ABOUT Expedition Advisory

Built by expedition crew — for travellers who want the real thing.

Expedition Advisory grew out of years living and working onboard expedition ships — and seeing how often good people ended up on the wrong ship or style of trip for them. We care less about glossy marketing, and more about what the days actually feel like on the water.

Our job is simple: understand what you want, translate the expedition world into plain English, and help you choose a ship and itinerary you’ll feel genuinely excited (and confident) about.

Human-first match

We listen properly — then shortlist what actually fits you.

Real-world insight

How expedition days really run — not just brochure promises.

Calm clarity

Trade-offs made obvious. Decisions made easier.

Book a Match Call Zoom consults in English and Spanish.

Wild places deserve the right ship, the right timing, and the right expectations.

What you actually get

Not a generic “pick any ship” suggestion — a thoughtful match based on how you like to travel. We help you avoid those “almost right” bookings by making the trade-offs clear: comfort vs access, pace vs depth, and ship style vs itinerary.

Booking is always on your terms

We’re advisory-first. If you book through us, pricing is the same as booking direct — your reservation and payment are made with the operator. We simply guide and coordinate to make the process smoother.

Why Expedition Advisory exists

Right ship. Right style. No “we picked the wrong one” feeling afterwards.

We’ve watched it happen a lot: someone saves for a once-in-a-lifetime destination, spends big, then realises too late the ship or style wasn’t right for them. Maybe it feels more “cruise” than “expedition.” Maybe the pace is off. Maybe the itinerary looks great on paper but doesn’t match how they want to spend their days.

Expedition Advisory exists to protect the magic of these trips — by replacing guesswork with clarity. It’s not just about ticking off a famous name on the map. It’s about having the experience you’ll still be talking about years later.

What we help you get right

Ship style and culture (comfort level, pace, onboard feel)
Itinerary reality (landing time, wildlife focus, day-to-day rhythm)
Key details that matter later (cabin, booking terms, motion comfort)
A clear shortlist with trade-offs — so your decision feels easy

The Expedition Advisory process

Book a Match Call

Simple, step-by-step — so you always know what’s next.

1) Match call

We learn your goals, comfort preferences, budget, and timing.

2) Shortlist

Best-fit options — with a clear “why this works for you”.

3) Decision support

Cabin picks, timing, routes, and expectations for the days onboard.

4) Book with confidence

Book direct or through us — same price, smoother process.

Meet the team

Kieran Buckley

Co-Founder • Expedition Operations

Kieran first joined expeditions as a photographer — chasing light, wildlife, and the kind of coastlines that don’t show up in everyday travel brochures. It didn’t take long to realise his curiosity sat more on the operations side of the fence: how landings run, how decisions are made, and what keeps everything safe and smooth.

He went on to qualify as a zodiac skipper, sea kayak guide, bear guard for Arctic regions, and eventually manned submersible pilot, as well as working in leadership roles such as assistant expedition leader and lead submersible pilot. That mix means he understands how expeditions come together from the waterline to the bridge — and he naturally explains ships, itineraries, and trade-offs from that operational vantage point, in calm, honest language guests can actually use.

Juliana Restrepo

Co-Founder • Nature & Itinerary Fit

Juliana is Colombian and has spent years working in expedition teams in remote regions, balancing calm logistics with a genuine love for wild places. With a Master’s in Conservation Biology, she brings a science-informed lens to wildlife, ecosystems, and what makes a destination more than just a tick on a list.

Onboard, she’s spent countless days side-by-side with guests — listening to what they hope for, what worries them, and how they actually like to travel. That experience makes her very good at matching people to the right expedition style: photography vs wildlife intensity, relaxed pace vs full-on activity, and the best balance of learning, comfort, and adventure. Juliana also supports consults in Spanish, making the whole process feel welcoming and easy to follow for Spanish-speaking travellers.

A few places we know intimately

Between us, we’ve been on 40+ voyages to Antarctica, travelled extensively throughout the Arctic — including the Northwest Passage — and we’ve been immersed in (and returned many times to) Australia’s remote Kimberley region. We’ve also spent serious time across the South Pacific, the South Atlantic, Coastal Africa, and Europe. That kind of repeat time in the field matters: it’s how you learn what “good” really looks like, and where the common trip-making mistakes hide.

What you can expect from us

Clear options, realistic expectations, and support all the way through to booking.

Clear recommendations

A shortlist you can understand — with the “why” behind it.

Realistic expectations

What days feel like, what changes with weather, and what’s normal.

A smoother booking

Book direct or through us — same price, less friction.

Important: Expedition Advisory is an advisory service. You’re always in control of where you book. If you choose to proceed through us, your booking and payment are made directly with the operator under their terms.

Mini-FAQ

Do you cost more than booking direct?

No — if you book through us, pricing is the same as booking directly with the operator. You’re paying for expert guidance and clarity, and if you proceed through us, we coordinate the booking process with the operator.

Can you book flights and hotels too?

We stay focused on expedition cruises — ship, itinerary, cabin, timing, and preparation. We can advise on what to consider for travel logistics, but bookings for flights/hotels/insurance are handled by you (or your chosen provider).

What destinations do you cover?

We support key expedition regions including Antarctica, the Arctic, South America, Europe, the Kimberley, the South Pacific, the Amazon, and Africa. If you’re unsure whether your route fits, book a quick match call and we’ll tell you straight.

Do you recommend one operator over others?

We recommend what best fits your priorities. Sometimes that’s a smaller ship and more landings; other times it’s more comfort and a different pace. Our job is to make the trade-offs obvious so you can choose confidently.

NEXT STEP

Book a Match Call

If you tell us what you’re aiming for, we’ll help you choose the right expedition cruise — and make the trade-offs simple.

Book now

Zoom consults • English & Spanish