4 Reasons Your Next Cruise Should Be An Expedition

I have been on 3 expedition cruises since February 2020 and I am totally addicted now.  You might hear the word expedition and think it would be strenuous or too expensive for you but I am here to tell you they are not.  I will say they won't be the most relaxing trip you will ever take but it will be worth it.  Sure, lounging on a big ship is still a great way to vacation but I just love getting out there and exploring more when I am on vacation.   Here are 4 reasons why I think Expedition cruising is better than regular cruising.

#1 - THE SHIPS
Expedition Cruises are always going to be on smaller ships.   The expedition ships will usually average around 100 guests but also can be smaller or bigger.   In my opinion any ship under 1000 guests is perfect.   Even though they are smaller ships they offer different categories.   I like to call them - Basic, Premium, and Luxury.    The Basic ships are going to be just like it sounds, they have all the basics but not many extras.  Your room will be small and your bathroom might be really small and may even be what I call a typical boat bathroom where your toilet and shower all share the same square room.   The rest of the ship will have what you need but without any frills.   The Premium shpis will have a bit more than the Basic and will be a little more comfortable with upgraded bedding and a better bathroom.   You will also most likely have more public spaces to choose from.   The Luxury are just like they sound basically anything and everything you could think of for a luxury expedition (we are talking things like helicopters and submarines onboard).  

#2 - THE ADVENTURES
Expedition Cruises are all about exploring and just about all excursions will be included in your cruise.   Just be prepared to be tired every day!   If you would prefer a more relaxing sit by a pool and sip umbrella drinks kind of vacation than an expedition is not for you.   However if you may not be as energetic or maybe have difficulty walking do not feel like an expedition cruise is too tough for you.   The cruise lines do a great job of offering some less physical excursion options too.   For example on my recent Galapagos cruise there was the option to snorkel but if you were not up to that they had a glass bottom boat for you to enjoy seeing the underwater world as well.   No matter what your abilities are, you will see and learn a lot on an expedition.

#3 - THE CREW
An expedition cruise will still have the typical crew that you interact with on a normal cruise plus a whole other set of crew that are the guides/naturalists.   These are the people that are going to accompany you on your daily adventures.   They are going to share their knowledge and passion for what you are seeing and doing  everyday.   You will get to spend time with them in small groups so you will really get to talk with them.  Plus since the ships are smaller you really will get to know the other crew onboard and most times you end up feeling like one big family by the end of the cruise.'

#4 - THE DESTINATIONS
Obviously an expedition cruise is all about the destination.  These are those once in a lifetime amazing locations like Antarctica, The North Pole, and Galapagos, plus a ton of other amazing places with so much to explore that you could only get to on a small ship.   I had been to many Mexican ports on other cruises but when I took my expedition cruise to Sea of Cortes I saw a whole other side of Mexico!  On an expedition you are going to get an in depth and authentic experience wherever you go.   You will come away with so many unforgettable memories that you will be ready to book your next expedition just like me!