Expedition Cruises
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Polar Expedition Cruises

Expedition cruises are designed for intrepid travellers seeking unparalleled access to remote destinations from polar icecaps to untamed rainforests. Expedition ships are much smaller than traditional ocean liners and can typically accommodate up to 250 guests. These ships combine intimate settings with world-class amenities, allowing you to venture off the beaten path without sacrificing comfort. So you can expect well-appointed cabins, regional cuisine, roomier public areas including recreational lounges and friendly, personalised service. Guided by expert naturalists and expedition leaders, every journey promises surreal landscapes, close encounters with wildlife, and immersive cultural experiences. Read our blog to know more about what to expect from an expedition cruise

The most popular expedition cruises are to the polar regions i.e. the Arctic North and Antarctica. If you’re heading to the Arctic waters, you’ll probably sail through the Northwest Passage to call on Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland and Northern Norway. The best cruises to Antarctica let you sail or fly through the Drake Passage with Ports of Call at spots like Whaler’s Bay, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour, Port Lockroy and Petermann Island. Apart from pure expedition cruise lines like Quark, Poseidon & Oceanwide Expeditions, boutique luxury cruise liners like Ponant, Silversea and Seabourn also offer cruises to the polar regions.

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

With over 129 years of pioneering history, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions started its journey in the coastal express route between Bergen and Kirkenes. HX now operates a fleet of five modern ships, offering voyages to over 250 destinations across more than 30 countries. From the icy realms of Antarctica to the rugged beauty of the Arctic, HX combines sustainability, science, and education to create transformative travel experiences for its guests on every voyage. HX was the first cruise company to eliminate heavy fuel oils, ban single-use unnecessary plastics in its operations, and launch hybrid cruise ships.

Hurtigruten ASA
ANTARCTICA XXI

Antarctica21 offers a unique way to explore the White Continent with its boutique air-cruise expeditions. By replacing the traditional Drake Passage crossing with a swift two-hour flight, travellers can reach Antarctica in comfort and style. Once there, guests embark on a small expedition ship (Ocean Nova or Magellan Explorer) designed for intimate exploration of icy landscapes, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking vistas. With a focus on personalized service and sustainable travel, Antarctica21 redefines adventure, making the journey to the world's most remote destination both luxurious and unforgettable.

ANTARCTICA XXI
Oceanwide Expeditions

Oceanwide Expeditions is a Dutch cruise company organizing unique, small-group expedition cruises for the last 26 years to the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Their cruises make it possible for passengers to enjoy the scenery and nature above and underwater in unique areas which are almost only reachable by boat. On each expedition cruise, daily excursions in small groups are conducted where experienced tour leaders (most from a scientific background) explain the flora and fauna of the area, often illustrated by lectures on board the vessel. The size, capacity and capability of their ice-strengthened vessels are tailor made to these cruises and as the number of guests on board is limited from 20 to 116 passengers, Oceanwide offers a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

Oceanwide Expeditions
Poseidon Expeditions

Poseidon Expeditions is known as an operator of icebreaker expedition cruises to the North Pole and cruises to Antarctica. Founded in 1999, their first voyage to the North Pole was operated aboard the nuclear powered icebreaker Yamal, the only ship at that time that could provide safe and comfortable navigation to the "top of the world". Today, they are arguably one of the world leaders in polar expedition cruising to both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Their icebreaker vessels are specially constructed to negotiate the waters of this region. Their ships are small and luxurious and provide the perfect balance of luxury, comfort and maximum opportunities for outdoor activities.

Poseidon Expeditions
Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions is a worldwide leader in polar exploration with a fleet of 3 small and intimate ships sailing in the icy waters of Antarctica between Nov and Mar and in the Polar North between May and Sep. Onboard a Quark Expedition cruise, you will interact with a professional and passionate team of Expedition Leaders who bring a wide range of experience to every adventure. Some have degrees in marine biology, political science, others have trained as medics, biologists, park rangers, outdoor educators and even lawyers!

Quark Expeditions
Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions is a renowned adventure travel company that specializes in once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruises to some of the most remote and spectacular regions of the world including Antarctica, the Arctic, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the Kimberley Coast and Papua New Guinea. With a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible travel, Aurora Expeditions offers unique and immersive experiences, allowing travellers to explore the Earth's most breathtaking landscapes while fostering a deep appreciation for our planet's natural wonders.

Aurora Expeditions

Luxury Polar Cruises

Ponant

Ponant The only French cruise line, Ponant is an integral part of France’s great shipping tradition. PONANT promises you unforgettable moments aboard their sleek and intimately sized cruise yachts, all of which sail under the French flag. For 30 years now, Ponant’s luxury cruise ships have been calling at both famous ports and lesser-known anchorages accessible only to smaller ships. Discover multi-faceted continents and forgotten lands endowed with natural treasures while experiencing the refined atmosphere and comfort of life on board. Combining wonderful itineraries with top-of-the-range hotel service, Ponant’s exceptional luxury cruises à la française have been created to deliver quality and excellence through an unprecedented sailing experience. We invite you to discover the world of PONANT.

Ponant
Silversea

Silversea lives up to its tagline – the art of travel, the art of good living. It creates exceptional all-inclusive luxurious ocean journeys with unique opportunities to explore remote ports from an intimate haven of incomparable luxury, each voyage a unique masterpiece. Silversea offers exquisite all-suite accommodation with an uncompromising commitment to service. While it is a luxury cruise liner, its all-inclusive pricing offers guests value for money.

Silversea
Seabourn

The Yachts of Seabourn is a company that provides ultra-luxury cruises on small, yacht-like ships to the most desirable destinations in the world. These ultra luxury ships feel like private yachts; or, more aptly, private clubs. All rooms are suite rooms and Seabourn’s Signature Delights include open bar throughout the ship, a no tipping policy, a Pure Pampering® bath drawn by the suite stewardess, Wi-Fi access from suites and public rooms, Evening Under the Stars® sumptuous barbecue dinners and much more.

Seabourn