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If you thought cruises were all about tropical islands, cocktail bars and crowded ports, think again. A growing number of adventurous travellers are trading in the poolside lounge for a Zodiac boat and setting their sights on the remote corners of the world, from Antarctica’s icebergs to the wilds of the Arctic Circle.
These are expedition cruises: small-ship adventures designed to bring you face-to-face with some of the planet’s most pristine and extraordinary environments. With expert guides, wildlife encounters, and a strong focus on education, these voyages combine the comforts of cruising with the thrill of exploration.
They attract travellers who want to learn, explore, and immerse themselves in nature. You won’t find casinos or shopping malls onboard, though you could attend a lecture on ice-core sampling or go on an early morning Zodiac ride to an Antarctic island teeming with penguins.
Although expedition cruises tend to be more expensive than conventional ones, they offer something that no amount of duty-free shopping can buy: the chance to stand at the edge of the world, breathe in the polar air, and see landscapes and wildlife few people ever encounter.
Orewa’s House of Travel Dennis Payne says this style of cruising has increased in popularity over the past few years, but because of the higher prices, they are very much a bucket list item.
“The one thing about expedition cruises is they are not limited to one or two areas of the world, they are everywhere, including some that operate out of New Zealand. Ponant through to Antarctica via the Southern Ocean and the Ross Sea, Scenic Cruises for Circle New Zealand or the Pacific Islands, taking in the likes of the the Kimberleys in Australia, Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, the Great Lakes of North America, then coming back to either Antarctica and the Arctic Circle.
“That becomes part of the fun, sitting down with a great travel agent, working out how you are going to get there.”
Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX)
Hurtigruten has been sailing along Norway’s rugged coastline for over a century, but in recent years they’ve expanded into full-blown expedition cruising. Known as HX, Hurtigruten Expeditions offers trips to the Arctic, Antarctic, and beyond.
What makes them stand out is their strong emphasis on science and learning. Each voyage includes a team of naturalists and researchers who deliver onboard lectures and lead shore excursions. Whether you’re learning about penguin behaviour in Antarctica or glacial geology in Greenland, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of the places you visit.
Ponant Expeditions
If you like the sound of adventure but still want French champagne with dinner, Ponant might be your cruise line. This French company specialises in luxury expeditions with a European flair. Their ships are small, sleek, and elegantly designed, giving passengers access to hard-to-reach locations without sacrificing comfort.
Ponant’s itineraries include the Arctic and Antarctic, and the focus is on immersive nature experiences. Think polar bear sightings, fjord explorations, and up-close encounters with icebergs—all while enjoying refined cuisine and stylish cabins.
Silversea Expeditions
Silversea Cruises has long been a name in luxury travel, but its expedition arm, Silversea Expeditions, caters to the curious traveller who wants both elegance and edge. Their voyages cover not only the polar regions but also remote areas like the Galápagos and the Russian Far East.
Expect all-inclusive service—fine dining, premium beverages, and butler service—alongside an impressive program of lectures and guided tours. With small passenger numbers and access to unique destinations, Silversea offers an intimate and enriching way to explore the world.
Seabourn Expeditions
Seabourn, another name known for luxury cruising, has expanded into the expedition market with purpose-built ships designed for exploration in style.
Their itineraries include polar routes and other remote destinations, all featuring an experienced expedition team who provide daily briefings, lectures, and guided activities. They operate smaller ships to facilitate close encounters with wildlife and nature.
On Seabourn Expeditions, you might find yourself kayaking near glaciers one day and enjoying a spa treatment the next. The focus is on personalised service and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Scenic Luxury Cruises
Scenic Cruises specialises in ultra-luxury experiences and has added high-tech touches that few others can match, such as helicopters and submarines onboard their vessels.
Scenic voyages travel to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley in Australia, and other remote locales, offering passengers both luxury and adrenaline. You can expect expert-led excursions by day and fine dining beneath the Northern Lights.
Aurora Expeditions
For those looking for a more rugged and adventure-focused experience, Aurora Expeditions is a great choice. This Australian-based company offers small-ship voyages to the polar regions and the remote Kimberley coast.
Aurora is known for its active excursions, kayaking, hiking, snorkelling, and Zodiac cruising, and its focus on environmental awareness. Passengers are encouraged to truly engage with the landscape, and expert lecturers help bring each destination to life.
Quark Expeditions
Quark is a pioneer in polar travel and has been running Arctic and Antarctic voyages for decades. Their ships are specifically designed for ice navigation, and their crew includes polar experts, scientists, and adventure guides.
Quark’s focus is education and exploration. Whether it’s photographing polar bears in Svalbard or learning about climate change in Antarctica, these voyages are as intellectually stimulating as they are visually stunning. They offer a range of ships and itineraries, from more adventurous basecamp-style voyages to comfortable, all-inclusive options.
