Everything we see today is the outcome of some explorers who left their indelible mark for us in the quest for finding new lands. Expedition cruising is all about exploring new and unique destinations. It is a voyage driven by curiosity and a sense of discovery.
Expedition cruises are led by highly trained guides, who are passionate about the destination and its history, culture and wildlife. Expedition vessels are smaller, purpose-built cruise ships designed to navigate far-flung remote places that cannot be reached by larger cruise ships. It is very different from ocean cruising or river cruising since it offers the guest more intimate and immersive way to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations. Most of the expedition ships have observation decks that connects the guests to the environment and lecture rooms providing updates from historians, marine zoologist, conservation biologist and more.
If you’re looking for a vacation to off-the-beaten, remote and beautiful places in the world, then an expedition cruise is the right option for you. Here are some of the popular cruise lines offering amazing itineraries to bucket-list destinations around the world including Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska and the Iceland.
SEABOURN
Seabourn, the ultra-luxury cruise line, offers expeditions that are centred around authentic, personalized experiences facilitated by a 24-person expedition team consisting of a group of academics, scientists and naturalists.
Seabourn’s 2 new Polar Class ships – Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit are ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships with PC6 ice-strengthened hull and advanced manoeuvring technology for superior stability, safety and comfort. They are equipped with Zodiacs & Kayaks, which take you to the unexplored corners of the world and an industry-first six-seater submarine that allows you to venture below the ocean surface exploring diverse marine life. Seabourn Expedition also includes curated shore excursions, cultural tours, guided hikes, nature walks, snorkelling etc. at every stop.
Popular Sailings: The Great White Continent, Chilean Fjords and Antarctica Exploration, Amazon Delta and Coast of Brazil, Riviera Rendezvous: Andalusian Nights & Vineyards, Iceland, Greenland & The Svalbard, Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls & Wandjinas and more.
PONANT
PONANT’s Le Commandant Charcot becomes the first ship to reach the legendary North Pole of Inaccessibility, thus recording a milestone in the history of navigation.
With nearly 20 years of experience in extreme zones, PONANT is a true specialist in the poles. From Antarctica to Papua, PONANT takes you as close as possible to unspoiled nature and ancestral cultures, far from busy sea routes. This proximity offers a privileged discovery of preserved sites. With the combination of elegance and authenticity, exploration and comfort, adventure and refinement, PONANT offers the perfect expedition cruises while you enjoy the personalised and attentive service.
Popular Sailings: The Geographic North Pole and Scoresby Sund, The Saint-Laurent River in the heart of the boreal winter, Wonders of the Norwegian coast and the midnight sun, Fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen, Icelandic Mosaic, Disko Bay and Inuit villages, Expedition to Polynesian lands and more.
HURTIGRUTEN
From sailings along the west coast of Norway to expeditions worldwide, Hurtigruten has close to 130 years of experience in taking explorers to pristine and remote places. From in-depth lectures to handpicked hikes, the Coastal Experience Team of Hurtigruten will enhance your voyage, both on board and on land. Hurtigruten sources the finest homegrown produce from the ports as we sail the Norway coast. Thus, you not only experience the Norwegian coast, but also taste it on a Hurtigruten Cruise.
A Hurtigruten voyage along Norway’s coast is one of the best ways to see a life-defining display of the aurora borealis. Celebrating 10 years of their Northern Lights Promise, Hurtigruten is promising their guests once again a free voyage if Norway’s Northern Lights don’t occur on their 11 days voyages or more between autumn and spring.
Popular Sailings: Signature Voyages to the Svalbard Line and The North Cape Line, Original Coastal Express voyages connecting Norway’s local communities – Northbound and Southbound, Complete Norway – The Northern Lights and more.
* The writer is the CEO of CruiseXplore, based locally in the Middle East with more than 25 cruise brands under their portfolio and Middle East representative for Ponant, Seabourn and Holland America Line.