After 50 cruises, I still wasn't prepared for my first expedition sailing. I wish I'd known how it'd differ from other trips.

• I'm a frequent traveler who was surprised by my first expedition cruise. • These cruises are often small and focused on adventure and taking people to hard-to-reach spots. • I was surprised by the variety of excursions and how rough the waters could get.

Though I've been on over 50 cruises on large ocean liners and smaller river ships, I had never been on an expedition cruise until last year.

Expedition cruises typically sail for at least seven nights and go to hard-to-reach or remote destinations like the Galapagos, Arctic, Alaska, and even narrow passages in Europe that big ships can't access.

They're ideal for passengers who want to go on adventures and learn about their surroundings, rather than party or lounge by a pool.

Compared to other cruises, expedition sailings typical