Why You Should Try Expedition Cruising

Expedition cruising may not sound instantly appealing. The word expedition can suggest hardship. The word cruise can summon thoughts of casinos, chandeliers and awkward group buffets. But let me reassure you – neither word quite captures the magic of this form of travel.

Despite the slightly misleading name, expedition cruising is one of the most exciting, flexible and enriching ways to explore the remotest parts of the planet.

What makes it an “expedition”?

An expedition cruise is not about following a set route, ticking off sights or sticking to a fixed schedule. These journeys are shaped by nature, not by timetables.

Yes, itineraries are carefully planned – often a year or more in advance – but they are built to adapt. You might be sailing through the Northwest Passage when shifting sea ice forces a change of course. Or perhaps you’re in Indonesia and become the only vessel to visit a tiny island community all year.

Expedition leaders and captains have the freedom to act on the unexpected – to seize a sudden wildlife sighting, follow a rare bird, or get guests ashore somewhere completely unplanned.

This flexibility – and the spirit of discovery it brings – is what makes it an expedition.

And why is it still a “cruise”?

Put simply, because it involves a ship. But don’t let that word put you off. These are not your typical mega-liners.

Expedition ships are purpose-built – often ice-strengthened – and designed for polar travel or navigating rivers or shallow archipelagos. Most carry between 100 and 200 guests. Many are surprisingly luxurious.

You could have a butler draw your post-penguin-walk bath, or dine at a Relais & Châteaux restaurant while watching icebergs drift past. Comfort is never compromised.

The real difference is the team onboard

Every ship has an expedition team – and this is where things get truly special. These are not tour reps in uniform. These are experts: glaciologists, penguinologists, marine biologists, historians, ornithologists and more.

They lead hikes, landings and Zodiac excursions. They give daily talks and are always on hand – whether on deck identifying a bird or at breakfast explaining the history of a nearby island.

On a recent expedition cruise in Greenland aboard Ultramarine, we reached Nansen Bay – a place no expedition vessel had ever been before. The team deployed a seafloor scanner to map a safe route in real time. The result? We got to step ashore somewhere truly untouched, following (quite literally) in the footsteps of Nansen himself in 1888.

It’s that kind of spontaneous exploration – supported by serious expertise – that defines the experience.

There’s always a chance to try something new

While these ships are all comfortable, that is not to say that all forms of adventure have been removed. You could spend a morning kayaking with whales, an afternoon mountain biking through remote villages. You might prefer to be in the water snorkelling or diving (even in polar waters), and there is always the Polar Plunge.

Some ships now carry helicopters to reach seriously remote corners, or to get a bird’s-eye view of the landscape. Others even use mini-submarines to show you life under the waves. Each destination and each ship offers different opportunities for you to connect with your inner-explorer, and still return to the comfort onboard.

You’ll meet the most interesting people

One of the unexpected highlights of expedition cruising is the people you meet.

These are not your average holiday-goers. They’re curious, open-minded travellers who’ve come to see the world differently. Conversations over dinner go far beyond the usual small talk and there’s nothing that bonds a freindship more than shared experiences.

Even as someone who prefers solo travel and wide-open spaces, I’ve come away from expedition cruises with lifelong friends.

So, is expedition cruising for you?

If you’re looking for a trip that offers true adventure without sacrificing comfort, expedition cruising could be exactly what you need.

It’s a chance to explore off-grid places – Antarctica, the Galápagos, Indonesia, Polynesian Islands, the Kimberley – with people who know and love these places. It’s about learning, discovering, and connecting with nature (and others) in a completely different way.

Final word

Expedition cruising may sound like a contradiction – but it’s one of the most exciting ways to explore the world. With the right ship, the right team and a spirit of curiosity, you’ll find yourself discovering places that few will ever see.

And chances are, you’ll want to do it all over again.