Expedition & Adventure Cruises

Journey beyond the ordinary to Earth’s most remote and breathtaking destinations with expert guides, thrilling activities, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Let Everyone Else Zig – You’re Gonna Zag!

Dozing in a lounge chair by the pool is not your thing. You’re not into sitting still. You want to get out there! You need to move and climb and row and cycle and get dirty. You want your cruise to be an experience like no other. You need adventure. You need adventure cruising by Extraordinary Adventures!

Expert Expedition Guides

Travel with naturalists, marine biologists, historians, and photographers who bring every destination to life with their expertise and passion.

Small Ship Access

Expedition vessels carrying 100-250 guests access remote harbors, hidden coves, and landing sites that larger ships simply cannot reach.

Included Activities

Zodiac excursions, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters are typically included—choose your adventure level each day.

Exhilaration Included

Whether alone or with a group of friends – the ones you bring with you and the ones you meet on board – you want to be engaged, and you’re not afraid to get physical. You’re not intimidated by leading the quest or being led into uncharted waters by an expert adventure guide – as long as you don’t miss one exhilarating moment!

None of that means you’re willing to sacrifice delicious food and exemplary service. You don’t eat for indulgence – you eat to fuel your next adventure! But, you deserve to be wowed from your pre-adventure breakfast to your post-adventure dinner and everything in between – including that late-night snack you probably shouldn’t have but absolutely will! And, what better way to soothe those exhausted muscles than a relaxing massage or hot tub!?

Yes to Kayaking, Hiking, Cycling and Scuba!

When it’s time for excursions, your idea of fun is kayaking in the Sea of Cortez in Baja, California, Mexico, hiking up the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, cycling along the northern edge of Scotland’s Shetland Islands, spelunking in the Caves of Sagada in the Philippines, ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey, and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

But, you don’t just want to get out there. You want to get really out there! Far out there! Like taking an expedition ship to Antarctica to hang out with penguins and to Cape Town, South Africa, to swim with sharks. You want a river cruise down the Nile in Egypt to explore ancient pyramids and up the Amazon in Brazil to trek through thick rainforests.

Unleash Your Spirit of Adventure

You want to help hoist the sails on an authentic sailing ship in the Mediterranean Sea and take a zodiac deep into glacial waters in Ketchikan, Alaska. You’re going to beat down that unbeaten path. You’re going to discover hidden gems that few rarely find. You’re throwing caution to the wind and breaking the mold. Schedules are for the office. You need to be free and march to your own drum. Extraordinary Adventures can find you precisely those expeditions that will unleash your spirit and ignite your mind and body!

Explore Expedition Cruise Categories

The world of expedition cruising offers distinct experiences to match your adventure style. From luxury polar exploration to active adventure voyages, our cruise advisors will help you find the perfect fit.

Luxury Expedition

Cruise Lines: Ponant, Seabourn Expedition, Silversea Expeditions

Known For: 5-star service, gourmet dining, elegant suites, expert naturalists, and zodiac excursions

Ideal For: Travelers who want adventure without sacrificing comfort and luxury

Ship Size: 100-270 guests

Adventure Expedition

Cruise Lines: Lindblad-National Geographic, Hurtigruten, Quark Expeditions

Known For: Active excursions, kayaking, hiking, camping on ice, wildlife encounters

Ideal For: Active travelers seeking immersive, hands-on exploration

Ship Size: 100-500 guests

Specialty & Dive Expeditions

Cruise Lines: UnCruise Adventures, Aqua Expeditions, Celebrity Flora

Known For: Scuba diving, snorkeling, wildlife photography, river expeditions

Ideal For: Specialty interest travelers and marine life enthusiasts

Ship Size: 20-100 guests

Frequently Asked Questions

Expedition cruises are designed for active travelers who want immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences rather than traditional cruise ship entertainment. These voyages typically feature smaller ships (often carrying fewer than 200 passengers), expert naturalist guides, and activities such as zodiac excursions, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife observation. Unlike mainstream cruises that focus on onboard amenities and popular ports, expedition cruises prioritize destination exploration and adventure experiences in remote locations like Antarctica, the Galápagos, or Arctic regions.

