Expedition Cruises: Explore & Discover the World

Expedition Cruises aren’t the typical cruise vacation you are used to seeing. While there are grand and exciting activities and amenities waiting onboard, that’s not the main attraction. The goal of an expedition cruise isn’t just to relax like a normal holiday, but to take passengers to bucket list destinations, and bring them closer to nature with daring excursions with professional guides and experts leading the way. 

Exploring the world on a cruise ship alone is an unbelievable experience and a spectacular option for a vacation. However, expedition cruises allow passengers to take the trip of their dreams and have the opportunity to explore some of the most hard-to-reach places on earth, all while being comfortable with all the amenities you could ask for. Take advantage of these opportunities by enjoying the flora and fauna of each location, admiring the unique wildlife, and gaining knowledge of untouched territories around the globe. 

Expeditions cruises are a lot like traditional and popular cruises, but with more emphasis and focus on offshore excursions and destinations, rather than onboard activities and entertainment. While expedition cruises are going to be a bit more expensive than typical cruise options, passengers must take into consideration where they are going. Hidden destinations around the world are not easy to get to, especially with the top amenities and experts on board as well. 

While there are expedition cruise options for rather popular destinations, such as Mexico, the most popular locations and options for expeditions cruises are typically located in the most distant corners of the world. Polar expedition cruises take passengers to arctic locations around Greenland, Antarctica, Svalbard, and even The Northwest Passage. 

In addition to polar and arctic locations, remote islands and tropical treasures are also a unique options. These locations are often loaded with history and ancient ruins and house some of the most distinctive and rare plants and wildlife. Destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, the British Isles, and Australia. 

Alongside incredible destinations, the unique excursions offshore are what make expedition cruises so exciting. Instead of laying on the beach or relaxing with a cocktail for the afternoon, opt for an adrenaline-filled day of hiking or trekking through jungles or glaciers. Take part in once-in-a-lifetime activities paired with a backdrop of pristine and natural views of the world. 

Depending on your preferences and ideal taste for adventures, there are various offshore activities awaiting for you to indulge in. Hike with snowshoes and climb icebergs and glaciers while in polar regions like Alaska and Antartica, with all the equipment and information necessary to have a safe and life-changing adventure. 

On the other hand, if you aren’t a fan of the cold, hot and tropical locations bring just as much adventure. Snorkeling in coral reefs, hiking through jungles to ancient ruins or viewing and observing exotic creatures in their natural habitat. With onboard experects and professionals, not only will you enjoy your time, but learn and understand the adventure at a professional level as well. 

Keep in mind, that expedition cruise ships are designed to get as close to shore as possible. So, if you aren’t keen on adrenaline-filled activities, the view and experience onboard can be just as amazing. 

Even though the main focus of expedition cruises is the hidden destinations and offshore activities, the activities and amenities onboard are another big draw to the cruises themselves. Expect luxurious extras and mouth-watering cuisine options. Rather than traditional broadway shows, waterparks, and nightclubs, expedition cruises are filled with galleries, symphony perfeormances, and book reading or lectures. 

Every indulgent and wish can be catered for while on an expedition cruise. Large and sumptuous stateroom cabins with personal services are catered for, in addition to unique and delicious cuisine options from world-class chefs around the world. Historians, photographers, and professors fill the ship to take part in activities like gallery lectures, destination history, and personal experiences to enhance the minds of passengers. 

In addition to the unique and different onboard activities expedition cruises offer, don’t forget about the traditional favorite onboard attractions. Depending on the location and cruise ship you choose, expect to see pools, casinos, bars, upscale cabins, and all-inclusive options as well. 

Hurtigruten 

Hurtigruten Cruises explore some of the most remote and pristine places in the world. They are best known for going to polar places such as Antartica and the Northwest Passage. Itinerary packages on Hurtigruten aren’t always set in stone, so be prepared for the unexpected and a chance to grasp new opportunities if they arise. Popular locations are Antartica, Norway, the Northwest Passage, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, and the British Isles. 

Quark Expeditions 

Quark Expeditions specializes in unique polar and arctic expeditions. Their cruises are loaded with specialized guides and experts to assist you in not only exploring the most remote destinations on earth but guiding you through off-board adrenaline-filled activities. Antarctica and the Arctic Circle are their cruise destinations, as there are various different packages and excursion options. 

Lindblad Expeditions

Linblad Expeditions have been exploring remote destinations around the globe for over 50 years. They positively make an impact on the locations they visit, and are partnered with National Geographic for a richer, more unique experience. They have expedition cruises located all around the globe from popular and tropical places in the Pacific, to remote and arctic destinations like Greenland and Antartica. 

Seabourn

Seabourn Expedition cruises aim to create a life-changing and incredible experience for passengers. They are guided by wildlife and nature experts, scientists, and historians through some of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth. They aim to provide luxurious adventure through locations such as Amazon villages, Antarctica, Kuril Islands, and the Northwest Passage. 

Atlas Ocean Voyagers 

Atlas Ocean Voyagers has some of the smallest luxurory expedition cruise ships, allowing them to travel even deeper into remote and pristine destinations around the planet. Iconic ports with a mixture of 5-star luxurory await experienced travelers. Destinations through the Americas and Antartica, Caribbean Islands, Mediterranean, and the British Isles are available for an all-inclusive experience with personalized curated excursions to top it all off.