Ready, Set, Explore: The Mindset for Expedition Cruises Guide

People have been exploring since the dawn of time; it’s in our DNA. Whether it’s been through necessity or desire, there’s no feeling quite like what we experience when discovering a new place for the first time. It is a magical moment. I recall being out on deck feeling queasy after a rocky crossing of the Drake Passage when the first icebergs from Antarctica came into view. Suddenly I forgot all about my discomfort and stood open-mouthed as a huge white monolith slowly passed.  The grandeur and majesty of the ice was even more breathtaking than I imagined, and I was immediately reminded of why I had wanted to undertake this voyage in the first place. 

These types of experiences are why many people explore. We want to be exhilarated, challenged, and taken out of our day-to-day comfort and experience something different. I’ve had the good fortune to travel to more than 75 countries and explore some of the most remote places on the planet. These journeys have taught me that preparation is critical to getting the most from the experience.  And that’s not just the preparation of one’s clothing and equipment, but also minimising what I take and, most importantly, the preparation of my mindset. 

For many people, they are leaving the familiar and comfortable and entering the unknown. It's essential to embrace the experience with an open heart and mind, ready to adapt to changing plans and unexpected challenges. Don't let unnecessary cognitive bias inhibit your experience of the unknown. Preparation begins before an expedition cruise is even booked; it starts with understanding why you want to go on a specific expedition cruise in the first place. Knowing your 'why' gives you a sense of purpose and greater preparedness to explore and stimulate your curiosity while accepting discomfort and the unfamiliar. Because it's taking you towards your purpose. 

Last summer, I had the opportunity to explore northeast Greenland on an expedition cruise.  The cruise itinerary had given no specific destinations for ten days, which meant that guests onboard had to accept that plans would be flexible, with the captain responding to the weather and ice conditions to give everyone an optimal experience.  Even though the expedition cruise had been advertised this way, a few onboard were anxious to have more certainty in the itinerary.  

Yet the only certainty provided was the time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Other than that, the guides responded to nature and the up-to-date weather information. We were rewarded with stunning landscapes and invigorating hikes made better with the sun's warmth on our backs. The purpose of this expedition cruise was to experience that remote part of the world - which we did. For those open-minded guests who embraced the unknown, it meant they were open to what unfolded each day rather than having fixed expectations that were not delivered. 

One of the profound benefits of an expedition cruise is the opportunity to disconnect from the constant buzz of mobile phones and technology. Although there is internet capability onboard ships in many locations in the world, it can be intermittent or even non-existent in remote areas like Svalbard or Antarctica. I recommend making a conscious choice to create a mobile-free environment and immerse yourself fully in the present moment, engaging deeply with the breathtaking landscapes, chatting with fellow guests, and observing the flora and fauna around as you sail along.  

Allowing yourself to reconnect with nature and the ‘inner self’ is one of the big benefits of cruising on small expedition ships. Experiencing nature and the outdoors can trigger a physiological response in us that lowers our stress levels. There is also a scientific theory that exposure to nature restores our ability to concentrate and pay attention. Embracing the unknown and letting this unique experience rejuvenate one’s spirits is, therefore, an integral part of the small ship expedition cruise experience. 

Fewer people mean fewer distractions. I’ve found that on small expedition ships, there is plenty of time and space to converse with fellow guests over a cup of coffee while observing the scenery and allowing one’s mind to wander, contemplate, and imagine. 

When we choose to be in the present moment, we notice details that are overlooked when distracted by technology. You’ll find moments to indulge in activities that may take some of your attention - but not all of it, such as observing the grace of a bird landing on the water and juddering to a stop or noticing the distinctive wave patterns on the sea as underwater currents change. Being present in the moment allows space in our minds for creative ideas and thoughts to incubate. People often say they get their best ideas whilst taking a shower, where they are relaxed and their mind is disconnected from the priorities & actions of the day, and I’d add to that the experience of being at sea without distractions from technology can be another wonderful fertile environment to do the same.

Choosing to explore a new destination or taking an expedition cruise for the first time can bring some concern or anxiety.  Will I be able to do it? Am I going to like my fellow guests onboard the ship? Can I survive the cold temperatures outside?  I find it helpful to remind myself that being uncomfortable is a natural part of the process of growth and change, and I recall when I embarked on my first polar expedition, I was naturally nervous yet excited.

