Travel Mythbusters: 7 Misperceptions About Expedition Cruising and How to Overcome Them

“Stepping onto glacial ice, observing a polar bear or beluga whale in the wild, walking on a remote beach where you might truly be the first person who’s ever set foot there … Those are life-changing moments I wish everyone could experience. I hope people who have never considered expedition cruising would look more closely into it.”

So says Jimmy “Chip” Barker, Platinum Agent, Travel Planners International, who has a passion for expedition cruising, and a successful track record selling this niche.

Expedition cruising has undergone major changes over the past decade. These advancements have opened up a once relatively small travel specialty to a much broader and growing segment of consumers who now proudly wear the badge of having sailed where some of history’s great explorers have gone before.

The industry numbers match up with the increased enthusiasm for this type of travel. According to CLIA, passenger volume on expedition voyages more than doubled from 2016 to 2022; and in 2022, that volume recovered to 74% of what was recorded in 2019 (pre-pandemic).

In fact, as the pandemic started to ease, expedition cruises became especially popular, because of the fewer passengers onboard traveling to open-air and out-of-the-way destinations. In addition, having meaningful and immersive travel experiences took on new urgency as consumers were released from the lockdowns and rediscovered their travel wanderlust. The trend continues to grow.

And yet, there are several myths about expedition cruising that many travelers still believe. Travel advisors can work wonders in dispelling these myths, as their clients view them as travel experts in the know. Let’s dig in …

Myth #1: You have to be super fit to go on an expedition.
Perhaps the biggest misperception to dismantle is that travelers must be very fit to go on an expedition cruise. Barker explains: “It’s the same myth I personally had to overcome … that I would have to be like the TV adventurer, Bear Grylls, to get off the ship. Someone who was ready to rappel down a cliff, and put myself in perilous situations to experience the destination. It wasn’t until I took my first expedition cruise, thinking I’d stay back while others went exploring, that I found out what it was really like.

“The guides and expedition team do such a wonderful job detailing each activity, what you’ll be doing, and how you’re going to accomplish it. They take time to talk one-on-one with every guest to determine which activity is going to suit their needs best, whether it’s based on physical abilities or any preconceived apprehensions they might have. I went from thinking I’d try an activity or two every couple of days and just stay on the ship most of the time, but those plans went out the window once I got there. I didn’t want to miss a single opportunity to go out with the guides. Personal experience and being able to relate to a client’s concerns is how I can overcome that obstacle.”

Myth #2: Expedition cruises are only for younger people.
“My research indicates that expedition cruises have primarily attracted affluent Gen X (40s-50s) and Baby Boomers (late 50s to 70s), and many of these guests may be new to cruising,” explains Debbie Devine, MCC, land and cruise specialist, a Cruise Planners independent franchise owner.

“Some segments of the expedition cruise industry are great at accommodating multigenerational groups, so I think there is potential for growth in this market. I believe that this is also a great opportunity for solo travelers to explore the world in this way because these small ships generally have both engaging crew and other well-traveled guests to interact with in a safe environment.

“I would recommend expedition cruising to any client who really likes to immerse themselves in culture/history, nature, and exploring new destinations. I would absolutely recommend it to photographers, videographers, and adventurers, as well as those who want to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery while reading a good book.”

Expedition Cruises Manager Denise Santos, Wilderness Travel, says: “I have noticed an increase in multigenerational families booking expedition cruises. More groups including grandparents, parents, and adult children with their young children are taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip together to Antarctica or chartering a small expedition vessel in places like Alaska. Expedition cruising is becoming a popular option for families because it provides a great level of flexibility and options for guests of all ages and with differing levels of activity.”

Myth #3:  There’s not much to do onboard.
“Another misperception is that expedition cruises are sedentary and there is not much to do onboard when the truth is that most offer wonderfully active days and fascinating educational opportunities with experts onboard leading lectures and discussions that allow clients to be immersed in the locations they are visiting,” says Santos.

“Our team has traveled with many of the small ship operators we work with — we know the ships, we understand the day-to-day operations onboard, and we are familiar with the expedition style of each of these operators, which really helps us speak to the benefits and experience of each trip. I tell clients about my personal experiences and paint a picture of what the typical day-to-day is like, and what clients can expect. I also find that creating photo blogs and sharing my personal travel photos is a great sales tool to help clients visualize what expedition cruising is like.” 

