This is Not Your Typical Cruise

Aqua Expeditions, Peruvian Amazon

The Cruise Trend that's Redefining Adventure

​If it feels like everyone is talking about taking an expedition cruise, well – they are! Expedition ships are built for adventure (and these days – a whole lot of comfort, too). Combine this with the post-pandemic urge for immersive experiences in smaller groups and you'll understand what's captured the attention of so many travelers.

Top - Quark Expeditions Bottom: Viking Cruises and SilverSea Cruises. Antarctica

Arctic cruises bring passengers into regions they may have only read about – kayaking among icebergs, spotting polar bears and narwhals, and connecting with Inuit culture and art. In the Antarctic, cruisers get closer to penguins, seals, and whales – and perhaps tick off a major bucket list item: crossing the notorious Drake Passage. (Pro tip: some expedition companies offer a fly-over option so you can meet your ship on the calmer side of the sea.)

Aqua Expeditions, Indonesia

​Indonesia’s remote islands offer a whole new kind of adventure—wild, warm, and full of surprises. You'll sail through Komodo National Park and the Spice Islands on a stylish, small ship built for exploring. Spend your days snorkeling colorful reefs, spotting Komodo dragons in the wild, and hiking past smoking volcanoes. Back onboard, expect laid-back luxury, great food, and a front-row seat to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the region.

Top: Hurtigruten Norway and Atlas Ocean Voyages Norway Bottom: Hurtigruten Norway and Ponant Explorer Series

Love a good cold plunge? Travelers will discover there’s no better way to tick their ice-bucket list at destinations around the world. Expedition ships often include polar plunge stops on their itineraries – ask me to find you somewhere (ahem) cool to do it next. ​

Top: UnCruise Adventures Baja. Bottom: UnCruise Adventures Baja and Aqua Expeditions Galapagos

There’s no need to pack a parka to enjoy expedition cruising. Head for the Galapagos or Costa Rica, or sail down the Pacific coast of South America where tropical forests, remote beaches, and dramatic fjords await. Many itineraries stretch over two weeks, giving travelers the chance to truly explore lesser-visited coastlines and cultures. In the Galapagos, look for ships with naturalists onboard—and don’t hesitate to bring the kids. It’s one of the most unforgettable (and educational) adventures out there.

Lindblad Expeditions Alaska

Expedition ships are one of the best ways to explore Alaska, the Inside Passage, and Baja California. Smaller ships mean fewer crowds and more time in remote bays and quiet coves—ideal for spotting whales, seabirds, and wild coastal landscapes. You might paddle a sea kayak through tranquil waters or join Indigenous-led tours in the lush rainforests of Haida Gwaii.

True North Adventures Cruises, Kimberley, Australia

One of the most spectacular—and least visited—coastlines in the world, the Kimberley in Western Australia is tailor-made for expedition cruising. Towering red cliffs, ancient Aboriginal rock art, saltwater crocodiles, and thundering waterfalls set the stage for adventure. True North Adventure Cruises offers access to it all, with a shallow-draft vessel that can get up close to the action and optional helicopter flights for a bird’s-eye view.

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