Expedition & Adventure Cruising
Expedition and adventure cruising is an exciting new way to travel.
Experience some of the world’s most remote regions, stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife.
Galapagos Cruise Packages | World Cruise Destinations
The Expedition Experience
Adventure beckons! Expedition cruising is geared towards immersing yourself in new and exciting locations, where distant cultures subsist and unique wildlife thrives. Satisfy your passion for adventure and voyage to awe inspiring parts of the world, from the cold climes of the Arctic, to the luscious tropics of the Amazon.
We are all explorers at heart, so now is the time to visit destinations that may have once seemed out of reach for cruise passengers, only accessible to environmentalists, wildlife biologists and explorers. Expedition cruising is perfect for modern travellers and avid cruisers looking for new invigorating itineraries and unforgettable experiences. Expand your horizons and enhance your perspective of the world on a truly enriching voyage.
Expert Guides and Qualified Professionals
Expedition cruising goes beyond merely sightseeing and wondering ashore, you will be taught how to navigate your new surroundings, how to identify unqiue species of wildlife, learn important tips on how to acclimatise, uncover the history and geography of locations featured on your itinerary, plus much more.
Engage with natural wildlife and learn more about different environments in the world with help from highly experienced destination experts who will be onboard throughout your expedition. The experts will be on hand to provide in-depth knowledge and insight on the destinations you visit during onboard lectures and specialist briefings, which will equip you with all the information necessary to fully embrace your experience.
The knowledgeable information you will receive from your guides is an invaluable and indispensable source of guidance, which is key when in new surroundings and will allow you to make the most from your expedition cruise and the wonderful locations you visit.
Expedition Destinations
Are you ready to take a break from the norm and embark on an expedition cruise to the most adventurous destinations in the world? You can explore amazing locations with tropical golden beaches, mesmerising snow filled landscapes, unique cultural traditions and more.
Galapagos Archipelago
Change the way you see the world and discover the hidden jewels of the Americas as you sail into the heart of Central & South America on an unforgettable cruise holiday.
Journey under the tropical sun to some of the most magical destinations you’ll ever witness. Take in the mesmerising sights of Brazil’s luscious green coast line, before dancing to the beat of samba in the buzzing city of Rio de Janeiro.
Embark on a 50-night adventure to the USA, through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and onto the heart of the mighty Amazon River. Discover the world’s largest tropical rainforest, home to an abundance of natural wildlife as you sail along the Amazon river passing the cities of Macapa, Manaus, Parintins and Santarem.Venture to the sprawling tropics of Costa Rica on a world nature voyage. Visit Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero National Parks, home to many of Costa Rica's endangered species. Experience exciting places such as the world's first Green Turtle Research Station or fruitiful cacao and pineapple plantations.
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Undertake the cruise of a lifetime with Hurtigruten. Explore Norway, one of the most beautiful places on earth as you embark on an exciting Arctic exploration. Become a polar pioneer as you sail from Tromsø, Norway on a winter voyage to one of the world’s northernmost inhabited regions, Svalbard.
Experience the midnight sun in Spitsbergen, visit the remote Islands of Bjørnøya and enjoy winter activities like ice carving, snow scooter driving and dogsledding in Longyearbyen. A cruise to the snowy landscapes of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago is wonderful beyond imagination.
Alaska has fast become one of the world’s favourite cruise destinations to explore. Discover the unspoilt and uncrowded treasures of this immense region on an Alaskan Discovery Cruise where you will get up close to glaciers as you sail deep into the Inside Passage through the icy blue waters of Alaska past waterfalls, winding fjords and majestic wildlife. Receive your free copy of our 2016/2017 Alaska and Canada brochure.
Rocky Mountaineer
A Rocky Mountaineer train journey is one of the most spectacular ways to see the Canadian Rockies. Gaze out as the pristine wilderness unfolds, enjoy carving through Canada's extreme landscapes, winding along canyons, climbing pine-covered slopes on this fascinating adventure. Combine a Rocky Mountaineer train journey with an Alaska cruise.
Expedition Cruise Ships
Guest safety and comfort remains paramount whilst onboard expedition vessels and on land. Smaller in size compared to ocean ships, they typically provide space for around 100 passengers or less. Due to their small size and shallow drafts, they are able to visit and dock in unique ports off the beaten track that are full of scenic wonder that larger cruise liners cannot reach.
Expedition cruise ships are specially designed for the unique climates they sail to. Custom built stabilizers make for smooth sailing across all oceans. Ice breakers are fitted on ships sailing to destinations where ice may cover the ocean such Alaska and Norway’s Arctic.
In destinations that are difficult to dock in such as the Galapagos Islands, zodiacs are on hand to transport passengers to and from the ship. All cruise lines are committed to protecting and preserving the people, wildlife and ecosystems where they operate.
Expedition Ships and Cruise Lines
Silver Galapagos | Celebrity Xpedition | Crystal Endeavor | Scenic Eclipse Expeditions | Hurtigruten Explorer Voyages
Expedition Travel Information
Expedition cruising is a far more flexible experience compared to that on a conventional cruise ship. Sailing to unpredictable climates means that, sea conditions, wildlife sightings and weather forecasts can often change. Experienced expedition leaders regularly have a say on the daily programs and scheduling of your cruise to bring you the best experience possible. Find out more in our dedicated Planet Cruise Weekly episode below.
Expedition cruises are great for all abilities. When exploring ashore, passengers are often divided into smaller groups based on specific interests and fitness levels. With something for everyone avid travellers can embark on more physical activities such as hikes or kayak outings, whilst those travellers who prefer to take things at a more leisurely pace can enjoy a range of enjoyable activities from sightseeing to naturalist-led walks.