Mike louagie

Landing directly on sea ice from ice breaker ship

Wildnerdpix (Istock)

Rb Walrus In Svalbard Mike Unqin Walrus 62

Karen Hollands

Istock.com/Kunhui Chih

Marine Iguana snorkelling in the Galapagos Islands

Polar Bear in Nordefjorden, Svalbard captured by Adrian Wlodarczyk AE Expeditions

Dan Stavert

South Georgia Gold Harbour King Penguin by Mark Stratton

Istock.com/BernardBreton

Istock 146069646 Emperor Penguins On Snow Hill Island Bernard Breton 714

Whale In Antarctica Albatros Expeditions 2390

Mark Stratton

Expedition Cruise Guide

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What is expedition cruising?

Expedition, much like the word 'cruise' itself, has become quite a broad term to describe the more adventurous side of cruising, that has certain points of difference to a standard cruise ship and itinerary.

A truly immersive experience focused on exploring remote, wild, biodiverse and culturally rich destinations, expedition cruising has an emphasis on education, sustainability, and adventure over mass tourism, but that does not mean that luxury has to be forfeited.

The word ‘expedition’ can be off-putting for some. So much so that some operators seek to avoid using it altogether in their marketing. It sounds advanced, elite even, and conjures up stories of survival, hardship and ‘roughing it’, but whilst the origins of expedition do lie with the intrepid explorers of the past, expedition cruising as we know it today, is a very different experience.

Minke Whale Antarctica Jamie Lafferty 404 — Expedition cruise passengers encounter a minke whale from a zodiac in Antarctica: Photo Credit Jamie Lafferty

Why is expedition cruising so expensive?

Expedition cruising can initially appear more expensive than traditional cruising, but the higher cost reflects the unique value and complexity of these extraordinary journeys. For many, an expedition cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering the chance to explore remote, pristine destinations that are often inaccessible by other means.

As a general guide, you should budget around US$1,000 per person per day for a high-quality expedition cruise. This typically includes meals, drinks, expert guides, and excursions like hiking or zodiac cruises. However, costs vary depending on the ship, destination, and itinerary. Travel insurance (especially with evacuation coverage), is also essential due to the remote nature of polar expedition trips.

The higher price tag is primarily due to the specialised design and operation of expedition vessels. These purpose-built ships often have ice-strengthened hulls, advanced navigation systems, and equipment suited to extreme conditions. Operating in remote regions also means higher insurance premiums, more fuel (Usually MGO or even LNG which emits less carbon), and a need for expert crews trained to handle unpredictable weather and terrain. Regulations in destinations like Antarctica, the Galapagos, and Svalbard further limit the number of passengers and landings, increasing the cost per guest.

Expedition ships also require more crew than traditional cruise ships, with a typical staff-to-guest ratio of about 1:7. These include trained doctors, international chefs, and expert guides—sometimes even armed for polar bear safety. Supplies must be stocked for the full duration of the voyage, as restocking en route is usually impossible. Most polar cruises also provide complimentary and specialised gear like thermal jackets/parkas and refillable water bottles, and will also loan muck-boots.

While cheaper alternatives exist, such as larger ships that cruise by polar regions without landings, they offer a more distant experience.

How does expedition cruising differ to traditional cruising?

Expedition cruising differs significantly from mainstream cruising in both purpose and experience. While mainstream cruises emphasise leisure, entertainment, and shorter visits to popular ports, expedition cruises focus on exploration, nature, and cultural immersion in remote, often inaccessible destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos, and Alaska.

These voyages are aboard smaller (usually under 300 passenger berths), purpose-built ships designed to navigate challenging environments and with ice-class hulls. Some are even icebreaker class ships. Onboard, the experience is centered around education and enrichment, with expert guides, scientists, and naturalists providing in-depth knowledge through lectures and guided excursions. Passengers (or expeditioners) are generally like-minded and seeking meaningful engagement with the environment and long-lasting, even life-changing, experiences.

Your trip is led by an expedition team and leader, not cruise directors or hotel staff, and you don't tend to have traditional shore excursions or tours on expedition cruises unless they are visiting sub-polar ports or hubs. They are more active and immersive, launched by zodiacs and involving activities like hiking, zodiac landings, kayaking, citizen science and wildlife observation. These are carefully planned to minimise environmental impact and should always comply with strict regional regulations. Unlike traditional cruises, which visit well-developed ports, expedition itineraries are flexible and can change based on weather and environmental conditions. They are also more focused on landing sites and beach landings due to these plaves being too remote for harbours.

Expedition cruising offers a deeper and far more authentic travel experience. It's ideal for those who want to explore some of the world’s most pristine and untouched places while learning from experts and connecting closely with nature and culture.

What is the best time to go on an expedition cruise?

Expedition cruises offer unique highlights throughout the year, with each season favouring different regions. January–February is peak time for Antarctica, with long daylight hours, active wildlife like penguins and whales, and stunning ice formations.

March–April is ideal for the Galápagos Islands, where calm seas and active mating seasons provide excellent wildlife viewing and snorkeling. In May–June, head to Australia’s Kimberley for dramatic waterfalls, red cliffs, and the start of whale migrations.

July–August is prime for the Arctic, including Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Greenland and the Northwest Passage, where retreating ice allows access to polar bear habitats and breathtaking tundra. September–October brings great conditions to the Amazon, with abundant wildlife and mixed land and river exploration.

Finally, November–December is perfect for The Falklands and South Georgia, where wild spring landscapes meet teeming penguin colonies and huge elephant seals.

Humpback whale breaching dramatically in Baja California, ocean spray sparkling under sunny skies — Breaching Humpback Whale on a warm-water expedition: Photo credit Mike Unwin

What activities can I do on an expedition cruise?

An expedition cruise offers active, immersive exploration in remote regions, combining Zodiac excursions to reach wild coastlines and icebergs, guided hikes, wildlife viewing, and activities like snorkelling or kayaking. Passangers often participate in cultural visits and onboard lectures with experts, with many cruises now including citizen science programs where travellers contribute to real research. It’s a dynamic blend of adventure, education, and conservation-focused travel.

Mark Stratton

Birding

Mike louagie

Landing on sea ice

Dan Stavert

Polar Kayaking

Jamie Lafferty

Polar Snorkelling

Mark Stratton

Citizen Science

Dan Stavert

Hiking

Mike louagie

Le Commandant Charcot breaks through fractured sea ice

Icebreaking

Istock.com/Kunhui Chih

Snorkelling

Mike Louagie

Polar Skiing & Ski Touring

Photography

Rosie B Wild

Whale Watching

James Lafferty

Zodiac Tours

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