Expedition Cruising: Where Adventure Meets Luxury
I've already told you that I've never been on a cruise.
And the more I learn about cruising, the more I am ready to plan my first trip. Ideally, it would be an expedition cruise to the Galapagos or Antarctica. So what is expedition cruising?
It's all about traveling to uncharted destinations that are very difficult or impossible to get to on your own.
The ship serves as a platform for exploration and learning.
You'll see untouched natural beauty and spectacular wildlife
It's a hands-on experience with expert guides and naturalists.
Expeditions allow you to experience places and cultures rarely seen by the outside world.
Is an Expedition Cruise right for you? It is if you are:
A curious traveler who seeks adventure
A well-traveled explorer looking for a big bucket-list adventure
An active traveler who also wants luxury accommodations and top-notch service
Someone who likes to get off-the-beaten path
Excited about seeing diverse wildlife
If you’re traveling with small children, interested in pure relaxation, or only want to visit the classic tourist destinations - expedition cruising might not be right for you.
Cruise lines such as Celebrity and Silversea offer expedition cruises as an option in their overall cruise portfolio, with dedicated ships for these expedition sailings. Other cruise lines are exclusively expedition-focused such as Hurtigruten or Aqua Expeditions. While the itineraries are very similar, the ship experience may be somewhat different and that’s where working with a travel advisor comes in - we can help you discover which ship and itinerary are right for you and your travel goals.
What to Expect - Prepare for the unexpected:
Small ships with luxury accommodations - think heated floors, well-stocked bars and delicious food, well-appointed sauna and spa facilities, and more.
Expert guides and naturalists to learn from throughout your journey.
Small guide to guest ratio for excursions and small guest to staff ratio onboard.
Guides will jump on the PA system for big-ticket sightings such as a pod of orcas or a breaching whale so you won't miss it!
You may be woken up early for an incredible sunrise or find yourself rushing to the deck while hanging out on the ship for a unique sighting!
Be flexible - Itineraries adapt and change based on real-time weather conditions
Where Will Expedition Cruises Take You?
Antarctica - Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina and travel across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Known for being a rough ride, some itineraries allow you to skip the trip through the Drake Passage by flying from Punta Arenas, Chile to Antarctica for your cruise (also great if you have less time for your trip). There are a mix of itinerary lengths available, depending if you want to stop at the South Georgia Island or the Falklands.
Arctic / Greenland - Join centuries of explorers when you travel north toward the Arctic. Expect a wide diversity of wildlife: sea birds, reindeer, and polar bears to name a few. And observe diverse indigenous cultures and heritage in southern and western Greenland, the high Arctic (Canadian North), East Greenland (which has the longest fjord system in the world), and East Greenland National Park.
Galapagos Islands - I recently shared details about experiencing the Galapagos by sea. Taking an expedition cruise through the Islands means you can explore past the most popular islands, travel by Zodiac for onshore experiences, and enjoy luxe accommodations onboard while you observe the beautiful scenery.
Scandinavia - Take a Northern Lights cruise around Norway and up into the Arctic Circle where you’ll have countless opportunities to see the famed Lights while also visiting cities such as Bergen and Tromsø and passing through the fjords. Go dog sledding or snowmobiling and visit the famous snow hotels in this region.
Kimberley Islands - Silversea and Seabourn are both introducing cruises to the sparsely populated Kimberley region in the northwest corner of Australia. This is the ultimate destination for the traveler that’s been everywhere. You’ll have the opportunity to see sharks and rays from a Zodiac or travel via helicopter over the waterfalls of the Mitchell Plateau. Explore untamed wilderness and ancient landscapes rarely visited by tourists.
The Amazon - The Peruvian Amazon is home to nearly 1900 species of birds and 500 species of mammals. Aqua Expeditions new 20-suite Aqua Nera will take you through the Peruvian Amazon for 3, 4, or 7 nights. You’ll have access to kayaks, bikes, and expert guides as well as spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. On twice-daily excursions, Aqua Nera guests will have the opportunity to search for pink dolphins, caimans, and anacondas in the river, and sloths and monkeys up above in the canopies. There will also be opportunities to fish for piranhas, picnic in the Amazonian shade, and embark on birdwatching sessions at dawn
Indonesia - Sail with Aqua Expeditions to the Spice Islands where you will explore volcanic islands, remnants of the Dutch spice trade. You will also have plenty of opportunities to explore underwater - this is a scuba diver or snorkeler’s paradise!
Is your heart pumping with the idea of visiting one of these destinations and exploring the untouched wilderness? Then an expedition cruise is definitely for you!