Expedition Cruises & Adventure Cruising
From the frozen deserts of Antarctica and remote locations in the Arctic Ocean to the mystical Galapagos Islands and beyond, Expedition cruises and adventure cruising are your ticket to the unknown; whisking you away to some breathtaking destinations, unforgettable shore experiences and rare wildlife encounters are just the tip of the iceberg on these voyages.
Expedition cruises may fill you with thoughts of thick windbreakers, polar bears roaming the icy plains, and thermals galore, but these are actually far more glamorous than you might think – although, you’ll still need to don your windbreaker once in a while when you head ashore. Often taking place on luxury custom-built cruise ships specifically designed for travelling into remote regions, expedition cruises are just as much about sensational cuisine, cocktail dresses, and a good glass of wine. When you embark on these adventures, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the world’s most remote locations in complete comfort, with rare wildlife waiting in its natural habitat and some of the most breathtaking vistas you’ll ever come across.
If remote locations and warmer climates are your thing, then you’ll enjoy an adventure to the Galapagos Islands; here, you’ll have the chance to see some of the oldest species known to mankind and learn more about how they influenced Charles Darwin’s important Theory of Evolution. Check out our collection of luxury Galapagos Island cruises here.
Alternatively, if visiting polar ice caps and seeing the far ends of the world is more your style, and you don’t mind a bit of cold weather, then why not head off on an Antarctica adventure? The ships that cruise to these destinations are carefully designed to do so and promise exciting adventures you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Wherever you want to go in the world, these fantastic ships are all designed with these remote destinations in mind. From ice-breaker hulls to take on the frozen seas surrounding the polar ice caps and remote parts of places like Alaska and Stavanger, to the smaller shallow ships designed to sail around the Galapagos Islands with a minimal impact on the environment around them, the cruise ships you’ll set sail on are state-of-the-art and as sustainable as possible. For those heading on an Antarctica cruise, read our pick of the top Antarctica cruise ships and explore our selection of Antarctica Luxury Cruise offers.
What to do on an expedition cruise
Life on an expedition cruise is a little different to what you’ll encounter on a typical cruise holiday. Instead of Broadway-style stage shows and dramatic theatre, you’ll be met with informative lectures, intriguing talks from guest speakers, and low-key entertainment in the evenings. These are an educational experience, as much as they are an adventure, and you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the world around you.
There will be less need for cocktail dresses and tuxedos on an expedition cruise, but you can still enjoy wonderfully prepared – and often locally inspired and sourced – cuisine in the restaurants onboard, followed by a sweet cocktail or two in the lounge areas. The entertainment you encounter will be light, with pianists often a popular option aboard expedition vessels – though this depends and varies from ship to ship.
For any more questions, you can find answers to the top frequently asked questions about expedition cruises right here!
