Expedition Cruises
WHY CHOOSE AN EXPEDITION CRUISE?
With the trend in modern cruising leaning towards voyages that take you off the beaten track, it can be said that expedition cruises are the new black! A whole new generation of smaller, more intimate expedition style ships are being built to meet this demand, and these ships don't just go off the beaten track, but to the very edges of the beaten map, where few others ever venture.
The kind of ship you can expect to find on your expedition adventure is diverse, ranging from specially-built icebreakers (which have basic amenities) to the ultra-luxurious, 6 star ships where you can find the highest levels of comfort and service. On board you will enjoy talks from geologists and naturalists, and be accompanied on excursions by qualified experts who will give you an extra insight into the destinations you explore.
Expedition cruise destinations vary, but are all joined together by a common theme of the unusual and the exotic and are ideal for the open-minded, curious traveller. Voyage down the mighty Amazon; discover the breath-taking coast of Greenland and the Arctic; or perhaps the majestic Terra Incognita that is Antarctica - chart a route less travelled and explore today with The Cruise Specialists. Popular expedition cruise lines include Seabourn Cruises and Silversea Cruises.
Popular Expedition Cruise Destinations
Antarctica Cruises
Antarctica cruises offer a unique and immersive way to explore one of the world’s most remote and pristine regions. Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, these expeditions cross the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, where travellers are treated to breathtaking landscapes of towering glaciers, massive icebergs, and abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. With expert guides onboard, passengers learn about the region’s rich history, delicate ecosystems, and conservation efforts. Activities like kayaking, ice hiking, and camping on the continent itself provide an adventurous and intimate experience, all while ensuring minimal environmental impact to preserve the fragile wilderness. An Antarctic cruise offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness a part of the planet few will ever see.
Galapagos Cruises
Galapagos cruises offer an incredible way to explore the unique islands that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. These cruises take passengers to the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where they can observe diverse wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and exotic bird species, all in their natural habitats. The islands’ isolation has allowed for the development of species found nowhere else on Earth, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With small expedition ships, these cruises provide an intimate experience, often including snorkeling, kayaking, and guided nature walks, offering a deeper understanding of the islands' ecosystems while adhering to strict conservation guidelines to protect this fragile paradise.
Arctic and Greenland Cruises
Arctic and Greenland cruises offer an extraordinary opportunity to explore two of the world's most remote and breathtaking regions. These cruises take travellers through the icy waters of the Arctic, where they can marvel at towering glaciers, rugged fjords, and icebergs drifting in pristine seas. Greenland, with its vast tundra, dramatic coastline, and rich Inuit culture, is a major highlight, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Passengers on these cruises often encounter incredible wildlife, including polar bears, musk oxen, and whales, while experiencing adventurous activities like dog sledding, kayaking, and hiking. With their combination of stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and immersive experiences, Arctic and Greenland cruises provide an unforgettable journey into some of the planet's last great wildernesses.
Contact our Expedition Cruise team
Contact Aileen and Stuart who are our Expedition Cruise Specialists for details on a wide selection of cruises
Northern Lights
Greenland
Svalbard
Antarctic wildlife
Antarctic cruising
Antarctica
Galapagos
Expedition Blogs
David's Silver Origin Galapagos Expedition
Read about David's Silver Origin Galapagos expedition voyage.
Silversea Silver Origin Expedition Cruise in the Galapagos is a purpose built ship for the Galapagos. Launched in 2020 it is the most luxurious and largest ship operating in the Galapagos. She carries 96 passengers and has a crew of 100 so a guest to staff ratio of just over 1 to 1 which is one of the highest at sea...
Antarctica on Hurtigruten Expeditions
Read Aileen's Expedition with Hurtigruten
To travel with HX is to open yourself to a world of awe. From cultural encounters to wildlife wonders, what you see and learn on your trip will inspire and energise you. And when you come back home, you’ll have a deeper, richer love of the planet we all share. Here are some of the reasons people choose to join an HX voyage time and again...