Take a stroll among thousands of penguins. Visit the remains of early human settlements made of stones and whale bones. Watch grizzlies catch salmon, or snorkel with whale sharks.
These are the activities of dreams and aboard an expedition cruise they can come to life. An expedition cruise is all about getting close to nature, visiting bucket list destinations and interacting with expert guides and naturalists. They differ significantly from mega cruises, but with knowledge and planning can be just as accessible. Here’s five reasons they’re worth their while:
- You’ll visit some awe-inspiring places. Expedition cruises are all about exploring, particularly remote and off the beaten path places. Common cold weather destinations include Greenland, Antarctica and South Georgia; warm weather destinations include locales like the Galapagos Islands or Coastal Tanzania. Expedition cruise ships are outfitted with special landing craft and gear so passengers can go ashore and explore isolated places.
- You’ll be one of a few, not many. The number of passengers aboard an expedition cruise is significantly smaller than a traditional cruise. The average cruise ship can accommodate over 2,000 guests whereas an expedition cruise will set sail with only a small fraction of that, typically between 12 to 500 passengers. And the smaller the group size the more you’ll get to experience. In fact, expedition cruise industry experts recommend sailing with no more than 200 fellow passengers to maximize your experience.
- You’ll meet like-minded people. Expedition cruises attract a different breed of passenger and employee. Passengers are seeking to visit places, not just cruise, and are eager for an active, educational adventure that’s focused on nature and wildlife. Expedition crews are highly skilled and knowledgeable. They must have skills specific to the expedition, for example polar bear protection, and often have achieved high levels of academic success in their respective fields.
- You’ll be comfortable and eat well, but not to excess. Unlimited buffets, luxury staterooms, nightclubs, multiple pools – if these are things you want when you hit the seas, a traditional cruise is your best bet. For an expedition cruise, depending on the vessel size, expect just a few common areas to rest and relax, one dining room for fresh-cooked meals and smaller shared or independent cabins that foster a sense of community.
- You’ll have the chance to disconnect and linger. Wifi connectivity isn’t a guarantee when you’re sailing to the ends of the earth. It’s the perfect chance to hone in on the nature and scenery around you. And unlike mega cruises that have to stick to a tight schedule and designated ports, the captain and crew of an expedition cruise can cater to passengers’ desires to stay ashore in certain places longer or even be flexible with where the ship lands.
The Aon Travel Takeaway?
“An expedition cruise will be the experience of a lifetime,” says Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “But the very nature of an expedition cruise brings elevated inherent risks – such as injury while hiking onshore. Travel insurance can help provide peace of mind as you set off on your adventure that your wellbeing is covered and your investment is protected.”