Why do I work in travel? I love exploring! But… I also love a great deal. After years of experience sending people around the world, and advertising a huge variety of travel types, I’m used to looking beyond the price tag to see what makes a trip right for me. This is one more reason why the idea of an Expedition cruise appeals to me, and why I’m inclined to disagree with the idea that an Expedition cruise is expensive. Let’s talk cruise value—not just cost, but what you actually get for your money.
Expedition cruises often come with a higher upfront price tag than traditional cruises, which leads many travellers to assume they’re expensive because they’re simply the “luxury” or “exclusive” option. But that’s not the full picture.
In fact, over the last 6 months I’ve heard the cost of an Expedition cruise repeatedly be described as
Reassuringly Expensive
That’s a term I can definitely get behind, because whether you’re eyeing the icy edges of Antarctica or the sun-soaked coastlines of the Mediterranean, an expedition cruise might just offer more bang for your buck than you’d think.
Let’s Compare The Experiences
| Mainstream Cruise Line |
Expedition Cruise Line
|
|
| Destinations | Popular ports, often large cities or beach resorts |
Remote, wild, and rarely visited locations (e.g., Antarctica, Galápagos)
|
| Shore Excursions | Extra cost for most excursions |
Included expert-led excursions (zodiac rides, hikes, wildlife viewing)
|
| Guides & Experts | Limited or none |
Onboard team of naturalists, scientists, historians (even Penguinologists in Antarctica!)
|
| Ship Capacity | 1000s |
Most Expedition ships will hold no more than 200 passengers, and in certain areas are even smaller due to local regulations (Galapagos capped at 100 guests)
|
| Educational Programming | Minimal or entertainment-focussed |
Daily lectures, briefings, and workshops
|
| Gear & Equipment | Bring your own or rent at extra cost |
Included use of kayaks, snorkel gear, boots, parkas, etc.
|
| Helicopter and/or Submersible Opportunities | N/A |
Available on many Expedition ships, either included or at additional cost
|
| Onboard Vibe | Resort-like (pools, casinos, shopping) |
Immersive, discovery-focussed environment
|
| Wildlife Viewing | Occasional dolphin or whale sighting from the ship’s deck |
Daily close-up encounters with rare wildlife or local communities onshore
|
| Environmental Focus | Varies, often not a priority |
Strong sustainability and conservation commitment
|
| Food & Dining | Multiple options with main restaurant and buffet included, and some at extra cost |
All meals included, often with local/sustainable ingredients
|
| Drinks | Alcohol often extra, or limited packages |
Wine, beer, and soft drinks often included
|
| Wi-Fi & Connectivity | Usually extra cost |
Often included or offered at a lower cost
|
| Personalised Experience | Limited, more standardised |
Highly personalised with crew-to-guest ratio much lower
|
I’ve mentioned Antarctica and the Mediterranean above, so we’ll take a quick snapshot look at those destinations… but let’s not forget that you can go on an Expedition cruise all over the world! From the icebergs of Greenland and the Northwest Passage, to the welcoming tribes of Papua New Guinea there’s a cruise trip with meaningful insights, cultural immersion and deeper exploration waiting for you.
Antarctica: More Than Just a Cruise
Take Antarctica. You can sail on a larger, more traditional vessel with scenic cruising past the glaciers, enjoying a drink in hand from the comfort of your balcony. And that’s lovely.
However, a mainstream cruise ship is likely to have more than 500 passengers aboard, and that immediately disqualifies it from allowing landings and excursions in Antarctica. Regulations are strict here, and that’s to preserve one of the most pristine environments on Earth. You’ll find more information on these restrictions at IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators).
An expedition cruise gives you the chance to step ashore, paddle by icebergs in a kayak, or sit quietly on a snowbank surrounded by penguins. You’re not just looking at Antarctica — you’re in it.
Now also consider what’s included: zodiac landings, guided hikes, wildlife experts, parkas, boots, and daily enrichment talks. Most expedition lines bundle in everything from gratuities to Wi-Fi to beer and wine with meals. When you break it down, that higher fare starts to look pretty reasonable for the depth of the experience.
The Mediterranean: A New Way to Explore the Familiar
Now shift gears to the Med. Yes, that’s right… Expedition cruise lines offer more than just the Polar regions, and more incredible warm water destinations being added all the time.
You’ve got your big-ship classics — Rome, Santorini, Barcelona — with pools, buffets, and Broadway-style shows. But Expedition cruises here are changing how people see and experience the Mediterranean.
Instead of hitting the big-name ports with three other ships docked beside you, an expedition vessel might take you to Corsican villages, Croatian coves, or even tiny Greek islands with no cars, just donkeys and charm. You’re often tendered straight into the heart of lesser-known towns, avoiding the long coach transfers and tourist crowds. Imagine visiting a lesser-known Sicilian winery, and savouring a bottle that is’t available anywhere else in the world because they keep their best wines back for themselves! Visit traditional fishing villages, and sample their catch of the day. Feel the welcome of the woodfired kitchen where you’re invited to enjoy local cuisines prepared in the classic styles.
The inclusions really do count. Smaller, expedition-style ships tend to offer local guides, cultural workshops, and immersive excursions at no extra charge. Some even bring historians or archaeologists onboard to give the region real depth.
What’s the Real Value Of An Expedition Cruise?
It comes down to this: if you’re looking for a floating resort, a traditional cruise can be incredible value — especially with family deals, drinks packages, and late-booking specials. But… if you’re someone who values access, intimacy, and experience over scale, expedition cruising offers surprising value for what’s included.
You’ll likely come home with fewer photos of the pool deck, but more stories you’ll still be telling in ten years.
So is an expedition cruise expensive? On paper, maybe. But in terms of experience, access, and everything that’s bundled in — it might just be the best value cruise you’ll ever take.
Thinking about your next adventure? Whether it’s icebergs or olive groves, we can help you find the perfect cruise for your style and budget. Get in touch with our friendly team of cruise experts at Southampton Cruise Centre today on 02380 658 386!
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