Expedition cruises occupy a category all their own. The routes prioritize wild and remote destinations, so the journey often begins prior to setting foot on the ship. Take one of the most popular expedition itineraries of Antarctica, for example. Passengers usually board in Ushuaia, the southernmost city of South America. Depending on where they begin their journey, they likely endure a multiday adventure with a stop in Buenos Aires and charter flight to Ushuaia before a shuttle to the ship — with the benefit that expedition ships navigate the logistics.

It wasn’t always like this, though. Contemporary expedition cruising began as a no-frills way to safely whisk travelers to parts of the world only scientists had yet to explore. Lindblad Expeditions ran its inaugural journey to Antarctica in 1966, then to the Galápagos in 1967, before HX (formerly Hurtigruten) and Quark Expeditions followed in its wake with nature-focused voyages. Since 2004 Lindblad Expeditions has collaborated with National Geographic to enhance the experiences offered to guests worldwide.

PHOTO: © VIKING

As this genre of cruising became popular, lifestyle cruise lines added expedition ships to their fleets. Ponant and Silversea debuted the first purpose-built luxury expedition ships starting in 2010 while, more recently, Viking launched two expedition ships in 2022 and Seabourn Cruise Line launched two ships between 2022 and 2023. Scenic, Atlas Ocean Voyages and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises also run swanky expedition routes, with popular itineraries including the Amazon Rainforest, Arctic Circle, Greenland, and Tonga and the Cook Islands.

With so many offerings, you’ll want to evaluate what type of expedition appeals to you. If you want constant action in the form of more hands-on research and multiple hours ashore, choose a ship that carries fewer passengers. If you seek more leisure time to simply admire the scenery from the onboard hot tub with a glass of Champagne in hand, choose a ship equipped with luxury amenities and an inclusive spirits package. (These cruises usually offer only one excursion a day.)

Regardless of the journey you choose, expect to travel “not just as observers but active participants in the journey,” shared Torunn Tronsvang, founder and CEO, Up Norway, the Nordic travel curator currently running a Coastal Cruise Wild Varanger Immersion journey with HX. “Unlike the more leisurely pace and defined routes of ocean or river cruises, an expedition cruise is about exploration and discovery,” she added.

As part of this discovery, expedition passengers should prepare for the weather to dictate their schedule. Given the nature of the rugged destinations visited on expedition cruises, there aren’t docks for seamless entry and exit from the ship. Instead Zodiacs, small inflatable boats, transport passengers to their activities ashore. On some days the seas may prove too rough to accommodate the Zodiacs, or a passing storm may deteriorate conditions and require the ship to cruise more slowly, thus throwing off the timing for an afternoon adventure; flexibility and patience are key.

PHOTO: © UP NORWAY

Patience is also necessary when it comes to local regulations. A guide will usually accompany passengers to ensure they don’t wander into endangered animals’ habitats. Certain ships may ban specific materials or items of clothing that could risk the fragility of the ecosystems as passengers interact with them; be respectful and check ahead to ensure you don’t bother wasting space in your luggage on a prohibited item.

When it comes to packing, review the packing list provided by your cruise line for a full summary of essentials. Most expedition cruises supply some type of gear. For example, Viking’s Antarctic expeditions provide an insulated jacket for each guest to keep and lend boots and waterproof pants at no extra cost. Many cruise lines also partner with a gear rental company to provide guests the option to rent items ranging from waterproof bags to thermal layers. These are delivered to and returnable from the ship so you don’t need to pack bulky items you may never use again.

Finally, when it comes to evening entertainment, you’re more likely to attend a scientific seminar or destination-specific documentary than a concert or Broadway-worthy show. This is all part of what sets expedition cruises in a league of their own; their focus on the destination is educational and immersive. Whether you experience it all from the lab or the lap pool, that’s up to you.