Expedition cruises cater to various fitness levels, though a moderate level of mobility is generally beneficial. Most itineraries offer tiered activity options—from gentle walks and zodiac rides to more strenuous hikes and kayaking adventures. You can typically choose activities that match your comfort level each day. However, if you’re planning to visit destinations like Antarctica or trek to sites such as Machu Picchu, being reasonably active beforehand will help you get the most from your experience. Our travel advisors can recommend itineraries suited to your fitness level.

Most expedition cruises include a range of activities as part of your fare, such as zodiac excursions, guided nature walks, lectures from onboard experts, and wildlife watching. Many also include kayaking, snorkeling, or stand-up paddleboarding depending on the destination. Optional activities like scuba diving, hot air ballooning, or specialist photography workshops may be available at additional cost. Each cruise line differs in what’s included, so we recommend checking the specifics when booking.

Popular expedition destinations include Antarctica (for penguin colonies and dramatic icebergs), Alaska (glaciers and wildlife), the Galápagos Islands (unique ecosystems), the Norwegian fjords and Svalbard (Arctic exploration), Greenland and Iceland (remote landscapes), the Amazon River (rainforest adventures), and the Great Barrier Reef. Each destination offers distinct experiences—from polar expeditions to tropical diving. Our advisors can help match you with the perfect destination based on your interests and the time of year you wish to travel.

Expedition ships are deliberately smaller than mainstream cruise vessels, typically carrying between 100 and 250 passengers. Some ultra-luxury expedition yachts accommodate fewer than 100 guests. This smaller capacity allows access to remote harbors and landing sites that larger ships cannot reach, provides more intimate wildlife encounters, and ensures everyone can participate in excursions without long queues or crowded zodiacs.

Packing essentials vary by destination, but generally include layered clothing (conditions can change rapidly), waterproof outer layers, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, binoculars, a quality camera with spare batteries, and reef-safe sunscreen. For polar expeditions, many cruise lines provide expedition parkas and rubber boots for zodiac landings. We’ll send you a detailed packing list specific to your chosen itinerary once you book.

Absolutely! Expedition cruises are ideal for solo travelers due to their social, adventure-focused atmosphere. Shared activities like zodiac excursions, group hikes, and onboard lectures create natural opportunities to meet like-minded travelers. Many expedition lines offer reduced or waived single supplements on selected sailings, and some even have dedicated solo cabins. The smaller ship environment means you’ll quickly get to know fellow passengers and expedition staff.

We recommend booking expedition cruises 12 to 18 months in advance, particularly for popular destinations like Antarctica (which has a limited sailing season from November to March) or the Galápagos. Ships are smaller, so cabins—especially premium categories—fill quickly. Early booking also gives you the best choice of itineraries and often access to early-bird pricing or included extras. However, last-minute deals can occasionally arise if you’re flexible with dates and cabin types.

Age policies vary by cruise line and destination. Most expedition lines welcome guests from around age 8 or 10, though some Antarctic voyages require children to be at least 12 due to the challenging conditions and landing requirements. At the other end, there’s typically no upper age limit provided you’re in reasonable health. Some activities may have specific age or fitness requirements. Expedition cruises can be wonderful multi-generational experiences—contact us to find family-friendly options.

Expedition cruises generally command higher per-night rates than mainstream cruises, reflecting the specialist ships, expert guides, smaller passenger numbers, and included activities. However, the value equation is different—many expedition fares include excursions, equipment, and sometimes even flights or specialist gear that would be extras on a standard cruise. When comparing costs, consider what’s included and the unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll enjoy. We can help you find options across various price points.

Start Your Extraordinary Adventure Now!

With a nearly overwhelming array of expedition cruise lines, ships, itineraries, and adventure levels to choose from – as well as diverse destinations both familiar and exotic – you can easily get confused and frustrated. It’s a lot to sort through, but you don’t have to. Our expedition cruise advisors will do it. They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

We Know the Perfect Destinations for You

Alaska

Antarctica

Caribbean

Europe

Greece

Greenland

Iceland

Italy

Mediterranean