Out and About on a Boat

Cruising is only one possibility when traveling by ship. There’s a whole ‘nother world out there.

I love cruising. I know a lot of people don’t, but I do. Being at sea is better than being almost anywhere else. But there’s another interesting form of travel by boat, which is variously known as expedition or adventure travel, and which is definitely not cruising. Both of these options still, of course, take place upon the oceans and seas, but apart from both occurring on floating platforms and a small additional degree of intersection, as we’ll discuss below, they could not be more different. Which is best for you? Let’s find out.

First, some definitions. Cruising almost always involves larger ships – 2,000, 3,000, and even 5,000 or more passengers pursuing an itinerary that’s generally fixed (barring exceptional conditions like heavy weather, of course). The ship sails from port to port, there provisioning shore excursions often involving busses and guides. And while shipboard one can expect numerous dining and entertainment options, a casino – and also plenty of opportunities to do nothing, if that’s the prescription.

Expeditions would be at the opposite end of the scale, if there were a scale. Generally, an expedition occurs on and from a smaller craft, perhaps 100-200 passengers, but even as few as 50-20 or less. Smaller ships can be just as comfortable as their big sisters, but onboard dining and entertainment options are consequently more limited. Yes, just like the big ships, stops are made along the way. But, oh my, these are very, very different from cruising. In other words: get yer boots on.

Let’s examine the differences between these two options in more detail via a look at a few key elements for comparison and contrast.

Size and Scale

Cruise ships provide significant economies of scale for both the cruise line and passengers alike, meaning prices can be really (if relatively) low. The environment can be 24/7 if that’s what you want. There are numerous activities in which to partake, or ignore, and every single day, the idea being that there’s always something for everyone. I have met people who cruise who mostly stay in their cabins (reading, or whatever), which can work for introverts and, assuming a balcony and nice weather, or perhaps a suite, a few personality types beyond that. Anyway, it’s up to you.

Expeditions are focused on being in particular locations, reaching those by, again, a smaller ship, and most definitely getting out of your cabin early and often, again each and every day. Don’t get me wrong here – those smaller ships can also be just as comfortable as with the cruising option, but one will miss the point if one undertakes expedition travel without getting off the boat as often as possible. More on this below, but for now the bottom line is:

Cruising: lots to do on the ship, with busy ports of call. Expeditions: the focus is on getting to a specific spot and then exploring ashore, often seeing no other folks than the ones who arrived with you.

Dining and Entertainment

Cruise ships will usually have a larger number of dining options, including a buffet that is open from early morning until well into the night. Many cruise ships even have 24-hour restaurants – so if you need an omelette, burger, reuben, salad or whatever at 3:00 AM, no problem. In my experience, primarily on Norwegian, the food is great. And there are numerous bars and specialty restaurants if you have particular cravings here as well.

With expeditions, though, the options are more limited. There will usually be a single dining room, or perhaps two with one being primarily an outdoor deck area. Some meals, like breakfast, will be buffet-style, but dinner can be fine dining with tablecloths, wine, and cuisine that’s as good as you’ll find anywhere, albeit with fewer choice at any given meal that one might find on a cruise. In my experience, mostly with National Geographic/Lindblad, local ingredients and specialties are emphasized. So if you have a try-something-new attitude, you’ll often be surprised, pleased, and full. However, if you’re hungry at the 3:00 AM noted above, you may be out of luck.

Shore Excursions

I’m particularly fond of transatlantic cruises on Norwegian (these are also known as “repositioning” cruises as the ship is being moved to its new seasonal venue), as there are fewer stops with many at-sea days (see my previously noted column on the do-nothing vacation for more on this). But many cruises make lots of stops along the way, often daily, encouraging one to tour and, of course, buy souvenirs. These can be fun, but, I must note here, also exhausting for many. Downtime is essential. You’re on vacation, right? Still, there’s always lots to see, even if particular venues can be crowded to the point of overwhelming. You might guess here that I’m not particularly fond of shore excursions while cruising, but that’s just me.

Expeditions also make stops, but usually without a formal tour, especially via a motorized land vehicle like a bus or van. One must therefore be aware of the physical commitment required. For example, I recently returned from the Galapagos (via the aforementioned National Geographic/ Lindblad team). The Galapagos belong to Ecuador and are a highly-protected national park. Getting from the ship to the shore is via a Zodiac, so one can get wet and bounced a bit. Landings can be wet (meaning you’ll be in water that could be up to your knees), with subsequent hiking on dry land, meaning you’ll need to bring hiking shoes, usually in a backpack. You might also go snorkeling, kayaking, or partake in many other possible options depending upon your travel partner here. At any rate – be prepared; the physical demands can be significant. And, yes, there are sometimes land expeditions via bus even on cruises, with some walking required at the destinations served.

But the rewards of a little (or perhaps a bit more) physical exertion can also be quite rewarding. Meet wildlife up close. Go places few have ever seen. Take some photos that will truly amaze your friends. Enjoy a post-adventure lecture by a naturalist. And do all of this without crowds – and, I must mention, opportunities to buy souvenirs. Note, however, that there is often no fixed itinerary for expeditions beyond a general location. In Greenland, we went hiking in a place picked by the staff, on the spur of the moment, that likely few have ever been before. But one of my fondest memories was simply soaking in an infinity hot tub on the ship, all by myself, while gazing up at the walls of a fiord. Striking, indeed. I’ll never forget that.

6:00 AM

Expedition activities can begin early. It’s not unusual to be ready to head out at 6:00 AM, yes, before breakfast, and to return in need of a shower. In Greenland we were in fact once awakened at 5:00 AM because a large pod of whales where cruising along with us. Hey, that was one wake-up call I was truly thrilled to receive. Up on deck, binoculars in hand, National Geographic experts at the ready – wow!

As far as I know, though, there is no 6:00 AM on a cruise ship. But, to be fair, I often get up early to shoot some hoops, go for a swim, and then have a first breakfast – followed, of course, by a second breakfast a few hours later. And so on.

Summing up

OK – so which do I prefer, cruising or expedition? The answer in my case is both. But while I’ll cruise anywhere, because I don’t mind staying on the ship while it’s in port, there are some expedition destinations that simply do not appeal to me. My advice: if you’re looking for a more passive or truly do-nothing experience, then go on a cruise. If on the other hand, you want a physical, educational adventure often in places that few will ever get to experience, the expedition is the way to go. Personally, I’m looking forward to a lot more of both, and soon.

Full Disclosure: I am not affiliated with either National Geographic/Lindblad or Norwegian. I own no equity or have any other interest in either firm; I’m just a happy customer. My son-in-law, Adam Hubka, also of Road Unraveled, works for Lindblad, but I have no idea what he does there.

Special thanks to Donna Diamond for reviewing the draft of this article.

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