For those seeking adventure, education, or an unusual experience in remote locations expedition cruises offer an alternative to standard cruises.
Explorer cruises differ significantly from standard cruise in purpose, destination, and overall experience. But what is the best for you? Standard cruises mostly focus on relaxation, entertainment, and well-trodden tourist destinations. Expedition cruises on the other hand are tailored for adventure, discovery, and visiting remote or unique locations. We have enjoyed both and here we set out to make a comparison between the two.
Destinations
Explorer cruises focus on remote regions with limited infrastructure and employ specialised ships and equipment. They visit less-travelled destinations such as the Arctic, Antarctic. Swan Hellenic, for example run ships in both the polar regions. While Aqua Expeditions cruise the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon River and Raja Ampat. Both companies prioritise the natural, cultural, and special historical sites.
Standard cruise lines, on the other hand visit ports better designed for tourists, with shops, restaurants, and excursions readily available. These popular and well-developed destinations like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Alaska are served by larger ships, generally owned by conglomerates. The Carnival Corporation, for example is a British and American cruise conglomerate. They operate a combined fleet of over ninety vessels sailing under different brand names. As well as Carnival Cruises, they also run ships in the Aida, Costa, Cunard, P&O, Princess and Holland America liveries.
Purpose
Expedition cruises tend to attract travellers interested in learning about the environment, history, or cultures of remote regions. The voyages they offer emphasis adventure, education, and environmental exploration. Frequently they offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, glacier trekking, kayaking, and scientific exploration.
But, if your focus is on relaxation, leisure, and entertainment, then a standard cruise may be more suitable. These cruises are more likely to prioritise onboard activities like casinos, theatres, and spas, alongside shore excursions for shopping.
Ship Size and Facilities
Exploration ships are generally smaller, more specialised ships. They are designed to navigate in narrow or shallow waterways, ice fields, and can visit smaller ports. They often feature research equipment, zodiacs for landings, and observation decks for wildlife spotting. In our experience, ships like this offer accommodations and amenities that while very comfortable, are sometimes less luxurious than those on standard cruises.
Larger, more standard cruise ships feature extensive amenities such as pools, water slides, theatres, and multiple dining options. Here, the emphasis is on luxury, with a wide variety of cabin choices, including suites and balconies.
Activities
Sail on board an explorer cruise if your interests lie in taking guided excursions with naturalists, scientists, or historians. These ships offer many other activities that can include small boat landings, hiking, snorkelling, or cultural exchanges with indigenous communities. Onboard an explorer ship programs tend to focus on enrichment, with lectures, workshops, and documentary screenings. This is somewhat different to the offerings of larger less personal ships. Here activities are centred around onboard entertainment like live shows, themed parties, and casinos. Ashore, excursions offered by these larger ships often involve city tours, shopping, or beach visits.
Passenger Demographics
Expedition cruise ships tend to attract adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and travellers with a strong interest in education and discovery. Typically, they appeal to small groups, couples, or solo travellers who value experiences over luxury. But that is not to say that explorer ships are substandard when it comes to the accommodations they offer. On board the Swan Hellenic SH Diana for example, a crew of 145 look after 192 guests in 96 staterooms. They are deluxe Scandinavian-style with warming wood and neutral hues. Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 and that includes a 5m2 private balcony with its own table and chairs. Each stateroom contains a welcome bottle of Champagne, snacks, and a well-stocked minibar. Plus, there’s an Illy espresso coffee machine, tea facilities, smart HDTV, free Wi-fi, personal safe. There is even a pair of Nikon binoculars for watching wildlife!
Cabins and suites (Junior 32m2 and Premium 41m2) come with plenty of charging sockets. They contain complimentary toiletries ample storage space and flame-effect fireplaces. Standard cruise ships typically offer accommodation that appeals to families and groups looking for a mix of relaxation and entertainment. Suites are equipped and decorated to look and feel like holiday hotel suites found in the likes of Marriott and Hilton Hotels the world over. As such, these cruises cater well to passengers whose ages span a wide range, from children to retirees.
Onboard Atmosphere
Expect a more intimate, quieter atmosphere on board explorer ships. They tend to carry fewer passengers. On board these ships the focus is on connecting with fellow travellers over shared interests in exploration and learning. Passengers play chess backgammon and enjoy card games together and evening entertainment is more reserved. Ironically our much-loved ships in the Swan Hellenic fleet do occasionally offer disco nights and Karaoke evenings. But we have yet to find a passenger on board who thinks they are a good idea! Large resort-like liners are more likely to offer a vibrant, activity packed atmosphere with bustling public areas, large crowds. They focus on social activities ranging from full on cabarets to boisterous outdoor games on decks beside crowded swimming pools.
Cost
Generally, explorer cruises are more expensive than the larger ships. The difference is due to ship size, the specialised itineraries they offer. And the remote destinations they visit. When comparing costs between ships and the cruises they offer, check to see if the quoted price includes guided excursions, expert lectures, and equipment for activities. They often do and as such, offer great value. Larger capacity ships offer a range of price points.
Often with affordable deals for families or groups. Many of the low-cost starting prices these cruise companies offer, fail to point out the additional costs of shore excursions. These are in addition to specialty dining, drinks and other onboard activities that all attract an extra charge.
Environmental Considerations
Expedition cruises frequently focus on sustainability, featuring eco-friendly practices and low-impact tourism. Many operators partner with conservation organisations and or research initiatives. Swan Hellenic ships for example, freely host Citizen Science programmes for passengers. They invite them to submit observations and sightings made on board to scientific bodies. Larger ships have a greater environmental footprint. But it should also be pointed out that many of these cruise lines are actively working towards adopting greener technologies.
Accessibility
Passengers sailing on board expedition cruise ships tend to be physically fit. They need to be, so that they can enjoy the excursions. Such as hiking, kayaking, or climbing in and out of small landing boats. Then can appear to be less accessible for families with young children or individuals with mobility challenges. That said, many small ships offer cabins for the disabled and crews on these smaller more personalised ships will move heaven and earth to ensure that disabled passengers are not disadvantaged or short changed when it comes to activities.
Standard cruise ships are designed with disabled accessibility, in mind. They come with elevators, ramps and wheelchair accessible cabins with huge shower rooms. They offer activities and accommodation for all ages and abilities.
In Summary
Expedition cruises are for those seeking adventure, education, and unique experiences in remote locations. Standard cruises, on the other hand, are ideal for those looking for relaxation, entertainment, and convenience in popular tourist destinations. The choice depends on your travel goals, interests, and preferred style of holiday afloat.