To see discounted expedition cruises, use the Find a Bargain box on the left.
Expedition cruises visit off-the-beaten-path ports and remote places of pristine natural beauty that offer unique opportunities to observe wildlife up close. Among the most popular destinations are the Arctic, Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands, though sailings are also available in many other regions around the world.
Itineraries emphasize adventure and exploration, often with naturalists, wildlife specialists and biologists aboard the ship. It's common to embark from your anchored ship into small yet sturdy motorized crafts like Zodiacs for shore landings. In Antarctica, for example, you might board a Zodiac and cruise amid icebergs to rocky beaches where penguins and lounging elephant seals await.
Expedition ships are small and often purpose-built for the regions they visit -- many have strengthened hulls designed for navigating ice-packed waters. A line may specialize exclusively in expedition cruising, or it may devote specific ships or itineraries to this more adventurous style of travel. Some companies have merged the exploratory aspects of expedition cruising with a luxurious onboard experience that includes superb dining, upscale accommodations and impeccable service.
Below are the cruise lines and ships that offer expedition-style cruises. Click any link for more information about that company or ship. The ship rating is based on a 6-star system, and you can view the ratings key here.