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Cliff Bainum / Expedition Cruises
Cliff Bainum

Cliff Bainum

Seattle, WA Cruise Specialist
Years of Experience: 25+
28 Reviews | 100% Recommended

Expedition Cruises

Me on HX Expedition cruise to Antarctica
Me on HX Expedition cruise to Antarctica

After having recently experienced an expedition cruise with HX Expeditions, I am eager to put my knowledge and insight to work for you. Here are some details from my experience during the 12-day Antarctica expedition aboard Roald Amundsen.

“Every moment felt curated by nature itself, from the first sighting of floating icebergs (three days before landing!) to the exhilarating zodiac rides that ferried us to shore.” The very first landing was unforgettable: an exciting zodiac ride to Pleneau Island, stepping onto shore surrounded by Gentoo penguins and looking back at the Roald Amundsen framed by floating icebergs. It was stunning. 

Wildlife, Ice, and Endless WonderHighlights? Honestly, there were too many to count. Cruising among the towering icebergs felt like floating through a museum of sculptures, each more stunning than the last. Wildlife encounters were constant – penguins diving through icy waters, humpback whales breaching near our zodiacs, and lazy seals basking on floes. One of the best wildlife moments came in Fournier Bay, where we enjoyed the ultimate whale-watching experience, both from the ship and up-close during zodiac tours. 

Life Onboard Roald AmundsenThe ship is built for polar exploration—and it’s beautiful. Guests on board came from all around the world: Germany, Australia, Canada, the U.S., and beyond. It’s a casual, friendly atmosphere perfect for families, groups, and adventurers alike. I stayed in a spacious suite, beautifully appointed with lots of storage, a Nespresso machine, a minibar, and a balcony perfect for snapping wildlife photos at a moment’s notice. Laundry service (included!) was a huge plus. 

Dining was fantastic. I’m not a traditional "foodie," but loved every meal, and the service at Lindstrom Restaurant made it the best onboard experience by far. When it came to enrichment, the opportunities were endless: lectures, science center activities, photography workshops, and a ship app to keep track of it all. It wasn’t just a cruise; it was an education—and it created a real camaraderie among us explorers. 

Unforgettable MomentsEvery day was packed with physical activities and emotional moments that evoked the spirit of exploration. Seeing abandoned research stations with emergency provisions tucked off to the side added a layer of reverence to it all. On a personal note, my grandfather had visited Antarctica with the U.S. Navy 79 years earlier and being there, following in his footsteps, created a deep connection I hadn’t felt in decades. 

A Photographer’s DreamThough I’m not a professional photographer, Antarctica turned even my amateur shots into frame-worthy images. And we were given photos of our journey from the professional photographers that accompanied us. 

Expedition cruising is emerging as a compelling option for today’s adventurous traveler. I’m seeing growing interest from people who haven’t taken a traditional ocean cruise before, but may have explored the world through river cruising or immersive land tours. What’s especially exciting is how quickly the standard of luxury in this space is evolving. Purpose-built expedition ships from HX, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Viking, Scenic, Seabourn, and Silversea offer enriching, all-inclusive experiences that blend comfort with exploration in some of the world’s most remote destinations. 

If you're looking for a truly transformative way to travel, I encourage you to take a closer look at expedition cruising and discover the itinerary and cruise line that best matches your style and dreams.

My Areas of Expertise

Destinations

  • Antarctica
  • Arctic Ocean
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Iceland

Interests

  • Expedition Cruises

Supplier

    Related Travel Stories

    Antarctica with HX Expeditions

    There’s something surreal about saying, “I’ve been to Antarctica.” It sounds like something reserved for scientists or explorers—not your everyday traveler. But I recently had the incredible opportunity to join an HX Expedition aboard the Roald Amundsen, and it absolutely redefined what adventure means. From penguins waddling across icy shores to... Read more from my Antarctica with HX Expeditions story.

