A simple introduction to the expedition ship sector.

1. Steve Noakes
May 2019
Updated October 2022
An introduction.
EXPEDITION SHIPS.

2. 3 x Ps.
Expedition ship passengers like to be active
explorers of places, people & planet.

3. https://world.expeditions.com/about-us/lindblad-history/
Lindblad Expeditions
were the early pioneers
of expedition ships for
tourists.
Lars-Eric Lindblad
 Swedish-American entrepreneur
and explorer
 Pioneered tourism to many
remote and exotic parts of the
world
 Led the first tourist expedition to
Antarctica in 1966 in a chartered
Argentine navy ship
 For many years operated his
own vessel, the MS Lindblad
Explorer, in the region.

4. ‘…. you will never find a large expedition ship … The whole point of an
expedition is to get you close up - to the scenery, the wildlife, the land,
and the sea.
Every expedition ship is staffed, in addition to the normal crew, by a
group of naturalists and expedition leaders who will enhance your
experience … a well-designed lecture theatre with excellent sightlines
will significantly improve your enjoyment of seminars and
presentations on board.’
www.mundyadventures.co.uk/adventure-news/travel-advice/cruise-ship-expedition-ship-difference

5. www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions
Since 2004: National Geographic +Lindblad Expeditions.

6. Traditional cruising:
• Usually larger ships – over 200 and up to more than 5,000 passengers
• Sailing from port to port
• Focussed ‘in-wards’
• On-board meals & entertainment
• Larger cruise ships may have several bars and restaurants, shops, pools and boutiques.
• At a destination, shore excursions offered
• Come back to the ship for dining & entertainment
Expedition cruising:
• Usually smaller ships – up to 150 to 200 passengers
• Focussed ‘out-wards’ – explore people & places
• Can navigate closer to land, reefs, islands and into rivers
• It’s more about the destination, than the cruising lifestyle.
• It’s learning about the flora and fauna, the culture and history
• Get off the ship as much as possible while in port
• On-board experts - opportunity to learn from their extensive knowledge – e.g. a marine biologist,
professional photographer or wildlife expert
• Guests get a greater appreciation for the destination
Adapted from: www.ultimatecruising.com.au/cruise-or-expedition

7. The world’s biggest cruise ship
• Symphony of the Seas
• Owned by Royal Caribbean International
• Gross tonnage: 228,021 GT
• 361.011 metres (1,184.42 ft) in length
• 18 decks
• 5,518 passengers at double occupancy up to a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers
• 2,200-person crew

8. Source:
www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/small-ship-vs-big-ship---what-is-the-difference
Views from a USA cruise
specialist tour operator

9. South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean.
Example: Government policy on expedition ships
www.gov.gs/visitors/how-to-visit/

11. Expedition ships come in all shapes and sizes

12. • Refurbished in 2009
• Cabins - ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities
• Large common areas and observation decks
• Up to 134 passengers.
www.gadventures.com/travel-styles/cruising/expedition-cruises/ship/

13. USD 75 million.
93.5-meter-long
120
passengers
www.cruisemapper.com/news/3042-vard-to-build-small-cruise-ship-for-coral-expeditions

14. www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=338

15. Papua New Guinea:
 Sepik Spirit - 9-room river cruise boat
 Unique design inspired be the local architecture of the spirit house
 Explore waterways of Papua New Guinea’s Sepik region
Haus Tambaran
‘spirit house’

16. Amazon.
The Zafiro launched in 2015
and is owned by a Peruvian
company.
www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/International-Expeditions-charters-ship-for-Peruvian-Amazon-cruises

17. www.nationalgeographic.com.au/travel/ocean-cruise-expeditions/

18. www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=338

19. • ‘Focus of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as
possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and
comfort.’
• ‘Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most
experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a
lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit.’
New Zealand based expedition ship operator
• Since 1985, as a way of increasing awareness and
conservation of the natural world through responsible
expedition travel.
• Founded by Rodney and Shirley Russ, Rodney was a
biologist working for the New Zealand Wildlife Service.
www.heritage-expeditions.com

