Focusing on venturing off-the-beaten-track in order to fully immerse yourself in the destination, these epic voyages allow you to experience in-depth exploration without sacrificing your desired level of luxury. Intrigued by expedition cruising? We are revealing our top ten reasons to step aboard and set sail, in search of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders.
Reach New Destinations
Expedition cruising can take you further than ever before. Easily explore the once-hidden corners of the earth, from the hauntingly beautiful frozen landscapes of Antarctica, to the unspoilt wilderness and staggering wildlife of the Galapagos. With regular shore landings and excursions to spots unreachable by land touring, you'll be free to stroll along unspoilt beaches or step foot on undisturbed icebergs, usually only walked upon by residing wildlife.
![Galapagos Islands]()
Galapagos Islands
![Antarctica]()
Antarctica
Small Ships
Designed with the adventurous traveller in mind, expedition vessels are purpose-built to be smaller in size. Many journeys average approximately 250 guests on board per voyage, which forms an enviable guest-to-staff ratio for an intimate cruising experience.
Inspiring Itineraries
Specially designed itineraries from luxury cruise brands including Silversea, Seabourn and Polar Latitudes capture some of the most breathtaking aspects of every destination, often unvisited by travellers. From a small island in the Galapagos that will bring you up close and personal with seal pups, to immense ice-capped landscapes where you're invited to camp on the glacier - which itinerary will you choose?
Expert Expedition Staff
Many of our featured luxury cruise companies invite world experts to accompany guests on their expedition cruise. From professional photographers and dedicated lecturers, to marine biologists and destination historians, enrich your journey with the help of a professional team, and discover something new about every destination as you go.
![Expert Team on Silver Galapagos]()
Expert Team on Silver Galapagos
Once-in-a-lifetime Excursions
Led by experts, experience astounding excursions as part of every expedition cruise. When travelling through the icy waters of Antarctica and the Arctic, luxury cruise brands Scenic and Silversea indulge travellers in once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including walking less-known wildlife trails, observing majestic penguin colonies and meeting local scientists for insight into their vital research.
Relaxed Luxury
Aboard your expedition cruise ship, revel in luxurious facilities combined with a casual atmosphere. The new, ultra-modern Crystal Endeavor includes a glass-enclosed solarium with a swimming pool, Michelin-inspired dining and legendary hospitality - but the focus always remains on traveller's being free to savour the destination as they desire.
Wildlife Experiences
Charismatic penguins, perfectly white Polar Bears, Giant Tortoises and intriguing iguanas - just a small selection of the wildlife you can expect to encounter on a luxury expedition cruise. In the Galapagos Islands, although excursions are always guided with strict rules, it's one of the only destinations in the world that you can snorkel through schools of tropical fish in pursuit of a penguin, or wander along the beach with an iguana at your feet.
![Penguins in Antarctica]()
Penguins in Antarctica
State-of-the-art Equipment
New for 2019, the exceptional Scenic Eclipse fleet is set to surpass all expectations of luxury expedition cruising. The world's first Discovery Yachts will be equipped with state-of-the-art helicopters to provide a breathtaking bird's-eye view, as well as an exclusive Scenic submarine which will dive 200 metres below the surface.
Sustainability Projects
When cruising with Polar Latitudes, get a first-hand look at how climate change is impacting wildlife and weather patterns by joining their Citizen Science programme. Help with real-world scientific research as you carry out penguin surveys, map cloud patterns and measure ocean temperatures, rewarding you with fulfilment of knowing you've made your mark on this widely adored destination.
Safe Sailing
Remote destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic can sometimes be treacherous to travel. Sit back and relax in the knowledge that when on a luxury expedition cruise, you're on board an ice-strengthened vessel, with many ships now also featuring state-of-the-art stabilisation for smooth sailing throughout your journey.
![Silver Explorer]()
Silver Explorer