She adds: “I have had the fortunate opportunity to travel onboard many wonderful expedition vessels to destinations I once only dreamed about, but one of my favorite things about expedition cruise travel is my fellow travelers. From the Expedition Team, crew members, and guests onboard, these destinations and experiences attract a certain type of fellow traveler. I’ve met some of the most interesting, well-traveled, and inspiring people during my travels, many I now get to call friends.”

Myth #4: Accommodations are sparse.
Some imagine expedition vessels to be austere environments offering the bare minimum in accommodations and food while focusing entirely on the exploration aspect. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Today’s expedition ships combine the latest adventure equipment (such as sea kayaks and Zodiacs) and polar ice-class technology, along with stylish interiors. They are more like high-end boutique hotels offering contemporary sophistication. Chic, spacious, and well-planned cabins feature generously sized bathrooms and comfortable in-room dining facilities; most have balconies and unobstructed views of the incredible destinations visited. They provide a luxurious place for guests to relax and recharge for the next day’s adventures.

Observation lounges and lecture halls are also appealing spots to mix and mingle with fellow explorers and talk about the adventures of the day. The ships also feature pools, hot tubs, wellness centers, and a spa.

Myth #5: I’ll bet they serve MRE survival-type food.
Decades ago, this may have been true about expeditions, but it is no longer the case. Quite the opposite, today’s expedition cruise operators know that their guests expect to enjoy international gourmet food while onboard, and they deliver. The cuisine on certain lines is inspired by rising star chefs, some with Michelin stars, which foodies thoroughly enjoy. Many menus feature local cuisine, as well as a variety of choices for special dietary requirements. The experience is not just about the cruising, but about all the different elements coming together in a sojourn of luxury and adventure.

Myth #6: It’s pretentious, for academics and the ultra-wealthy.
While some may think this type of specialty cruising might be pretentious, for academics and the ultra-wealthy, they are mistaken. Understated elegance – casual comfort onboard what feels like your own private yacht – is the best way to describe today’s expedition cruising.

The crew aboard these ships provides the highest level of luxury service, with guest interactions that are personal and intuitive, but discreet. There is no fuss or formality, just a focused dedication to understanding guests’ preferences and anticipating their needs, always aiming to exceed and surprise. Today’s newer, luxury-trending vessels appeal to a broader and expanding segment of intrepid travelers that are seeking authentic, intimate journeys to smaller and lesser-known ports of special cultural, geographical, or wildlife interest.

Myth #7: I don’t like cruising on a big ship, so I won’t like this either.
Some travelers think that all cruising is big ship cruising. With expedition ships, this is not so. “We work with so many travelers who have an adverse reaction to the recommendation of a cruise, imagining the mega-ships that feel like small cities. Many expedition-style vessels are under 200 passengers, and the experience is really quite intimate. These smaller ships are able to navigate into areas that the larger vessels simply cannot access. Getting on and off the ship is a breeze; and instead of casinos and kids’ clubs to fill free time, expect destination-inspired lectures and citizen science,” says Jenna Fedyschyn, sales manager, of Adventure Life.

Devine has also found this to be true: “Some people are just averse to the concept of ‘cruising’ as a whole. I will say that expedition cruises will help them access remote areas in a much more efficient and comfortable way than they could ever achieve by air/land travel. The smaller, more intimate nature of an expedition cruise is more like a large yacht experience than the traditional ‘cruise ship’ they might be envisioning. Expedition cruising is not just about Antarctica. There are many cultural/expedition cruises around the world, which are available to provide a wonderful introduction to this niche style of cruising.”

Santos overcomes the big ship myth and apprehension “by discussing the many benefits of small ship travel and how this travel style differs from traditional large ship cruises. Smaller boats can get into ports and places that larger ships can’t, allowing our guests to visit smaller anchorages in more remote locations — often to places inaccessible by land. Throughout the journey, you spend less time queuing up on deck, as guests on large ships must do, and more time off the boat, enjoying the places you came to see. You also benefit from the smaller size while onboard, with wonderful interactions with your fellow guests and also with the experienced expedition team and lectures who accompany you on shore excursions and offer fascinating presentations.”

