Where the traces of human civilisation run out, expedition cruising begins. This is cruising that’s inherently adventurous, taking you to some of the most isolated, untouched parts of the planet, from the berg-strewn seas of the Arctic to the uninhabited archipelagos of Indonesia. You’ll explore alongside expedition leaders who are experts in their fields, closely observing the rare wildlife and marine life that makes its home in remote wildernesses.
Purpose-built expedition cruise vessels can go deep into environments closed off to other ships, allowing you to immerse yourself in landscapes where few have ever trod. You can camp overnight in Antarctica, hike jungle-draped peaks in French Polynesia, or take a helicopter to a remote waterfall in the Australian Outback, all from your ship. Or you might lean deep into your interests, be they birdwatching, diving, or geology.
Though the polar regions might immediately spring to mind, expedition cruising isn’t all cold-climate — you could be sitting on deck with a sunset cocktail, watching grey whales nurturing their young in the Sea of Cortés, or wind your way down tributaries of the Amazon in north Peru, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.
Where an expedition cruise could take you
From snorkelling alongside marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands to getting up close to calving Alaskan glaciers, here are just some of the far-flung places you can explore with us by expedition cruise.
Our expedition cruise ships
Smaller and more nimble than more traditional cruise ships, with features like ice-strengthened hulls or anchorless technology, our expedition cruise ships are custom designed for the destinations you’re visiting. They’re also making great strides towards sustainability.
-
![Silver Origin]()
Silver Origin
A brand new boat, Silver Origin offers a superlative level of comfort and amenities for those who wish to cruise the Galapagos in elegance and comfort without sacrificing on adventure. The ship’s selection of all-suite accommodation, spacious social areas, and local cuisine onboard are well-paired with nature walks, zodiac cruising, and snorkelling alongside expert expedition while on shore.
-
![Outdoor Lounge and Pool on the Aranui 5]()
Aranui 5
Accommodating 280 passengers within its comfortable and tastefully designed cabins, a cruise on Aranui 5 will include a variety of guided activities, picnics, and meals on shore. On board the ship there are four bars, two lounges, a massage room, a library, a fully equipped fitness room, an outdoor swimming pool and a small shop. There's also a full programme of activities allowing you to learn about Marquesan history, culture and art from the guest lecturers.
-
![Coral Expeditions, Great Barrier Reef]()
Coral Expeditions cruise
A Coral Expeditions Cruise is perhaps the best way to experience and discover the many National Park designated islands off the tropical north coast of Queensland and the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.
-
![Ocean Explorer. Svalbard]()
Ocean Explorer
Put yourself in the hands of the polar experts at Quark Expeditions. For three decades, they’ve taken passengers on epic wilderness adventures to Antartica and the Arctic, and small ship Ocean Explorer is thoughtfully designed to bring the landscape and wildlife closer to you whether on board or onshore.
-
![MV Stella Australis]()
MV Stella Australis
The beautifully furnished MV Stella Australis is a large, luxury cruise boat that plies the fjords of Tierra del Fuego, offering a completely unique view of Patagonia.
-
![Ombak Putih, Indonesia]()
Ombak Putih
Refitted in 2015 the Ombak Putih has set even higher standards of style and comfort. This traditional schooner melds both old-style charm with modernity ensuring your cruise around the islands of the Indonesian archipelago (including Komodo, Flores and Sumba) is a memorable one.
Our expedition cruise partners
We work with partners who offer expedition cruises that meet all our exacting criteria — expert-led, adventurous, and completely respectful of the often-fragile ecosystems where they operate.
-
![Silver Shadow]()
Silversea
A cruise means many things to many people but we feel that Silversea’s small ship cruises personify the true meaning of comfort and intimacy.
-
![World Explorer Rendering]()
Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions explore the polar regions differently from everyone else, setting foot where few ever will, and doing what few ever dream.
-
![Coral Expeditions, Great Barrier Reef]()
Coral Expeditions cruise
A Coral Expeditions Cruise is perhaps the best way to experience and discover the many National Park designated islands off the tropical north coast of Queensland and the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.
-
![Landscape on Hiva Oa]()
Aranui Cruises
Aranui Cruises takes you to French Polynesia’s remotest islands, introducing you to the culture, teeming marine life, and dramatic scenery of the South Pacific. The ships offer sophisticated on-board facilities, immersive cultural experiences, and unparalleled access to these far-flung archipelagoes.
Expedition cruise guides
-
![French Polynesia]()
Guide to expedition cruises: your frequently asked questions
Exploring isolated regions, busy days, expert leaders, no set itineraries — these are all part of the delights of expedition cruising. Seasoned seafarer and Audley cruise specialist, Caroline, answers your most asked questions about this type of cruising.
-
![Galapagos Islands, Ecuador]()
A typical day in the Galapagos: what to expect
Michael, one of our specialists, takes you through what to expect on a visit. He outlines a typical morning, afternoon and evening routine on a cruise boat, and explains the major differences between a cruise and land-based stays.
-
![Zodiac excursion]()
Choosing your polar cruise
The awe-inspiring polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic, are among the most beautiful and captivating in the world. Irrespective of which region you choose, visiting one of the world’s ultimate travel frontiers should prove to be a truly unforgettable and enriching experience.
-
![Kimberley Snapshot with True North]()
The Kimberley by land and by sea
An expedition cruise, Zodiac boat trips or hikes and stays on cattle ranches: two members of our Australia team share how to best experience the Kimberley, both overland and overwater, and define the allure of this Outback region.
Plan your trip
Tell us about your plans and one of our specialists will plan a unique trip for you...
Make an enquiryRequest our brochure, The World Your Way
Order your digital copy via email.
Request a brochure