Expedition cruising is much like traditional cruising, but with more emphasis placed on the experience ashore, excursions and ports of call – many of which are much more off-the-beaten-track than mainstream cruises.

Discovering some of the world’s most remote regions and getting up close to the breath-taking natural environments visited during an expedition cruise presents astounding experiences. Enjoy the unique flora and fauna of each destination, learning of the untouched territories with a team of experts to guide you. Expedition cruising is a taste of exploration and adventure like you’ve never known before.

What to expect from a luxury expedition cruise?

Simply put, the unique itineraries and smaller ship excursion experiences makes a cruise an expedition. Luxury expedition cruises are for the people who are looking for memories and experiences that will last a lifetime, whilst ticking dreams off the bucket-list. Specialist destinations, which are typically remote, and small ships with reinforced hulls are the core of an expedition cruise. These vessels are designed to slice through ice and sail as close as possible to the shore. Expedition ships are unique, intimate and truly indulgent. Expertly designed to transport you to tranquil lagoons, breath-taking coral reefs and frozen wildernesses that simply can’t be reached on land.

Rather than sitting by the pool with a cocktail, you will travel by Zodiac to shore for a hike to wildlife sanctuaries and icebergs. View extraordinary animals, learn of the local cultures and attend lectures from naturalists and scientists.

Sumptuous staterooms, delectable dining and luxurious spa facilities are paired with on-board lectures from biologists, historians and photographers. On an expedition cruise, your every indulgent whim catered for.

Where can you sail on an expedition cruise?

Expeditions can be anywhere in the world, though there tends to be a stronger demand for the far-flung, exotic shores of Asia and South America and the icy waters of the Polar Regions.

Most ships have reinforced hulls for sailing through chilly environments and reach sublime destinations such as Australasia, the Galápagos Islands and Antarctica.

Hidden gems within expedition cruises

We consulted with our specialist cruise concierge for experienced insight into expedition cruise destinations that our cruise lines visit, including Australia, New Zealand and Alaska. We revealed our specialists favourite off-the-beaten-track excursions that are worth implementing into visitation to these incredible expedition destinations.

Australia expedition destination top tips:

1.Visit a winery in Barossa Valley

Piles of grapes in an Australian vineyard

Located in South Australia, Barossa Valley is a major wine region well-known for producing some of the most famous wines, positioned on the outside of Adelaide. Walk amongst the extensive vineyards and enjoy a wine or olive oil tasting experience while visiting this beautiful valley location.

2. Take a camel ride around Uluru, Ayers Rock

A short trip from Alice Springs is the breath-taking view of Uluru, surrounded by desert landscapes and natural beauty, a favourite view specifically at sunrise or sunset. Whether you take a camel tour around or a helicopter over this magnificent natural feature you will be informed of its history.

3. Visit MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), Tasmania

A daytrip to the MONA in Hobart, Tasmania, is the perfect excursion for those with an artistic flair. Unlike a traditional museum, there is no specific route to follow, however open to explore. This unique architecturally designed building has many large displays, exhibitions, and art pieces to capture the interest of all.

New Zealand expedition destination top tips:

1. View Glow worms in Waitomo Caves

Taking a guided tour through Waitomo glow worm caves is a beautiful natural excursion not to be missed. Grottos and caves house hundreds of thousands of delicate glow worms lining the ceilings, creating a magnificent natural display open for tourists to witness by boat tour.

2. Explore Rotorua

The city of Rotorua is known as New Zealand’s culture capital, where the Maori people present cultural village tours, tribal dances, mythology, culinary experiences and more, to share history and traditions with visitors.

Natural features such as springs and thermal baths are also worth visiting, providing relaxation alongside calm yet spectacular surroundings.

3. Visit the Fjords, Milford Sound

Explore the stunning environment of Milford Sound, voted the world’s top travel destination and location of iconic natural beauty, best viewed by tour upon its crystal clear waters. This natural park is popular for its fjords, mountainous areas and tranquil waterfalls and waters, making the perfect picturesque landscapes and postcard quality pictures.

Alaska expedition destination top tips:

1. Experience a Salmon Run

An incredible experience while amongst the wonderful waters of Alaska is to witness the salmon run. This occurs toward the end of July/beginning of August when the salmon swim upstream presenting tourists with an incredibly entertaining display. Other animal species are commonly spotted as a result of this natural occurring display also, such as bears and eagles, to feast upon their favourite meal.

