Expedition Cruises – Complete Guide to Cruising Remote Destinations

We have taken a lot of expedition cruises from the Polar regions of Antarctica and Greenland to Costa Rica, Panama, and the Amazon. Having traveled to all seven continents, we have learned that some remote places must be visited on expedition ships. Recently, we toured the Galapagos with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions. With the perfect blend of luxury and adventure, it was an incredible visit to this isolated archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. But there are many places to explore by expedition cruising, and we have personally been to all of them! Today, we will round up not only the best places to take an expedition cruise but also what to expect on a small ship to help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.Everything You Need to Know About an Expedition Cruise

Unlike traditional cruising, expedition cruises focus on adventure, exploration, and education. Expedition ships take you to places beyond the reach of ordinary travel with like-minded travelers, expert guides, and fewer passengers making them a a unique way to explore some of the most off the beaten path and remote destinations on the planet.

If you are considering booking an expedition cruise, we are going to give you all the details about what to expect on expedition ships, what the expedition team does to make the most of your adventure vacation, and where the best places to book an expedition to the most remote parts the world.

What is an Expedition Cruise?

With vessels being smaller ships to accommodate fewer passengers, expedition cruise lines offer intimate experiences. Each expedition ship we’ve been on in the past has anywhere from 35 to 90 passengers.

What are Expedition Cruise Lines Like?

Activities on an Expedition Cruise

Activities, day tours, food, and drinks are all included on expedition cruises. You never need to worry about booking excursions as you’ll have a full day of adventures. Zodiac boats take passengers out in search of wildlife and to cruise past extraordinary landscapes.

There isn’t traditional entertainment on board like regular cruises, but the days are so packed with adventure you’ll be happy to relax in the evening. At night, you can sit back with a cocktail or glass of wine to listen to lectures, browse their libraries, or take a dip in the hot tub.

Most ships even allow visits to the bridge to visit the captain and learn how the ship is sailed.

What is an Expedition Cruise Ship Like

Expedition cruise ships prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, ensuring that explorers can enjoy the beauty of pristine ecosystems without leaving a significant footprint. Lines like HX Hurtigruten Expeditions are renowned for their commitment to sustainable and immersive travel experiences.

Where to go on an Expedition Cruise

When choosing an expedition cruise you will want to decide if you are seeking ice and snow or rainforest and beaches. Are you interested in wildlife such as seeing a polar bear in person or swimming with sea lions? Or are you happy to relax on zodiacs and spy on whales, from safety and comfort?

We are going to highlight some of the best itineraries in South America, The polar regions and the South Pacific that we’ve taken around the world to help you plan your trip. So, are you ready to start planning your trip of a lifetime today? Let’s get started.

1. The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a living museum of evolution, home to an array of unique wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin. When taking a Galapagos cruise, you can expect to snorkel with sea lions, swim with eagle rays and sea turtles, and walk among the giant tortoises. The Galapagos tortoise is the star attraction of the islands with some giant tortoises reaching 500 pounds and living more than 100 years.

Activities on a Galapagos Expedition Cruise

Each island offers something different, from the volcanic landscapes of Fernandina Island to the fun bars of Santa Cruz Island and the white-sand beaches of Española Island.

With strict environmental policies in place, an expedition cruise is one of the most sustainable ways to experience the Galapagos. On a small ship, you’ll sail from island to island and visit different eco-systems and coa

2. Antarctica

Antarctica is the ultimate bucket list destination and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is a lot more to the continent than just snow and ice. We had many adventures in the Antarctic from kayaking around icebergs to walking with penguins and we took a hike beside a glacier. Kayaks are onboard and you can book them ahead of time to make sure you have the chance to discover glaciers and sea us in an up close and personal visit.

Activities on an Antarctic Expedition Cruise

When kayaking, we had penguins jumping in front of our vessels, whales surfacing beside us for closer looks, and lazy seals basking on ice flows as we passed close by.

Besides the whales and seals, expedition cruises to Antarctica often include visits to research stations and there are opportunities for polar plunges, zodiac cruising among icebergs, and witnessing the spectacular phenomena of the Southern Lights.

You can extend Antarctic cruises to various destinations from an addition to the Falkland Islands, a long layover in Buenos Aires or to to see the King Penguins of South Georgia Island.

While an Antarctic vacation doesn’t usually involve immersing in the culture of a destination, if you add the Falkland Islands or Buenos Aires, you can experience the distinct cultures of these regions. Antarctica’s cruising season is from November to March. Check out prices here.

