Most of us know what mainstream cruising is all about!  Thirty or so years ago, even this type of cruising was still an unknown phenomenon.  One of the main messages that cruise lines used to promote cruising as the way to travel, was that you needed to unpack only once, and yet were able to visit at least 5 or more different destinations. What a way to go!  Nowadays, the destinations the ships are visiting, the accommodations and amenities on board, are all important facets in making a decision on which cruise line to choose.  There are low and high cost liners; there are those that offer active shore excursions versus a more leisurely style of cruising, and now the various activities offered on board can also be a determining factor.  For high end cruising, the number of passengers on board is often very important.  But the main theme that all ships have in common is that they all call on established ports, i.e. ports with piers on which to embark, wherever they may be located, or smaller ports that can accommodate large groups of people.

One of the first cruise lines to enter the expeditions cruise market was Lindblad Expeditions, who offered this type of expeditionary travel to Antarctica, the Amazon and the Northwest Passage.  Since this market was mostly driven by high end travelers with a broad education and deep pockets, it was difficult at first to determine and expand the exact markets for this product.  However, as the market always drives a new product, it was soon determined that non profits and higher education institutions were prime markets for this extra ordinary experience.  And as the market grew, more and more interested travelers became aware that this type of product offered a much more in depth experience than what the mainstream cruise product had to offer.

Nowadays, the expedition product offers several nuances.  There are high end ships (the Lindblad Explorer II, The National Geographic II, the Orion, and Prince Albert II, among others) , offering grandiose accommodations and a cuisine that pleases even those that have an experienced palate, in addition to offering shore excursions which are expeditionary in kind.  However, these excursions are somewhat limited by the types of people, these ships attract.  A more active individual while enjoying the luxuries that a specific ship would offer, might not necessarily be happy with limited time on land, because most of the passengers on the more luxurious ships tend to be bit older and less able to get in and out of zodiacs thereby limiting their time ashore.  Lecturers on these types of expeditions most often tend to  be associated with a university or other affiliation, with great expertise, but perhaps not about the local experience, but rather on a subject as a whole.

Other expedition cruise lines, such as, Oceanwide, Quark, Heritage Expeditions offer a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere, accommodations that are nice but not overly so, food that is diverse, but not one of the highest cuisine, lecturers that are experienced in the area, but not well known celebrities.   However, the more lax attitude and a higher sense of energy and enthusiasm, have their own attractive power.  Shore excursions are diverse and usually about four hours long.  A diversity of activities is offered so that everyone has a choice.   

The same energy on shore is translated in evening discussions which usually take place in the dining room.  While the more luxurious ships cater to mostly Americans, expedition ships tend to cater to an international crowd which through shared interests seems rather homogenous.

With the world becoming more interested in the protection of our environment, expedition cruising is seen as an expanding market.  In addition as people become more active in their maturing yeas, they may wish to change their cruise vacations to something that offers more than just time spend leisurely.  Several cruise lines that offer these types of explorations are counting on that by changing and building more ships that can accommodate the needs of active travelers.  This includes accommodations responsive to active people's needs, shore excursion that include even longer stays on shore, for additional hiking or even camping out.  In addition these companies might wish to take steps to honor the opportunities inherent in its ability to attract an international crowd, by using its style of cruising to address issues of conservation and protection of those natural resources that are part of their success. 

Putting it more succinctly, here are nine reasons why you would choose an expedition cruise

1. You share your voyage with at most one hundred people, not hundreds
2. You keep an active mind and body, as much as you wish, during the cruise
3. All shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise
4. Cozy ambiance of small spaces, enhance communication
5. You  share the journey with people who have your same spirit and interests
6. You learn new things every day and are able to pursue your hobby with a passion
7. Your are part of a global world that energizes your mind and your spirit
8. You can pursue a healthy and active lifestyle
9. You return home, a bit tired perhaps, but enriched with new ideas and new knowledge and a host of international friends