What is an Expedition Cruise?
Expedition cruising is one of the most misunderstood corners of the travel world and in this debut episode, host Rona Wheeldon breaks down what an expedition cruise really is and why it’s nothing like the traditional mega‑ship experience many people imagine.
Through vivid storytelling and first‑hand insight from her own voyage to Antarctica, Rona demystifies the fundamentals of expedition travel: small ships, flexible itineraries, expert‑led exploration and unforgettable encounters with wildlife and remote landscapes.
If you’ve ever wondered whether expedition cruising is only for hardcore adventurers or if you’ve sworn you’d “never go on a cruise”, this episode gives you a clear, honest introduction to a very different way of travelling.
You’ll learn:
What truly defines an expedition cruise and why it’s more accessible than most people think
How small ships, Zodiacs and expedition teams shape every day of the journey
Why flexibility is essential and how weather, wildlife and sea conditions guide the experience
The key differences between expedition cruising and traditional ocean cruising, from ship size to activities to onboard culture
How citizen science, education and real exploration sit at the heart of an expedition voyage
Why so many travellers, including Rona herself, go from “never cruising” to becoming expedition cruise converts
This episode gives you a clear and myth‑busting introduction to expedition cruising, perfect if you’re curious, cautious or simply dreaming of a more adventurous way to explore the world.