Expedition Guide: Traditional Cruises vs. Expedition Cruise, what's the difference?

If you’ve sailed on a traditional cruise before and are curious about expedition cruising, you’ll quickly discover that the two experiences are worlds apart. While both involve exploring by ship, their philosophies, vessels, itineraries, and onboard cultures differ significantly.

Traditional cruising is often associated with floating resorts, filled with restaurants, theatres, and entertainment options for thousands of passengers. Expedition cruising, by contrast, prioritises exploration, education, and close encounters with remote destinations. Both have their appeal, but understanding the differences will help you decide which style of travel best suits you, and whether, as a cruise ship fan, the segway to expedition is right for you.

It’s no surprise that several well-known cruise brands—Silversea, Seabourn, Viking, among others- operate expedition ships alongside their larger fleets. Their past guests increasingly seek new ways to explore destinations that aren’t accessible to traditional cruise ships. 

Places like Antarctica, Svalbard, or the Northwest Passage, once reserved for explorers or research vessels, are now accessible in comfort, safety and luxury. Expedition cruising opens the door to extraordinary frontiers, without sacrificing higher-end hotel standards.

The most apparent distinction is size. Traditional cruise ships often carry anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 passengers, while expedition vessels typically host between 50 and 200 guests. This smaller scale allows access to remote, environmentally sensitive regions that large ships can’t reach. Expedition ships are purpose-built for adventure. Features may include:

• Ice-strengthened hulls for navigating polar waters.
• Advanced hull designs, such as the X-Bow, are used for improved stability.
• Specialised equipment, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, and even scuba gear.
• Engineering and hardware are designed to have a lower environmental footprint and reduce carbon emissions compared to larger ships, such as ship-to-shore power, dynamic positioning (also known as anchorless positioning), and MAGS (waste-to-energy systems).

Instead of casinos and waterparks, you’ll find observation lounges, libraries, and lecture theatres. As one expedition operator once advertised: “It’s what we don’t have that makes the difference.”

The heart of every expedition cruise is its team of experts. These aren't entertainers or general staff; they're made up of scientists, historians, naturalists, photographers, and adventure guides. However, the most common bond in expedition teams is their genuine passion for what they do. If you treat a traditional cruise ship as a floating hotel, which is precisely what they are, expedition ships have a different purpose. The expedition team is both core and fundamental to this. These teams care deeply about the places you visit, the wildlife, the people, and the local culture. Expertise is essential in Expedition Teams, as practical experience and knowledge often surpass formal learning in these environments. Expedition Leaders must assert absolute leadership both within their teams and among the passengers at all times. 

The team's flexibility is vital. Weather, wildlife, or shifting ice conditions may force changes at a moment's notice, and they ensure guests not only stay safe but also gain a deeper appreciation for the places they're exploring. Working closely with the ship's Captain, understanding the environment and navigating it both safely and to optimise the guest experience is key. 

They say that not all heroes wear capes, but you'll almost certainly leave your expedition cruise feeling that they do wear expedition team parkas.

On a traditional cruise, entertainment is a highlight: live shows, discos, casinos, and themed parties, orchestrated by a Cruise Director and entertainment team. Expedition cruises take a very different approach.

Evenings are typically spent attending expert lectures, reviewing the day’s discoveries, or participating in Citizen Science projects. Instead of stage performances, the entertainment is the Northern Lights dancing overhead, or a late-night zodiac cruise through an iceberg-filled bay.

Life on board differs dramatically. Traditional cruises follow fixed itineraries, with daily activities planned in advance. Expedition cruises are intentionally flexible: the day’s plan is dictated by weather, ice, and wildlife opportunities.

If a pod of humpback whales appears, the captain may stop the ship for an hour of observation. If ice blocks a fjord, the itinerary shifts to another bay. This unpredictability is part of the adventure; every day brings something unique.

The map below illustrates this well, where a ship may explore ‘off-map’ in pursuit of wildlife or to move further towards the North Pole geographically.

No expedition cruise would be complete without the trusty Zodiac. These sturdy, inflatable boats are the unsung heroes of adventure travel, allowing passengers to go beyond the ship and step directly into the heart of the destination. Unlike traditional cruise liners that are limited to large ports, Zodiacs open the door to remote coastlines, hidden coves, icy fjords, and wildlife-rich beaches that are otherwise inaccessible.

