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AdventureSmith Reviews

116 Blog Posts

Looking for AdventureSmith Explorations reviews? Find it all here—from traveler-written testimonials to expert-written trip reviews and links to our Google reviews.

Jump to Testimonials
Alaska travelers photographing a coastal brown bear upclose in a meadow with mountains in the background.

Browse this page for the complete collection of AdventureSmith Explorations reviews, along with traveler-written testimonials of their trips. AdventureSmith is known and trusted as the foremost small ship cruise specialist in the industry and as a resource for booking quality, sustainable wilderness-focused adventure trips by land and sea. A big part of our success is our active community of Adventure Specialists and travelers who are out in the field each month reviewing our trips worldwide.

Some key links for navigating all our AdventureSmith reviews:

Now that you have a roadmap, start your journey getting to know us. Or pick up the phone to chat one-on-one now. We are happy to discuss any opinions you seek, or put you in touch with a past traveler of ours.

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gravel air strip on King George Island, Antarctica. A white airplane is about to touchdown, surrounded by snow-covered mountain range.

8 Things I Learned Flying to Antarctica

Considering flying to Antarctica? Read firsthand tips on air cruises, from flight logistics and weather delays to what to pack and how to plan for a smoother trip.

Kelly Gorrell
Kelly Gorrell Expert Since 2018
Expedition ship Magellan Explorer anchored in a bay in Antarctica with large sea ice floating by with mountainous terrain off in the distance

Expert Aboard: Magellan Explorer Ship Review

Step aboard the 76-guest Magellan Explorer in Antarctica. Two of our experts share firsthand insights on what makes this under-100-guest vessel so special, plus perspectives from travelers who’ve sailed aboard it.

Grace Bosco
Grace Bosco Expert Since 2024
portrait of travel expert Kevin Marshall in Baja with the Lindblad National Geographic Venture behind him

What It's Like Aboard a Lindblad Baja Cruise

750 nautical miles covered, 32 species of fish, 60 species of plants, dozens of whales... If you're contemplating a Lindblad Baja cruise, let our expert's time aboard help you learn more about what it's like.

Kevin Marshall
Kevin Marshall Expert Since 2022
Exterior shot of Douglas Mawson anchored in a bay off the coast of Australia on a cloudy day with calm seas

Expert Aboard: Douglas Mawson Ship Review

Our Director of Operations was aboard the inaugural sailing of the Douglas Mawson. Read on for his insight on what makes this 154-guest vessel stand out.

Justin Massoni
Justin Massoni Expert Since 2015
Sylvia Earle off in the distance in Antarctica with snow covered and giant icebergs and mountains on a cloudy calm day

Expert Aboard: Sylvia Earle Ship Review

What's it like aboard the Sylvia Earle ship? Learn about the service, sustainability, smooth ride, tips for choosing your cabin and more. Our expert's insights from her voyage in Antarctica will help you decide whether this ship's right for you, no matter where in the world she's sailing.

Jennifer Morse
Jennifer Morse Expert Since 2016
Small group of Polar Quest Svalbard travelers hike a rocky ridgeline among golden tundra backed by teal sea & a small ship.

Expert Review: Polar Quest Svalbard

Tiny ships, big moments. Get our expert's insights into how Polar Quest’s cozy, no-frills vessels (12-50 guests) deliver big on raw nature, abundant wildlife, standout guides & authentic adventure in Svalbard.

Mary Montalbano
Mary Montalbano Expert Since 2017

Expert Review: My Northwest Passage Cruise

Narwhals, musk ox and 2,300 nautical miles... read our expert's take on the top highlights from his Northwest Passage expedition that included time in Greenland.

Andrew Browning
Andrew Browning Expert Since 2007
Two travelers in an orange double kayak float towards the Safari Quest ship anchored near a densely green forested Alaska shoreline

Expert Aboard: Safari Quest Review

Step aboard the 22-guest Safari Quest in Alaska with our expert’s firsthand review. Learn what makes this purpose-built yacht stand out among Alaska’s intimate ships, and see if it’s the right fit for your next adventure.

Kelly Gorrell
Kelly Gorrell Expert Since 2018
Showing 11 of 116
A woman in an AdventureSmith Explorations tan hat smiles standing in front of the waterfalls of Krka National Park in Croatia

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AdventureSmith Reviews from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

Read More Reviews on Google

  • “One of Our Best Vacations Ever”

    This is only the second time that I have not planned and organized a vacation and yet this is the ONLY time that every single aspect of our trip was outstanding. Doing a small boat cruise and with only 8 passengers; we all became like family and are all still…

    Teresa G. Germantown, TN

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “The Arrangements Were Perfect”

    The arrangements were perfect. Not a glitch in the entire nearly two weeks. I am just very happy to have found AdventureSmith.

    Rob B. Scottsdale, AZ

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 4.0/5

  • “AdventureSmith Sealed the Deal”

    Alaska has been in our minds for years... My 60th birthday seemed a great reason to make it happen! The friendliness and responsiveness of AdventureSmith staff when I first sent in an inquiry really sealed the deal. I cannot say enough about Tracie's food on the boat. It is truly…

    Nancy S. Tampa, Florida

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Adventuresmith Is A Pleasure to Work With”

    AdventureSmith is a very professional organization that is a pleasure to work with. This was our third, but certainly not last trip with AdventureSmith.

    Edward R. Pittsburgh, PA

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Best Holiday Ever”

    This was my best holiday ever, I loved it and it was made so easy by Andrew and AdventureSmith because I didn't have to worry about finding accommodation or transfers from airports etc it was sooooooooooo relaxing for me. All the accommodation was first class and the food was amazing.

    Ann W. Balwyn, Victoria, Australia

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Well Prepared”

    This was the most organized, well-planned trip ever!! Every single detail, right down to clothes to bring, was superb. This trip fit our wishes of wilderness, wildlife, and adventure to a T!!

    Rita W. Morrison, IL

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Overall Our Trip Was Perfect!”

    Both my husband and I absolutely loved our trip and wouldn't have changed a thing about it. We highly recommend AdventureSmith, Taylor and our itinerary to anyone who is looking for an active, outdoor adventure trip in Alaska. Let AdventureSmith plan your trip and you won't regret it!

    David H. Nevada City, CA

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

AdventureSmith Explorations In the News

Our company and travel experiences are not only reviewed and loved by our crew and our alumni travelers but also by the press. We have been recognized as leaders in expedition cruises and wilderness adventures by Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Outside Magazine, The New York Times, USA Today and Frommers. See what these distinguished publications have to say; our awards and accolades span from being named top travel specialists to leaders in sustainable travel.
More Awards & Recent Press
  • Travel specialists sitting at a table next to bookshelves stacked with books and items brought back from travels

    2025 Top Travel Specialists

    AdventureSmith's Andrew Browning earns his first Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist recognition, a milestone achieved alongside 12-time winner Todd Smith.

  • Small wooden ship Sea Wolf in Glacier Bay National Park Alaska surrounded by mountain range. Sunset magazine logo and two travel awards badges

    Two-Time Winner in 2025 Sunset Travel Awards

    Sunset Magazine names AdventureSmith Explorations a 2025 Travel Awards winner for both Best Cruise and Best Transportation Service in the West—marking our second consecutive year on the list.

  • woman standing in front of an alaskan glacier wearing a helmet and smiling

    Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth

    National Geographic Adventure magazine has reviewed and rated the Earth's best Adventure Travel Companies and AdventureSmith made the list. We have been featured for our unique style of adventure cruising aboard small boats and our commitment to sustainable travel.