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Top 5 Expedition Cruise Destinations

Iglu Cruise

• 7 min read
Top 5 Expedition Cruise Destinations

As more cruise lines start to offer intriguing itineraries to some of the world’s most remote destinations, giving you the chance to visit places you never thought possible, enjoying an unforgettable cruise holiday really has never been easier. Whether you’re interested in meeting new people and immersing yourself in new cultures across the globe, treating yourself to new cuisines and dining experiences, or admiring breathtaking flora and fauna in unique ecosystems and environments, an expedition cruise can deliver – and then some.

But, more specifically, where in the world will expedition cruising take you? Today, cruises can take you to hundreds of incredible places around the world, with unique destinations waiting for you on every continent and an incredible cruise holiday out there for every taste and preference.

Exploring remote locations with Silversea Cruises

Expedition cruises, though, are a little different. So, here are the top five expedition cruise destinations and what you can expect from each one.

Contents:

  1. South America
  2. Antarctica
  3. Galapagos Islands
  4. Indian Ocean
  5. Australasia

South America

From Rio de Janeiro’s lively cityscape and Argentina’s colourful cuisine to the majestic Machu Picchu and the breathtaking Chilean fjords, amazing experiences await everyone who embarks on an expedition cruise to South America. And, with so many cruise lines sailing to this continent, you’ll have plenty of options – meaning, you’ll still have the chance to enjoy a more traditional cruise experience if you want to.

With so many bucket list experiences here, from exploring areas of the Amazon Rainforest to sailing through the modern engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal, South America is home to adventure in abundance – and some of the top underrated cruise destinations out there.

Rio de Janeiro, Panama Canal, Machu Picchu

Top South America Expedition Cruise Deals

Want to know more about what you can expect from this destination? Check out our top 10 South America shore excursions right here!

Antarctica

One of the most remote regions in the world, the polar desert of Antarctica is absolutely breathtaking and one of the best places you can visit on an expedition cruise. With an almost unnerving vastness, the sight of this unique landscape alone will be something you remember forever. But, just imagine sitting on the deck of your cruise ship with a colourful cocktail in hand, watching glaciers pass you by while you’re sailing on glass-like sea, spotting the incredible wildlife in its natural habitat… It sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it?

On these itineraries, you could see penguins, whales, and huge sea lions alongside a number of different bird species – a lot of which you won’t have the chance to see in the wild anywhere else in the world. And, on a variety of exhilarating expert-led shore excursions, it’s often possible to get up-close and personal with the remarkable natural beauty of this region. Though, thanks to the unique features of the top Antarctica cruise ships sailing here, you’ll always have a fantastic view of your surroundings while you’re relaxing onboard. So, while it will be cold, you don’t have to worry about traipsing around in the snow if you don’t want to – although, shore excursions really are the highlight of these experiences.

Some of the experiences you can expect from a voyage to Antarctica

Top Antarctica Expedition Cruise Deals

If you want to find out more about the luxury Antarctica cruises specifically, we have you covered!

Galapagos Islands

Known for an abundance of incredible wildlife, you’ll find yourself with more and more chances to embark on an exciting expedition cruise to the Galapagos Islands; nowadays, some of the best small luxury ships sail here regularly, meaning you can enjoy an adventure to this Ecuadorean archipelago in unrivalled elegance and absolute comfort.

Home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the area, the Galapagos Islands are a nature-lovers’ dream destination. While you’re here, you’ll have a chance to see the Galapagos Penguin in its natural habitat – the only species of penguin that lives in the Northern Hemisphere – as well as iguanas and giant tortoises. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see both the red-footed booby and blue-footed booby – two unique marine birds known for their colourful feet.

Bartolome Island in the Galapagos, Giant Tortoises, Blue-Footed Boobies

Top Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise Deals

Looking for more Galapagos cruise tips? One thing you're going to want to know is the best time for a Galapagos Islands cruise - this archipelago experiences two distinct weather trends and some irregular rainy seasons worth looking out for.

Indian Ocean

Cruising in the Indian Ocean really is something special; a voyage aboard any one of the excellent expedition ships sailing to this region will make you feel as though you’ve entered an entirely different world at times. From the stunning sandy beaches and breathtaking views in Goa to the rolling golden dunes of Abu Dhabi and wonderful wildlife of Eastern Africa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on Indian Ocean itineraries.

Let yourself become entirely immersed in different cultures, meeting some of the friendliest people in the world and eating some of the most sensational food, while you marvel at the incredible natural beauty of destinations in Madagascar, the Seychelles, and more. Expedition cruising might feel like an experience limited to hiking through jungles and shivering your way across frozen tundras, but adventures in the Indian Ocean say otherwise.

Goa in India, dunes in Qasr Al Sarab desert, a lion in Tanzania

Top Indian Ocean Expedition Cruise Deals

For more on expedition cruising, check out our ultimate beginner's guide to expedition cruises right here! We'll cover the best cruise lines, their ships, and answer a few important frequently asked questions.

Australasia

In addition to the Great Barrier Reef, which is itself a breathtaking bucket list destination worth visiting while you have the chance, Australasia – an oceanic region comprising Australia, New Zealand, and (sometimes) New Guinea – is home to plenty of incredible places to enjoy an expedition cruise.

New Zealand’s stunning scenery can seem almost otherworldly at times, fully transporting you to The Lord of the Rings' Middle Earth at others, and the endemic glowworms are a sight to behold. Meanwhile, Australia is home to some impressive wildlife and incredible coastline; couple that with the culture and cuisine you’ll find here and you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. An expedition cruise to this part of the world can bring you all kinds of fantastic surprises and promises to be a memorable one.

Sydney in Australia, Matamata in New Zealand, Mt. Nguaruhoe in New Zealand

Top Australasia Expedition Cruise Deals

Thinking about sailing somewhere else instead? Check out our Cruise Destination Focus blog that takes a look at the Mediterranean vs the Caribbean; both have their pros, but it's important to think about what you want from your holiday.

Book Your Next Expedition Adventure with Iglu Cruise Today

Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Well, if you're not sure about expedition cruising, be sure to check out more of the latest cruise deals right here; we have everything from all-inclusive adventures and Cruise & Stay packages to last-minute offers and the best family cruises out there right now.

And, if you want to know more about cruising and the cruise industry in general, be sure to spend some time reading the latest blogs from the Iglu Cruise team:

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