20 Tips for Planning Small-Ship Wilderness Expeditions
This year, AdventureSmith Explorations, the global leader in small-ship adventure cruise vacations, marks 20 years of pioneering transformative travel experiences. Best known for curated expeditions in the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and Alaska — where the idea for the company was hatched — the company’s reach is worldwide aboard 8- to 300-guest ships.
Drawing from two decades of navigating the small-ship cruising industry, Todd Smith, founder of AdventureSmith Explorations, sheds light on 20 tips his team of adventure specialists has embraced:
1 - Think Outside the Boat: Prioritizing destinations over showy ship amenities, AdventureSmith emphasizes immersive experiences, bringing travelers closer to wildlife, wilderness, local culture, and sustainability efforts.
2 - Size Matters: Nearly 150 expedition yachts and small ships that AdventureSmith works with host between 8 to 300 guests, with an average of one crew member for every 1.6 guests, ensuring intimate, tailored experiences in locations big ships can't reach.
3 - Wilderness is Energizing: Direct wilderness engagements encourage travelers to advocate for wild places and enable them to deeply connect with their surroundings.
4 - People are Just as Important as Place: The strength of relationships with clients, staff, and partners is the foundation of AdventureSmith's ethos and what sets it apart.
5 - Small Ships Make it Easy: Small ship cruising offers unparalleled convenience with flexible scheduling to get travelers to the best spots, the ability to unpack once, and comprehensive inclusions — there’s no nickel and diming.
6 - Small Ships Make it Extraordinary: Greater access provides travelers with unforgettable encounters that used to be reserved for rugged individualists — like kayaking in front of glaciers, swimming with sea lions, or walking among penguins.
7 - Use an Expert: AdventureSmith's expert matchmaking ensures travelers find the right trip. With unmatched industry knowledge, they consistently curate exceptional travel experiences that align with each guest’s distinct travel interests and style.
8 - A Single Conversation Over Internet Scrolling: Cutting through the overload of online information, AdventureSmith’s travel experts help craft unforgettable experiences with a personalized touch.
9 - Experience is the New Luxury: From ultra-luxurious ships to unparalleled wild access, the definition of luxury is being redefined according to each traveler. AdventureSmith’s experts can find the exclusivity travelers seek.
10 - Bring the Kids: Small ships foster multi-generational bonding, promising adventures suitable for all ages, and a “choose your own adventure” style of travel.
11 - Make a Positive Impact: AdventureSmith champions sustainability, supporting companies that prioritize conservation and community welfare.
12 - Anyone Can Love a Cruise: Targeting the adventurous at heart, those who once backpacked or trekked are finding comfort in small ship cruising — and enjoying benefits like access to wild places, a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and quality meals.
13 - Once Hooked, Always Hooked: As reported by the Cruise Line Industry Association in their 2023 State of the Cruise Industry Report, there’s a rising trend in expedition cruising with more travelers leaning toward immersive, bucket-list experiences. In 2022, expedition passenger volume was nearly 70% higher than it was in 2016.
14 - Small Ships Are Here to Stay: With a 79% increase in searches for “expedition cruises” since 2019, the market for authentic, sustainable cruising is growing exponentially.
15 - Expect the Unexpected: The rapidly evolving travel landscape calls for flexibility, preparedness, travel insurance, and on-call experts available for a seamless experience.
16 - Having Travel on the Calendar is Energizing: Pre-planning ensures travelers get what they want and provides something to look forward to, fostering anticipation and excitement.
17 - Never Sacrifice Experience for Price: Be mindful of high versus low season and travel itineraries. Value experiences over cost to ensure memorable trips for all the right reasons.
18 - A Good Guide Makes All the Difference: Rely on experienced guides to amplify and enrich your trip experience and offer a richer, hassle-free journey. Fewer decisions equate to more learning, relaxation, and adventure.
19 - Take Your Time: Go slow and aim for a digital detox while traveling. Spending quality time in fewer places will result in a deeper experience.
20 - Personal Experience Matters: Trust in the team's firsthand knowledge. Every destination they recommend, someone from AdventureSmith has experienced.
“We spent our first decade in business explaining what small ship cruising was,” said Smith. “And our second has been helping already-savvy travelers find their best match through our trusted, vetted relationships. We can’t wait to set sail into this third decade in business.”
Celebrating 20 years, AdventureSmith Explorations continues to be a trusted partner in designing once-in-a-lifetime experiences, with a focus on sustainability, authenticity, and exceptional service.
Parky May, a longtime AdventureSmith traveler, has completed 14 trips with the company, with three more scheduled through 2025. “Todd was the naturalist on our second trip to Alaska,” he says. “Fast forward a few years, I was doing online research and stumbled upon AdventureSmith. They are now my go-to for any travel. The firsthand knowledge of the AdventureSmith team is what’s so helpful. I want to talk to somebody who has been there.”
Learn more and book an expedition at adventuresmithexplorations.com.
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About AdventureSmith Explorations
Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Pioneering sustainable travel practices, AdventureSmith founder Todd Smith has been recognized among Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Top Travel Specialists for 10 consecutive years. The company has also been awarded a Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Award and recognized as one of the "Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure. Learn more and book an expedition at adventuresmithexplorations.com or by calling 866-575-2875.