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Expedition Cruises - An Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Iglu Cruise

• 14 min read
Expedition Cruises - An Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Best Expedition Cruise Lines, Expedition Cruise Ships, FAQs, and More

One thing that makes cruising an excellent way to enjoy a holiday somewhere exciting is just how adaptable it is – how there’s always a cruise for everyone, no matter what they want from their holiday. If you can’t think of anything better than spending a couple of weeks sun-soaking poolside with a colourful cocktail in hand, there’s a fantastic selection of all-inclusive cruises to the Caribbean for you to choose from. Or, if you want to hop between historic city centres and relish in ancient ruins for a few days, you’ll find some of the top historical destinations to visit on Mediterranean cruises and European cruises packing ports into each and every itinerary.

And, for those of you out there who want to embark on a real adventure to some of the most remote regions in the world – those of you who want to live out your explorer fantasies and enjoy unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experiences – there are expedition cruises.

Greenland with Seabourn Cruises

But, what actually is an expedition cruise, and what can you expect from expedition cruising? Well, you’ll find the answer to both of those important questions and more below in this ultimate beginner’s guide to expedition cruises.

Contents:

  1. What is an Expedition Cruise?
  2. Where do Expedition Cruises Go?
  3. Best Expedition Cruise Lines & Cruise Ships
  4. Why should you embark on an Expedition Cruise?
  5. Top Expedition Cruise Deals
  6. Expedition Cruise FAQs Answered

What is an Expedition Cruise?

So, what is the difference between expedition cruising and cruising more generally? Well, there are quite a few differences, but not so many that veteran cruisers will feel completely out of place embarking on an expedition cruise.

Often aboard smaller, specially-designed expedition ships, expedition cruises sail to more remote destinations and ports largely inaccessible to bigger cruise ships; they’re sailings that focus much more on exploration and education than a traditional cruise getaway. And, with expedition cruise ships often playing host to a resident team of scientists and experts, you’ll find yourself learning more about each destination you visit with more in-depth insight offered through presentations and lectures – which can be on anything from the local flora and fauna to regional cuisines and professional nature photography.

Penguins in Antarctica seen from MS Fram

Don’t worry, though, you’ll still find yourself sailing in complete comfort during an expedition cruise; these vessels are home to stylish staterooms with modern amenities, welcoming restaurants serving truly sensational cuisine, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities to help you make the most of any sea days on your sailing.

You’re just less likely to find traditional cruise line entertainment – like Broadway-style shows in a main theatre, video arcades, and sports courts – or dedicated children’s facilities on these smaller, exploration-focused vessels. So, while children are often welcome on expedition cruises, you may want to look elsewhere for the best family cruises and family cruise deals. It’s also worth keeping in mind that there are often age restrictions on more vigorous shore excursions in the most remote locations, if you would like to explore these remarkable regions with children.

Want to find out a little more? This insight into what's onboard Crystal Cruises' expedition ship should help you get a sense of what to expect.

Where do Expedition Cruises Go?

If you’re after something a little more specific when it comes to the destinations you can visit on an expedition cruise, you’ll find an abundance of itineraries sailing to the most remote locations on the planet – places perfect for exploration and unique shore excursions.

Ports in Alaska, the icy tundra of Antarctica, and the Arctic Circle are all among the top expedition cruise destinations – and some of the most popular options available, meaning it’s important to book well in advance if you’re hoping to hop on an adventure to these incredible locations. However, you’ll also find incredible expedition itineraries sailing to the volcanic Galapagos Islands, along stretches of the Amazon River in Brazil, and throughout Australasia – with New Zealand, Australia, and New Guinea all on the agenda.

Antarctica with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, Greenland with Silversea Cruises, Kayaking in Alaska with Seabourn Cruises

If you’re still looking for more options ahead of your next expedition cruise, you’ll also find action-packed itineraries sailing through the Norwegian Sea to the Norwegian Fjords, along the west coast of South America to some of the top underrated cruise destinations in Chile and Peru, and even to otherwise-overlooked destinations like Greenland. With each destination on an expedition cruise offering a unique climate and environment, which affords you different experiences ashore, you’ll find there are more than enough reasons to embark on an expedition to any one of these incredible destinations.

Expedition cruises and adventure cruising caught your eye, but you're not sure you want to go straight to Antarctica? Check out our guide on why you should book a HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Northern Lights cruise here; it's a great place to start!

Best Expedition Cruise Lines & Cruise Ships

While knowing what to expect from an expedition cruise is important ahead of booking – as is knowing what sort of destinations are on offer – who’s actually going to be whisking you away on these exciting adventures? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that there are some fantastic options when it comes to cruise lines with expedition cruises on their calendars.

