Ocean vs. Expedition Cruising: Choosing the Right Family Adventure
Ocean Cruising vs. Expedition VoyaginG
“An ocean cruise is about the ship. An expedition is about exploring a destination and immersing yourself.”
The difference between these two styles of travel is more than itinerary, it’s philosophy. Ocean cruising celebrates the art of the voyage itself. Think of floating cities with world-class restaurants, Broadway-style entertainment, and spa sanctuaries. The ship is a huge part of the destination, a luxurious resort at sea where each port is a pleasant intermission.
Expedition travel, on the other hand, flips that concept entirely. It’s not all about the grand ship, it’s about the untouched world it carries you to. These smaller, purpose-built vessels venture where large cruise ships cannot: the Arctic ice edge, the Galápagos, Antarctica, smaller ports in Europe, the Kimberley, or the remote fjords of Greenland. Here, you’re not a passenger watching the world go ny, you’re an active participant stepping into it. Days are filled with Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters, guided hikes, and moments that connect you to nature and culture in deeply personal ways.There is edutainment on board - think educational and inspiring real life documentaries brought to life by expert expedition crew.
While luxury and comfort are still at the core, expedition voyages are powered by curiosity, led by expert naturalists, scientists, and explorers who open your eyes to the planet’s most extraordinary corners.
So if ocean cruising is about indulgence and leisure, expedition cruising is about transformation. It’s not just seeing the world, it’s feeling it.
Email us to start the exploration conversation travel@princeadventures.com and we can answer all your questions and share our expedition guides and tools.
Choosing the Right Expedition for Your Family
You may have questions like “What is the best expedition cruise for families?”, “Are expedition cruises suitable for kids?”, and “Which small-ship voyages work for multi-generational travel?” At Prince Adventures that's where our experienced team of travel advisors is here to decode and decipher all your options with you. The truth is, today’s expedition cruises are more inclusive, educational, and family-friendly than ever before.
Choosing the right one begins with understanding your family’s comfort levels and curiosity. Expedition ships vary in size and style, from ultra-luxury vessels like Seabourn Venture or Seabourn Pursuit or Silversea’s Silver Endeavour, to adventure-driven options like National-Geographic Lindblad Expeditions, HX or Quark Expeditions. Each offers a unique blend of exploration and comfort, with flexible activities designed for all ages.
For families with young explorers, destinations like the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, and Costa Rica combine wildlife encounters with soft adventure, think kayaking, snorkeling, and Zodiac safaris that engage the entire family. For various ages and generations seeking deeper connection, Antarctica, the Arctic, or the Kimberley Coast in Australia offer profound, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can be layered with 5 star comfort and fine dining.
Are you pondering some of these questions?
What’s the difference between a luxury and an adventure expedition cruise? - Some ships are definitely more tailored to a luxury experience. With over 50+ expedition ships now sailing to all seven continents on the planet, there are many options.
Is an expedition cruise safe for seniors or young children? - Most ships have minimum ages, and safety is top priority for all guests
How active are daily landings? - We like to say if you can walk your dog daily, then you are fit for an expedition!
Which cruise line offers interconnecting suites for families? - Several lines do, and many also have larger suites for families to share in one room too.
The best expedition for your family isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how each generation experiences it together. Expedition travel creates lifelong shared memories that no theme park ever could.
Email us to start the exploration conversation travel@princeadventures.com and we can answer all your questions and share our expedition guides and tools.