Expedition Cruises – Complete Guide to Cruising Remote Destinations

We have taken quite a lot of expedition cruises from the Polar areas of Antarctica and Greenland to Costa Rica, Panama, and the Amazon. Having traveled to all seven continents, we’ve realized that some distant locations have to be visited on expedition ships. Recently, we toured the Galapagos with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions. With the right mix of luxurious and journey, it was an unbelievable go to to this remoted archipelago within the Pacific Ocean. But there are various locations to discover by expedition cruising, and we’ve personally been to all of them! Today, we’ll spherical up not solely the very best locations to take an expedition cruise but additionally what to count on on a small ship to enable you to put together for the journey of a lifetime.

Everything You Need to Know About an Expedition Cruise

Are you prepared to embark on an journey like no different?

Unlike conventional cruising, expedition cruises give attention to journey, exploration, and schooling. Expedition ships take you to locations past the attain of peculiar journey with like-minded vacationers, knowledgeable guides, and fewer passengers making them a a novel manner to discover a few of the most off the overwhelmed path and distant locations on the planet.

If you’re contemplating reserving an expedition cruise, we’re going to offer you all the small print about what to count on on expedition ships, what the expedition crew does to take advantage of your journey trip, and the place the very best locations to e-book an expedition to probably the most distant elements the world.

What is an Expedition Cruise?

An expedition cruise is designed for journey seekers trying to discover distant locations and immerse themselves within the pure world. These cruises supply a mix of journey, schooling, and exploration. Days will be spent exploring the coast in small teams on a zodiac, panga or skiff boat with an expedition crew. Evenings entail lectures and displays o improve your understanding of the world’s wildlife, tradition, and historical past. Book your expedition cruise right here at the moment.

With vessels being smaller ships to accommodate fewer passengers, expedition cruise strains supply intimate experiences. Each expedition ship we’ve been on prior to now has wherever from 35 to 90 passengers.

What are Expedition Cruise Lines Like?

They have zodiac boats on board to seek for wildlife or navigate round smaller islands, icebergs, coves and off-the-overwhelmed-path tributaries. Being ready to hop aboard zodiacs instantly from the ship permits passengers to discover the varied landscapes of locations extra intimately.

Activities on an Expedition Cruise

You’ll do the whole lot from every day hikes and kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling. Kayaks, zodiacs and SUPs are all saved onboard. When reserving your expedition cruise, you’ll be able to join some actions prematurely and others as late because the night time earlier than the tour. All tools is equipped for visitors, from snorkeling gear to kayaks.

Activities, day excursions, meals, and drinks are all included on expedition cruises. You by no means want to fear about reserving excursions as you’ll have a full day of adventures. Zodiac boats take passengers out in quest of wildlife and to cruise previous extraordinary landscapes.

Onboard, you’ll be able to count on an informal environment specializing in exploration and schooling. There is not any want to pack a ball robe or swimsuit and tie; vacationers can calm down of their mountaineering pants and fleece jackets after they trekked by means of the rugged environments.

There isn’t conventional leisure on board like common cruises, however the days are so filled with journey you’ll be blissful to calm down within the night. At night time, you’ll be able to sit again with a cocktail or glass of wine to pay attention to lectures, browse their libraries, or take a dip within the sizzling tub.

Most ships even enable visits to the bridge to go to the captain and learn the way the ship is sailed.

What is an Expedition Cruise Ship Like

Some expedition cruise ships are extra rugged, providing a standard expedition expertise, whereas others supply a extra luxurious expedition. Each expedition cruise ship we’ve been on has had a full bar, eating room, solar deck, and sizzling tubs. Many supply all-inclusive drinks or at the very least free wine and beer with meals.

Expedition cruise ships prioritize sustainability and environmental duty, guaranteeing that explorers can take pleasure in the fantastic thing about pristine ecosystems with out leaving a big footprint. Lines like HX Hurtigruten Expeditions are famend for his or her dedication to sustainable and immersive journey experiences.

