Quick answer
Ice-class ships with Zodiacs, naturalist teams and kayaks, sailing to Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, the Kimberley and remote islands. Typical trips are 8–24 nights from about US$700–2,500 per person per night. Wildlife lovers, photographers and once-in-a-lifetime travellers who are reasonably mobile.
- Typical length
- 8–24 nights
- Price guide
- ≈ US$700–≈ US$2,500 pp/night
- Ship size
- 100–500 guests
- Who it suits
- Wildlife lovers, photographers and once-in-a-lifetime travellers who are reasonably mobile.
- Dress code
- Practical outdoor layers; parkas and boots are often provided or loaned.
- Usually included
- Cabin, meals, landings and Zodiac cruises, expert lectures. Kayaking, camping and charter flights may cost extra.
- Lines on our list
- 18
18 expedition cruise lines
Antarctica21
The original Antarctica air-cruise operator: fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island and skip two days on the Drake…
Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic
The pioneer of expedition cruising, partnered with National Geographic, with naturalists, photographers and undersea specialists on every…
Scenic Eclipse (discovery yachts)
Ultra-luxury 'discovery yachts' with helicopters and a submarine, all-inclusive fares and polar and Mediterranean…
Silversea Expeditions
Silversea's expedition fleet: luxury polar ships with butler service, plus Silver Origin in the…
Adventure Canada
Family-run Canadian line known for the Northwest Passage, Greenland and Newfoundland voyages with Inuit cultural…
Atlas Ocean Voyages
'Luxe-expedition' yachts with drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities included, sailing the poles and the…
Aurora Expeditions
Australian expedition line with X-BOW ships for smoother crossings of the Drake Passage and a strong outdoor-activity…
Coral Expeditions
Australia's original expedition line, specialising in the Kimberley, Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia and Papua New…
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
Norwegian expedition line with hybrid-powered ships, science centres and a long polar heritage. Separate from Hurtigruten's coastal…
Heritage Expeditions
Family-owned New Zealand line exploring the Sub-Antarctic islands, Ross Sea, Papua New Guinea and the Russian Far…
Polar Latitudes
Antarctica specialist operating small expedition ships with fly-cruise options that skip the Drake Passage…
Poseidon Expeditions
Polar specialist known for Svalbard, Greenland and Antarctica voyages on a small, sociable expedition…
Quark Expeditions
Polar specialist offering Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic; Ultramarine carries two helicopters for…
UnCruise Adventures
Small-ship active adventures in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico's Sea of Cortés and the Columbia and Snake rivers, with kayaking and hiking…
Albatros Expeditions
Danish expedition company strong in Greenland and Antarctica, often with competitive polar…
Intrepid Travel – Polar expeditions
The small-group adventure company's polar programme, sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic with a sociable, active style and carbon-conscious…
Oceanwide Expeditions
Dutch polar line with practical, no-frills ships and active itineraries including camping, mountaineering and Weddell Sea…
Variety Cruises
Greek family-owned small-ship company with motor-sailers and yachts in Greece, Croatia, the Seychelles and West…
Popular destinations
Sailings & fares
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Frequently asked questions
What is a expedition cruise?
Ice-class ships with Zodiacs, naturalist teams and kayaks, sailing to Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, the Kimberley and remote islands.
How much does a expedition cruise cost?
Roughly US$700–2,500 per person per night, depending on line, ship, cabin and season.
Which expedition cruise lines are best?
It depends on who is travelling. Popular choices include Antarctica21, Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic, Scenic Eclipse (discovery yachts), Silversea Expeditions, Adventure Canada. Use Cruise Match to rank them for you.
What is included?
Cabin, meals, landings and Zodiac cruises, expert lectures. Kayaking, camping and charter flights may cost extra.