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Expedition Cruises are unique as you get to explore remote regions of the world that are not accessible by any other mode of transport. And these regions are generally sparsely inhabited, pristine, unexplored and have unique wildlife and ecosystems.
The Polar Regions of Antarctica and the Arctic Circle that includes Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland and the northern part of Norwegian Coast are mostly covered by ice - visitors tend to be overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence of icebergs and glaciers that leaves you with a sense of awe, serenity and grandeur.
The other remote and stunning destinations that we recommend for a ‘bucket list’ expedition cruise are to the Galapagos Islands, Northern Lights Cruises, South Pacific Ocean cruises that includes Tahiti and Bora Bora and cruises to the Canary Islands (Tenerife).
Sitting halfway between the top of Norway and the North Pole, the Svalbard Archipelago is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited places. 60% of Svalbard’s landmass is permanently covered by ice and less than 10% has any vegetation. There are three main seasons in Svalbard: Polar Summer, Northern Lights Winter and Sunny Winter - each season has its unique charm and characteristics. One of Europe's last great wildernesses, this is also the domain of more polar bears than people, a terrain rich in epic legends of polar exploration.
Svalbard’s dramatic coastline and fjords are largely ice-free during high summer providing incredible opportunities for passengers on expedition ships to enjoy the best of the Arctic in a microcosm. Svalbard expedition cruises ranges between 6-10 days with itineraries starting from the unique town of Longyearbyen, located right at the edge of an Arctic wilderness. You sail among the sea ice through magnificent fjords and past creaking glaciers and see wildlife that includes polar bear, walrus, reindeer, arctic fox, seals and whales.
The cruise lines that operate expedition cruises to Svalbard include Hurtigruten, Quark Expeditions, Silversea, Ponant, Oceanwide Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Poseidon and more.
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Northern lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are a series of multi-coloured patterns- ranging from neon green, to violet to purple and even red- that can be seen cross the sky for the about six months a year in the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Finland and even some parts of Alaska, Canada and Scotland. It is truly a spectacle that cannot be justified by mere words - rays of lights stretching out like the hands of some heavenly body, sometimes with unmistakable grace, and sometimes, with a velocity so fierce it looks as if there is a celestial power hell bent on forking the sky into two.
The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the autumn and winter months - September being a particular favourite of most cruise-goers. Cruise liners offer cruises lasting anywhere between seven to twenty-one days with itineraries that that include exploring exotic towns and indulging in activities such as reindeer and dog sledding, sailing river boats, enjoying local cuisines and market places.
Hurtigruten, Aurora Expeditions, P & O, Cunard are some of the ships offering cruises to explore the Northern Lights.
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Greenland sits at the top of the world where raw tundra and remote, beautiful landscapes take on a new meaning. Few places in the world combine the raw power of nature with magnificent nature scenery than Greenland. Exceptional wildlife, iceberg-choked fjords, remarkable landscapes and colourful tundra makes Greenland a very unique destination to visit.
On an expedition cruise to Greenland & the Arctic Circle, you will experience life at the top of the world. From your cruise, you will see giant icebergs that float ominously in the frigid waters. No trip to Greenland is complete without a stop at Scoresby Sund or the coastal towns like Kangerlusauq & Iluslissat, Nuuk that are built on fabulous fjords and icy cliffs.
If you want the full Arctic experience, consider combining your trip with stops in Iceland or Norway. The cruise lines that offer sailings to Greenland & the Arctic Circle include Hurtigruten, Quark Expeditions, Silversea, Ponant, Oceanwide Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Poseidon and more.
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Voted as a top 10 dream trip, Antarctica, the "White Continent" is a frosted wilderness of glistening white as far as the eye can see. One of the coldest and most desolate regions on the planet, Antarctica gives you a sense of awe, serenity and grandeur that stays with you for a very long time. Visitors tend to be overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence of icebergs and glaciers in Antarctica. The continent is home to a wide variety of penguins, seals, sea birds and whales. Emperor penguins and elephant seals are common, often present in hundreds, at a single location. With some luck, visitors may encounter humpback whales or orcas swimming alongside the cruise ship. Seeing some of the world’s rarest creatures in their natural habitats is a truly surreal and an unforgettable experience.
Cruises to Antarctica are generally 8-14 nights & start from Ushuaia, Buenos Aires or Puerto Madryn in Argentina, or from King George Island in Antarctica. These cruise sailings cover a number of scenic ports of call such as Port Lockroy, Whaler’s Bay, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbour, Almirante Brown, Petermann Island and Antarctic Sound.
Many cruise lines operate in Antarctica between November and March and they include Oceanwide Expeditions, Poseidon Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, Silversea Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Hurtigruten Cruises, Antarctica XXI and more.
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Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador lie the volcanic islands of the Galápagos, famous for a wealth of unique plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. The Galápagos Islands were the source of Darwin’s theory of evolution and remain a priceless living laboratory for scientists even today. Its geographical location at the confluence of three ocean currents makes it one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world.
The Galápagos Islands may just inspire you to think differently about the world. Many of the creatures that call the islands home are not found anywhere else in the world. There's no better way to explore Galapagos than on a boutique cruise ship that sails from Ecuador that typically offers 7 to 10 night voyages where you will explore the various islands like North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fermandina, San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana etc.
Cruise lines that operate cruises to the Galapagos Islands include Quark Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea, Avalon Waterways to name a few.
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With its deep blue waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green forests, French Polynesia is an island paradise. Tahiti and Bora Bora - French Polynesia's two main island groups, make up this globe-trotting cruise destination. On a South Pacific cruise, enjoy breath taking vistas from the beaches of Tahiti, explore hidden jewels like "Mystery Island" and the Tuamotu Archipelago and get mesmerised with the pristine tropical beauty of Bora Bora.
Take a Tahiti cruise and you’ll not only discover the pearls of the South Pacific, you'll also be introduced to its wonderful colour, culture and flavours through unique programs on board and ashore. Snorkelling through a sea teeming with colourful fish, hiking on pristine beaches, and discovering uncharted islands is an amazing way to see one of the last great wildernesses.
Cruise lines that operate cruises in the South Pacific include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise line, Celebrity, Silversea, Princess to name a few.
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Exceptionally beautiful lava-sculpted mountains, rippling sugar-white and bare black-rock beaches, distant villages teetering atop ridges, tumbling pine forests full of churning mists and exhilarating hikes, and plenty of sun-toasted resorts – Spain’s far-flung Canary Islands are deservedly one of Europe’s most popular destinations. The Canary Islands sit more than 1,000 miles from mainland Spain — but as your ship docks at the largest island, Tenerife, you'll feel like you've entered another world.
A typical canary island cruises covers three main islands - Tenerife, Lanzarote & Gran Canaria. Soaking up the sun is the main pastime in the Canary Islands, but the region also has a rich history and boasts many natural attractions. From the Naval Museum in La Palma to Teide National Park in Tenerife, there are plenty of options for anyone needing a break from the beach.
Cruise Lines that offer cruises to Canary Islands include Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P & O Cruises, Cunard, SilverSea, Azamara to name a few.
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