Craving adventure? Travel counsellor Emma Savage asks.
Is 2025 the year you want to accomplish some specific destinations or experiences on your wish list? Perhaps the plethora of travel shows currently on TV have inspired you to travel. (I particularly enjoyed Michael Portillo's “Long Weekends”).
If you really want to explore and learn about the world in a sustainable way and come home with a sense of understanding and fulfillment, why not take an expedition cruise?
Expedition Cruises. Photo: Travel Counsellors
When you hear the term expedition cruise, you might think of a trip to the ends of the earth, the Arctic or the Galapagos Islands. While expedition cruises certainly offer amazing experiences in these places, you might not want to get on an airplane, end up in the cold, walk for long periods of time over difficult terrain at your destination, and end up feeling pretty exhausted at the end. Don't worry, there are expedition cruises that will visit our British Isles, where you can see and learn about these coasts, culture and wildlife. It will let you learn and soak in the history and wild beauty of our homeland.
The cruise ship itself isn't a gigantic vessel cruising the Mediterranean, but a smaller, more casual vessel, carrying a maximum of 500 passengers. It's also the most sustainable hybrid ship in the world, so you can enjoy your time on board knowing that the environment is a top priority.
Each expedition cruise is joined by experts in their fields to inspire and inform you, from guided kayak tours to on-board talks. Their knowledge and passion will make your holiday truly extraordinary. These cruises include numerous excursions and activities such as a visit to St Kilda, the only island in the UK to be both UNESCO and World Heritage Site, a distillery visit and a visit to one of the UK's best birdwatching sites. The southern UK expedition cruise includes the St Mary's Coastal Walk in the Isles of Scilly, offering stunning coastal scenery.
Expedition Cruises. Photo: Travel Counsellors
There are a ton of expedition trips on offer in the UK. One that caught my eye was an 11-night island hopping cruise exploring the most remote and rugged islands of the Hebrides. This appealed to me because it meant adventure and discovery followed by a return to the comfort of the ship (camping isn't for me!). Best of all, the special offers prices start from £3,357pp, all inclusive of food and drink, lots of activities, Wi-Fi and gratuity. I think it's great value for money for this type of adventure trip.
Expedition Cruises. Photo: Travel CounsellorsTravel Counselor Emma Savage
If you are looking for more than just a plane ride and a relaxing vacation, contact me and we will discuss these exciting trips in more detail.
A happy journey!