Are expedition cruises a suitable holiday choice for families with teens? Operators tell TTG’s Harry Kemble that yes, they are.
Some expedition cruises as suitable for teenagers as they are adults. Photo: iStock
The question of when a young person can truly appreciate an expedition cruise is one you sometimes hear agents debate. If a child joins a sailing to a far-flung destination too young it risks not only turning them off cruise for life but also possibly their parents, any siblings in tow – and even other passengers.
TTG approached several operators to find out if they have any expedition sailings that will appeal to young adults and guarantee everyone is kept happy.
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Are expedition cruises a suitable holiday choice for families with teens? Operators tell TTG’s Harry Kemble that yes, they are.
Some expedition cruises as suitable for teenagers as they are adults. Photo: iStock
The question of when a young person can truly appreciate an expedition cruise is one you sometimes hear agents debate. If a child joins a sailing to a far-flung destination too young it risks not only turning them off cruise for life but also possibly their parents, any siblings in tow – and even other passengers.
TTG approached several operators to find out if they have any expedition sailings that will appeal to young adults and guarantee everyone is kept happy.
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Danielle Bates, head of UK sales for Lindblad Expeditions, said: “I’m pleased to say one of our biggest differentiators in the market is our family programme. Not only do we accommodate families with children, we encourage it! Thanks to our National Geographic Young Explorers programme, children are invited to their own lectures onboard, specifically aimed at their appropriate age range, and they’re given their own guidebooks and materials specific to the destination they are in – with images of the wildlife they may spot for example.”
Prices for the eight-day Galapagos Escape voyages departing 1 November 2025 start from £6,025pp. The fare excludes flights.
Arjun Sinsinwar, chief inspiration officer at Antara Cruises, said: “We offer a range of enriching itineraries that cater to families. Our expeditions are designed to engage all ages with a mix of exciting wildlife encounters, cultural exploration and hands-on activities. Including our sailing in Bhitarkanika, which departs every Monday between 1 August 2025 and 30 April 2026, is a perfect expedition for families with teenagers. It offers an opportunity to explore the vast mangrove forests, observe saltwater crocodiles and visit a turtle hatchery. The blend of adventure and learning makes this a fantastic option for families seeking an eco-conscious and educational cruise.”
Prices for the three-night Bhitarkanika sailing from Gupti and calling into Dangamal and Habalikati start from £900pp with return flights not included.
Nick Hindle, national business development manager at Quark Expeditions, said: “For Generation Z, travel is about forging deeper connections with the world and we are uniquely equipped to guide them on that path. We specialise exclusively in Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, and welcome guests aged eight years and above onboard. However, adventure activities such as camping, kayaking and flightseeing are only available to passengers aged 16+. Passengers aged 16+ can enjoy our 12-day Antarctica by Helicopter expedition where guests have the opportunities to see seals, whales and Emperor Penguins.”
Prices for the Antarctica by Helicopter expedition departing either 27 November or 7 December 2025 start from $15,701pp.
Nathaniel Sherborne, vice-president and managing director for Europe and global sales enablement at HX, said: “For families seeking an unforgettable adventure, our expeditions offer the perfect opportunity to engage curious teens and young adults. Led by experts focused on responsible travel and rooted in science, our goal is to inspire a lasting connection to the remote places we visit and encourage greater awareness of our planet. The Galapagos Islands, which are a living testament to the forces that shaped our understanding of nature, provide an ideal setting for this mission.”
Prices for the 11-day Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise – Nine of the Best Isles start from £6,224pp without international flights. HX offers 46 departures between April 2025 and December 2026.
Peter Shanks, Silversea’s managing director for the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, said: “Teenagers can participate in Silversea’s expeditions in the same way that adults can, and experiencing remote destinations as a family group creates life-long memories. Expeditions offer an active, enriching form of travel that appeals to those with an interest in discovery – regardless of age. Antarctica, too, is a fascinating continent with a lot to learn about ice, wildlife, and the history of exploration with Shackleton and other important historical figures. My voyage recommendation for teenagers is our six-day door-to-door King George Island to King George Island sailing on Silver Endeavour.”
Prices for the sailing on 1 November 2025 lead in from £17,900pp. The fare includes airfare, transfers, shore excursions, butler service and expedition gear.
Every operator contacted had more than one itinerary to share that it believed could captivate a younger client – this says everything about the expedition sector’s ability to appeal to a wider age range than many think.
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