Peregrine Expeditions

Peregrine Adventures, with its legacy spanning over 45 years, has been a pioneer in small-group, immersive adventure travel. Since January 2022, the brand has been integrated into Intrepid Travel's "Premium" range, continuing its philosophy of offering higher-end, comfortable, and deeply authentic experiences. Peregrine/Intrepid Premium appeals to discerning, culturally curious, and active travelers who want to go beyond the typical tourist paths, valuing genuine local interactions, expert guidance, and responsible travel practices. While not a traditional "cruise line" with its own fleet of large ships, they specialize in small-ship expedition voyages as a significant part of their diverse trip portfolio.

Core Philosophy:

• "Real Life Experiences": Focus on authentic encounters, local insights, and cultural immersion rather than just sightseeing.
• Small Groups: Tours typically have an average of around 10-15 participants, allowing for flexibility, deeper local interaction, and reduced environmental impact.
• Local Leaders: A commitment to employing local leaders and guides who provide intimate knowledge of their country and culture.
• Responsible Travel: Strong emphasis on sustainable tourism, supporting local economies, minimizing environmental footprint (e.g., carbon offsetting, no single-use plastics on some trips), and respecting local communities.
• Comfort & Inclusions: The "Premium" level signifies a higher standard of accommodation (typically 4-star), private transport for land segments, and a significant number of included experiences and meals.

Vessel Operations (for their cruise-like offerings):

Peregrine Adventures/Intrepid Travel Premium does not own and operate its own fleet of cruise liners. Instead, for their sea-based expeditions, they:

• Charter specialized expedition vessels: They partner with reputable expedition cruise operators (e.g., Quark Expeditions for polar regions, or local operators for smaller coastal/river vessels).
• Utilize purpose-built small ships: These ships are selected for their ability to navigate challenging waters, access remote areas, and provide an intimate setting for exploration. They are often ice-strengthened for polar regions and equipped with Zodiacs (inflatable boats) for shore landings and close-up wildlife viewing.
• Focus on the Expedition: The ship serves as a comfortable base for accessing the destination. The emphasis is on the daily excursions, wildlife viewing, and educational programs, rather than elaborate onboard amenities or entertainment found on large resort-style cruise ships.

Key Destinations (where ship-based expeditions are offered for 2025-2026):

Peregrine/Intrepid Premium's cruise-like offerings concentrate on regions best experienced by small ship, providing in-depth access and unique perspectives:

• Polar Regions (Antarctica & Arctic): These are flagship offerings.
  • Antarctica: Voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, often including the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. These are active expeditions with multiple daily Zodiac landings for close encounters with penguins, seals, and whales.
  • Arctic: Expeditions to Svalbard, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic, with opportunities to spot polar bears, walruses, and experience indigenous cultures and stunning landscapes.
• Galapagos Islands: Exclusive small-ship cruises (often on vessels like the Grand Queen Beatriz) to explore the unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife of these iconic islands.
• Coastal Europe & Mediterranean:
  • Croatia: Small-ship coastal cruises exploring the Dalmatian Coast and its picturesque islands.
  • Greece: Island-hopping small-ship cruises in the Aegean.
• Other Unique Waterways: Depending on the year, they may offer specialized river or coastal journeys in regions like Vietnam (Mekong), the Amazon, or coastal Africa, often on smaller, locally chartered vessels.

Onboard Experience & Inclusions (for ship-based expeditions):

The experience is tailored to the expedition, blending comfortable amenities with an active, educational focus. The atmosphere is casual, friendly, and geared towards shared discovery.

Typical Inclusions (specifics vary by itinerary and operating partner):

• Accommodation: Comfortable cabins or suites onboard the expedition vessel, typically with private bathrooms. The standard is generally "premium comfort."
• All Meals: Inclusive of all meals onboard, often featuring international cuisine and sometimes highlighting local specialties. Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
• Expedition Activities & Shore Excursions: This is a major value point and core to the experience.
  • Zodiac excursions and landings: Multiple opportunities for daily Zodiac trips to remote shores for wildlife viewing and exploration in polar and other wilderness areas.
  • Guided hikes, walks, and nature observations: Led by the expert expedition team.
  • Lectures & Enrichment Program: A highly qualified expedition team (naturalists, historians, photographers, geologists, etc.) provides daily lectures, presentations, and informal discussions, enriching the understanding of the visited regions.
  • Kayaking and other soft adventure activities: Often available as optional or included activities in suitable locations.
• Expert Expedition Team: The presence of a knowledgeable, passionate, and often multilingual expedition team is a hallmark.
• Transfers: Group airport transfers to/from the ship are frequently included.
• Pre-Cruise Hotel Night: On many longer or more complex itineraries (especially polar), a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night with breakfast is included to facilitate embarkation.
• Gratuities: Often included in the fare for the onboard crew and expedition staff (always check specific itinerary details).
• Wi-Fi: Basic Wi-Fi is often included, though service can be limited in remote areas.
• Expedition Gear: For polar voyages, a high-quality expedition parka (to keep) and loan of waterproof boots are typically provided.
• Port Fees & Taxes: Generally included in the upfront fare.
• Beverages: Water, tea, and coffee are typically included. Some itineraries may also include house wine and beer with meals; an open bar for other alcoholic beverages may be extra or included depending on the partner ship and specific "Premium" package.

What Peregrine Adventures/Intrepid Travel Premium offers is a curated, responsible, and richly immersive adventure travel experience, using small ships as a platform for in-depth exploration rather than as the primary focus of the vacation itself.

Exported from Firebase on 2025-08-02T14:17:19.899Z