What is expedition cruising?

This is a question which is being asked more and more, with travellers looking to small ship voyages. These types of cruises have grown in popularity in recent years. Since the pandemic, many travellers have shifted away from mass-market tourism in favour of smaller, more intimate experiences. This has helped expedition cruising gain even more appeal. With fewer passengers, wide open landscapes, and a strong focus on nature and well being, these voyages offer both space and a sense of purpose.

Unlike traditional cruises, expedition cruising takes you far beyond the tourist trail, to remote, often untouched corners of the world. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explain exactly what expedition cruising involves, where you can go, and how to plan your journey.

The Ship 

Expedition cruise ships, even within its own sector, can vary. It really depends on what level of ‘adventure’ you are looking for. For example, the Schooner Opal is a fully electric sailing boat which carries only 12 passengers, compared to Ocean Albatros, an X-Bow hull with up to 170 passengers, the latter being what many might think of when they hear ‘expedition cruise’.

Both of these ships are considered an expedition ship and it purely comes down to personal choice. I personally prefer a few more luxuries and home comforts to return too after a day exploring our favourite Magnetic North Destinations. 

The Itinerary 

This is perhaps the most significant difference between mainstream cruising and expedition travel. On a typical ocean cruise, the itinerary is fixed, guests often choose based on specific destinations or to avoid ports they’ve already visited. Expedition cruising, on the other hand, is shaped by nature. These voyages venture into remote regions where sea ice, wind, and weather can change quickly. There’s no set route, instead, expert crews adapt the journey in real time to make the most of conditions. It’s a more flexible, responsive way to travel and you’re in safe hands the entire time.

The Crew 

Once on board, you’ll encounter a range of crew members in roles you might not expect on a traditional cruise. The familiar position of Cruise Director is replaced by the Expedition Leader – the person responsible for coordinating every aspect of the guest experience. Their job blends logistics, leadership, safety, and storytelling, all while navigating some of the world’s most remote and unpredictable environments.

You’ll also meet Naturalists, experts in local ecosystems who often specialise in polar wildlife, marine biology, or botany. Depending on the voyage, there may be Marine Biologists, Geologists, Historians, or Anthropologists, each bringing a different layer of understanding to the landscapes and cultures you’ll encounter.

The aim of these roles is to bring you as close to the destination as possible. Even when the ship isn’t anchored or out on a landing, the experience continues with engaging onboard lectures, expert-led discussions, and spontaneous wildlife spotting sessions up on deck.

All of the above will vary on the size of the ship and destination. 

The Destination 

Where can you go on these ships I hear you ask? If you are looking for a more rustic ‘feel the wind in your hair’ sort of adventure, board ships such as Schooner Opal, Donna Wood or Schooner Haukur. With cosy cabins, shared bathroom and communal areas, these ships tend to stay in Iceland and Greenland. 

It is common knowledge that the best way to see Norway is from the water. A coastal voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes could be for you. Stopping at 30+ ports of call, you really would leave no stone unturned. Go from North to South or reverse, or a round trip.

No expedition blog would be complete without a mention of Svalbard, one of the world’s northernmost inhabited places. A remote Norwegian archipelago located high above the Arctic Circle. It’s a destination defined by dramatic landscapes: towering glaciers and sculpted fjords. But it’s the wildlife that truly sets it apart.

Accessible only by ship, Svalbard is one of the best places to see the iconic polar bear in the wild. Visitors may also encounter walrus hauled out on ice floes, reindeer grazing the lowlands, and seabirds around the cliffs. During the summer months, the Midnight Sun casts a glow across the ice, creating long, golden days perfect for exploration.

No two voyages are the same, and that’s exactly the point.

How?

If you decide an expedition cruise is for you, there is one last element you’ll need to get onboard with very quickly! This is the trusty zodiac! Used for most tenders and shore excursions, this is your ticket on and off. 

If you’ve never been in one before, or your sea legs are feeling a bit rusty, don’t worry. The expedition team is there to help every step of the way. In my experience, they’ll always offer to hold personal items like bags, so you can keep both hands free. You’ll usually be assisted by two team members: one on shore and another already in the Zodiac, ready to stabilise the boat and guide you aboard.

For safety, they’ll insist on using the sailor’s grip (or forearm grip), a secure way of holding each other’s forearms that offers far better balance and control than a standard handshake.

Once you’re seated, sit back and enjoy the ride. If you’re hoping to avoid too much bounce or spray, the best place to sit is towards the back and as close to the centre as possible. That said, seating is assigned for safety and balance, so it’s not usually a case of choosing your spot – but wherever you sit, the views will be worth it.

What else?

Expedition cruising is all about embracing adventure in the most unique and remote corners of the world. A big highlight of these voyages are the exclusive activities that go far beyond what you’d find on a typical cruise. Many expedition cruise companies offer a range of included excursions. These may include guided hikes through rugged landscapes, Zodiac cruises to explore icy waters and wildlife watching opportunities in untouched environments.

For those looking to elevate their experience even further, there are often optional paid activities that can immerse you even deeper in your surroundings. These might include kayaking through pristine waters, paddle boarding on calm seas, or even diving into the ultimate adrenaline rush with the extreme Polar Plunge, where brave adventurers take a chilly dip in polar waters. Whether you’re after a peaceful moment of reflection or a heart-pounding adventure, these unique experiences provide unforgettable memories you won’t find anywhere else.

What now? 

There is so much more to expedition cruising than I can summarise in one blog or in words. It’s a way of travelling that feels purposeful and deeply connected to both place and people. No two days are the same. No itinerary can quite prepare you for the quiet thrill of spotting a polar bear in the distance or stepping onto a remote shoreline for the very first time. Expedition cruising isn’t just about ticking off destinations and experiences. It is also about how you get there, these companies have sustainability at their heart.