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

One of the world’s leading expedition cruise lines, with a variety of incredible itineraries solely dedicated to exploring some of the most remote regions on the planet, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions offers up incredible adventures everywhere from Alaska and the Arctic Circle to Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands – with island-hopping in the Hebrides also on the schedule. A cruise line with sustainable exploration and educational entertainment at its core, you’ll find a fleet of functional-yet-comfortable vessels in HX Hurtigruten Expeditions’ fleet – all of which are home to state-of-the-art wellness facilities – including:

MS Fram in South Georgia, Kayaking in West Africa, MS Santa Cruz II in the Galapagos Islands

Regent Seven Seas

A remarkable ultra-luxury cruise line home to some of the best small luxury ships in the world, Regent Seven Seas brings a touch of opulence to expedition cruising with an impressive array of itineraries sailing to destinations a stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle like Reykjavik and the Shetland Islands alongside the southern-most regions of South America and coastal gems in New Zealand. The adventures here won’t be the most extreme expedition cruises available, but Regent Seven Seas offers an unrivalled onboard experience with elegant accommodation and fantastic fine dining complimenting your experiences ashore perfectly. The ships to keep an eye on in this fleet are:

Regent Seven Seas Explorer, White's Beach in New Zealand, Regent Seven Seas Navigator

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is a luxury cruise line boasting some of the finest cuisine on the seas, incredible service, and elegant entertainment – all offered without the pretentiousness you might expect from a cruise line with such quality in abundance. Home to an impressive fleet of small ships, you’ll find fantastic expedition-style adventures to remote islands in the Pacific Ocean, the southern-most destinations in South America, and around the frozen isle of Iceland – among others. A stepping stone from traditional cruising and what a cruise line like HX Hurtigruten Expeditions offers, voyages on these vessels are always unforgettable, no matter where in the world you cruise. The ships you should keep an eye out for when looking at the latest Oceania cruise deals are:

Marina in Sydney, Riviera in Montenegro, Embarking Insignia

Silversea Cruises

With an impressive fleet of small luxury ships sailing to some of the most stunning destinations on all seven continents, Silversea Cruises offers a wide variety of itineraries – many of which can be classed expedition cruises. From the Galapagos Islands to Antarctic islands south of South America and beyond, adventures aboard Silversea Cruises’ ships are elegant, immersive, and wholly enjoyable. With sensational fine dining and well-curated entertainment available onboard, complimenting your rewarding experiences ashore, you’ll find fantastic expedition cruising on the following ships:

Silver Cloud in Vanuatu, Silver Endeavour in the Fjords, Sailing icy waters with Silversea

Scenic Discovery Yachts

Ultra-luxury cruising so ultra-luxurious it’s considered more like yachting, Scenic Discovery Yachts is one sensational cruise line you won’t regret embarking on an expedition-style adventure with. Offering truly all-inclusive experiences to incredible destinations like Iceland, New Zealand, and Antarctica, you’ll even have the option to fly high with helicopter tours and dive deep with submarine tours when you cruise with Scenic – although, these are the only aspect of the Scenic experience available at an additional cost. Home to an unrivalled experience of modern luxury at sea, you’ll find incredible expedition cruises available on the following ships:

Scenic Eclipse I in Antarctica, Submarine tours aboard Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Eclipse in West Papua

Seabourn Cruises

Seabourn Cruises’ adventures offer luxury in abundance to some of the most interesting destinations around the world – including the Alaskan glaciers, Norwegian fjords, remote islands in the South Pacific, and more. With the highest level of personalised service out there, elegant entertainment offerings, exquisite eats in fine dining venues, and tailor-made shore excursions, you’re in for the holiday of a lifetime with Seabourn – no matter the itinerary you choose to enjoy. When it comes to expedition cruising, though, the ships you should consider are:

Kayaking in the Fjords with Seabourn Venture, Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Sojourn in Alaska

Why should you embark on an Expedition Cruise?

If you’re looking for reasons why you should consider embarking on an expedition cruise to some of the most remote destinations in the world over – for example – an all-inclusive to the Caribbean or a transatlantic voyage to New York City, then there are a few major factors worth considering – if you’re not already convinced, anyway.

First and foremost, an expedition cruise is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. Held on smaller ships, these cruises give you a great chance to get to know new people in a more meaningful way than the interactions you would have with cruisers on larger ships – which, when you look at some of the biggest cruise ships out there, have over 7,000 guests onboard at any one time. Not only this, but the lack of traditional cruise entertainment on these vessels means you’ll be spending your downtime in different ways as well; a break from the norm, this can be a refreshing experience if you embrace it.

Relaxing on Oceania Cruises' Pool Deck

In addition to this, expedition cruises offer you an unrivalled opportunity to step into nature. Whether you’re relishing in remarkable landscapes untouched by human influence or witnessing some of the world’s most exotic animals in their natural habitat, the places you visit on an expedition cruise are always sensational and offer experiences unlike anything you’ll see on other cruises. And, with expedition cruises often having experts on hand to guide you on your adventures, you’ll make sure you make the absolute most of every moment you spend exploring these incredible places – whether that’s helping you to master nature photography, spotting an elusive exotic animal at a distance, or making sure you don’t miss any natural phenomena (like Aurora Borealis) when they appear.

