Expedition cruising offers an option to Millennials to travel in a way that suits their needs, while it also increasingly appeals to e.g. younger female holidaymakers, said Todd Smith, founder of AdventureSmith Expeditions in Truckee, California.
“One recent surprise is a growing number of younger female travelers who book solo trips to destinations such as Antarctica. It’s part of a trend with younger clientele to check off bucket-list destinations while they still have the ability to enjoy them fully, he said in a newsletter, adding that examples are those reaching seven continents before the age of 30.”
There is a growing segment of travelers, most notably Millennials, who are seeking unique and customised trips. “Expedition cruising is a perfect match for them, offering an array of activities from relaxing (sitting on the sun deck of a luxe yacht in the Mediterranean) to exhilarating (cross-country skiing and snow camping in Antarctica),” Smith said.
The typical expedition cruise passenger is educated, 40 to 70 years of age and interested in exploring destinations in-depth and with an element of discovery, active adventure options and education. “They are sustainability minded and interested in contributing to communities and natural environments in a positive way, becoming ambassadors and advocates for these destinations upon their return,” Smith continued.
A trend in the expedition cruising industry is the recognition and growing adoption of sustainable practices. By nature, small ship cruising treads lightly on a destination by carrying a small passenger count, being rooted in the region’s environment, hiring local people, purchasing local goods and contributing to local economies while also maintaining strict leave-no-trace and sustainable operating practices.
“But now an increasing number of cruises offer opportunities for citizen science, beach clean-ups and visits to local non-profits working on conservation. And we’re seeing many extra on-ship technologies and measures like plastic bans, heat recovery systems, desalination plants, biodegradable engine lubrication oils and lower fuel consumption,” Smith concluded.
