be included in any standard cruise fare – accommodation, basic beverages, and meals in complimentary dining venues – the inclusions available with an expedition cruise fare can vary dramatically; and, they wholly depend on the cruise line you’re sailing with and the type of cruise fare you choose to purchase.
While it’s quite common to see things like gratuities and Wi-Fi internet access included in expedition cruise fares, this is in no way guaranteed and something you should take as a universal fact.
For example, where HX Hurtigruten Expeditions’ standard cruise fare includes gratuities and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, expedition cruises aboard Scenic Discovery Yachts’ vessels add premium beverages on top of that. Just like traditional cruising, there are more affordable options and luxury options available – each one with its own unique selection of inclusions and additional fees.
How mobile do I need to be?
If you’re hoping to head off on an expedition cruise, you’re going to need to make sure you’re fairly physically fit and certainly mobile enough to embark on shore excursions involving transfers from the ship to inflatables, walking on uneven terrain, and other mildly strenuous outdoor activities.
While you’re not going to be forced to engage in any activity you’re uncomfortable with – like kayaking, or snorkeling, for example – the destinations you visit and the shore excursions available are the highlight of an expedition cruise and it’s important to make sure that you’re able to take full advantage of the opportunities available if you’re planning to embark on one.
Of course, you could spend your time sightseeing from the comfort of your cruise ship, but it might be best to explore some of the other incredible cruise deals available right now if you’re not sure you’ll be able to fully enjoy the remote destinations expedition cruises visit.
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And, if you're looking to learn more about cruising, how great it is, and the cruise industry in general, check out a few more blogs from the Iglu Cruise team here: