Expedition Cruise Trends Shaping Travel and Sales in 2026
- Akvile Marozaite
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
By Akvile Marozaite, CEO, Expedition Cruise Network
Expedition cruising has changed a lot over the past few years. What was once considered a niche corner of the travel industry is now one of the fastest-growing cruise segments, with a wide range of products, destinations and traveller profiles.
Based on insights from the ECN 2025 Industry Insights Report, along with extensive conversations with advisors, operators and expedition teams throughout the year, one thing is clear: the way expedition cruises are researched, sold and experienced is evolving.
Below are the key trends shaping expedition cruising in 2026, and what they mean for travel advisors at every stage of their expedition journey.
Trend No1. First-Hand Experience Matters More Than Ever
Expedition cruising has always been about experience, but in 2025 it became clear just how important first-hand knowledge really is.
Advisors who have visited ships, met expedition teams or taken part in ship visits and FAM trips consistently feel more confident selling expedition cruises. More importantly, travellers notice the difference. Clients investing in expedition travel want reassurance that their advisor truly understands what they are recommending.
This is why interest in ship visits, immersive training and hands-on learning continues to grow. In expedition cruising, experience is no longer a bonus. It is a real commercial advantage.
Trend No2. Advisors Are Becoming Educators, Not Just Sellers
Expedition cruise travellers typically need more guidance than traditional cruise guests. Questions around landings, weather, wildlife rules, physical activity and onboard life are common, and clients expect clear, honest explanations.
The most successful advisors are moving away from simply presenting options and instead focusing on education. They explain how itineraries differ, why one operator may suit a client better than another, and what travellers should realistically expect from an expedition.
This shift is also changing the way advisors want to learn. Many are looking for deeper, more practical training rather than sales scripts. The continued growth of the Expedition Cruise Academy reflects this demand for specialist knowledge.
Trend No3. Operator Differences Really Matter
As expedition cruising grows, it can be tempting to assume that similar itineraries offer similar experiences. In reality, this is rarely the case.
Differences in ownership, expedition team structure, operational style and local partnerships all shape the guest experience in meaningful ways. In 2025, advisors showed increasing interest in understanding who is behind the product, not just what is included.
This is why storytelling has become such an important selling tool. Expedition cruising is not just about ships and destinations. It is about people, values and how an expedition is designed and delivered.
Trend No4. Expedition Products Are Becoming More Refined
Over the past year, expedition cruise operators have entered a new phase of product development. Rather than simply adding new destinations or capacity, many are focusing on improving how expeditions are delivered.
This includes investing more in expedition teams, refining itineraries, spending more time ashore, and building stronger relationships with local communities. Some operators are also expanding the experience beyond the ship itself, through pre- and post-cruise offerings or destination-based infrastructure.
For advisors, this means that two similar-looking itineraries can deliver very different experiences. Understanding these nuances helps avoid assumptions and leads to better client matches.
Trend No5. Data Is Playing a Bigger Role in Decision-Making
Advisors are increasingly looking for data to guide their decisions. Rather than relying on assumptions, many want to understand demand trends, destination popularity and traveller behaviour before investing time and marketing effort.
This reflects a more mature and confident phase for the expedition cruise sector. As the market grows, data will continue to shape how advisors plan, promote and prioritise expedition cruise sales.
Trend No6. Understanding the Expedition Cruise Traveller Still Matters
While there is growing interest from younger travellers, the core expedition cruise audience remains largely in the 60+ age group. These travellers are typically well travelled, financially secure and motivated by meaningful experiences rather than luxury alone.
Research shows that this audience values expertise, reassurance and thoughtful planning. Advisors who understand how to communicate with this demographic and set expectations clearly are well positioned for success.
At the same time, emerging source markets such as India, Southeast Asia and parts of the Muslim world are showing increasing interest in expedition-style travel. Advisors who pay attention to cultural nuance and inclusive storytelling will be well placed as these markets grow.
Trend No7. Community Is Becoming a Key Advantage
Selling expedition cruising can feel complex, especially for advisors newer to the sector. In 2025, one of the most noticeable trends was the growing importance of peer-to-peer learning.
Advisors are increasingly learning from one another through conferences, training programmes and online communities. Being part of an active expedition-focused network helps build confidence, shorten learning curves and support better sales outcomes.
Community is no longer optional. It is a key part of success in expedition cruising.
Trend No8. Responsible Travel Is Expected as Standard
Responsible travel is no longer a marketing message. It is an expectation.
Travellers assume expedition cruises will operate ethically, respect local communities and follow environmental regulations. What they want is clarity about how this happens in practice.
Advisors play an important role here, helping translate operational details into reassurance and trust for clients.
How Advisors Can Use These Trends in 2026
To make the most of these changes, advisors selling expedition cruises should consider:
Investing in education and hands-on learning
Working with fewer operators and understanding them well
Focusing on expectation-setting rather than destination lists
Using community insight as part of the selling process
Being ready to explain why an expedition works the way it does
Looking Ahead
Expedition cruising will continue to grow, but growth alone is not the goal. The future of the sector belongs to those who approach it with knowledge, curiosity and respect for the places and people involved.
At Expedition Cruise Network, the focus remains on supporting advisors with insight, education and community as the sector continues to evolve.
Advisors who embrace these trends will not only sell more expedition cruises. They will help shape the future of expedition travel itself.
Ready to Strengthen Your Expedition Cruise Expertise?
Expedition Cruise Network is here to support you at every stage of your expedition cruise journey. From first-hand ship visits and specialist training to data-driven industry insights and a global community of like-minded advisors, ECN gives you the knowledge, confidence and connections needed to sell expedition cruising successfully.
Whether you are just starting to explore the sector or looking to deepen your expertise, ECN provides practical tools, education and access to trusted expedition cruise operators — all designed to help you match the right clients with the right expeditions.
Join ECN and stay informed, inspired and supported as expedition cruising continues to evolve.
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