3. The Arctic

When we cruised with Quark Expeditions, we were able to discover untouched fjords by kayak, we explored the West coast of Greenland and were in awe of massive icebergs and calving glaciers. What makes an Arctic cruise different from Antarctica is how you can immerse and learn Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. As we cruised its coast, we stopped at different villages to learn about their way of life. Travelers had the chance to sample local cuisine, learn about the impacts of tourism, and spend an afternoon with a local family.

Activities in an Arctic Expedition Cruise

From the majestic polar bears of Svalbard to the ice-filled fjords of Greenland, the Arctic is a region of stark beauty and fragile ecosystems. The Canadian Arctic and Svalbard are itineraries where you can spot a polar bear or visit Greenland to discover some of the largest icebergs on Earth.

Quark vessels split their time between Antarctica and the Arctic. They were the first expedition cruise to take passengers through the Northeast Passage to the North Pole and have branched out to all different areas of the polar regions. The Arctic is best visited from June to September. Check out prices and availability here.

4. Alaska

From the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay National Park to the historic towns of the Inside Passage, Alaska is a land of beauty and adventure. We have been to Alaska four times and each time we visit, we discover something new and fall in love with it all over again.

Activities on an Alaska Expedition Cruise

Besides the unique flora and fauna of Alaska, you’ll have the opportunity to visit remote Alaskan towns and view some of the highest mountains in North America.

The blend of native culture, pioneering history, and the raw beauty of nature delivers an unforgettable experience, emphasizing conservation and respect for the wild.

5. The Amazon – A River Through the Lungs of the Earth

Visits to local communities offer insights into the rainforest’s cultural significance and the challenges of conservation. It’s an adventure that connects you deeply with nature’s intricacies and the importance of preserving such a vital ecological haven.

Activities on an Amazon Expedition Cruise

There are plenty of activities on an Amazon cruise. Instead of Zodiac boats, guests explore the river on skiff boats which are hard metal boats that can handle the rushing water. Cruising through small tributaries, there are chances to spy on animals such as sloths, parrots, monkeys, and pink dolphins. You’ll have the chance to go fishing for piranha, head out on jungle hikes and have some evening local entertainment.

6. Panama and Costa Rica

From rainforest hikes to spot exotic birds, snorkeling in coral reefs, and visits to Emberá villages to learn about traditional ways of life we had an exhilarating trip of a lifetime balancing cultural experiences with adventure tourism and nature.

Activities in Panama and Costa Rica

We took a South American vacation from Panama to Costa Rica with UnCruise and had plenty of opportunities to go snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles, and sharks, kayaking through mangroves, and relaxing on remote white sand beaches.

7. Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific

Lindblad Expeditions has cruises to French Polynesia to explore the Pacific Islands. The South Pacific can be very expensive and with so many islands to explore, a cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy this remote corner of the planet.

Activities from Australia to New Zealand

Who To Book an Expedition Cruise With

More about Hurtigruten Expeditions

How Much Does an Expedition Cruise Cost?

Typically, prices for these adventure-packed voyages start from around $3,000 per person for shorter trips to more accessible locations and can soar up to $30,000 or more for extensive journeys to remote corners of the globe like Antarctica or the Arctic.

These costs reflect the all-encompassing nature of expedition cruises, covering not just accommodation and meals, but also expert-guided excursions, educational programs, and the use of special equipment like kayaks, zodiacs, snorkeling equipment, and even rubber boots to enhance the exploration experience.

The price also accounts for the specialized design and operation of the ship, aimed at providing safe and environmentally responsible access to some of the planet’s most protected and pristine environments.

What type of Traveler should Consider an Expedition Cruise?

Ideal for those in relatively good shape with a thirst for knowledge and an appetite for exploration, these cruises appeal to nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, history buffs, and cultural explorers alike.

That said, people with injuries or mobility issues may find expedition cruises taxing as there is a lot of activity from something as simple as getting on a zodiac boat bouncing in the waves on a beach, to hiking uneven terrain. Before booking, make sure to tell your operator about any issues you may have to see if an expedition cruise is right for you.

If you’re someone who seeks a deeper connection with the natural world, values educational experiences led by expert guides, and relishes the opportunity to venture into the heart of remote landscapes, then an expedition cruise is for you.

Whether it’s navigating the icy waters of Antarctica, trekking through the lush rainforests of the Amazon, or encountering the unique wildlife of the Galapagos, expedition cruises offer a unique blend of adventure, learning, and personal growth.

We have noticed that these cruises attract like-minded individuals, making them a perfect choice for solo travelers or those looking to connect with fellow explorers.

So are you ready to set sail on the trip of a lifetime?