19 Nov 2025 | By Vicky Chapman In Luxury-Cruising

Immerse yourself in adventure and explore phenomenal destinations in new and spectacular ways with an expedition voyage. Embark upon unique, incredible excursions that offer unforgettable experiences, ensuring the voyage of a lifetime.

Discover Expedition Cruises

Polar plunge

Brave the cold and embrace the adrenaline with a polar plunge, the ultimate iconic expedition experience. This exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime moment involves jumping into the icy waters of the polar regions in the Arctic and Antarctica, combining the thrill of the extreme cold (around freezing at 0°C) with the breathtaking beauty of these pristine destinations.

Participants will jump into the water or can use a ladder if they’d prefer, remaining in the water from a few seconds to a minute. Why immerse yourself in such a cold environment, you might wonder? Despite the rapid breathing and increased heart rate, the strong sensation of the cold not only promotes a rush of endorphins in your body but leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalised afterwards.
Following the brief immersion in the freezing water, the cruise line’s attentive crew will be immediately on hand with warm towels and blankets (and a little tipple!) for you to cosy up in afterwards.

Snorkelling with wildlife

Snorkelling is an immensely popular, effortless activity that many choose to participate in whilst on expedition cruises around the warmer climates, like the Galapagos Islands, just off the coast of Ecuador. There’s an abundance of beautiful wildlife and diverse ecosystems living beneath the waves to explore. In the Galapagos, explorers will have the opportunity to swim with an array of spectacular animals, from penguins and sharks to turtles and an endless variety of fish. For those considering a trip down under, there are expedition itineraries that offer you the opportunity to swim with whale sharks off the coast of Australia in the Kimberleys.

Submarine dives

If you’re curious to explore the underwater world but would prefer to remain dry, or you’re keen to dive deeper than even advanced scuba divers, there are several luxury cruise lines offering submersible excursions on their expedition itineraries, including Seabourn and Scenic. These state-of-the-art designs feature a transparent, dome-shaped cockpit that provides nearly 360-degree view, taking you hundreds of feet below the water’s surface and discovering biodiverse environments teeming with life. The experience offers a close-up view of marine creatures in their natural habitats, often seeing species that are rarely, if ever, encountered by humans. From coral reefs and spectacular marine life to fascinating shipwrecks and incredible landscapes, these excursions are truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Helicopter rides

Soar the skies and witness stunning destinations from a dramatic bird’s eye view with expedition helicopter excursions. Enjoy an aerial perspective of breathtaking remote landscapes including glaciers, volcanoes and tropical archipelagos. Helicopter excursions can often land in places otherwise unreachable by ship or foot, offering a unique way to explore and enjoy these spectacular destinations. These experiences can utilise the elevated vantage points and increase chances of spotting wildlife with minimal disturbance.

Zodiac excursions

Zodiacs are an incredible way to access shallow coves and coastlines, offering a dynamic way to view wildlife close to the shore that the expedition vessel cannot reach. Your expert naturalists will narrate your excursion as you cruise along, enriching your experience with information about the beautiful surroundings and wildlife that you’ll encounter. The splash and wind as you traverse icy glaciers and towering rock formations is an incredible feeling that immerses you in the heart of some of the world’s most phenomenal destinations.

Kayaking

While state-of-the-art helicopters and submersibles can offer you a phenomenal multi-dimensional experience, there’s something intimate and special about the immersive water-level exploration in your own kayak, where you can truly appreciate your surroundings. Glide quietly along the coastlines icebergs or fjords and expect close-up wildlife encounters with seals, birds, penguins, turtles or even whales, if you’re lucky! Expert guides will always lead the excursions from the ship, providing valuable insights into the local ecosystems and geology of the destination to deepen your understanding of the destination.

If you’re curious about an expedition or interested in booking the adventure of a lifetime, call our luxury expedition experts and they can use their personal experience to help curate your perfect trip!

destinations Polar Regions, Arctic, Antarctica, Galápagos, Kimberley Islands

Published 19th November 2025, Last updated 4th June 2026
By Vicky Chapman

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