Expedition & Polar Voyages
Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galápagos with naturalist guides and landings by small boat.
Get Expedition QuotesWhat Makes a Voyage an Expedition?
An expedition voyage is built around places, not ports. The ship heads for remote coasts with few or no docks, and guests go ashore by small inflatable boats called Zodiacs, guided by a team of naturalists, historians and scientists.
Days are planned around weather, ice and wildlife rather than a fixed timetable. Evenings bring recaps and lectures about what you saw and what comes next. Ships are small — often a few hundred guests or fewer — and many are ice-strengthened. Lines with expedition fleets include Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), Ponant, Silversea, Seabourn, Scenic and Viking.
Antarctica
Penguins, whales and towering ice during the southern summer, roughly November to March.
Antarctica Adventure Cruises →
The Arctic
Svalbard, Greenland and the far north in the northern summer, with polar bears, walrus and the midnight sun.
Polar Expedition Cruises →
Galápagos
Sailed all year on small ships, with fearless wildlife and daily landings with park-certified guides.
Galápagos Expedition Cruises →Choosing an Expedition Voyage
- Ship size decides landings. In Antarctica, ships with more than 500 passengers may not land guests, and only 100 people may be ashore at a site at a time. Smaller ships get more time ashore.
- In the Galápagos, vessels are limited to 100 passengers and visits follow national park rules, so every ship there is small.
- Check what is included. Expedition fares often include landings, guiding and parkas; kayaking or camping may cost extra and fill quickly.
- Season shapes the experience. Early Antarctic season brings pristine snow and courting penguins; later months bring chicks and more whale sightings.
- Flexibility is part of the deal. Weather and ice can change the plan at any time. Travelers who enjoy the unexpected are happiest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a big cruise ship land passengers in Antarctica?
No. Under the rules followed for Antarctic tourism, ships carrying more than 500 passengers may not land guests at all, and no more than 100 people from a ship may be ashore at one site at a time. Big ships can only cruise past the scenery. To step ashore, choose a smaller expedition ship.
How rough is the Drake Passage?
It varies from calm to very rough, and no one can predict it far in advance. Most Antarctic voyages from Ushuaia spend about two days each way crossing it. Some operators offer fly-cruise options that fly over the Drake to join the ship in Antarctica.
Do I need to be very fit for an expedition cruise?
You need to be able to step into and out of a Zodiac boat with help and walk on uneven ground, snow or rocks. Ask the operator about its fitness guidance and medical requirements before booking.
Plan an Expedition Voyage
Tell us whether Antarctica, the Arctic or the Galápagos is calling you. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare expedition ships and send free quotes.
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