HOW TO SELL
EXPEDITION CRUISES
Target clients who take luxury or experiential land holidays, not just cruisers.
Tell a story. Expedition cruising is an expensive commitment and shouldn’t be bought on price.
Think about the client’s expedition ‘journey’. It may be better to start with northern polar cruising like Spitsbergen or Greenland, before committing to Antarctica and the Drake Passage crossing.
Consider warm climate expeditions: Australia’s Kimberley, Indonesia’s Raja Ampat and Komodo, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, and the Galápagos are sure-fire hits.
Don’t discount rivers. The Brahmaputra in India, the Amazon, the Chobe in southern Africa and the upper Mekong all offer adventurous river voyages – and there’s no danger of seasickness.
PACKING TIPS
Most lines supply boots and polar jackets for Antarctica, but the packing list beyond this is extensive. Layers, thermals, hats, gloves, sunglasses and binoculars are all essentials.
Wicking fabrics, neutral colours, long trousers that zip off to shorts, insect repellent and lightweight boots are all useful for tropical expeditions.
Encourage clients to reduce waste. Take a reusable water flask, avoid wet wipes and buy gear from ethical suppliers such as Patagonia and Fjallraven.
66 20 JUNE 2019
For clients who want butlers and an open bar but are still looking for adventure, there are plenty of options. The swish, all-balcony Scenic Eclipse, due to launch this summer and sail in the eastern US, the Caribbean and then Antarctica, comes complete with submarine and helicopter, as well as multiple restaurants. Crystal Cruises’ 200-passenger Endeavor, launching next summer and sailing in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, should be perfect for clients used to perks like a spa, a butler and Michelin-style dining. Silversea Cruises’ expedition ships aren’t new but the
calibre of the expedition leaders is exceptional, making the operator a good choice for demanding clients used to the highest levels of service. Book it: An 11-night all-inclusive expedition from Reykjavik to Longyearbyen on the 254-passenger Silver Cloud, departing June 10, 2020, costs from £6,930.
silversea.com
BEST FOR . . . SUN-SEEKERS Not everybody is excited by snow and ice, so think about warmer options too. Borneo, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, the Galápagos – there are plenty of expedition routes. Australia’s pristine Kimberley Coast is an expedition classic, with towering waterfalls, windblown rock formations, Aboriginal art, mangroves and empty, red-sand beaches.
Stepping onto the Antarctic ice
is no longer regarded as the thrill of a lifetime – now it’s about kayaking, camping, snoeshowing and diving
Ponant’s all-balcony Le Lapérouse will sail the region in summer 2020 and is a good choice because of its high-tech underwater lounge, Blue Eye, and the infinity pool on deck (there’s limited swimming in the Kimberley because of crocodiles). Book it: From £7,529 for a 10-night, all-inclusive cruise departing July 7; flights to Darwin and from Broome extra.
en.ponant.com
BEST FOR . . . FAMILIES Kids and expedition cruises aren’t always a match made in heaven but UnCruise Adventures has a couple of fantastic family departures every summer in Alaska on the 90-passenger Legacy. Activities include kayaking, snorkelling, paddleboarding, whale watching, beach bonfires and rock pool treasure hunts. This is a small-ship expedition, not a standard Alaska cruise, and goes well off the beaten track, hence the higher price. Book it: Budget around $6,145 (£4,850), including
travelweekly.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88
