By
Alex Smith |
Expedition cruising is defined by its sense of adventure. From the cold polar waters to untouched tropical paradises, these cruises take guest to parts of the world that very few people will ever have the chance to see. Excursions are an essential part of this journey, allowing guests to explore and experience the destinations they’re visiting while taking part in activities that can both delight and inform.
The polar regions offer the quintessential expedition experience, allowing guests to explore the most remote of destinations. Both the Arctic and the Antarctic have long been visited by expedition cruise lines, many of which alternate itineraries between the two poles for their summer seasons. The freezing environment of the poles provides opportunities for adventurous excursions, such as those offered by Atlas Ocean Voyages.
“One of the most sought-after activities with Atlas Ocean Voyages is overnight camping in Antarctica where a select number of guests can join the expedition team onshore, make their own overnight accommodations by digging into the snow and revelling at the sheer beauty of the night skies,” says Bernard Carter, international sales at Atlas Ocean Voyages. “For those wanting a more immediate thrill there is the Polar Plunge, where guests take the opportunity to jump from a special platform on the ship into the icy waters. Guests describe the experience as invigorating – and the atmosphere onboard afterwards is euphoric!”
Expeditions aren’t just limited to colder waters, however. The Galápagos Islands are among the most popular destinations for expedition cruises, with the unique environment of the remote Pacific islands offering a cruise experience unlike any other. Metropolitan Touring regularly visits Punta Suarez on the western point of Isla Española, where guests can walk along a trail through both coastal and inland environments.
“Right on the landing jetty, we’ll often find Galápagos sea lions wallowing and sunbathing, completely fearless of us humans,” says Edwin Alba, expedition leader onboard Metropolitan Touring’s yacht, La Pinta. “Reaching the shore, you can see large marine iguanas – a unique species to the archipelago – sunbathing on the dark rocks in large groups. The highlight for many people, though, is the waved albatross. Punta Suárez is the only visitor site in the archipelago that affords us the possibility of being close to numerous nesting couples, who perform beautiful, synchronised courtship rituals with their mates-for-life – a true privilege to observe, and a wonderful ‘Galápagos moment’ to savour.”
A Schulter/Heritage Expeditions
Heritage Expeditions’ Antarctica voyages offer the chance to step inside Scott’s Hut, used by Robert Scott for his fateful Antarctic expeditiony
The Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia offer an even more remote warm water destination for travellers, lying more than 4,800 kilometres from the nearest continental landmass. Aranui Cruises sails a 12-day, 2,500-mile expedition from Tahiti to the islands onboard Aranui 5, a working cargo and passenger ship that delivers supplies to the six inhabited islands of the archipelago while also hosting 230 guests.
“The voyage includes daily excursions with visits to Fakarava, a pristine Unesco Biosphere Reserve, and Rangiroa, the world’s largest atoll, as well as the mythical Bora Bora in the Society Islands,” says Vaima Devimeux, general manager of Europe for Aranui Cruises. “Highlights also include exploring the archaeological sites in the Taipivai Valley on Nuku Hiva, seeing craftspeople at work in the Unesco World Heritage Bay of Virgins on the remote island of Fatu Hiva, traversing the mountains of Ua Huka by 4X4, and spotting the famed Marquesan horses and rare endemic birds of the island.”
Punta Suarez offers the only opportunity to see the synchronised courtship rituals of the waved albatross
“Our excursions are about being in the moment and having the opportunity to be actively involved,” says Aaron Russ, director and expedition leader for Heritage Expeditions. “Immersive, authentic experiential travel is all part of the Heritage Expeditions difference – whether it’s joining Malaita’s Kwaio people in a sacred dance exclusive to our guests that’s so revered the only way to witness it is to take part, swimming with whale sharks and walking with Komodo dragons, helping legendary mammalogist Professor Tim Flannery discover new species on rarely visited tropical islands, or stepping inside the historic huts of explorers Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton.”
The experiences found on an expedition cruise can have a profound impact on travellers. Peter Shanks, managing director of UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa for Silversea, describes his own experiences on the cruise line’s voyages as “a burst of happiness”.
“On my cruise around the Galápagos there were three life-changing experiences every day: one experiencing nature, a second while snorkelling and another looking out at the vistas,” he says. “I also feel very privileged to have experienced Antarctica. I have often described it as the closest thing to being on another planet whilst still on this planet. Having travelled on Silversea expeditions, I now feel even closer to this very special planet Earth, with its many remarkable and beautiful places.”
Discover more insights like this in the Spring/Summer 2025 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. Don’t miss out – subscribe for FREE and get the next issue delivered straight to your inbox.