Are you looking for a truly unique holiday adventure?
Have you ever been on a safari and wished you could have more of it? Do you have a strong passion for exploring uncharted territory and a thirst for knowledge? Perhaps you’re an avid photographer or birdwatcher? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then an expedition cruise may just be the perfect fit for you.
Expedition cruising is a world apart from traditional ocean cruising. While large ocean liners prioritise onboard amenities, expedition cruises focus on the destinations. They take you to places that are not easily accessed by any other means, such as Antarctica, the Arctic (including Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard), the Galapagos, Kimberly (Australia), and Alaska. However, you may be surprised to learn that the British Isles offers incredible expedition cruising, giving you the rare opportunity to visit remote destinations such as St. Kilda, the UK’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to nearly 1 million seabirds, including the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic puffins.
If you have a deep passion for awe-inspiring landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and adventure, then an expedition cruise might just be your ideal holiday. Each morning offers a brand-new horizon and endless opportunities for exhilarating discoveries in nature. It’s not just a holiday but an immersive journey into the wonders of our planet. Explore icy polar regions or lush rainforests, where each day presents a chance for unforgettable experiences.
Do you crave adventure and thirst for knowledge? Are you eager to connect with nature and like-minded explorers? If you’re excited about activities like zodiac landings, wildlife spotting, and informative lectures from experts, then an expedition cruise is the perfect match for you.
Embarking on an expedition cruise can be life-changing, but it’s important to know what to expect on board. Mandatory talks about destination rules and regulations are essential, providing vital information about what is and isn’t allowed during landings. Rules can be strict and restrictive, especially in Antarctica, which is a stark contrast to the freedom typically enjoyed during regular ocean cruising.
The advertised itinerary is subject to change due to unpredictable weather and ice conditions in remote areas. Being mobile is important, but ‘extreme’ fitness is not. Some cruise lines offer more or less strenuous onshore activities, but to get the most out of your expedition cruise, kayaking, snorkelling, and hiking are highly recommended. You will need to get in and out of the zodiacs (dinghy boats powered by an outboard motor that will take you ashore), but there are always people on hand to assist.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, despite efforts from cruise lines. However, we can guide you to the right destination and times of year to maximise your chances of seeing elusive animals like polar bears or whales. Although there are generally no guarantees, you will always be greeted by a mass of penguins when you arrive on South Georgia as part of a three-week Antarctic adventure.
Expedition cruising entertainment focuses on informative lectures, recaps, and briefings rather than traditional shows or activities. The Expedition Team leads excursions, ensuring passengers have a memorable educational experience. While some expedition cruises offer light entertainment in the bar, where you can enjoy singers, for example, the main focus is on the educational aspect of the journey.
Expedition cruising can be tiring, with erratic schedules and early morning landings. Passengers must be prepared for unexpected sightings at any time of day or night. Also, with extended hours of sunlight in the poles, you could be enjoying three activities a day!
Overall, an expedition cruise offers an unforgettable combination of exploration, education, and adventure. Understanding its unique aspects will help prepare you for the journey and maximise your experience. The next step is to choose your destination and your ship, as each can offer something unique and life-changing.
We work with all the major expedition cruise lines. If you’re already a seasoned luxury cruiser it’s likely that you’ll have come across Seabourn and Silversea, both of these cruise lines have purpose built expedition ships. However, there are many cruise lines that don’t offer mainstream cruises, only expedition, such as Quark Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions (AE) for example. We are on-hand to advise and guide you.
Expedition Cruising | Seabourn Venture
Your luxury safari at sea...
Having been given the amazing opportunity to spend a day on Seabourn Venture, one of Seabourn’s, two new expedition ships, I was truly impressed.
These purpose-built expedition ships are designed to offer guests an ultra-luxurious safari-like experience at sea, enabling them to navigate through picturesque landscapes such as the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Galápagos Islands.
Despite its spacious design, the ship only accommodates a maximum of 264 guests, ensuring an intimate and calm stay with the help of an incredible crew of around 120 individuals, including a 24-member expedition team.
I took some pictures while on board, and you can find them at the bottom of the page. The ship is stunning, featuring exceptional spaces such as The Expedition Lounge, with its cosy fires, and The Discovery Centre, a theatre-style space with plush seating where lectures and briefings are held.
Expedition cruises don’t typically offer an array of entertainment, but on Seabourn Venture, The Club provides an opportunity for guests to enjoy late-night cocktails and music.
Seabourn’s expedition ships stand out in the world of ultra-luxury with their exceptional features, such as custom-built submarines and kayaks for intimate encounters with nature, and nearly 30,000 square feet of open deck for uninterrupted wildlife viewing. The thrill of discovery is brought to the comfort of your suite through the use of a 4K camera.
Despite expedition cruises offering more limited dining options, Seabourn maintains its reputation for exceptional dining experiences on board. The Restaurant, the main dining room, is a stunning space where guests can enjoy incredible food.
Guests can choose from a variety of luxurious ocean-front suites, each with a private veranda. While the Winter Garden, Signature, and Owner’s suites are all exquisite, the ‘standard’ veranda suites are also spacious and bright, equipped with a heated drying cupboard, making them ideal for most guests. The Panorama Penthouse Suites, with their meticulously designed interiors and curved windows offering unparalleled views, are a standout choice in my opinion.