The shore excursions available on expedition cruises are also a major reason why you should consider one for your next getaway. While you’ll find some of the best cruise destinations for walking and hiking all over the world, the destinations on an expedition cruise are on another level – for example, snowshoe hiking 1,000 metres above the Norwegian Fjords or trekking to the highest peak of Isla de Providencia. When you add things like kayaking, camping shoreside under the clear Antarctic skies, and fishing adventures with informative locals, the combination of experiences available on these cruises are truly unique.

For specifics on the best Antarctica cruise ships, check out our blog right here; while similar to other expedition vessels, these ships are uniquely equipped to deal with the harsh climate this region is known for.

Top Expedition Cruise Deals

If you’re looking for an adventure in Alaska, here are some of the best expedition cruises sailing to this remarkable region.

Or, if an expedition to Antarctica has your attention, here are some of the top sailings to this remote destination.

Scenic Eclipse I in Antarctica

The Arctic Circle is also an excellent place to set sail if you’re looking for an exciting adventure; so, here are some of the best expedition cruises to the Arctic.

A getaway to the Galapagos Islands is always exciting, if you’re looking for a warmer expedition cruise experience. Below, you’ll find some of the top sailings to this volcanic archipelago.

Kayaking in the Galapagos with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

If you’re looking for an expedition cruise elsewhere, here’s a selection of other incredible options with destinations in Australasia, South America, and the Amazon all on the agenda.

If you're after more unique cruise experiences, why not read up on why you should book a solar eclipse cruise for the future? These really are remarkable.

Expedition Cruise FAQs Answered

How much is an expedition cruise?

The exact price of an expedition cruise can vary and depends on a number of factors, including the duration of your cruise getaway, the stateroom you’re staying in, the cruise line you’re sailing with, and the destinations you’re sailing to. However, you are likely to find expedition cruises are on the more expensive end of the price spectrum; this is because they’re more exclusive experiences, with expedition cruises held on smaller ships with fewer staterooms and lower capacities. That, and the fact that a basic fare on an expedition cruise often comes with more inclusions than the basic fare on a traditional cruise – such as gratuities, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi internet packages, and more.

So, for example, while there’s no definitive answer to a question like “is it expensive to go to Antarctica”, it certainly will be more expensive than some of the other options available.

In the Vitality Pool aboard Scenic Eclipse I

How long are expedition cruises?

Again, this is something that can vary; however, it’s wise to allow for at least two weeks when booking an expedition cruise – and it’s also worth keeping in mind that sailings to the more remote locations around the world may require more pre-cruise and post-cruise travel than others. For example, you may need to fly to Chile or Argentina for embarkation, something that will add days to your getaway.

What’s included in the fare of an expedition cruise?

Aside from everything you would expect to be included in any cruise fare – accommodation, basic drinks, and meals in complimentary dining venues – the inclusions of an expedition cruise can vary dramatically and wholly depend on the cruise line you’re sailing with and the type of fare you choose to purchase. While it’s common to see things like gratuities and Wi-Fi internet access included aboard expedition cruises, this is in no way guaranteed.

For example, where a standard HX Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise fare includes gratuities and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, expedition cruises with Silversea Cruises also include shore excursions and those aboard Scenic Discovery Yachts also include premium beverages – among other inclusions. Just like traditional cruising, there are more affordable options and luxury options available – each one with its own unique set of inclusions and additional fees.

Boarding a Zodiac with Silversea Cruises

How mobile do I need to be?

If you’re hoping to head off on an expedition cruise, you’re going to need to make sure you’re physically fit and mobile enough to embark on shore excursions involving transfers from the ship to inflatables, walking on uneven terrain, and other outdoor activities. While you won’t be forced to do anything you don’t want to do – like kayaking or snorkeling, for example – the destinations and shore excursions are the highlight of expedition cruises and it’s important to make sure you’re able to take full advantage of them if you’re planning to embark on one.

Of course, you could sightsee from the ship the entire time if you really wanted to, but it might be best to explore some of the other incredible cruise deals out there right now if you’re not sure you’ll be able to enjoy exploring the remote destinations expedition cruises visit.

Book Your Next Expedition with Iglu Cruise Today

Ready for an adventure? Well, what are you waiting for? Check out the latest cruise deals – including exciting cruise & stay packages, all-inclusive offerings, and luxury sailings – right here; you'll find more than just remote destinations waiting for you! If you want to learn more about cruising more generally, check out this selection of the latest blogs from the Iglu Cruise team:

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