Before we set off towards the North Pole, one of the ways our team addressed this tension was to write a ‘what if’ list.  Each of us wrote down all the fears we had, from the significant ‘What happens if we come across a polar bear?’ to the mundane, ‘What if I just don’t get on with the other people?’ and then we shared our lists together.  Now, whilst that may be impractical to implement in the same way as guests are unlikely to know who their fellow travellers will be until they board the ship – I suggest that writing your own ‘what if’ list or encouraging your travel companions to do the same and then sharing them can be a fun way to consider these questions. 

Feeling anxious can quickly turn into catastrophising when our emotions are left to run unchecked. Writing your list doesn’t belittle the concern but creates a level of detachment so the issue can be considered more objectively. Although we did not resolve all our worries before beginning our expedition to the North Pole, knowing that others shared my concerns, too, somehow made them easier to face. By being proactive, we can switch our thinking from “oh no” to it becoming an excited and committed YES I CAN! 

There is plenty of public information available about expedition cruising that can help prospective travellers understand what life is like onboard small expedition cruise ships.  Education is often another way to dispel any fears or at least accept that whatever happens…happens…and enjoy the adventure. 

Many people create a packing list of clothing and equipment they will need for an expedition cruise, but I suspect fewer consider the mindset that will be conducive to getting the most from their expedition cruise. Just like an elite athlete does not step on the track before a race without knowing their capabilities, being focused, and feeling confident, mental preparation before an expedition cruise is time well spent. 

Set Your Intention

Set your intention to be curious and accept a level of discomfort. Be prepared to adapt while appreciating difference and thinking of the experience as an opportunity to connect to something bigger than yourself. 

Those who are willing to embrace these qualities on an expedition cruise can expand their view of the world, learn about people and places that are different to their own and ultimately gain a lot from the experience – even if it ends up being quite different to what they had imagined beforehand. Embracing the unknown whilst on a cruise can bring more confidence and motivation to travel on other expedition ships in future and visit new places. It also helps us cope with the unfamiliar in everyday life and become more tolerant of delays or setbacks, thus reducing stress levels.

Be Curious 

Curiosity drives exploration and innovation. It pushes us to ask questions, seek new experiences, and constantly expand our knowledge. On an expedition cruise, I've seen guests strike up interesting conversations with fellow guests, try unfamiliar dishes on the dinner menu and even a few who have been curious to do the polar plunge and discover what it feels like to jump into the chilly waters of the Arctic!  Ask yourself – what do I want to learn about?  What could I discover about myself or others during this journey?  

Embrace Discomfort 

Embracing discomfort is essential for human beings to grow. It may mean enduring cold temperatures whilst on a zodiac cruise or having an evening meal onboard with guests that you have not spoken to before. On the Greenland cruise our guide proposed a 6 am start one morning for a zodiac cruise so we could make two landings in one day before sailing back to Iceland. Many people would have preferred a later start but were willing to make the effort to get up early as they wanted to see as much as they could. We were rewarded with a lovely brunch once we got back onboard, and I always remind myself that discomfort is rarely permanent. 

Preparedness to Adapt

Many of the regions that expedition ships sail to are wilderness and remote areas, which means that itineraries can change. Therefore, adaptability is crucial. This involves being flexible and accepting that the ports or places that are advertised do not always materialise. I've learned to accept that 'a plan is just a guide' and that having an open mind leads to fewer disappointments. Often, any alternative itinerary a cruise ship arranges can be equally enjoyable. It's just different. 

Appreciation of Difference

Embracing diversity enriches our interactions with our fellow guests onboard ship. We learn about other cultures and places that may be different from our own. Some of the most interesting conversations I have had with people onboard ship are when I meet someone whose life is so unlike mine.

When we directly interact with nature, we form a personal and emotional bond with it, and this connection can evoke feelings of awe, wonder, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Emotional experiences often lead to a sense of attachment, making us more likely to protect and preserve what we feel connected to. It can also cause us to question the way we live our lives or our bigger purpose on the planet and can inspire individuals to want to contribute more meaningfully and sustainably. 

There is no greater example of where this happens than for those who visit Antarctica.  It has a profound emotional effect on many people, perhaps because nothing prepares us for the grandeur and magnitude of this white continent. When I sailed there in 1996 as an expedition leader, we had 35 young people from 25 countries with us. That experience inspired some of them to begin working on environmental and sustainability campaigns in their own countries. And that desire to act came because of the emotional effect they experienced in Antarctica. 

Going on an expedition cruise can be very rewarding, and the experience can be enhanced by embracing the unknown. So, as you contemplate your next destination, I encourage you to prepare your mind, clothing, and equipment to get the most from the journey.