How a single Lindblad expedition cruise to Alaska sparked a passion for small-ship adventure travel.

It started with a five-night "Wild Escape" in Alaska with Lindblad Expeditions. We had no idea what to expect. We assumed it would be a cruise—but what we got was a life-changing pivot point.

I came back telling anyone who would listen that it felt like a five-day, full-time whale-watching tour, with hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac cruising squeezed in whenever the wildlife decided to take a break. We genuinely felt for the culinary team onboard; the moment someone yelled “WHALE!”, napkins went flying. The dining room would empty in seconds as we all sprinted to the deck.

That was the moment the hook was set on Expedition Cruising!

The Deep Dive into Expedition Cruising

We dove headfirst into learning everything we could about this unique style of travel. While webinars and supplier training were helpful, we knew the only way to truly understand expedition cruising was to experience it firsthand.

We invested heavily in our education, signing up for:

• A circumnavigation of Iceland.

• A sailing through the Galapagos Islands.

• A dedicated ship tour of HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) in Boston.

Why We Created "Glacial Expeditions"

We realized quickly that expedition travel became our favorite way to explore the world. However, we also realized that selling it required a different approach than traditional cruising or custom land trips.

Many travelers have questions:

• What is a "Zodiac," and what are "wet" and "dry" landings?

• Is Expedition Cruising too physically demanding or only for young, adventurous people?

• What is included in the cost, and why is the price higher?

• What is the itinerary flexibility, and will I miss out if the schedule changes?

• Which operator is right for me?

To bridge this gap, we launched Glacial Expeditions. This isn't just a sub-brand; it is a dedicated space for curiosity and adventure. We realized that general travel feeds can get cluttered. By separating this brand, we can share penguin photos, whale tails, gear tips, and raw adventure stories without overwhelming those looking for a standard beach vacation.

The Power of Experience: From Pole to Pole

Travelers need more than brochures; they need confidence. They need to know that the person advising them knows the difference between the Drake Passage and the Inside Passage.

To date, we have reinvested in our expertise by taking 10 expedition trips from pole to pole and touring 8 additional ships. These experiences taught us the subtle—and not-so-subtle—differences between operators, onboard vibes, and destinations.

The Glacial Expeditions Difference: Our Passion, Your Confidence

Every expedition we embark on—from sailing through the ice floes of Antarctica to navigating the rich waters of the Galapagos—is a commitment to your future adventure.

Why does our passion for expedition travel matter to you? Because when you plan your trip with us, you are not talking to someone who read a brochure. You are talking to someone who has personally:

• Felt the difference between a standard ocean cruise and a nimble, research-grade expedition vessel.

• Worn the gear, so we can tell you exactly which boots you need (and which ones will just take up space in your luggage).

• Navigated a rough Zodiac landing and knows the importance of choosing the right itinerary based on your physical comfort level.

• Compared the nuances of different operators—the food, the lecture programs, the guiding styles—so we can match you to the experience that truly fits your unique travel style.

We don't just book trips; we use our firsthand experience to eliminate the guesswork and anxiety that can come with planning a big adventure.

Our greatest reward is knowing that when you step aboard, you feel completely prepared, inspired, and confident. Whether your dream is to witness the sheer silence of the Arctic or explore the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon, there is nothing more powerful than having a partner who has already been there. We turn our journey into your assurance!