Expedition Cruise Network co-founder and CEO Akvile Marozaite explains why shouldn’t be afraid to sell expedition cruises, despite the high cost.
Expedition cruising continues to grow in popularity, yet many travel advisors still hesitate when it comes to justifying the price tag to clients. And it’s true—this style of travel comes at a higher cost. A 10-day Antarctica voyage typically starts around £7,500 per person, while an entry-level Arctic cruise averages £3,750 to £4,500 per person.
Compared to mainstream cruising, the ships are smaller, the amenities are fewer, and inclusions like flights and pre-/post-stays are often additional. So why do these bookings still offer huge potential for travel advisors? Because expedition cruising delivers unmatched value, high commissions, and a fast-growing, loyal client base.
Understand the product, sell with confidence
After over a decade working in this sector, my first piece of advice is simple: invest time in learning the destinations. Start with Antarctica and the Arctic. Once you grasp how truly remote and life-changing these places are — and how few people ever get the chance to visit — you’ll quickly understand that it’s not about what’s on the ship, but what’s outside it.
Even the most basic expedition cruise includes daily guided activities: Zodiac excursions, hikes, wildlife viewing, and expert-led lectures. For those selling luxury, operators like Silversea, Scenic, and Ponant offer all-inclusive experiences with butler service, fine dining, and even helicopters or submersibles on board.
The key is to break down the price: clients aren’t just paying for transport and accommodation — they’re investing in access, education, and extraordinary experiences that often can’t be replicated by any other form of travel.
Sell shorter voyages to first-timers
For clients who are curious but not quite ready to commit to a 10-day polar voyage, consider shorter options in destinations such as the Galápagos, Chilean Fjords, Amazon, or Mekong. These are ideal as part of a larger land itinerary — and often convert first-timers into repeat expedition cruisers.
Tap into trade-first support
Most expedition cruise operators are trade-focused, offering a wealth of support to help you secure bookings, such as:
- Solo traveller offers
- Co-hosted client calls
- Guest event participation
- Fam trip opportunities
- Generous commissions
In short, you’re not alone — the operators want to help you succeed.
Start with the right tools
At the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN), we focus exclusively on helping the travel trade succeed in this sector. From our monthly webinars and annual conference to our online learning platform – the Expedition Cruise Academy – we offer free and premium training courses designed to give you the destination knowledge and operator insight needed to succeed.
Expedition cruising isn’t just a niche — it’s a growing, high-value segment packed with potential. With the right knowledge and support, you can sell it confidently, deliver incredible client experiences, and build long-term loyalty.
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