The SA market for expedition cruises is set to soar in 2025, with agents reporting a sharp uptick in interest in smaller, more adventurous and eco-conscious cruising.
Cruise line Seabourn announced in the middle of last month that many of its expedition cruises for 2025 were already sold out, with bookings nearly 30% higher than they were at the same time in 2023.
Henuti Purshotam, Marketing and Product Contractor at Cruises International, which represents Seabourn, says expedition cruising is gaining traction as South Africans look for a one-of-a-kind experience.
This was echoed in a recent Travel News poll where 64% of respondents said this type of cruising was becoming more popular.
“Expedition cruises, which explore remote destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, or the Galápagos Islands, offer guests a sense of adventure and exclusivity that traditional cruising cannot match and together with these unique experiences they also offer eco-conscious exploration, with sustainability being at the forefront,” said Purshotam.
Gaynor Neill, MD of Cruise Vacations, said she had seen the same trend. “Cruise Vacations has recorded considerable growth in 2024 for expedition cruising, in particular, voyages to Antarctica.”
Neill attributes this growth to the efforts Cruise Vacations has made in 2024 to educate travel agents on expedition cruises. “Through ship visits, webinars with guest presenters and consistent training, we have been successful in demonstrating the benefits of expedition voyages and why they cannot be compared to classic, ocean cruising.
“Our efforts to equip agents with the knowledge to promote these voyages is paying off in increased passenger numbers.”
Penny Bannerman, Director of Curious Traveller, which specialises in expedition cruises, agreed. “When you talk to people about cruising these days, they either want to go on an expedition cruise, or they want to visit expedition destinations with a ship that has more to offer in terms of entertainment.”
True expedition cruises, explained Bannerman, included lectures, a library and a small group of fewer than 200 like-minded people on smaller boats or icebreakers.
“Expedition cruises prioritise education, with on-board experts leading lectures and guided excursions to enrich the understanding of the destinations,” said Purshotam, and this appreciation for these natural wonders is becoming more and more vital.
The reason behind the trend
Bannerman said she believed that South Africans were more eager for adventure in the world’s most hard-to-reach, stunning, natural destinations because climate change was threatening places like Antarctica, causing travellers to flock to them in large numbers. “People are trying to get to these expedition sites before they become overcrowded.”
Purshotam, on the other hand, believes that expedition cruises are gaining popularity because, as environmental protection becomes more important, travellers appreciate the smaller carbon footprint of these ships. “Expedition cruises often emphasise environmentally responsible travel that aligns with the values of its target market.
“For South Africans looking to combine their love for adventure, luxury, and sustainability, expedition cruising is an increasingly attractive option.”
