Explore Earth's Last Frontiers
Antarctica, Arctic, Galapagos — where adventure meets discovery
- Price Range
- $4,000 - $30,000+ per person
- Duration
- 7-21+ nights
- Capacity
- 50 - 200 guests
- Destinations
- Polar Regions, Remote Islands
What is Expedition Cruising?
Expedition cruising is about exploration, discovery, and connecting with nature in remote destinations. These purpose-built vessels are designed to navigate polar waters, navigate through ice, and reach places larger ships cannot access. With expert naturalists, marine biologists, and historians aboard, every day brings new learning opportunities alongside incredible wildlife encounters.
Perfect For
Nature Enthusiasts
Wildlife viewing, bird watching, marine life encounters
Photographers
Incredible landscapes, wildlife, unique lighting
Adventure Seekers
Kayaking, zodiac cruises, polar plunges, hiking
Lifelong Learners
Expert lectures, citizen science programs
Expedition Ships & Experience
Ship Features
Expedition ships are specially designed with ice-strengthened hulls, advanced navigation systems, and zodiac launching platforms. Despite their small size, they offer comfortable accommodations and thoughtful amenities focused on the destination.
Ice-Class Hull
Navigate polar waters, close wildlife approaches
Zodiac Fleet
Daily landings, coastal exploration
Observation Decks
360° viewing areas, bridge access
Science Center
Microscopes, library, citizen science projects
Daily Activities
- Zodiac cruises among icebergs
- Kayaking in pristine waters
- Wildlife photography sessions
- Citizen science programs
- Guided nature walks & hikes
- Polar plunge opportunities
- Expert naturalist presentations
- Snorkeling (tropical expeditions)
Expedition Team
- · Staff-to-Guest Ratio: Often 1:10 or better
- ·Daily Briefings: Morning plans, wildlife updates
- ·Recap Sessions: Evening summaries, next-day prep
- ·Open Bridge: Captain and crew interactions
Exclusive Destinations
Luxury lines visit sought-after destinations and hidden gems, often staying overnight in port to allow for evening exploration.
Antarctica
The White Continent - penguins, whales, massive icebergs
Season: Season: November - March
Highlights: Highlights: Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands
Arctic
Polar bears, walrus, midnight sun, indigenous cultures
Season: Season: May - September
Highlights: Highlights: Svalbard, Greenland, Canadian Arctic, Northwest Passage
Galapagos Islands
Darwin's laboratory - unique wildlife, volcanic landscapes
Season: Season: Year-round
Highlights: Highlights: Giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas
Norwegian Fjords
Deep fjords, glaciers, waterfalls, northern lights
Season: Season: May - September (Aurora: Sept - March)
Highlights: Highlights: Geirangerfjord, Trollfjord, North Cape
Remote Islands
Falklands, South Georgia, remote Pacific atolls
Season: Season: Varies by region
Highlights: Highlights: King penguin colonies, bird sanctuaries, coral reefs
Planning Your Expedition
Comprehensive Inclusions
Typically Included
- ·All meals & snacks
- ·Beer & wine with dinner
- ·All shore landings
- ·Zodiac excursions
- ·Kayaking (often)
- ·Expedition parka (polar)
- ·Rubber boots loan
- ·Expert lectures
- ·Port charges
Extra Costs
- ·International flights
- ·Pre/post hotels
- ·Trip insurance (required)
- ·Premium beverages
- ·Gratuities
- ·Spa services
- ·WiFi packages
- ·Optional add-ons
Packaging Essentials
Polar Expeditions
- ·Waterproof outer layers
- ·Thermal base layers
- ·Warm gloves & hat
- ·Sunglasses & sunscreen
- ·Camera with extra batteries
- ·Binoculars
Tropical Expeditions
- ·Lightweight clothing
- ·Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- ·Water shoes
- ·Insect repellent
- ·Dry bag for electronics
- ·Snorkel gear (optional)
Important Considerations
- ·Fitness Level: Moderate fitness required for landings
- ·Weather: Itineraries flexible based on conditions
- ·Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance mandatory
- ·Early Booking: Limited capacity fills 12-18 months ahead
- ·Health: Medical clearance may be required
- ·Seasickness: Prepare for potentially rough seas
Top Expedition Lines
- Lindblad Expeditions
- Ponant
- Silversea Expeditions
- Hurtigruten Expeditions
- Quark Expeditions
- Viking Expedition
Gallery
Enjoying different aspects of Expedition Cruising
Explore More
Explore also other cruise types
Ready to plan your cruise?
Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll come back with ships and itineraries that fit, usually within 4 hours.
- Advice from people who’ve sailedWe’ve been on many of the ships we book.
- Recommendations that fit youBased on how you like to travel, not on what’s on sale.
- No cost, no obligationThe consultation is free, and so is saying no.