20. • Launches in spring 2020
• 126-passengers
• Amenities on par with a luxury vessel, including
two restaurants, a glass-walled yoga studio, an
infinity Jacuzzi facing the stern and two saunas
with panoramic windows so heat-bathers won’t
miss the passing scenery.
www.nytimes.com/2018/12/28/travel/expedition-cruises-luxury.html
Trends – next generation expedition ship
National Geographic Endurance
Lindblad Expeditions

21. ‘A seven-night expedition sailing in many ways feels more like a weeklong shore excursion than a cruise.
What sets expedition cruising apart from traditional cruising is the relationship between the
voyages and ports. On a typical ship, the cruise experience is made up in equal measure by experiences
ashore — both organized and independent — and various activities and entertainment on board, provided
by a “cruise staff’ …
In addition to cruise staff, expedition ships are led by an expedition team, with a team leader and a
support staff of naturalists and science-oriented guest lecturers who give presentations on the
politics, culture, history, geology, geography, biology, ecology or anthropology of their vessel’s
destinations. Some even employ photographers to help you take amazing pictures of the wildlife and
scenery.’
One keystone of expedition cruising is the extensive use of Zodiac inflatable crafts instead of
conventional tenders. Not only does this require more agility transferring to and from the ship, but often the
destination is a beach or rocky shoreline lacking any sort of a pier, necessitating a “wet landing” (having to
jump over the side into the water and wade to shore). Once ashore, groups are often divided up into
smaller packs based on fitness level and interest, with the heartier travelers taking off on hikes of various
degrees or long kayaking outings and easier-going folks taking a leisurely, naturalist-led walk along a
shoreline to look in tide pools or search for rare birds.
www.theaffluenttraveler.com/the-magazine?cid=279&aid=35324

22. Two expedition ship guides & their specialist areas:
Suzanne Noakes – Indonesia, Melanesia, Micronesia
Thomas Bauer – Antarctica
EXPEDITION SHIP GUIDES ARE PROBLUE.
They support …
Healthy Oceans, Healthy Economies, Healthy Communities.

23. 30 years as an expedition guide
https://issuu.com/www.pacificasiatourism.org/docs/three_deaces_melanesia_suzanne_noak/1

24. Sometimes the
expedition ships
are the only outside
visitors to remote
islands each year.

26.  The largest private residential ship on
the planet
 Guests spend time exploring the most
exotic and well-traveled destinations
• The World is an upscale ship & home to 165
Residences.
• The World’s EXPEDITIONS - led by teams of local
and world-renowned experts
https://aboardtheworld.com/rare-expeditions/

27. 2022 examples of expedition cruising.
15 day expedition
followed by a
17 day expedition
www.heritage-expeditions.com

28. 53 minute video
Interview
with
expedition
ship guide
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUKasd17SEI&ab_channel=HeritageExpeditions

29. Full interview:
https://albatros-expeditions.com/inspiration/interview-thomas-bauer-lecturer-and-expedition-guide
• Polar expeditions guide
• Antarctic Ambassador (IAATO)
• An Australian of Bavarian origin.
• Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, London
• Ph.D. thesis dissertation investigated commercial tourism in Antarctica
Thomas, what makes a good expedition?
‘A good expedition is one where guests get to
enjoy the scenery of the Polar Regions, where
they have comradery on board and where
they have colleagues of mine who are sharing
their expertise of Antarctica or the Arctic.’

30. “My first visit to the Antarctic was in 1994 to film a video, Voyage to the
Antarctic, and I was blown away. In all the times I have been there since, I
still find it as awesome and as unsurpassed.”
Dr Bauer describes walking where there are no humans other than members
of the group, interactions with penguins and seals, watching whales –
including on one occasion a vast blue whale – and carefully working his way
through tumbling ice flows in a zodiac (inflatable boat) or kayak.”
ICY CONTINENT
HOT STUFF –
Whales and
seabirds hunting off
the Antarctic ice.
Photo: Thomas Bauer.
www.thesenior.com.au/story/5414445/in-awe-of-antarctics-grandeur/