Where to go on an Expedition Cruise

Many individuals instantly consider Antarctica when reserving expeditions, however expedition cruises go all around the world. We have been to the polar areas of Greenland, Scandinavia, and Alaska, plus we’ve taken expeditions by means of South America from Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and the Amazon.

When selecting an expedition cruise you will have to determine in case you are in search of ice and snow or rainforest and seashores. Are you interested by wildlife equivalent to seeing a polar bear in individual or swimming with sea lions? Or are you content to calm down on zodiacs and spy on whales, from security and luxury?

We are going to spotlight a few of the greatest itineraries in South America, The polar areas and the South Pacific that we’ve taken around the globe to enable you to plan your journey. So, are you prepared to begin planning your journey of a lifetime at the moment? Let’s get began.

1. The Galapagos Islands

Located off the coast of Ecuador, The Galapagos Islands are a distant archipelago in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. We have visited twice. Once by land and most lately on an expedition cruise with Hurtigruten.

The Galapagos Islands are a dwelling museum of evolution, residence to an array of distinctive wildlife that impressed Charles Darwin. When taking a Galapagos cruise, you’ll be able to count on to snorkel with sea lions, swim with eagle rays and sea turtles, and stroll among the many large tortoises. The Galapagos tortoise is the star attraction of the islands with some large tortoises reaching 500 kilos and dwelling greater than 100 years.

Activities on a Galapagos Expedition Cruise

It is all in regards to the wildlife right here as an expedition cruise to the Galapagos could have you encounter sharks, spy on the endemic marine iguana, see the dance of the Blue Footed Booby, and watch Darwin’s well-known finches fleet and flutter. There are even penguins within the Galapagos!

Each island presents one thing completely different, from the volcanic landscapes of Fernandina Island to the enjoyable bars of Santa Cruz Island and the white-sand seashores of Española Island.

With strict environmental insurance policies in place, an expedition cruise is likely one of the most sustainable methods to expertise the Galapagos. On a small ship, you’ll sail from island to island and go to completely different eco-techniques and coa

2. Antarctica

When planning an expedition cruise, the polar areas are normally the primary place that springs to thoughts. Antarctica was our first expedition cruise and we had been hooked on the White Continent. We took a cruise to Antarctica with Quark Expeditions. Quark has a various fleet of ships all through the polar areas splitting its time between Antarctica and the Arctic.

Antarctica is the last word bucket record vacation spot and a as soon as-in-a-lifetime expertise. There is much more to the continent than simply snow and ice. We had many adventures within the Antarctic from kayaking round icebergs to strolling with penguins and we took a hike beside a glacier. Kayaks are onboard and you’ll e-book them forward of time to be sure to have the prospect to uncover glaciers and sea us in an up shut and private go to.

Activities on an Antarctic Expedition Cruise

Antarctica is a spot the place nature reigns supreme, with huge colonies of penguins, seals lounging on ice floes, and whales breaching in icy waters. We noticed a number of completely different species of penguins, seals, and whales in addition to a stunning variety of chicken species. Antarctica is a spot the place the wildlife is as curious of you as you’re of them.

When kayaking, we had penguins leaping in entrance of our vessels, whales surfacing beside us for nearer appears, and lazy seals basking on ice flows as we handed shut by.

Besides the whales and seals, expedition cruises to Antarctica typically embody visits to analysis stations and there are alternatives for polar plunges, zodiac cruising amongst icebergs, and witnessing the spectacular phenomena of the Southern Lights.

You can prolong Antarctic cruises to numerous locations from an addition to the Falkland Islands, an extended layover in Buenos Aires or to to see the King Penguins of South Georgia Island.

While an Antarctic trip doesn’t normally contain immersing within the tradition of a vacation spot, in case you add the Falkland Islands or Buenos Aires, you’ll be able to expertise the distinct cultures of those areas. Antarctica’s cruising season is from November to March. Check out costs right here.