    My Reviews

    Rating: 5 28 Reviews | 100% Recommended
    • Very helpful cruise consultant

      Reviewed By Todd - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to Mediterranean
      Cliff was on top of things from dealing with cruise line to reminding us is of trip requirements and deadlines. While we made many arrangements, tours, etc online, Cliff was a good sounding board.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      398 of 529 people found this review helpful
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    • Review of cruise

      Reviewed By Patrice - Fall City | Traveled to Canada
      Cliff answered all of our questions quickly and presented us with many options. He was helpful getting us through the process of shore excursions and cabin perks. Working with Cliff was easy.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      407 of 570 people found this review helpful
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    • Best Agent Ever!

      Reviewed By Kathy - Palm City | Traveled to Japan
      Cliff is very thorough and efficient. He finds the best deals out there! He follows up and answers emails and calls ASAP. WE will definitely use him in the future.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      363 of 519 people found this review helpful
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    • Crystal Symphony Alaska

      Reviewed By Julie - Miami Beach | Traveled to Alaska
      Cliff was very helpful and patient with all my questions and was able to get us a good deal.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      354 of 511 people found this review helpful
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    • Angel

      Reviewed By Oswald - Saint Cloud | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
      Cliff and Annie were top notch. Everything from start to finish perfect! I would highly recommend "Cruise Specialist". They and the people representing this company are a "class act".!!
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      343 of 549 people found this review helpful
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    • Cliff

      Reviewed By Murray - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Caribbean
      Cliff and cruise specialists was great throughout booking the cruise.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      497 of 865 people found this review helpful
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    • Cliff is great

      Reviewed By Nolan - Pompano Beach | Traveled to Scandinavia
      Cliff is great to work with. He's thorough and responsive.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      221 of 365 people found this review helpful
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    • He is professional

      Reviewed By Damilia - Austin | Traveled to Hawaii
      He always is ready to listen and to do what it will take to make your travel experience the best that it can be. We normally work with a low travel budget, but that has never stop him from doing his very best.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      199 of 324 people found this review helpful
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    • Working wifh Cliff

      Reviewed By Katharine - Birmingham, AL | Traveled to Europe
      Cliff was very professional and helpful.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      260 of 476 people found this review helpful
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    • Agent Review

      Reviewed By Alger - Los Angeles, CA | Traveled to South Pacific
      I have never met Cliff in person. We live in different parts of USA. He was recommended by a friend. We emailed or talked by phone. Cliff was very pleasant and professional. We have booked with him since.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      149 of 285 people found this review helpful
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    • Regent cruise

      Reviewed By Rhonda - Las Vegas | Traveled to Alaska
      Excellent in all regards.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      147 of 282 people found this review helpful
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    • Norwaycruise

      Reviewed By Cindy - Chattanooga, TN | Traveled to Europe
      Cliff picked up this reservation from a prior agent who left the company. It was thence handled without problems and he was solicitous of our satisfaction. We had no issues with the assistance he provided.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      138 of 265 people found this review helpful
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    • Cruise Specialists and Cliff

      Reviewed By Nanette - Scottsdale | Traveled to South America
      Very fast response to questions. Willing to investigate pricing on cruises and insurance. Appreciate the service.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      164 of 322 people found this review helpful
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    • Cliff guided us in the right direction

      Reviewed By Oldcee - Ridgefield, Wa | Traveled to Juneau | Alaska | USA
      Cliff helped us find the right cruise line for our preferences. We are into no dress codes and eating when the mood strikes us and Cliff suggested Norwegian. He helped with planning and answered all our questions cheerfully. We will go to him again for our next trip.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      27 of 49 people found this review helpful
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    • Cliff found us a good deal on the trip we wanted.