Lightweight yet incredibly stable, Zodiacs are designed to handle a wide range of conditions, from gliding across glassy tropical lagoons to navigating choppy polar waters. Their shallow draft allows them to approach land where larger vessels or traditional ship tender boats cannot, giving guests the chance to disembark onto remote shores or float quietly alongside colonies of penguins, seals, or seabirds. Everyday encounters will include Humpback and Minke Whales, leopard Seals, porpoising penguins and all manner of dolphin species that are fond of bow-riding and racing the boats. 

Beyond access, Zodiacs also create some of the most memorable moments of an expedition cruise. Whether it’s cruising past towering glaciers, weaving between icebergs, or enjoying an intimate perspective of local wildlife, these small boats bring travellers closer to the raw beauty of the natural world. Safe, versatile, and central to the spirit of exploration, Zodiacs embody the very essence of expedition cruising.

Traditional Cruise: Wake up at leisure, stroll through a bustling port, and perhaps join a guided tour. Return for dinner and evening entertainment. Many passengers will choose to stay onboard and enjoy the resort facilities of larger cruise ships. Announcements will be made regularly for onboard activities and group information regarding shore excursions. A Cruise Director will coordinate the day and provide information and updates. You’ll be ferried ashore, if the ship is at anchor, by tenders. 

Expedition Cruise: Rise early for a briefing, which is usually the only call you will receive during the day, often led by the Expedition Leader (no Cruise Directors). Layer up in waterproof gear, and board a zodiac for a landing. You may step ashore onto a remote Arctic island, visit an Inuit community, or walk among penguins in Antarctica. After lunch, back on board, the afternoon might bring a hike, kayak outing, or zodiac tour around glaciers. Evenings are for lectures, discussions of that day's experiences and what is to come tomorrow, reviewing photos, and lively conversation with fellow travellers. It is not unusual for passengers to give their own talks or lectures, as many have fascinating life stories and experiences to share. 

Expedition cruising comes at a premium. Smaller ships, specialised equipment, expert staff, and access to remote regions that require permits all drive costs higher than mainstream cruising.

However, fares usually include excursions, Zodiac tours, lectures, and scientific programs, elements that are rarely bundled into traditional cruise pricing. Guests are also supporting sustainable travel practices, with strict environmental standards that protect fragile ecosystems. Some larger cruise ships visit places like Greenland and Antarctica, but they will not carry Zodiacs, and you will not be able to land unless the port has a harbour with cruise berths.

Expedition cruises attract travellers who value discovery over luxury trappings. They require a moderate level of physical fitness; you may be climbing in and out of zodiacs or hiking on uneven terrain. While it is usually possible to opt for lighter activities off the ship, you will still need to board Zodiacs for transportation. Some embarkations also require Zodiacs, such as King George Island in Antarctica. 

Expedition Cruises are not ideal for young children, and many operators require medical clearance and specialist travel insurance. Guests should be prepared to embrace the unexpected and step out of their comfort zones. (Optional polar plunges into icy waters test even the boldest adventurers!).

Mainstream cruises often dock at bustling ports alongside other ships, providing guests with easy access to tourist-friendly cities. Expedition ships, however, anchor in remote bays where there are no docks or other ships. Landings are made by Zodiac onto rugged beaches or icy shores, often in places so untouched you may be the only visitors for miles.

Even embarking on an expedition ship or taking a Zodiac ride can be part of the adventure. For Antarctica, some itineraries require sailing across the legendary Drake Passage, while others involve a flight to a gravel runway on King George Island before boarding the ship.

Expedition operators place strong emphasis on conservation. Strict biosecurity measures are enforced, every boot is disinfected, clothing is checked for seeds, and wildlife distances are respected. In fragile ecosystems like the Galápagos, ship capacity is tightly restricted by law.

Guests are encouraged to see themselves not just as travellers, but as ambassadors for the environments they visit, leaving behind only footprints in the snow or sand. It is encouraged that guests take their firsthand learnings home and help educate their wider circles and networks about the threats of climate change and environmental issues, such as overfishing and political manoeuvring. 

Single-use plastics, a stumbling block for far too long on larger ships, are now a thing of the past. Guests are encouraged to use, or provided with, reusable water bottles, and drinking-water stations are often strategically positioned around the ships.