EXPEDITION CRUISES
Extraordinary Places. A Different Kind of Journey.
Remarkable landscapes. Expert guides. Discovery beyond the ordinary.
I’ll help you choose an expedition cruise that fits your interests, comfort preferences, and sense of adventure.
YOUR JOURNEY — YOUR STYLE
Go Further. Discover More.
For travelers drawn to wildlife, remote landscapes, and a deeper understanding of the places they visit, expedition cruising offers a rewarding way to explore. Expert teams help bring each destination to life, while your ship provides a comfortable base between discoveries. I’ll help you choose a journey with the right balance of exploration, comfort, and activity.
WHERE WILL YOU GO?
Explore the World’s Remarkable Frontiers
Antarctica
Sculpted icebergs, penguin colonies, and a landscape unlike anywhere else. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and compare itineraries that may also include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
The Arctic
Discover dramatic fjords, tundra, and remote northern communities. Explore itineraries around Svalbard, Greenland, and other Arctic regions, each with its own character.
Galápagos
Volcanic islands, remarkable wildlife, and guided discovery on land and in the water. Compare ships and itineraries around your interests and preferred pace.
Looking farther afield? We can also explore Alaska, the Kimberley, Patagonia, and other remote regions through selected expedition itineraries.
FIND YOUR EXPEDITION
Different Ships. Shared Curiosity.
Some expedition lines emphasize luxury and spacious accommodations; others place more emphasis on wildlife, photography, and learning. I’ll help you compare the ship, expedition team, itinerary, and inclusions that matter most to you.
Silversea Expeditions
Luxury expedition voyages pairing refined onboard comfort with expert-led exploration, from polar regions to the Galápagos.
Seabourn
Purpose-built expedition ships Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit combine spacious suites with guided exploration in remote destinations.
PONANT Explorations
French hospitality and an emphasis on discovery, with expedition itineraries shaped by the landscapes, cultures, and environments they visit.
Scenic Eclipse
Luxury discovery yachts offering expedition voyages with all-verandah suites and a range of exploration experiences.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Intimate polar-class yachts and guided shore exploration for travelers seeking a comfortable, personal expedition experience.
National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions
Wildlife, photography, science, and learning at the heart of the journey, supported by experienced expedition teams.
Not every voyage offered by these cruise lines is an expedition. Ship features, activities, and fare inclusions vary by sailing. Weather, sea conditions, environmental guidelines, and local permissions can change plans; wildlife sightings and landings are never guaranteed.
PERSONAL GUIDANCE
Adventure With Expert Preparation
Choose Your Expedition
We’ll compare destinations, ships, dates, and accommodations around your interests, budget, and preferred travel style.
Know What to Expect
We’ll review activity levels, mobility requirements, landing conditions, packing guidance, and the operator’s participation requirements.
Coordinate Your Stay
I’ll help arrange hotel stays, transfers, and extra time to explore before or after your expedition.
I don’t arrange airfare or book flights; you’ll handle those separately. If a cruise package includes operator-arranged flights, we’ll review the itinerary and terms.
Where available, I’ll also look for preferred amenities and added-value opportunities. Benefits and inclusions vary by cruise line and sailing.
Expedition Cruise Questions
What is an expedition cruise, and how is it different from a traditional cruise?
An expedition cruise puts exploration at the center of the journey. Smaller ships typically travel with guides or naturalists, and activities may include inflatable-boat outings, shore landings, wildlife observation, and talks onboard. Compared with a traditional cruise, the focus is usually on destinations and discovery rather than large entertainment venues. Routes and daily plans can change with weather, sea conditions, and local permissions.
How much does an expedition cruise cost?
The price depends on the destination, cruise line, voyage length, season, and accommodation category. Remote journeys can also involve additional hotel stays, transfers, equipment, or required insurance. Compare the total trip cost and the activities included in your fare, rather than the cruise price alone. I’ll help you review current sailings around your budget; prices and availability can change.
What is included in an expedition cruise?
Accommodations and meals are generally included, while guided activities, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, gear, and transfers vary by cruise line and fare. Some activities, such as kayaking or specialty excursions, may cost extra or require advance booking. Certain itineraries include operator-arranged flights as part of the package; we’ll review those inclusions separately. I don’t book airfare or arrange flights.
How physically demanding is an expedition cruise?
The demands vary by itinerary and activity. You may need to use stairs, step into inflatable boats, walk on uneven ground, or manage wet landings. Some outings offer different activity levels, but accessibility and onboard alternatives vary by ship. We’ll review the operator’s mobility, participation, and medical requirements before you book, so you can assess whether the trip fits your abilities and comfort level.
When is the best time to take an expedition cruise?
The best time depends on the destination and what you hope to experience. Antarctic Peninsula voyages generally operate from November through March, during the southern summer. Many Arctic expeditions take place during the northern summer, with dates varying by region and ice conditions. Galápagos cruises operate year-round, with seasonal differences in weather, water conditions, and wildlife activity. I’ll help you compare dates around your priorities; wildlife sightings and specific landings cannot be guaranteed.
LET’S PLAN SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY
Your Next Discovery Starts Here
Personal expedition cruise planning with Glen Draper—from choosing your journey to preparing for departure.