#2 Expedition cruising attracts a far wider mix of travellers than most people imagine and in this episode, host Rona Wheeldon explores the real question so many people have but rarely ask out loud: “Is an expedition cruise actually for someone like me?”

Drawing on her own experience as a self‑confessed risk‑averse traveller who once said she’d “never go on a cruise,” Rona breaks down the myths, the assumptions and the stereotypes and reveals the surprising range of people who fall in love with expedition travel.

From classic explorers in their 60s and 70s, to solo women, families, photographers, warm‑water wanderers and even the cruise‑resistant, this episode paints a clear, honest picture of who you’ll really find on board.

You’ll learn:

• Why expedition cruising has nothing to do with being fearless, outdoorsy or ultra‑fit
• The eight major traveller groups you’ll meet on an expedition ship, from young adventurers to passionate hobbyists
• Why curiosity, not physical ability, is the true common thread among expedition travellers
• How solo travellers, especially women, are finding expedition cruising safe, social and empowering
• Why families, multigenerational groups and even first‑time adventurers are choosing remote destinations
• What level of fitness you actually need and why it’s far more achievable than many people assume
• How seasickness, gear worries and “I’m not adventurous enough” fears fit into the reality of expedition travel
• The types of travellers who may not enjoy expedition cruising, and why flexibility is essential

This episode gives you a reassuring, myth‑busting look at who expedition cruising is really for and why the answer is far broader, more inclusive and more relatable than most people expect.

🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube

📷 Follow Rona on Instagram

🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

#1 Expedition cruising is one of the most misunderstood corners of the travel world and in this debut episode, host Rona Wheeldon breaks down what an expedition cruise really is and why it’s nothing like the traditional mega‑ship experience many people imagine.

Through vivid storytelling and first‑hand insight from her own voyage to Antarctica, Rona demystifies the fundamentals of expedition travel: small ships, flexible itineraries, expert‑led exploration and unforgettable encounters with wildlife and remote landscapes.

If you’ve ever wondered whether expedition cruising is only for hardcore adventurers or if you’ve sworn you’d “never go on a cruise”, this episode gives you a clear, honest introduction to a very different way of travelling.

You’ll learn:

• What truly defines an expedition cruise and why it’s more accessible than most people think
• How small ships, Zodiacs and expedition teams shape every day of the journey
• Why flexibility is essential and how weather, wildlife and sea conditions guide the experience
• The key differences between expedition cruising and traditional ocean cruising, from ship size to activities to onboard culture
• How citizen science, education and real exploration sit at the heart of an expedition voyage
• Why so many travellers, including Rona herself, go from “never cruising” to becoming expedition cruise converts

This episode gives you a clear and myth‑busting introduction to expedition cruising, perfect if you’re curious, cautious or simply dreaming of a more adventurous way to explore the world.

🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube

📷 Follow Rona on Instagram

🔗 Connect with Rona on LinkedIn

Small Ships. Extraordinary Adventures.

Welcome to The Expedition Cruise Podcast.

Think cruising isn’t for you? Host Rona Wheeldon once felt the same - until she discovered Expedition Cruising.

Forget mega‑ships, crowds and pool parties. This is a different world: small, beautifully designed ships, where exploration, education and science come first.

Since becoming a convert, Rona has travelled to Antarctica, Canada and the United States. And now she’s sharing everything she’s learned.

Each Thursday, join her for solo episodes and expert interviews covering itineraries from polar routes to remote archipelagos, wildlife encounters from penguins to polar bears,plus insider insights into this fast‑growing corner of the cruise industry.

Whether you’re curious about what an expedition cruise really is, wondering where these small ships go or simply love nature and the sea, this podcast is your guide.

Launching January 1st, 2026. Follow or subscribe now so you never miss an episode. And watch on YouTube if you’re a visual explorer.

Small Ships. Extraordinary Adventures.

Welcome to the World of Expedition Cruising.