Expedition cruises go where big ships cannot. To places almost no one knows, to animals no one expects, to landscapes you will never forget. Small ships, real adventures, no onboard shows.
Expedition cruises are not package holidays. They follow weather, ice and wildlife sightings – these three regions are the top tier for anyone seeking real adventure.
Earth's last true wilderness: penguin colonies in the tens of thousands, humpback whales close enough to touch, icebergs as big as cathedrals. Zodiac landings, kayaking among ice floes, scientists on board. The trip of a lifetime – in 10 to 20 days.
Svalbard in summer: the midnight sun, polar bears on the hunt, walrus, beluga whales, dramatic glaciers. Shorter trips from Longyearbyen, ideal as an entry into the polar world. The Northwest Passage and Greenland also belong to this region.
Nowhere else do you get this close to wildlife: sea lions snorkelling with you, giant tortoises, iguanas, blue-footed boobies. Small expedition ships with a maximum of 100 guests and trained naturalists – strictly regulated by the state, and therefore pristine.
Expedition cruises are not a holiday, they are a journey. Those who commit to it get experiences that nothing else compares to – but the format is not for everyone.
If you are looking for wildlife, landscapes and untouched nature, this is the place. Whales, penguins, polar bears, rare bird species – and enough time to take the perfect shot. Many expedition ships have their own photographers on board.
Expedition trips are physically a little more demanding than classic cruises: zodiac embarkations, landings on rough terrain, sometimes cold and windy. Those who are fit and love being outdoors adore this format.
Those who want to see with their own eyes what climate change really means, or simply want to see places before they disappear: expedition cruises change perspective. You come home different from when you left.
Expeditions require more preparation than classic cruises. The ship provides a lot – but the right gear, the right insurance and realistic expectations make all the difference.
Expedition cruises have limited capacity and are often sold out long in advance. Use our pre-selection and contact us early – especially for Antarctic season.
Expedition cruises are a specialist segment. These lines have focused entirely on it and bring decades of experience – each with its own profile, budget and audience.
Norwegian pioneer with the best DNA for polar travel. Modern hybrid ships with battery propulsion, scientists on board, an excellent excursion philosophy. Ideal for those who want to experience Arctic and Antarctica authentically – without luxury overkill.
German expedition top tier. The HANSEATIC ships offer five-star comfort, low guest numbers (max. 199), an excellent lecturer team, German-speaking. Premium expeditions with genuine depth and high standards.
French luxury on small ships. Ponant expeditions combine adventure with the finest cuisine and stylish design. Especially for travellers who do not see wilderness and art-of-living as a contradiction.
All-inclusive luxury with expedition expertise. Butler service in every suite, outstanding lecturer programme, zodiac outings with experts. The most comfortable way to be in the wilderness – without sacrificing real experience.
Expeditions are memories you will never let go of. Let us find together which region, which ship and which season suits you best. We know the fleets, the captains and the limits – and we help you make the right choice.
Optional – multiple selections possible. Leave blank if flexible.
November to March is the only possible season. November offers untouched snow and the first penguin pairings. December and January are high season – penguin chicks hatch, the longest days. February and March provide the best whale watching. We advise you based on your priorities.
This depends heavily on the ship and the line. Some expeditions are wheelchair-friendly and offer alternative programmes on board when landings are not possible. Other routes are physically more demanding. We clarify this honestly with you – without false marketing.
Expedition cruises are the most exclusive form of cruising. Entry prices are significantly higher than classic cruises, but almost everything is included: all zodiac trips, lectures, often drinks, gratuities, sometimes even flights. We run the numbers transparently for you.
No. Zodiac rides are at the heart of every expedition and are run extremely professionally. Life jackets are mandatory, the crew is trained, the groups are small. If you can get in and out of the zodiac, you can go. Operations stop immediately in uncertain weather.
The segment has changed dramatically in recent years. Hybrid propulsion, wastewater treatment, IAATO rules (Antarctica) with strict guest limits per landing. Smaller ships consume less per guest. We show you which lines are really investing – and which are just marketing.
Most expedition lines provide parka and rubber boots free of charge. You need waterproof trousers, a warm mid-layer, hat, gloves, sunglasses with UV protection. We give you a detailed, line-specific packing list before your trip.
Antarctica is extremely tight – the best ships are often fully booked 12 to 18 months in advance, particularly around Christmas and January. Galapagos has a state-limited capacity, so early booking pays off here too. The Arctic is a bit more flexible. Call us – we will tell you what is still available.