      Reviewed By Sandy - Newport, OR | Traveled to Hawaii | USA
      Always like working with Cliff. He helped us on our last HAL World Voyage too.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      57 of 109 people found this review helpful
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    • Best there is

      Reviewed By Douglas - Breckenridge | Traveled to Panama Canal
      Always great travel agent
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      139 of 274 people found this review helpful
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    • Cliff Bainum - Excellent Advisor

      Reviewed By Monika - Nokomis | Traveled to Danube
      Cliff responded to my emails and my calls quickly, answering my questions and connecting me to others when he did not have the answer. All my arrangements were made flawlessly. In that I live on a different coast, our times would not always match, but his responses were always within a couple of hours. He even got my Global Entry numbers tagged to Viking and all appropriate airlines without any problems. He was knowledgeable, making excellent suggestions,and easily available with a pleasant demeanor.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      151 of 301 people found this review helpful
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    • First cruise using a travel agent

      Reviewed By Mike and Cindy - San Antonio, Texas | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
      Using CC was very easy and convenient. I liked the whole process from booking to payment to cruise execution.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      46 of 93 people found this review helpful
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    • Alaska Cruise

      Reviewed By Jan - Auburn, WA | Traveled to Alaska | USA
      Cliff was very helpful and gave us good advice and answered our many questions! He’s very .knowledgeable. He was very pleasant to work with. He has a great sense of humor.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      12 of 27 people found this review helpful
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    • Antarctica cruise

      Reviewed By Melissa - Cocoa Beach, FL | Traveled to Antartica
      Excellent. He is very knowledgeable and helpful.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      154 of 311 people found this review helpful
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    • Great service

      Reviewed By kenwine51 - Ocala, FL | Traveled to Alaska | USA
      Cliff provided great service the entire way through the process. He has been so helpful in securing assistance for my wife's mobility issues that we are using Cliff again for future vacations.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      12 of 29 people found this review helpful
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    • Wonderful Holland/Belgium river cruise

      Reviewed By David A. - Easton, PA | Traveled to Holland | Netherlands | Europe
      Cliff helped us book our Holland/Belgium river cruise through Adventures by Disney. He was always quick to respond to questions we had. AND he made sure we didn't miss any payments! He's always willing to provide information and suggestions. Thanks for all your help Cliff!!
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      15 of 37 people found this review helpful
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    • Professional, thorough and extremely nice

      Reviewed By Jean - Las Vegas | Traveled to Europe
      Cliff is the consummate travel agent. He asked the right questions and made sure we would be met and housed appropriately. We've used Cliff in the past, and he has always provided me with the best of care and does those thousand and one things I would never remember to do.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      138 of 283 people found this review helpful
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    • OUR FIRST ALASKA CRUISE!

      Reviewed By Pam and Michael G. - West Palm Beach, FL | Traveled to Alaska | USA
      Cliff was very professional and personable. He helped us from start to finish planning this amazing cruise. He was always there to answer any question that came up!
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      18 of 45 people found this review helpful
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    • Cliff Bainum

      Reviewed By Dirk - Layfayette | Traveled to Australia
      Cliff has always been very thorough with my cruising reservations and provides excellent suggestions on the best cruise line to recommend for the specific destination I want to see. When the reservations need to be revised for whatever reasons, he handles it with great care and expediency. Cruise Specialists provides some excellent credits to save money on the cruise and offers additional "gifts" to enhance the cruise experience. I would recommend Cliff to anyone who is planning a cruise and wants to work with a very experienced cruise specialist.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      137 of 283 people found this review helpful
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    • Travel Consultant

      Reviewed By Ursula - Stillwater | Traveled to Caribbean
      Cliff does a great job of handling all our cruising needs.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      131 of 272 people found this review helpful
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    • Fabulous!!!

      Reviewed By Lyse - Liberty | Traveled to Canada
      Cliff was responsive and knowledgeable about all of his cruises. Great to work with!
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      140 of 300 people found this review helpful
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    • Seabourn Cruise

      Reviewed By Jody - Santa Ana | Traveled to Mediterranean
      Cliff is excellent to work with. Takes care of our every concern.
      I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
      173 of 614 people found this review helpful
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    My Travel Experience

    Places I’ve personally traveled to or destinations I’ve booked for my clients.

    TRUSTED BY:
    Conde Nast Traveler
    Travel + Leisure
    Wall Street Journal
    CLIA - Official Travel Agency for the Cruise Industry
    Forbes