Taking an expedition cruise will allow you to visit remote destinations that will have you asking for more. These cruises allow you to take once in a lifetime excursions in tropic locations like the Galapagos or from colder locales like the Arctic and Antarctica. You’ll be guided by each ship’s expedition team who will provide great insights into the landscape, wildlife and history of the area you visit.
Hurtigruten
You may think of Hurtigruten as the company that operates the ferries into the small cities of the fjords of Norway. Although they do an excellent job at this and the trips are enjoyable, with fantastic scenery, Hurtigruten is so much more. In business since 1893, Hurtigruten offers smaller ship cruising to destinations like Antarctica, the Artic, Greenland, South America, Caribbean, Iceland, the Northwest Passage and Alaska. The 15 ships offer varying amenities from smaller cabins to luxury suites with large balconies. The restaurants offer a variety of excellent food, including seafood, beef, reindeer, salads, cheeses, soups and desserts. Sail through fields of icebergs while viewing Orcas and leopard seals. Visit the research stations at different locations in Antarctica. And have your passport stamped at Port Lockroy, Antarctica. Climb the 176 steps to the top of Cape Horn and met the Lighthouse Keeper and family. So, whether you want to visit the stark beauty of Svalbard in the Arctic, the South American Coast, Alaska’s beautiful glaciers or cruise in the footsteps of the explorers in the Northwest Passage, Hurtigruten has something for you.
Lindblad Expeditions
For those of you who grew up with National Geographic, Lindblad Expeditions is the perfect company for you. As a partner of National Geographic, you’ll cruise with explorers, researchers, and photographers from the fabled society. Aboard Lindblad’s small ships, you’ll find authentic experiences in remote locales. You can actually listen to whales underwater through the hydrophones on board the ships. The pictures you get will be amazing and they offer undersea video and ships cameras to augment your photograph collection. If you aren’t a swimmer, they have glass bottom boats so you can view sea life without getting wet. Don’t forget to visit the bridge and meet with the ship’s officers who will be happy to answer all your questions.
Poseidon Expeditions
Traveling with Poseidon Expeditions on the luxurious Sea Spirit is like traveling with an old friend. The highlight of a Sea Spirit cruise is the experienced expedition team, who routinely dine at passenger tables, and are available for lectures and questions throughout the trip. The scenery is spectacular with glaciers and icebergs as big as condominiums. You will cruise through ice fields on the zodiacs expertly piloted by the expedition team and be treated to wonderful stories as you glide through the bergs, see walruses, whales, and look for narwhals. The Sea Spirit travels to Antarctica, the Arctic, including Iceland, Greenland and Svalbard.
If you are up for a little more adventure, Poseidon operates three trips a year to the North Pole aboard the largest and most modern nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world. The spoon-shaped bow of the ship is designed for greater ice breaking ability and makes the ship capable to force its way through 2.5 meters thick ice fields. Helicopters flight-seeing is available over the frozen tundra. The ship will maneuver its way to the top of the world where you can form a circle and hold hands with fellow travelers to circle the world. This never to be forgotten trip is possible with Poseidon Expeditions.
Zegrahm Expeditions
Like the previous cruise lines, a trip on Zegrahm will put you right in the heart of the action. As you embark on your all-inclusive journey, you can rest assured that you will be able to find excursions that fit your individual tastes. Want to go sea kayaking through the chiseled fjords of South America, they can make it happen. Looking to taste local wines, the field leaders will see that you find the best. Zegrahm field leaders include archaeologists, historians, ornithologists, and dive instructors. Zegrahm offers small ship cruises with all the amenities, including a fleet of Zodiacs perfect for shore excursions. Zegrahm set’s itself apart with land expeditions in Africa, Borneo, Ethiopia and more. With 30 years of adventure experience, Zegrahm will provide you with a perfect journey.
