The expedition cruise industry’s pursuit of increasingly unique itineraries in less explored areas will continue through 2023 and into 2024/25, with a number of expedition cruise lines adding new destinations and warmer water sailing routes to their itineraries.
Seatrade Cruise’s recent report, ‘Discovering Extraordinary Destinations with Expedition Cruising,’ researched and compiled by Liz Gammon, Seatrade Cruise expedition ambassador and cruise industry expert and advisor, documents the changing expedition cruise landscape. It gives an in-depth overview of expedition cruise lines, expedition cruise ships on order, plus includes a Q&A addressing burning questions on expedition industry challenges and how to attract expedition cruise lines.
Seeking warmer waters
An increasing number of expedition itineraries are moving away from the traditional north-south polar routings. Gabon, Republic of the Congo, the Bissagos Islands, the Kimberley’s, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, each home to various indigenous cultures, are among the places identified for warm-water sailings, to name just a few.
Venturing to small islands, secluded bays, and inlets by Zodiac remains a popular choice.
Technology combating environmental impacts
Alongside new deployment plans, the expedition sector continues to drive forward its green agenda via a series of technological advances, alternative fuel options and power sources, as well as state-of- the-art newbuilds.
Plans for a zero environmental impact ship are laid out in the report, as well as information on shore power, banning heavy fuel oil and single-use plastic, and using biofuels.
Collaboration
Working with local communities for mutual benefit is key. Partnerships with companies supporting important environmental research are also proving popular among expedition lines, from collaborations with ocean conservation advocates to marine conservation charities. Some expedition cruise lines are additionally making their vessels available to scientists, therefore facilitating essential research.
Striking a balance
In some cases, the activities passengers are most eager to experience are the same as those expedition lines are keen to protect. In efforts to strike a balance between the two, citizen science projects, and related giveback missions are featuring more and more, including where passengers can contribute data towards ocean conservation projects.
Download the full e-report here >>
A special two-hour Expedition Workshop will take place at Seatrade Europe at Hamburg Messe on September 6. Sign up here.
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