3. The Arctic

An expedition cruise to the Arctic is a journey to the highest of the world, providing unparalleled alternatives to witness wildlife and landscapes that few have seen.

When we cruised with Quark Expeditions, we had been ready to uncover untouched fjords by kayak, we explored the West coast of Greenland and had been in awe of huge icebergs and calving glaciers. What makes an Arctic cruise completely different from Antarctica is how one can immerse and be taught Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. As we cruised its coast, we stopped at completely different villages to find out about their lifestyle. Travelers had the prospect to pattern native delicacies, be taught in regards to the impacts of tourism, and spend a day with an area household.

Activities in an Arctic Expedition Cruise

From the majestic polar bears of Svalbard to the ice-crammed fjords of Greenland, the Arctic is a area of stark magnificence and fragile ecosystems. The Canadian Arctic and Svalbard are itineraries the place you’ll be able to spot a polar bear or go to Greenland to uncover a few of the largest icebergs on Earth.

Quark vessels break up their time between Antarctica and the Arctic. They had been the primary expedition cruise to take passengers by means of the Northeast Passage to the North Pole and have branched out to all completely different areas of the polar areas. The Arctic is greatest visited from June to September. Check out costs and availability right here.

4. Alaska

Alaska’s rugged wilderness is a main vacation spot for conventional cruises which we’ve taken ourselves. But we’ve additionally visited Alaska whereas expedition cruising, providing us a novel probability to discover distant fjords, glaciers, and wildlife.

From the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay National Park to the historic cities of the Inside Passage, Alaska is a land of magnificence and journey. We have been to Alaska 4 occasions and every time we go to, we uncover one thing new and fall in love with it once more.

Activities on an Alaska Expedition Cruise

Whale watching, bear recognizing, and glacier trekking are just some of the actions that make an Alaskan expedition cruise unforgettable. This vacation spot invitations adventurers to witness the calving of glaciers in Glacier Bay, encounter grizzly bears of their pure habitat, watch black bears feed on salmon, and kayak by means of the serene waters of Prince William Sound in quest of sea lions, whales, and sea otters.

Besides the distinctive wildlife of Alaska, you’ll have the chance to go to distant Alaskan cities and consider a few of the highest mountains in North America.

The mix of native tradition, pioneering historical past, and the uncooked great thing about nature delivers an unforgettable expertise, emphasizing conservation and respect for the wild.

5. The Amazon – A River Through the Lungs of the Earth

An expedition cruise on the Amazon River immerses you within the coronary heart of the planet’s largest rainforest, a treasure trove of biodiversity. This voyage isn’t just about observing; it’s about experiencing the Amazon’s immense ecosystem, from the pink dolphins swimming alongside your boat to the symphony of sounds in a rainforest teeming with life.

Visits to native communities supply insights into the rainforest’s cultural significance and the challenges of conservation. It’s an journey that connects you deeply with nature’s intricacies and the significance of preserving such an important ecological haven.

Activities on an Amazon Expedition Cruise

We explored the Amazon with International Expeditions which has been taken over by Exodus Travels. We have additionally traveled with Exodus Travels so we all know they’re in good arms.

There are loads of actions on an Amazon cruise. Instead of Zodiac boats, visitors discover the river on skiff boats that are arduous metallic boats that may deal with the speeding water. Cruising by means of small tributaries, there are probabilities to spy on animals equivalent to sloths, parrots, monkeys, and pink dolphins. You’ll have the prospect to go fishing for piranha, head out on jungle hikes and have some night native leisure.

6. Panama and Costa Rica

Many luxurious cruises go by means of the Panama Canal however to cruise the well-known canal on an expedition cruise is actually unforgettable. We began in Panama and cruised by means of the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. It was then alongside the coast of Panama to Costa Rica which is lined with dense rainforests, pristine seashores, and indigenous communities.

From rainforest hikes to spot unique birds, snorkeling in coral reefs, and visits to Emberá villages to find out about conventional methods of life we had an exhilarating journey of a lifetime balancing cultural experiences with journey tourism and nature.

