Clia, the cruise trade body, has launched its first new-to-expedition cruise guide for travel agents.
The guide was officially launched during the Clia Virtual Luxury & Expedition Showcase on Thursday (April 22).
It features popular expedition destinations such as the Arctic, Antarctica, Iceland Russia, Australia, Falkland Islands and the Galapagos.
Agents can find out about the key aspects of an expedition cruise such as ship specifics, onboard activities and entertainment, shore excursions and the main differences from ocean and river cruising.
Destination-specific information includes an overview of each area, port guides and top tips for visitors about popular local attractions, sites of interest and weather advice.
More: The most hotly anticipated expedition ships launching in 2021
Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland managing director, said: “Expedition sailings are a fantastic way to explore off-the-beaten track destinations and we’re expecting demand to increase as international travel continues to open up.
“Our guide is intended to be a one-stop-shop for agents who are looking to continue selling these sailings, or start capturing a growing new market.
“With more people looking to tick off their post-lockdown bucket list, agents should expect more expedition cruise-related enquiries, meaning now is the ideal time to familiarise yourself with everything they have to offer.”
Top tips in the guide include “know your polar bears from your penguins” and how to differentiate between the Arctic and Antarctica; “hot water vs cold water”, looking at expedition cruises in polar regions compared to tropical seas; and soft adventure vs hardcore expedition.
Other tips give agents advice about luxury onboard – or no-frills ships – as well as advice about prices, timing of cruises and activities on offer.