What is the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN)?

The Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) is a B2B travel trade membership organisation whose purpose is to connect expedition cruise operators with travel trade professionals in order to promote expedition cruising as an incredible choice for travellers from across the world. The network is also a voice for the sector that seeks to represent it in an authentic, trustworthy and consistent manner.

What is an expedition cruise?

An expedition cruise is one of the most exciting ways to explore the world. It is all about getting your clients up-close to some of the world’s most remote and incredible destinations, in a sustainable and sensitive way. 

In comparison to ocean vessels, expedition cruising ships are a fraction of the size of those used in the regular cruising world. They serve a different purpose too: an expedition ship is a platform to access remote destinations where all the exciting things happen outside.

These sailings are not limited to the places with port facilities and can reach truly remote sites. To facilitate this, most expedition ships carry a fleet of Zodiacs or other types of motorised boats, and all shore activities are led by the expedition guides.

Every expedition cruise is accompanied by this team of experts whose job is to share their knowledge and passion for destinations visited, both while onboard and during activities onshore or on water. They will offer unique insights on the destinations being explored and are an integral part of the expedition cruise experience.

What type of client suits expedition cruises and why?

Expedition cruising can appeal to a wide range of age and demographics, but there are a couple of traits common to all expedition cruise travellers: they prefer active forms of holidays and are curious. Expedition cruising is perfect for solo travellers, multigenerational families, couples and groups. Clients who enjoyed safari holidays in the past will love expedition cruising too, because wildlife viewing plays a huge part in the experience. Luxury clients who want to explore without compromising the quality of accommodation they expect from land-based hotels will not be disappointed either, as there are several luxury and ultra-luxury expedition cruise operators that offer expedition cruising to some of the remotest corners of the world in ultimate comfort. 

Is there a minimum age for expedition cruises?

Expedition cruise ships often operate in remote parts of the world and ensuring guest safety is a number one priority for all companies. Expedition cruise companies will often have age restrictions for children for safety purposes, and the minimum age can range from five to eight years old – you should always enquire with the expedition cruise operator. Another important consideration to make is that due to the nature of these voyages and the focus on experiences outside the ship, there are very few facilities onboard dedicated to children, if any at all, so parents will be responsible for their children’s entertainment while onboard.

Saying this, there are some expedition cruise operators that offer family sailings in destinations such as the Galapagos archipelago with dedicated programmes for young explorers, which can be a very rewarding experience for a young person – always ask the supplier.

What kind of budget will a client need for an expedition cruise?

There is a wide range of expedition cruise operators and the prices differ depending on the destination, however the price of an expedition cruise booking often starts at around £5,000 per person.

What’s included in the cost of the cruise?

All expedition cruise companies include all meals and soft drinks in their price, as well as the activities ashore and lecture programme onboard. In some destinations, the guests will be issued with boots for the duration of the voyage without extra cost, and in destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic, most of the companies will also give their clients a complimentary parka.

What’s the accommodation like on expedition cruises?

There is a wide range of accommodation onboard expedition ships: the sector has experienced an exponential growth in the last 10 years and the expedition cruising fleet is one of the youngest of all cruising sectors. Ultra-luxury options such as Silversea Expeditions or Scenic Eclipse will offer suites, amenities and butler service onboard en par with what you would expect onboard the brands’ ocean-going vessels; and even the companies whose priority is not necessarily luxury will offer very comfortable accommodation. With more than 100 expedition ships in the market, there is certainly enough variety to cater to all travellers.

Is the food on expedition cruises any good?

Your clients can expect as good food on expedition ships as on any ocean-going vessels. In fact, Atlas Ocean Voyages offers Epicurean Voyages that in addition to exquisite cuisine onboard and guest chefs, offer clients unparalleled experiences to sample local cuisine across multiple destinations. Swan Hellenic offers Maris Gourmet cruises, and clients onboard Scenic Eclipse can expect no fewer than 10 dining options. French expedition cruise company Ponant has a partnership with celebrated Michelin star chef Alain Ducasse, one of only two chefs globally to hold 21 Michelin stars throughout his career. Even micro expedition cruise operators such as Aqua Expeditions regularly team up with the local celebrity chefs in culinary hotspots outside Europe, such as Peru, Ecuador, Vietnam or Indonesia, which brings an extra dimension to the destination experience – and supports local communities through buying fresh, local produce.

How big are the ships?

The average size of an expedition ship is 200 passengers. The size of the ship plays an important role in some of the expedition cruising destinations due to the local regulations, and it will determine where the ships can go to and how often the guests will be able to go ashore.

How often do travellers get to leave the ship?

This depends on the destination and weather conditions, however it is safe to say that each expedition cruise company and expedition team will strive to get the travellers ashore as often and for as long as it is possible.

Is there any onboard entertainment?

Not in a traditional sense. In the evenings, typically guests will be invited to join the expedition team before dinner for a Recap and Briefing session during a cocktail hour. The expedition leader will talk through the plans for the next day and a couple of expedition team members will discuss some of the highlights experienced during the day with the entire group of guests. This is usually followed by dinner. Some companies will also offer movie nights in the lecture lounge or stargazing. Some luxury and ultra-luxury companies have an onboard musician but do not expect shows or full-scale entertainment production. During the sea days, expect an enriching lecture programme by expedition team members that will bring to life and give context to the destinations being visited. 

Will there be Wi-FI?

Yes, most of the expedition cruise companies offer Wi-Fi. Some of them will offer a complimentary basic package and an option to purchase premium options, while the others will charge extra for Wi-Fi and have various packages available – always ask the supplier. Internet and Wi-Fi may not be available in some remote areas, especially when travelling in polar regions, however more and more expedition cruise companies use Starlink marine internet that has improved internet speed and access.

Are expedition cruises all really long?

No, the duration of expedition voyages in some destinations start from four days, such as the Galapagos archipelago with selected expedition cruise operators. Even the most iconic expedition cruising destination Antarctica can now be explored during a six-day trip. This would be if your clients opt for an increasingly more popular fly-cruise option instead of crossing the infamous Drake passage onboard a ship (multiple expedition cruise operators now offer an option to fly directly to the peninsula to King George island, effectively shortening the voyage by the four days needed to cross the Drake from South America). Always check with the supplier.

What should be included in a client’s packing list?

It will depend on the destination. All expedition cruise companies offering trips to polar regions should be able to offer you and your clients a suggested packing list but generally, when travelling in polar regions, it is important to stay dry and warm, so thermal clothes, layers, and outer waterproof clothing as well as a hat, gloves, and neck gaiter, as well as wool socks are a must. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also important to protect your eyes and skin from sun exposure. In warm climates, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, water shoes, long-sleeve sun shirts, hat and sunglasses are some of the essential items to bring. Drybags, and a waterproof backpack will protect your clients’ equipment such as cameras from potential splash when on the Zodiacs. Some expedition cruise companies offer a complimentary guest parka in polar regions and occasionally may rent out waterproof pants. Often, there is a limited supply of items available for purchase onboard the ships in the shop, but advise the clients not to rely on that as sizes might be limited or some items may not be available. Always ask a supplier to provide you with a packing list that you can share with your clients.

You can find details about expedition cruise destinations and wildlife encounters, as well as a trade events listing, responsible cruising guidelines, sales and marketing tips, and agent resources, on the other pages of our Selling Guide. You can also find expedition cruise news, a directory of expedition cruise lines and additional information on the Selling Guide homepage.

Got a question that isn’t listed? Please email our head of partner content Madeleine Barber on mbarber@ttgmedia.com and we will endeavour to source the answer and add it to this page