Expedition Cruising

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Expedition (small ship cruising to ‘adventure’ destinations) is growing rapidly – in these places, it’s all about the destinations that are ‘hard to get to except by ship’!

Expedition ships essentially used to be a floating expedition base for shore excursions by zodiac, but a great ship will certainly enhance the experience, and from 2019, a new range of purpose built ‘next generation’ luxury expedition cruise ships are being launched. This began with Aurora Expedition’s revolutionary ‘Greg Mortimer’ and Scenic’s stunning superyacht ‘Eclipse’ and from 2020-2022 will also include brand new ships launched by Quark Expeditions, National Geographic, Seabourn, Crystal & Viking, so you’ll be able to explore these remote locations in considerable comfort!

Popular destinations include Antarctica, Alaska, Spitsbergen, Arctic Canada, Greenland & Iceland, the Galapagos, Kamchatka, Melanesia & Papua New Guinea, the Kimberley and Patagonia.

Antarctica has a good range of small ship cruises with most offering a variety of activities including sea kayaking, camping on the ice and even diving. Do see our Polar pages covering Antarctica and the Arctic.

Alaska is a magnificent destination and without doubt the best way to see the delights of the Inside Passage is on a small ship. You get up close and personal with the wildlife and the scenery.

The Ushuaia to Punta Arenas is a fabulous adventure cruise. Sail through the Magellan Strait and the Beagle Channel between the Chilean city of Punta Arenas and the Argentine city of Ushuaia. Watch penguins, listen to expedition lectures and gaze at the amazing glaciers.

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