SIXSTARCRUISES EXPEDITIONS

Expedition kayaking excursions allow you to explore each destination in a slower-paced, quieter way compared to Zodiac cruising. These excursions offer the opportunity for intimate, organic wildlife encounters within a small, controlled group led by an expedition expert. This experience is perfect for those seeking a physically active and engaging way to immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings, with the freedom to manage your own pace. Each kayak will be launched at sea level from a platform on the ship or the beach shoreline, where you can enjoy eye-level perspectives and physical engagement with the environment.

When cruising in the Arctic or Antarctica, you’ll have the chance to take part in a polar plunge. This is a spectacular exhilarating experience creates a rush through your mind and body, completely immersing you in the destination in a way that you’ll never forget. It’s an optional experience where you can jump into the icy waters of the polar regions, combining the thrill of extreme cold with the breathtaking beauty of these remote environments.

Polar plunges are often a highlight for adventurous travellers, renowned for being one of the most iconic experiences on a polar itinerary; the cold is instant, flooding your body with adrenaline and leaving you feeling refreshed and euphoric. The water tends to hover around 0°C, and participants typically only spend a few seconds to a minute in the water which isn’t long enough to be dangerous, so the experience is completely safe. The expedition team will carefully choose a location that is calm and safe for participants to enter the water, and medical staff will be on standby if needed.

You will wear a swimsuit, as well as other layers for warmth if they prefer, and can jump or climb down a ladder into the water. The expedition team will be on hand to provide towels and dry robes for you the moment you’re out of the water. Polar plunges are often followed by hot shower or sauna, as well as a hot chocolate or celebratory drink.

Mark your expedition cruise with an unforgettable experience as you enjoy a birds-eye view from the cruise line’s very own helicopter. These are state-of-the-art equipment that offer a spectacular and unique means of exploring the destination, allowing you to explore remote wilderness inaccessible by Zodiacs or ships.

You’ll fly over breathtaking landscapes from towering glaciers and icy fjords to rugged mountains and pristine coastlines. Once landed, you’ll enjoy guided explorations on foot which navigate through stunning regions, pointing out standout features and fascinating history about the destination.

Not every cruise line offers helicopter excursions and they are itinerary-dependent, so if this is an experience you’re interested in, make sure you explore itineraries with the select few cruise lines.

Elevate your expedition cruise and explore the beauty of the underwater world with a submersible excursion, descending beneath the surface and discovering phenomenal marine life. This is an incredibly unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can add to an expedition trip to remote destinations like the Arctic, Antarctica, the South Pacific or even the British Isles.

These will be an optional extra that you can book for your expedition should you wish. A trained pilot will operate the submersible while you admire the ocean world through the acrylic viewing spheres, from marine life and reef walls to ice formations and fjords. Dives typically last around 45 minutes and can even reach depths of a few hundred metres, depending on the area and environment.

Guided hikes and walks allow you to explore the natural beauty of each destination up close. Led by experienced guides, these excursions cover terrain ranging from gentle coastal paths to more challenging mountainous trails. Along the way, guides share insights on local flora, fauna, geology, and environmental conservation, making every step an educational adventure. These excursions are a perfect way to experience breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters at a personal pace.

Cultural tours and events offer the opportunity to explore local traditions, historical sites and community life, leaving you with a deeper understanding of local life, heritage and traditions, rather than just a collection of photos. These excursions often include guided visits to museums, markets, temples and architectural landmarks, as well as live performances, culinary experiences and artisan workshops. Expedition tours are designed to foster authentic connections with the people and heritage of each destination, providing insights that go far beyond what can be found in guidebooks.

In historic cities, tours might take you through ancient streets, grand castles, and centuries-old museums, bringing the past to life with stories of local rulers and landmark events. Rural villages offer a more hands-on experience, from learning traditional crafts like weaving or pottery to cooking local dishes with residents or joining seasonal festivals. Coastal and island destinations often combine maritime history with local traditions, showcasing fishing techniques, regional cuisine, and vibrant music or dance performances.

In remote or indigenous communities, cultural tours provide a respectful window into unique customs, rituals, and storytelling traditions, while urban modern tours highlight contemporary arts, street culture, and culinary innovation. Across all destinations, these excursions are designed to engage all the senses through tasting, seeing, hearing, and sometimes even participating.

Onboard lectures are a core part of what an expedition cruise is. Each cruise line has an incredible array of experts, from geologists and marine biologists to historians and cultural experts, all of which host daily lectures on board, where guests can attend to learn about the destination they’re visiting. From marine and land wildlife to history, culture and the destination’s natural environment, there will be a variety of themes that are discussed, leaving you with a profound appreciation and deepened understanding of the remote destination you’re exploring.
Lectures are typically 30 – 60 minutes in length and will be followed by a Q&A, where you can speak with an expert. Onboard workshops often include hands-on activities like mapping exercises, wildlife identification and sustainable travel practices, allowing participants to engage directly with the material. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned explorer, these lectures and workshops enrich your journey with knowledge and interactive learning.

Snorkelling excursions provide an unforgettable opportunity to explore underwater ecosystems. Guided by expert instructors, you can safely swim among colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine life. Excursions often include basic snorkelling instruction for beginners, equipment provision, and eco-conscious practices to ensure minimal impact on delicate marine habitats. Snorkelling offers both relaxation and adventure, giving a unique perspective on the vibrant life beneath the waves.