Activities in Panama and Costa Rica

We took a South American trip from Panama to Costa Rica with UnCruise and had loads of alternatives to go snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles, and sharks, kayaking by means of mangroves, and stress-free on distant white sand seashores.

7. Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific

Expedition cruising can even take you from Australia to the South Pacific. We took a Holland America cruise by means of Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, and Fiji to Hawaii. This was a tremendous manner to cruise by means of the South Pacific. While we traveled on a standard cruise ship with excursions booked to discover the islands, there are a number of firms providing excursions round Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands.

Lindblad Expeditions has cruises to French Polynesia to discover the Pacific Islands. The South Pacific will be very costly and with so many islands to discover, a cruise is likely one of the greatest methods to take pleasure in this distant nook of the planet.

Activities from Australia to New Zealand

Not solely will you’ve got the prospect to go snorkeling, crusing, and kayaking, however there are many stops to see cities, villages, and nature in Oceania. From participating in crusing a yacht that gained the America’s Cup and visiting Hobbiton in New Zealand, to snorkeling in Fiji, kayaking in Australia, and basking on the seaside in American Samoa, there are numerous adventures to be had within the South Pacific.

Who To Book an Expedition Cruise With

Hurtigruten Quark Expeditions UnCruise Lindblad Expeditions Viking

More about Hurtigruten Expeditions

HX cruises to the Galapagos are carbon impartial, and the MS Santa Cruz II was totally refurbished forward of the 2022 launch With a visitor capability of 90 passengers, it is likely one of the largest vessels within the vacation spot, affording visitors intimacy but extra space to discover, together with a domestically impressed restaurant, Science Center, Panorama bar and lounge, panorama bar & lounge, sky deck, expedition lounge, Science Corner, library, health heart, outside sizzling tubs and Discovery Room with films and board video games.

How Much Does an Expedition Cruise Cost?

Embarking on an expedition cruise is an funding in a as soon as-in-a-lifetime expertise, with the common value various broadly relying on vacation spot, period, and the extent of luxurious supplied onboard.

Typically, costs for these journey-packed voyages begin from round $3,000 per individual for shorter journeys to extra accessible areas and might soar up to $30,000 or extra for in depth journeys to distant corners of the globe like Antarctica or the Arctic.

These prices replicate the all-encompassing nature of expedition cruises, overlaying not simply lodging and meals, but additionally knowledgeable-guided excursions, instructional packages, and the usage of particular tools like kayaks, zodiacs, snorkeling tools, and even rubber boots to improve the exploration expertise.

The value additionally accounts for the specialised design and operation of the ship, geared toward offering secure and environmentally accountable entry to a few of the planet’s most protected and pristine environments.

What sort of Traveler ought to Consider an Expedition Cruise?

Expedition cruises are tailor-made for the curious and adventurous traveler, keen to delve past the floor of conventional vacationer locations.

Ideal for these in comparatively fine condition with a thirst for data and an urge for food for exploration, these cruises attraction to nature fanatics, wildlife photographers, historical past buffs, and cultural explorers alike.

That stated, individuals with accidents or mobility points might discover expedition cruises taxing as there’s quite a lot of exercise from one thing so simple as getting on a zodiac boat bouncing within the waves on a seaside, to mountaineering uneven terrain. Before reserving, ensure to inform your operator about any points you might have to see if an expedition cruise is best for you.

If you’re somebody who seeks a deeper reference to the pure world, values instructional experiences led by knowledgeable guides, and relishes the chance to enterprise into the guts of distant landscapes, then an expedition cruise is for you.

Whether it’s navigating the icy waters of Antarctica, trekking by means of the plush rainforests of the Amazon, or encountering the distinctive wildlife of the Galapagos, expedition cruises supply a novel mix of journey, studying, and private development.

We have seen that these cruises appeal to like-minded people, making them an ideal selection for solo vacationers or these trying to join with fellow explorers.

So are you prepared to set sail on the journey of a lifetime?