Expedition Cruising
What is Expedition Cruising?
Expedition cruising is a taste of exploration and adventure like you’ve never known before. The smaller ship experience makes a cruise an expedition. Emphasis is placed on the experience ashore, excursions and ports of call, many are only accessible by ship. Rather than sitting by the pool with a cocktail, you will be travelling by Zodiac to shore for a hike to wildlife sanctuaries and icebergs. If your desire is to view bucket-list animals, learn of the local cultures and attend lectures from naturalists and scientists, then simply put, an expedition cruise is for you.
Recommended itineraries
Arctic:
14 day Spitsbergen in Depth journey offers the most extensive exploration of Spitsbergen in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, including the opportunity to witness iconic Arctic wildlife like walrus, reindeer and polar bears, a glimpse into 16th-century maritime culture at secluded landing sites.
Antarctica:
No trip to the Antarctic should exclude South Georgia but it all depends on how much time you have. If money and time are of no concern for this bucket list trip, the 20 day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica itinerary is the top pick. In South Georgia, discover the beaches where king penguins breed – one of the highest densities of animal life on earth – and learn about the rich historical legacy of the places you visit. Both islands are known as meccas for wildlife with epic displays of animals congregating by the thousands. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula and enter a world of ice, snow and natural wonders.
Venture Where Few Have Gone:
Kimberley Expedition: Darwin to Fremantle, 11 days
This extraordinary expedition through Australia’s remote Kimberley region showcases one of the world’s most spectacular wilderness coastlines. The journey from Darwin to Perth reveals unique natural colors—from red rocks and cobalt blue waters to ancient Aboriginal rock art and dramatic gorges carved over millennia.
The expedition’s crown jewel is the otherworldly Montgomery Reef, where receding tides reveal underwater treasures and create cascading waterfall effects as billions of gallons flow off the exposed reef. Wildlife encounters include sea turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and the chance to spot breaching whales from your private veranda.
With 17 remote ports across Western Australia’s most inaccessible regions, zodiac and kayak explorations make this expedition cruising at its finest—combining raw wilderness beauty with luxury accommodations for an unforgettable journey through Australia’s last frontier.
Indonesia Expedition Cruising: Small Ship Luxury in the World’s Largest Archipelago
Featuring vast seas studded with 17,000 islands of unique character, Indonesia is the perfect tropical setting for a small ship cruising expedition. Straddling three time zones and two mighty oceans, Indonesia is the largest archipelagic country in the world, with 18,000 tropical islands stretching over 3,100 miles longitudinally and 1,050 miles latitudinally.
This extraordinary destination showcases astounding cultural diversity, with 1,300 ethnic groups and 652 documented languages creating a rich tapestry of ancient traditions and colonial heritage. Beyond Indonesia’s characteristic volcanic landscapes and colorful endemic wildlife, a cultural treasure trove of age-old traditions and well-preserved colonial-era relics await discovery
Key Destinations Include: Bali & Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands, Raja Ampat & West Papua, and the uncharted region of Asmat. These regions offer some of the world’s foremost sites for snorkeling and diving, as well as pristine beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, and cultural relics.
Circumnavigating Japan: A Complete Island Nation Discovery, 10-14 days
A complete circumnavigation reveals Japan’s extraordinary diversity, from the bustling metropolis of Tokyo with its neon-lit districts and traditional temples, to Mount Fuji’s sacred slopes accessed from Shimizu Port. The journey continues to ancient Kyoto, where golden temples and preserved geisha districts showcase Japan’s cultural heart, while Beppu offers rejuvenating hot springs and volcanic landscapes.
Moving south, Hiroshima provides profound historical reflection at the Peace Memorial, while nearby Miyajima features the iconic floating torii gate. Osaka showcases Japan’s culinary excellence, from vibrant street food to refined kaiseki dining.
The northern circuit includes the iconic island-dotted seascapes of Matsushima Bay and wilderness experiences in several national parks, including the volcanic wonderland of Shikotsu-Toya. The journey may extend to Hokkaido’s pristine nature and Sapporo’s urban sophistication.
This comprehensive circumnavigation captures Japan’s complete essence – from ultra-modern cities to pristine wilderness, ancient shrines to cutting-edge technology, creating an unparalleled cultural immersion around one of the world’s most fascinating island nations.
Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea, 13 days
This voyage is an opportunity to immerse into the wild and rugged scenery of Papua New Guinea that is rarely seen and mostly inaccessible by land. Papua New Guinea is home to the largest area of intact rainforest outside of the Amazon. The expedition uncovers little-visited islands, volcanic mountains and pristine rainforest wilderness areas forged by mighty rivers.
The journey includes spectacular views while passing Kadovar whose volcano is known to erupt stunning pyroclastic clouds, creating dramatic natural theater. Adventure activities include riding on hand-carved outrigger canoes paddled by local guides adorned in ceremonial costumes to Maclaren Harbour and kayaking through the rainforest-clad fjords, and snorkeling or diving on vibrant reefs including at the Fly Islands, Tufi and the unique Bubbling Springs Reef at Dobu.
Cultural immersion is extraordinary, with high-spirited cultural welcomes, dances and sing sings as guests are invited into rarely visited villages to share stories with the locals. The expedition cruises the mighty Sepik River to Bien village, home to some of Papua New Guinea’s most skilled woodcarvers and renowned artefact markets.
Historical elements include visits to WWII battle sites at Buna and Sanananda, while natural wonders feature the mythical and spiritual tales of Dei Dei Hot Springs, witnessing the boiling geyser erupt. The journey concludes with discovering how the Trobriand Islands became known as the ‘Islands of Love’.
This is expedition cruising to one of the world’s last frontiers, combining pristine wilderness, authentic cultural encounters, and access to places virtually untouched by modern tourism.
