If you’re interested in exploring some of the remote reaches of our planet, consider taking an expedition cruise. These active, adventurous cruises focus on the wonders of the destination; regional experts are often on board to talk with passengers about local history and culture. Shore excursion options usually include active pursuits like hiking, biking, kayaking, or climbing, as well as immersive, hands-on cultural experiences.
Expedition cruise ships
are small, carrying as few as a dozen and no more than a few hundred
passengers. They can sail close to shore, pass through narrow channels, and dock
in remote areas. They don’t have multiple dining options or big entertainment
venues, but they are built for both safety and comfort.
Like cruising in
general, expedition cruises are available for both cool-weather and warm-weather
destinations. Here are some of the cool-weather options, including voyages to both
polar regions.
Antarctica is a
major bucket-list destination, and an expedition cruise is one of the very few ways
to get there. Whales and seals may swim close to your ship, while wandering
albatrosses and giant petrels fly overhead, and emperor penguins perch on shore.
Know that Antarctic itineraries must be somewhat flexible, because weather
conditions often dictate where the ship is able to go on any given day.
Another southern hemisphere
destination is the Chilean fjords, found along the southern reaches of Chile’s
long Pacific coastline. The fjords are home to several types of whales,
elephant seals, magellanic penguins, and other marine life (in addition to
stunning scenery).
On the other side
of the globe, expedition cruises of the Arctic often focus on the islands of Norway’s
Svalbard archipelago. There are whales and seals here, too, but many other
animals that are not found in the Antarctic, like Arctic foxes, caribou, walruses, and puffins.
Alaska is a
popular mainstream cruise destination, but you can take an expedition cruise
there, too. The ships can take you close to everything from calving glaciers to
shaggy bears. On an expedition ship, the captain can more easily do things like
pause so passengers can watch a pod of whales or move from one bay to another
in search of good kayaking.
Cool-weather
expedition cruises can only happen during their destination’s warmest time of
year, so cruise seasons are short. This, along with growing demand, means the expedition
cruise you want can sell out quickly. For more information and advice, talk
with Anita, your professional travel advisor.
