Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Expedition Cruises in 2023
Luxury Expedition Cruises hold up to 200 passengers and deliver intimate small-ship adventurous itineraries. They create experiences with shallow drafts that anchor in smaller ports and can inch closer to those less-visited, out-of-the-way ports or scenic wonders, or with their reinforced hulls can sail into the icy waters. Most luxury expedition cruise ships often feature ocean-facing windows or portholes and accommodate a private en-suite facility, large common areas, and observation decks for panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes over some of the most remote best cruising regions of the world. If you are in search of spirited activities and adventures in exotic places and dynamic destinations, then Northstar is ready to place your name on a luxury expedition cruise. Certainly, these will be accommodations of unparalleled excursions, having robust activities that enhance your interactive cruise voyage.
Expedition cruising is not such a tough contradictory concept when coupled with luxury travel, because onboard guests appreciate excursions that are both daring yet relaxing. Mind you; expedition cruise guests typically do not always lay out by a pool with their specialty-made exotic beverage, because the expedition experience is all about getting off the ship. It is merely a taste of exploration and adventure in off-the-beaten-path places. A seven-night expedition sailing in many ways feels more like a weeklong shore excursion than a cruise.
Let’s consider an example: a cornerstone of expedition cruising is the use of Zodiacs (an inflatable craft instead of the conventional tenders). These boats can carry you to marine wildlife sanctuaries and icebergs, while onboard, you are more likely to be offered lectures by naturalists and scientists than musicals or casino nights. Quite often, Zodiac usage is required for having the agility to transfer to and from an expedition ship. It is also needed when traveling to destinations like a beach or rocky shoreline that doesn’t have a pier.
Expedition cruise ships have expedition teams that are led by a team leader. The groups typically have a support staff of naturalists and science-oriented guest lecturers giving presentations on the politics, culture, history, geology, geography, biology, ecology, or anthropology of their vessel’s destinations. Some companies employ photographers to help guests take amazing pictures of wildlife and scenery.
Experience off-the-beaten-track expedition cruising for a taste of exploration on smaller ships and adventurous itineraries. Cruise excursions that offer deeper dives into destinations. River cursing is a fantastic way to explore the world up close and in style. River cruising gives so many choices in making you holiday planning easy! It gives you a range of options to choose from smaller intimate ocean ships like Crystal Cruises to much bigger mega-ships like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.
Subsequently, expedition cruises are not for everyone. Expedition cruises are smaller ships, similar to traditional cruising, and focus more on adventurous itineraries, the on ashore experiences, along with shorter excursions and ports of call. Above all, if you would like to experience this type of travel, your NorthStar Advisor can help you reach the best cruising regions on specific vessels and expeditions companies that suit your particular requirements. In short, there are many of our 2023 expedition cruise partners for you to consider, including the new Viking expedition cruises :
- Also visit: Expedition Cruises Category
- Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC – Cruises
- Aqua Expeditions
- Atlas Ocean Voyages
- Aurora Expeditions
- Australis Cruises
- Hurtigruten
- Intrepid Group Cruises
- Lindblad Expeditions – Galápagos – Receive free round-trip airfare from Miami, or from popular home cities starting at US$249, to Galápagos on select 2023 and 2023 departures.
- PONANT Yacht Cruises & Expeditions
- Quark Expeditions
- Seabourn Cruises
- Silversea Cruises
- UnCruise Adventures
- Viking Cruises
Ancient ruins or island vineyards?
Cultural Voyages to Extraordinary Destinations
There’s something truly transformational about travel, especially when it’s experienced on an exclusively chartered, small-ship Luxury Expedition Cruise with Abercrombie & Kent. Discover ports throughout Japan, the Baltic Sea, Italy, Greece, the British Isles, or the South Pacific in 2023 on all-inclusive voyages led by an award-winning Expedition Team and top-notch guides ranging from professors and historians to archeologists, dignitaries, and more. Plus, receive $200 shipboard credit just for being a Northstar Virtuoso guest.
- Cruise nearly the entire navigable coast of Italy on A&K’s best-selling Hidden Treasures from Florence to Venice.
More › - Explore the ancient ruins of Greece and natural marvels of Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini on Cruising the Greek Isles.
More › - Discover the charm and traditions of the Baltic capitals on Cruising the Baltic Sea: Copenhagen to Saint Petersburg.
More › - Explore lush archipelagos and tropical seascapes on two all-new itineraries to the British Isles and South Pacific.
More ›
Virtuoso Voyages is a collection of the best cruise experiences in the world, available through NorthStar Virtuoso travel advisers.
Virtuoso Voyages offers exclusive cruise benefits, insider access, and excellent value, such as:
- Private car and driver in port
- Behind-the-scenes tours
- Specialty dining options
- Shipboard and spa treatment credits
- Custom and private shore tours
Your next expedition cruise and exciting shore excursions are around the corner!
Best Excursions, Best Prices.
Guaranteed.