Introduction to Expedition Cruising

Expedition ships are normally smaller than the average, taking perhaps 100 people in total. The itineraries that they follow are often novel, or remote, or just plain exciting. On board there are lecturers who are there to impart knowledge on subjects such as geology, birdwatching, history and culture. These ships are normally “informal”, so no need to pack that dinner jacket or posh frock. This leaves space for waterproofs and rubber boots which are probably going to be needed for those “wet landings” and hikes on muddy ground. As many of the ships are normally compact some the cabins are often on the small size. Most of them will have toilets and showers en suite and there is space for a small desk and a chair. The lower category cabins are normally on the lower decks and are cheaper. On higher decks the categories become more expensive and the cabins a little larger. However, be aware that the most stable part of a ship is in the middle and near the water line! Most of the ships have dining rooms capable of taking everybody at a single sitting. Even though you may be in remote places the food is often excellent and the wine lists on some ships are exceptional! Many of the ships have tea and coffee available at all times. The ships will normally have a fleet of inflatable zodiacs, which are used for making landings on beaches, or else for taking you around icebergs, cliffs and small islands. The ships’ daily itineraries are based around making landings, which may result in you finding yourself having meals early or late on occasions so that you can visits particular areas. The majority of the ships operate an open bridge policy to enable you to watch the captain or first officer plotting the ship’s course, or navigating between icebergs. Wildlife watching is an essential part of many of these cruises and if a large whale is spotted the ship may well divert for closer views. The decks on the ships have many areas where you can stand and just watch the scenery and wildlife pass by. If you are expecting a band and dancing girls each evening then these type of cruises are not what you are looking for!

One of the worries regarding travelling on your own is the additional cost of taking a single room or cabin. If you want to share on these expedition ships then you will not be charged a single room/cabin supplement. The ships will endeavour to find someone to share with you and if they are unable to they will not charge any extra. However, if you do require a twin room/cabin for sole use then you should specify this at the time of booking and the single supplement will be charged.

Why should you book with Expedition Cruising rather than directly with the ship or their cruise company? We have been dealing with expedition ships for over 15 years and we know that problems can occur with both the ships and the companies that own or lease them. During these last 15 years a number of ships have had to withdraw from the market due to financing problems. The beauty of dealing through a UK licensed company such as Expedition Cruising is that your money is safeguarded as we have financial bonding for all bookings. If a cruise is cancelled then we would refund your money. If you deal with overseas companies normally your money is not protected, nor governed by UK or EU laws.

We are happy to book any of the cruises on the ships offered in this brochure but we can also book your flights, hotels and airport car parking if you require them. We can also offer a range of books that may be suitable for wildlife identification on the cruises. We also offer advice on immunisation, visa requirements, currency exchange and even weather and sea conditions for different times of the year. Above all we can normally find the answer to most questions you have, if not immediately, then within hours.

Firstly, choose the cruise you want to take and the category cabin you require. Then either telephone us or e-mail us with your request. We can then see which cabins are still available and let you know. Once a cabin is confirmed we need you to complete the booking form that is downloadable under "Information" and let us have a 25% deposit to confirm your booking. Once we have received your completed form and deposit we shall send you a Confirmation Account detailing the services you have booked as well as the final balance due and the payment date. Later, we shall send you joining instructions which include advice on clothing, visa application (if necessary), airport parking and hotels and other pertinent information.