Cruise ship vs. Expedition ship: What's the difference?

Published 23rd of January 2024 | By Edwina Lonsdale

The concept of expedition cruising was the brainchild of pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad, back in 1966, when he started to take travellers as 'citizen scientists' into regions hitherto visited only by experts and explorers such as Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands. Over the years, more and more companies have joined this exclusive group of expedition cruise operators visiting off the beaten track locations around the globe - so what is the difference between an expedition cruise and a regular ocean cruise?

Cruise ship vs. Expedition ship: What's the difference?

Size

Expedition ships are small, to get you close up - to the scenery, the wildlife, the land, and the sea. You need to be able to get everyone off the ship very quickly, either into the water itself, or onto the land nearby. Ships must be nimble, manoeuvrable, and sturdy, with excellent stability and performance in heavy seas. And since you are way off the beaten track, your ship needs to be supremely seaworthy.

Silversea Expeditions - Silver Galapagos

Environmental impact

If you are visiting the polar regions, the ship must have an ice-strengthened hull, and new environmental requirements are introduced periodically to further minimise the vessel's impact on the environment. Improved fuel efficiency, hybrid technology, innovative propulsion systems and more all contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the vessel.

Some vessels are actually icebreakers in their own right, but the majority would rely on another vessel to free them from pack ice in an emergency.

Crew

Every expedition ship is staffed, in addition to the normal crew, by a group of naturalists and expedition leaders who will enhance your experience - obviously they need to be housed somewhere on the ship, and a well-designed lecture theatre with excellent sightlines will significantly improve your enjoyment of seminars and presentations on board.

Extensive observation decks help you observe the wildlife even before going ashore, and some of the newest vessels have specially built platforms to help you get the very best views possible from the bows of the ship.

Equipment

The next generation of expedition vessels is the greenest ever. Designed to meet the exacting environmental standards required by the new Polar Code, these ships feature a range of technical innovations and green initiatives, as well as cool new design features.

Many ships are adding all sorts of exciting water toys in addition to the standard Zodiacs and kayaks, including wave runners, underwater scooters, submarines and remote operated vehicles (ROVs). Onboard innovations to improve the guest experience include extendable glass balconies, interactive learning centres and even an underwater viewing lounge.

In short, whilst an expedition ship can and will offer many of the features of a conventional cruise ship - including comfortable accommodation, restaurants, bars and lounges, a spa and a gym - it must also feature a whole range of specific additions to be the perfect expedition vessel.

Meet the Author

Edwina Lonsdale is Managing Director and together with husband Matthew, owner of Mundy Adventures. Her most recent adventure was a cruise on Silver Origin and she has also sailed with Seabourn, Ponant and Aqua Expeditions. Her favourite adventure destination is the Galapagos however she's also enjoyed cruises in the Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, Brahmaputra, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, the Mekong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and the Arctic. When she’s not travelling she loves reading, food and wine.

More about Edwina

Let us guide you

Get your free subscription to Off The Map

The UK's most authoritative magazine about the world of expedition cruising. New ships, new destinations, new experiences and new offers. Be more informed and more inspired.

Order your copy