Seabourn’s expeditions are led by their skilled and passionate Expedition Team of 24 members, who possess a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields. They curate immersive experiences, guiding guests throughout their journey to create moments that inspire wonder and insight.
I had the pleasure of chatting with four members of the team who proved to be exceptional in their respective fields. Their areas of expertise ranged from ornithology to global yacht racing, with one having served in the US coastguard and another now an accomplished submarine pilot after years as a Naval engineer. They all had captivating tales to tell, which they share with guests during dinner and drinks, making for an unforgettable evening.
Seabourn’s commitment to delivering distinctive voyages is exemplified through their advanced PC6 ice-strengthened hulls, personalised and intuitive service, and their enhanced level of ‘all inclusive’.
What's included?
Seabourn offers an impressive array of inclusions, such as premium spirits, fine wines, and champagne, available at all times, along with complimentary caviar.
Their dining options are world-class, with all venues being complimentary, as well as Wi-Fi and tips. Excursions, taken in the ships Zodiacs, are included, though kayaks and submarine excursions are optional extras. Seabourn even provides complimentary Helly Hansen jackets and backpacks to its guests on sailings to the Polar regions.
If you’re seeking an ultra-luxury all inclusive experience without compromising on comfort or care, Seabourn is the ideal choice for an expedition cruise.
Unveiling the Wonders of Expedition Cruising
Your passport to adventure...
Have you ever dreamt of tracing the pathways of the great explorers, of witnessing landscapes untouched by time, or encountering wildlife in their most primal habitat? Welcome to the exhilarating world of expedition cruising, where these dreams transform into reality. Whether you’re yearning for the icy embrace of the Arctic, the mystical allure of Antarctica, or the evolutionary wonder that is the Galapagos Islands, there’s an expedition cruise tailored just for you.
We work will all the major expedition cruise lines so we’re here to advise and guide you depending on your requirements and your budget.
Crafting Your Perfect Expedition Cruise Experience
Selecting the right expedition cruise can be as thrilling as the voyage itself and we’re on hand to assist.
With options ranging from cosy, basic accommodations to the pinnacle of luxury on the high seas, the key to unlocking your dream journey lies in understanding what you value most.
- Destination: Begin with where your heart yearns to explore. Each region offers a distinct blend of wildlife, scenery, and activities.
- Size of Ship: Smaller ships offer a more intimate experience with the chance to access remote areas, while larger vessels provide additional amenities and comfort.
- Budget: From basic, no-frills adventures to the lap of luxury with all-inclusive opulence, there’s an expedition for most wallets!
Navigating the Expedition Cruise Landscape...
We work with all the major expedition cruise lines. If you’re already a seasoned luxury cruiser it’s likely that you’ll have come across Seabourn and Silversea, both of these cruise lines have purpose built expedition ships. However, there are many cruise lines that don’t offer mainstream cruises, only expedition, such as Quark Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions (AE) for example.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Seabourn Venture & Seabourn Pursuit – ships with around 200 passenger – epitomise luxury, with state-of-the-art facilities, including submarines for underwater exploration. You can read my review of Seabourn Venture here.
- Silversea Expeditions – offers a blend of luxury and adventure, with a fleet designed to access the most secluded destinations while pampering guests with exquisite cuisine and service. With purpose built expedition ships (Silver Endeavour and Silver Origin) to the refurbished Silver Cloud and Silver Wind. I am an accredited Silversea Expedition Expert.
- Scenic – shines with its luxury yacht, Scenic Eclipse, equipped with helicopters and submarines, redefining ultra-luxury exploration with a touch of adventure.
- Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX) – focuses on sustainable, educational voyages that delve deep into the culture and ecology of the destination, ideal for the eco-conscious traveller.
- Atlas Ocean Voyages – attracts adventure-seekers with luxe-adventure voyages, emphasising authentic experiences in comfort.
- Ponant – combines French elegance with expedition spirit, offering a sophisticated exploration experience with a touch of luxury. It operates the world’s only luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot.
- Quark Expeditions – specialises in polar adventures, providing robust, ice-strengthened ships for the ultimate Arctic and Antarctic experiences.
- Aurora Expeditions (AE) – known for its small ship focus, emphasises personal encounters with nature and high activity levels for a truly immersive experience.
- Albatros Expeditions – founded by Søren Rasmussen this is a family-run venture with a mission to provide immersive and sustainable travel. Read my review of Albatros Expeditions here.
Seasonal Splendours: When to Embark...
- The Arctic – the brief summer months of July and August are prime for Arctic exploration. Witness majestic icebergs, polar bears, and walruses under the Midnight Sun. Sample itineraries could include circumnavigating Spitsbergen or venturing into the remote Russian Arctic.
- Antarctica – the season runs from October to March, with each month unveiling unique wonders—from icebergs and penguin chicks to whale migrations. Early season voyages highlight pristine ice landscapes, while later trips focus on wildlife.
- The Galapagos Islands – year-round, each season offers something special. December to May brings warmer, calmer seas and vibrant marine life, while June to November emphasises active wildlife, including bird mating rituals.
Embarking on Your Journey
Embarking on an expedition cruise is not just about visiting remote destinations; it’s about making deep, personal connections with our planet. It’s about embracing the spirit of exploration that lies within all of us. With a tapestry of options available, there’s never been a better time to set sail on your own expedition story. So, chart your course, select the experience that resonates with you, and embark on an adventure that will redefine your relationship with the world’s most untouched landscapes. Bon voyage!