2. Drink Glacial Water

A simple yet unique activity to experience is the opportunity to drink some fresh glacial water. There are many excursions amongst and upon the glaciers throughout Alaska when sailing on an expedition cruise, with the added opportunity on a number being the chance to drink fresh glacial water.

Which cruise line offers expedition cruises to Australia, New Zealand and Alaska?

Silversea

Silver Explorer - Silversea ExpeditionSilversea’s ships Silver Explorer and Silver Cloud both offer expedition cruises with both Australia and New Zealand destinations as a ports of call. Expeditions Cruises to Alaska sail upon Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, home to the timelessly elegant and relaxed cruise ship.

These stunning expedition-focused ships, are perfect for sunny climes and breaking through the ice where necessary. Experience a thrilling, awe-inspiring luxury cruise, perfect for the curious traveller looking for their next adventure. With these expedition ships you also have complimentary use of snorkelling equipment and enrichment lectures from a highly qualified expedition team, including marine biologists, ornithologists and historians.

Which other cruise lines offer expedition cruises?

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Espirit - Submarine

Offering yacht expeditions aboard Crystal Esprit, enjoy a 62-passenger, all-suite, butler-serviced accommodations on-board an intimate and elegant setting as you sail to the shores across the Adriatic and the West Indies.

Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd - MS Bremen in the Arctic

Aboard the MS Bremen and MS Hanseatic, explore untouched regions, natural and cultural wonders and sail along innovative, award-winning routes. Hapag-Lloyd have also launched 2019 expedition class, Hanseatic Nature and Hanseatic Inspiration, which are designed for sailing through the ice on polar voyages.

Seabourn

Seabourn - Expedition cruise ship

Branded as Ventures by Seabourn™, choose destinations across the globe to feature in your stunning itinerary as you explore the shores by Zodiac and trek on scenic islands. Excursions are in small groups and all equipment is provided. Enjoy an in-depth understanding of the history, ecology and culture of the places you visit with the on-board expedition team comprising scientists, scholars, naturalists and more.

Scenic Ocean

Scenic Ocean - Zodiac and submarine

Complete with Zodiacs, a seven-seat submarine and a helicopter, Scenic Ocean’s first cruise ship, Scenic Eclipse, offers you exclusive access to parts of the world which are untouched to the ordinary traveller.

Environmentally-friendly cruising

Silversea expedition guest taking pictures of a penguin in Antarctica

Aside from offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, expeditions also promote environmentally-friendly cruising. Following the introduction of the Polar Code in January 2018, expedition ships holding a Polar Ship certificate are required to comply with specific standards concerning the ships’ construction, equipment and training of the crew when operating in the Polar Regions. This ensures that the ships are safe and staff pay attention to environmental pollution.

Hapag-Lloyd’s MS Bremen has recently undergone upgrades to make her Polar Code compliant, optimising the hulls to achieve maximum reduction in fuel consumption and using SCR catalytic converters to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 95%.

Hurtigruten are also combatting this with hybrid technology, combining the advanced construction of the hull with effective use of electricity on-board, both of which will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20%.

On-board Scenic Eclipse, the propellers of the ship cuts through the ice using an Azipod propulsion system at the bow of the ship. This increases the water pressure which draws the ice away from the hull.

Along with Polar Regions, the AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) has revealed wildlife guidelines when watching animals in their natural environments. These include walrus, seals, reindeer, Arctic fox, birds, polar bears, whales, porpoises and dolphins.

These regulations ensure that staff and guests respect the environments they visit and that the ships themselves do as little damage as possible to the oceans in which they sail.

Explore more with an expedition cruise

Blue-footed booby - Galapagos

The goal of an expedition cruise is to bring guests on-board closer to nature, with unmissable wildlife, bucket-list destinations and interactions with experts on-board.

With a growing market for expedition cruises and a longing thirst for adventure, an expedition cruise is a phenomenal opportunity to witness once-in-a-lifetime wonders and experience an unforgettable journey.

Call our Cruise Concierge team on 0808 202 6105 for any further questions or help with booking your perfect expedition cruise today.

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Emma Smith
Emma has more than seven years' experience as a writer and has been in the travel industry for nearly five years. She loves learning about new places and cruise ships coming to market, as well as discovering fun and exciting activities to do while you sail. She has cruised with Princess Cruises, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Avalon Waterways and Royal Caribbean and is looking to get something in her diary for 2024! Her favourite things to see on a ship include excellent entertainment, a delicious cocktail menu and extraordinary dining venues.

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