Expedition ships have truly come of age over recent years, combining the most remote and fascinating corners of the planet with some serious luxury. These incredible ships can take you to Antarctica and the North Pole, to tiny islands in the South Pacific or to Japan and Madagascar.

 

 

Heritage Adventurer, Expedition Ship

Why take an expedition cruise

The first thing to bear in mind when looking at an expedition cruise is to forget all you know about traditional cruising. If you’re reading this and thinking about ships that carry thousands of people, themed parties, waterslides and follow-the-umbrella city tours then you could not be further from the reality of a luxury expedition cruise. These are incredible journeys on small ships, with specialist teams onboard, curated itineraries and often exclusive access to some of the most incredible places on the planet.

It is easy to understand why this style of travel has increased in popularity over recent years, it is perhaps the best form of slow travel going. You will only have to unpack once to take in multiple destinations. Each voyage has a team of specialist guides from historians to geologists and lecturers in sociology to marine biologists meaning that you always have the best guide for the experience. With professional photographers onboard you can also take the opportunity to learn from them or simply put your camera down and take it all in, safe in the knowledge that you’ll have the memories of the trip captured by someone else.

 

Onboard many of these ships you will also find all the trimmings of a top hotel. Spacious cabins with private balconies, spa facilities, pools, gyms, gourmet dining, butler service and, of course, Wi-Fi are all on offer. The staff also have time to truly understand you in a way that they don’t in a hotel. All this adds to the experience of visiting amazing places and making new friends along the way.

With the arrival of new and more capable ships in recent years the list of destinations on offer has expanded dramatically. Antarctica, the Arctic and Galápagos Islands are perhaps where this style of travel started but the list of destinations covered now is almost endless. Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Pacific Islands, The Philippines, Japan, Madagascar, Southern Africa, Latin America, Canada, Greenland and Alaska are all among the regions you can now discover.

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Destinations to Explore by Expedition Ship

Antarctica

Take an adventure many have only dreamed of with a luxury expedition cruise to Antarctica. Also known as the Seventh Continent, the White Desert, the Land of Penguins or the Base of the Globe, Antarctica is ready to be discovered.

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Japan

Travel to Japan to experience its culinary delights, vibrant culture, architectural wonders, serene gardens, and unmatched hospitality...

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New Zealand

From fjords to rival Norway, deserted beaches that stretch for miles, smoking volcanoes and snow-capped peaks to glaciers, vast forests, verdant wine regions and vibrant cities, there’s almost nothing we can think of that you can’t find in this wonderful country.

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Indonesia

An intoxicating mix of volcanic islands, stunning beaches and wild adventure. Travel to Indonesia in style as we take you beyond the tourist trail to discover the marvellous culture, characters and cuisines of this spiritual nation.

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Svalbard

Sail through the icy hunting grounds of the king of the Arctic and see just why the spectacular archipelago of Svalbard is the jewel in the Arctic crown.

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Australia

Looking to explore the other side of the world and all its treasures? Australia is a year-round destination full of contrasts, from the Outback’s rugged landscapes to cosmopolitan cities and vibrant coastal regions, offering a unique blend of adventure, wildlife and luxury.

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Itineraries

Northern Norway, Northern Lights + Orcas

This extraordinary five-day journey begins in Tromsø, a lively Arctic city where modern life and Nordic traditions coexist under glowing winter skies. After a night at the stylish Dock 69°39 Hotel, guests board the Captain Arctic, a next-generation, low-impact expedition ship purpose-built for exploring the far north in comfort.

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Visit Another Planet in Luxury

Embark on the voyage of a lifetime to Antarctica on an exclusive 10-day luxury cruise. Sailing from Puerto Williams in Chile, this is your chance to see the most wondrously alien part of the planet in unparalleled comfort and opulence.

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The Islands of Japan

As you approach the islands of Japan, you’ll witness them as mariners and merchants once did, unchanged in their natural beauty. Remote and often untouched, these destinations reveal ancient temples, abandoned castles, and landscapes where the quiet echoes of history are intertwined with the rhythms of nature...

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Svalbard: An Arctic Wonderland Unveiled

A destination rich in adventure, exploration, and natural wonders, Svalbard is a place to see polar bears in their natural habitat, witness glaciers calve, behold dramatic fjords...

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Greenland & The Northwest Passage: Following Footsteps in History

Experience the raw beauty of the Arctic wilderness, where towering glaciers meet crystalline waters, and witness the mesmerizing sight of polar wildlife.

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Cruise the Enchanted Galápagos Islands

Begin your journey in the capital city of Quito, visiting the city's colonial centre, and exploring historical sites such as Plaza de la Independencia, the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and significant churches from the 16th and 17th centuries.

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Fly to Antarctica

Flying over the Drake Passage, notorious for its big seas not only dodges the waves but also saves time without compromising your time in the White Continent. This 9-day itinerary does that...

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Shackleton’s Antarctica

Follow in the footsteps of the legendary explorer, Ernest Shackleton on this epic journey to South Georgia, The Falkland Islands, and Antarctica. Perhaps the ultimate polar journey, this combination is not only perfect for any history enthusiast, it is also a wildlife lover's dream...

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A Menu of Rainforests, Volcanoes + the Galápagos Islands

Though smaller than its neighbours, Ecuador offers an immense range of temptations for travellers. For most, nature is the draw, and it’s difficult to deny staying aboard a yacht while sailing through the Galápagos Islands is one of...

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Discovering the Secret Side to Egypt 

Thanks to its extraordinary history and culture, Egypt is one of the most remarkable travel destinations in the world. Sand-covered tombs, magnificent pyramids and...

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