Explore the Furthest Reaches with Expedition Cruises

Expedition cruising offers a unique and adventurous way to explore some of the most remote and pristine locations on Earth. Expedition cruises are designed especially for those with a passion for discovery and a desire to venture off the beaten path. Here are several compelling reasons why an expedition cruise should be your next travel adventure:

Unmatched Access to Remote Destinations

Expedition cruises take you to some of the world’s most inaccessible and untouched places, such as Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos Islands, and the Amazon Rainforest. These journeys provide exclusive access to regions that are often impossible to reach by conventional means, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness nature in its most raw and pristine form.

Immersive and Educational Experiences

On an expedition cruise, you are not just a passenger but an active participant in exploration. These cruises are accompanied by expert guides, naturalists, and scientists who provide in-depth knowledge about the destinations. Through lectures, guided tours, and hands-on activities, you gain a deeper understanding of the environment, wildlife, and cultures you encounter, making the experience both enriching and educational.

Close Encounters with Wildlife

One of the most thrilling aspects of expedition cruising is the opportunity for up-close wildlife encounters. Whether it's watching polar bears in the Arctic, swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos, or spotting rare birds in the Amazon, these cruises offer extraordinary wildlife viewing experiences. The small size of expedition ships allows for greater maneuverability and access to wildlife-rich areas.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Expedition cruises are perfect for adventure enthusiasts. These journeys offer a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and Zodiac excursions. Each day brings new adventures and opportunities to explore rugged landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and diverse ecosystems. These activities are designed to bring you closer to nature and provide a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

Sustainable and Responsible Travel

Expedition cruise operators prioritize environmental sustainability and responsible travel practices. These cruises are designed to minimize their impact on fragile ecosystems and support conservation efforts. By choosing an expedition cruise, you are contributing to the preservation of these unique environments for future generations.

Intimate and Personalized Experience

Expedition cruise ships are smaller, typically accommodating fewer passengers than traditional cruise ships. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience. The smaller group size means more interaction with guides and fellow travelers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared adventure. It also ensures that each passenger receives personalized attention and a tailored experience.

Here are a few of my favorite expedition itineraries...

What I love about Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions provides everything you need to get the most out of your trip with scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding equipment included in your fare, not to mention unlimited high-speed internet from Space-X's Starlink Satellite internet.

Raja Ampat and West Papua

Aqua Expeditions

7-night cruise from Sorong roundtrip

Explore mystical jellyfish lakes, uncharted mangrove forests, and pristine coral reefs in Raja Ampat.

Known for its unique topography, Raja Ampat captivates with the enigmatic beauty of its limestone karst island clusters. The archipelago – made up of over 1,500 islands – bewilders and enthralls explorers with dramatic landscapes that shelter secret lagoons, bays, beaches, and the magical blue river of Kali Biru. Surrounding these forested islands are some of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. Raja Ampat is known to harbor one of the richest coral reef ecosystems as well as a wide array of marine life, with new species being identified constantly. Every day spent in this East Indonesian paradise is an opportunity for new discoveries and unforgettable memories.

Meet your Ship, Aqua Blu. Aqua Blu carries 30 guests and 30 crew members and is the first ever long-range ocean explorer yacht permanently based in East Indonesia. 15 individually designed suites and refined amenities are accompanied by innovative cuisine curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross, drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s fabled spice trade route.

What I love about Atlas Ocean Voyages

Every Antarctica expedition is led by an experienced, international team that consists of up to 14 wilderness guides, naturalists, tourism professionals and other experts with decades of combined experience.

Grand Antarctica and Beyond

Atlas Ocean Voyages

18-night cruise from Ushuaia roundtrip, includes 1 night pre-cruise hotel stay and chartered jet service from Buenos Aires.

Immerse yourself completely in Antarctica, exploring beyond the Peninsula in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the South Shetlands, the Falklands and the South Orkney Islands. Breathe in the crisp, cool air as you marvel at scenes that range from soaring icebergs to rugged cliffs to fields of tussock grass.

There’s a pristine magic that abounds in lands filled with majestic wildlife. Watch the water on a Zodiac safari, searching for signs of Sei, fin, blue and humpback whales. Catch sight of rockhopper, Magellanic and macaroni penguin chicks as they begin to hatch, inspiring wonder and delight. Witness the regal stance of the King penguin of South Georgia.

Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.

Galápagos Islands - Nine of the Best Isles

HX (Formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions)

2 days in Quito + 9-night cruise to 9 of the Galápagos Islands.

See the unique wildlife of the Galápagos, from giant tortoises to marine iguanas as you visit the islands of Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, Santiago, Rábida, Bartolomé, and Genovesa.

Learn about these incredible islands and Charles Darwin’s research from your expert Expedition Team, comprised of local naturalist guides.

Start in Quito, one of South America’s most alluring capitals and a World Heritage City of graceful Spanish-era architecture, packed with cosy restaurants and artisanal shops. With two overnights here, you’ll have time to taste delicious Ecuadorian specialities and stroll through colourful markets brimming with local handicrafts. On the second day, you’ll visit Quito’s historic centre on a guided tour.

After your stay in Quito, you’ll head to the Galápagos Islands for an unforgettable sea adventure. Here, you’ll visit picturesque landscapes showcasing a range of ecosystems and see many of the species which made these islands so famous. On this active cruise, and with an onboard Expedition Team of local guides, you’ll get closer to the many natural wonders in our small panga boats, kayaks and glass-bottom boat.

Pair with a pre-cruise stay at Mashpi Lodge, a five-star resort in the heart of the rainforest.

What I love about HX

With state of the art on-board Science Centers, guests have the opportunity to support real-time research and help to collect valuable data that will contribute to the conservation and understanding of our planet.