AE Expeditions has lowered the minimum age for children on its voyages from eight to six years after seeing growing interest in experience-led family travel and a trend towards multi-generational trips.
AE Expeditions Chief Marketing Officer Katie Malone said the line wants to encourage younger generations to develop a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
“A child may read about a whale, a glacier or a remote community in a textbook, but seeing and experiencing these places can create a much deeper sense of curiosity, understanding and responsibility,” she said.
Image: AE Expeditions
But how suitable are expedition cruises for young ones?
Expedition Cruise Network CEO Akvile Marozaite said: “Expedition cruising can be an incredible way for young travellers with an interest in wildlife and the natural world to explore and begin to understand the planet.
“It offers immersive, educational experiences that can be genuinely life-changing at an early age, whether that is seeing wildlife in its natural habitat, learning from expert expedition teams or experiencing different landscapes and cultures.”
However, she stressed: “The ideal age will depend on the child, the destination and the style of expedition.
“Families should consider whether the child is comfortable with activities such as Zodiac landings, longer days and changing weather conditions.”
Image: family on an AE Expeditions cruise, Svalbard
She recommends the Galapagos Islands as one of the best expedition destinations for families, due to its accessible wildlife encounters and educational focus.
“National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions is a particularly good example,” Akvile said. “Its National Geographic Explorers-in-Training programme introduces young travellers to subjects such as wildlife, conservation, geography and photography through hands-on activities. It is available not only in the Galapagos but across multiple destinations.”
Travel agent Hayley France Meconi has taken her young son, Jamie, on two expedition cruises on board HX. He was eight when he went to Antarctica and nine when he sailed to the Arctic.
“He took part in the science programme and, with special permission from the captain, he was able to camp out in Antarctica,” Hayley said.
“He went out on the Zodiacs every day, took part in the science programme and did both polar plunges. He absolutely loves wildlife and he loved the science programme.
“If they are really into science and wildlife, then 100% yes, expedition cruising is a good option for children.”
Quark Expeditions Business Development Manager for APAC Sarah-Louise Scales, who took her 12-year-old daughter on a polar expedition, said: “It brought to life topics she had previously only encountered in books or on TV, from wildlife and conservation to climate science and the history of exploration. Learning directly from scientists, expedition guides and naturalists sparked a level of curiosity and engagement that can’t be replicated in a classroom.
Image: Quark Expeditions BDM Sarah-Louise Scales and her daughter
“It was an adventure, but one of the most valuable educational experiences she’s ever had.
“That said, I believe these voyages are best suited to older children who have the maturity, patience and genuine curiosity to engage with the educational side of the experience. Younger children may not fully appreciate the lectures, wildlife presentations and safety protocols that are such a core part of an expedition.
“For the right child, however, it’s a truly enriching experience that can broaden their perspective and inspire a lifelong love of learning and exploration.”
Former Silversea Cruises Managing Director Peter Shanks, now an industry consultant, believes expedition cruising works best for teenagers and young adults rather than younger children.
“Expeditions are not the best choice for young children,” he said. “The weather can be harsh, some hikes can be challenging and Zodiac rides, whilst always managed safely, are not best suited to younger children. Flights are also mostly longhaul.
“An expedition can work for a family or multi-generational group if children are super interested in the destination experience and are in their teens. It can also be a great experience for younger adults travelling with older family members.”
He added expedition cruising with young children is likely to remain a niche product.
“By way of an example, I saw no children on my Antarctica trip and two on my recent trip to Greenland.”
Image: Children on an AE Expeditions cruise
AE Expeditions Sales Director EMEA Andrew Turner said the line is ‘not expecting a flurry of children to come on board’, but said: “We’re aiming to fulfil that demand among multi-generational families, such as granny, mum, dad and children.
“It would be a particular type of family – highly educated, affluent, not looking to do a beach holiday. Perhaps a family that has already done a safari, or an adventure tour. It’s a growing area. We’re talking about the type of family where the destination is the focus.” he said.
“They’re interested in wildlife, science and history and want experiences that inspire. Families are looking for more mindful experiences, quality time, shared memories – expedition travel offers that.”
Andrew said the destination would depend on what the family wanted to see.
“Some may want to see a polar bear, some may want to see penguins. The Arctic or Antarctic would be good choices, but there are other, nature-led options, such as Costa Rica.”
Young guests can take part in activities such as Zodiac landings, guided walks, wildlife spotting and citizen science projects, while learning from expedition team members including marine biologists, glaciologists, historians and wildlife specialists.
AE Expeditions’ lower age limit came into effect on 30 July but some activities remain restricted. Kayaking, for example, is only available to guests aged 14 and over.
For the right client, though, a family expedition is a lucrative opportunity for agents who are proactive, Andrew said.
“I’d encourage agents to get immersed in selling expedition cruises, and to be proactive and put ideas in front of the client. For example: ‘Last year you went to Botswana and Namibia, what about going to Antarctica?’ It’s about inspiring the right client and putting the thought in front of them.”
Main image credit: Sarah-Louise Scales
