INTRODUCTION

Expedition cruising was touted to be the ‘next big thing’ in cruising circa 2019, and for good reasons too. It was

expected to go mainstream with its unconventional destinations, element of adventure and unique activities.

And because the concept was a bit out of the ordinary, it afforded travelers major bragging rights. But early this

year, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and everything changed. However, this kind of niche cruising is still expected

to see some uptick once travel resumes and cruising in general recovers. And this time, the reasons for it to be

a preferred way of cruising will be varied, simply by virtue of it being a niche product.

When it comes to expedition cruising, smaller is considered better, which also means fewer people onboard.

Expedition ships also opt for remote locations known for nature, wildlife, and intimate experiences with small

communities where few other/larger ships go – another reason why travelers would prefer this considering

health and safety requirements after COVID-19.

However, as was the case in 2019, there is still a gap that exists between its demand and supply that can only be

bridged by educating travelers about its unique features and drawing their attention to the highlights of expe-

dition cruising. Enter travel advisors—who are at the center of all information. The objective of Travel Market

Report’s Expedition Cruise Outlook 2020 is therefore to inform not only the advisor but also the supplier. The

advisor about the underlying opportunities that lies in expedition cruising and the supplier about what advi-

sors need to be able to push their products and how they can refine their offerings so suit the changing client

behavior. The Outlook also presents advisors with insights on the popular destinations for expeditions (with

some surprising entries), client behavior and motivations, and forecast for 2021.

While negative news about cruising abounds at the moment, there are some silver linings. October 2020 saw

revealed its 2021-22 expedition brochure.* Not just this, cruise companies are announcing their new ships that

will take to water in 2021. Among them is Crystal Cruise’s expedition ship that will launch in May 2021 followed

by Seabourn Venture’s first expedition vessel in December 2021.*

Nevertheless, the onus of promoting such a specialized product lies on both the supplier as well the advisor.

On one hand, the supplier must ensure that there is smooth, prompt and clear communication with the advi-

sor about the products, and on the other, the advisor must seek relevant information and training on how to

best pair their clients with the right product. If COVID-19 has taught humanity one thing, it is this: we are all in

this together. And only a sustained, mutually beneficial relationship between the two parties can ensure that

expedition cruises (and cruising in general) can get back on the trajectory it had started on.

“I think when things pick up again, expedition cruises will be something more clients will look for – a smaller

cruising experience.”

*

Coral Expeditions Restarts Great Barrier Reef Expedition Cruises, RusTourism News (October 14, 2020)

*

Hurtigruten reveals 2021/2022 expedition brochure, Cruise Adviser (October 15, 2020)

*

Top New Cruise Ships Launching in 2021, Talking Cruise (October 15, 2020)