Expedition Cruise Network Reveals 2024/25 Travel Trends: Polar and Warm Regions Lead the Way

Key Findings

• Polar Regions including Greenland and Alaska tipped for 2025

• Warm weather top hits for 2025 include Galapagos, Africa, Seychelles, India & Pacific Islands

• Average price of an expedition cruise: £7,300

• Average booking window 9 months 

As we look ahead to the 2024/25 travel season, the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) has revealed exciting trends and growth opportunities across both polar and tropical destinations. From the icy expanses of Greenland and Alaska to the sun-soaked shores of the Galapagos and Seychelles, the demand for adventure at sea is on the rise.

Polar Expeditions: A Cool Choice for 2025

The ECN’s inaugural conference, held in London, showcased a clear trend: the polar regions are set to see significant growth in the coming year. Destinations like Antarctica, Svalbard, Alaska, and Greenland are drawing increased attention from travelers seeking unique, cold-water experiences. The opening of new airports in Greenland is particularly noteworthy, offering improved accessibility to one of the world’s most remote and stunning regions.

The allure of these untouched landscapes, combined with the opportunity to witness rare wildlife and dramatic scenery, continues to capture the imagination of adventurers. This growth reflects the longstanding appeal of expedition cruises in polar regions, where travelers can embark on voyages that take them to some of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth.

Warm Waters Beckon: Galapagos, Africa, Seychelles & More

While polar destinations remain a staple of the expedition cruise industry, 2025 is also set to be a standout year for warm-water voyages. The Galapagos Islands, long a favourite among nature lovers, are making a strong comeback after a temporary dip in demand caused by Ecuador’s State of Emergency earlier in 2024. With its unique wildlife and conservation efforts, the Galapagos continues to be a bucket-list destination for many travellers.

Africa is also making waves, with increased demand for inclusion in expedition cruise itineraries. Companies like Swan Hellenic and Aqua Expeditions are leading the way, offering exciting new itineraries along Southwest Africa, West Africa, and East Africa. The Seychelles, known for its idyllic islands and crystal-clear waters, is another warm-weather destination gaining traction for 2025, offering both luxury and adventure.

In the Pacific, Vanuatu, an archipelago of 83 islands, is emerging as a destination to watch. With its active volcanoes, vibrant coral reefs, and rich cultural heritage, Vanuatu is keen to expand its presence in the expedition cruise market. Meanwhile, French Polynesian specialist Aranui is forecasting growth in the Marquesas and Austral Islands, highlighting the increasing demand for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences in this part of the world.

A Booming UK Market

The UK market for expedition cruises is thriving. According to the ECN’s 2024 autumn survey, 100% of respondents reported either maintaining or growing business levels compared to 2023. Growth rates among operators ranged from 5% to an impressive 40%, with one operator reporting exponential year-on-year growth. This underscores the continued appeal of expedition cruises, both for seasoned travellers and those new to the experience.

Travel trade professionals are also playing an increasingly important role in promoting these unique experiences. The ECN has been proactive in encouraging its members to host travel agents and experts on board their ships to give them hands-on knowledge. On average, ECN members have hosted 32 travel professionals per cruise, with one polar expedition specialist hosting 150 agents this year alone.

Expedition Cruise Costs: A Wide Range of Options

One of the hallmarks of the expedition cruise industry is the diversity of its offerings, both in terms of destinations and price points. The average cost of a seven-night expedition cruise is around £7,300, but there are options to suit a range of budgets.

For those seeking a more affordable experience, a two-night river cruise with Antara in Varanasi, India, can cost as little as £500. At the higher end of the scale, luxury travellers can indulge in the ‘Owner Suite’ on Aqua Mare, a superyacht in the Galapagos, for £43,000 per person for a 14-night journey. For the ultimate polar adventure, Heritage Expeditions offers a 28-day voyage tracing the routes of famous explorers Scott and Shackleton, from New Zealand to the Ross region of Antarctica, for £48,000 per person.

Changing Booking Behaviours

As the expedition cruise industry grows, so too does its booking trends. The average booking window for an expedition cruise is currently nine months, though this varies significantly depending on the operator and destination. Some travellers book just 30 days in advance, while others plan up to two years ahead for their dream cruise.

ECN CEO: A Bright Future Ahead

Akvile Marozaite, CEO of the Expedition Cruise Network, emphasized the growing diversity and potential of the industry:

“Our 2024/2025 travel trends really prove how diverse the expedition cruise industry is. Expedition cruise has become known for opening up polar regions, and together with new airports in Greenland, this continues, but warm weather expedition cruise has only just begun to light the touch paper of consumers’ imagination and enthusiasm.”

With both polar and warm-weather destinations seeing strong growth, the future of expedition cruising looks bright. As travellers seek out new and extraordinary experiences, the industry is well-positioned to offer a diverse range of options that cater to both the intrepid adventurer and the luxury-seeker alike.

A New Era of Adventure: Expedition Cruises Set to Soar in 2025

As we approach 2025, the expedition cruise industry is riding a wave of innovation and growth, with both polar and tropical destinations offering enticing opportunities for travellers. Whether it’s the icy wilderness of Greenland or the sun-drenched beaches of the Seychelles, the world’s most remote and beautiful places are more accessible than ever before.

For travel trade professionals and adventure enthusiasts alike, 2025 promises to be an exciting year in expedition cruising.