The profile of the expedition cruiser has changed
Expeditions are one of the fastest-growing cruise segments. The traveler profile has changed significantly in recent years, from staunch explorers to a wider-reaching audience. With today’s newer and more upscale vessels, this type of travel now appeals to those desiring a mix of trailblazing experiences and cultural luxury.

According to Barker, “I think the profile has changed from the academics and wealthy, retired, ‘been there, done that already’ types to the couple next door …  It’s really important to help them understand this isn’t a typical ocean cruise. They have to think of it more like river cruising. It’s a small ship without Broadway-style entertainment, and there aren’t 14 lounges and a large casino to keep them entertained. If they have experienced and enjoyed river cruising, then they know it’s so much more about the destination, learning from onboard experts and spending evenings in the observation lounge having drinks with fellow passengers and the onboard guides while swapping stories about what they experienced that day.”

Expedition cruising also works well for people traveling together who have different energy levels and interests. Devine recounts: “My husband, Steve, is a very adventurous person and enjoys hard-core activities/conditions because he loves a challenge (like camping in a snow cave). I’m active (when not sitting at a computer working) but prefer a somewhat more limited level of physical adventure (yes: scuba diving and Zodiacs; hard no: parachute jumping and rock climbing), but very much appreciate great food and comfort afterward. I booked a Norwegian Fjords to Arctic Circle expedition cruise this past May because I knew it be a great way to bridge our travel styles and enjoy some rare vacation time together. This trip far exceeded our expectations, and my husband even described it as a ‘trip of a lifetime,’ which is something I’ve never heard him say before!”

How to start a conversation with an expedition cruising prospect
Barker offers one way for a travel advisor to start a conversation with a client about giving expedition cruising a try: “I know it sounds really simple, but ‘Have you ever thought about taking an expedition cruise?’ busts the doors wide open. It’s a yes or no question, and they usually either go into great detail about what they’ve heard about it so far; or they say no, not really, and that’s still a great opening to teach them a little bit and get them intrigued.”

Santos suggests: “Many of our prospective cruise clients have already traveled with us on hiking trips, safaris, and cultural journeys, but have not experienced a small ship expedition cruise. Clients will contact our Cruises Team because they are interested in a specific destination, but not necessarily a cruise and travel by boat is one of their only options. I will start our conversation about expedition cruising by asking clients about their travel experience and if they have ever been on an expedition cruise; depending on the itinerary they are interested in, I will start discussing the benefits of the size of the ship, the amenities they are interested in, and explain the benefits of each ship.

“Since expedition cruising is new to many of our clients, our role is to stay apprised of industry trends, changes, and new products; and organize and translate this information for our clients so we can help them make the best decision.”

Inspiring more intrepid travelers
For travelers who want to experience authentic, intimate, unforgettable moments in extraordinary locations and remote landmarks, all while enjoying a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere onboard, a cultural expedition cruise is a superb choice. Travel advisors have a unique opportunity to help clients stretch beyond their comfort zone and guide them to new experiences. As Barker says, “Seeing them break personal boundaries has been both surprising and rewarding for me, as I got to play a hand in helping them achieve that.” 

FROM THE SPONSOR:
Swan Hellenic is an established, well-respected owner-operated heritage brand with more than seven decades of expertise in undiscovered destinations. Our brand-new fleet of expedition ships are cutting edge, but the core values that underpinned the brand and served its guests so well from its inception remain in place. Swan Hellenic prides itself on taking its guests to see what others don’t, visiting small and lesser-known ports of special cultural, geographical or wildlife interest as well as bucket list famous cities. Above all, our guests visit many uniquely remote places beyond these ports of call, boarding Zodiac boats and exploring at sea level to come ashore in rich unspoiled areas of our planet that often cannot be accessed in any other way.

Please find a link to our latest promo on Antarctica for the 2024-25 Season: https://promo.swanhellenic.com/antarctica_2425. Our Facebook Travel Advisor Page is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/793940561748667.