Expedition Cruises
Expedition cruises combine the luxury of a cruise with exciting and impressive insights into unique habitats. Whether the North Pole or an Antarctic cruise, experience untouched nature away from the crowds with extraordinary flora and fauna, while your ship with state-of-the-art technology and luxurious amenities is the most beautiful hotel you can imagine on such a trip.
Why an expedition cruise?
An expedition cruise is a unique opportunity to get to know our earth in its most original form. Have you ever admired the Northern Lights during a Greenland cruise, seen the mighty icebergs of the Arctic, marvelled at the species-rich wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, or ventured out with Zodiacs after a trained crewmember made sure no polar bears were around? A voyage allows you to discover the stunning natural spaces and regions in a way that would not be possible by conventional means.
Typical regions
Whether to the North or South Pole or somewhere in between, an expedition is and remains unique. Here are some regions that are approached by expedition ships.
Arctic - the North Pole
The Arctic includes parts of Russia, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Lapland and Spitsbergen. In contrast to the Antarctic, it is not a continent but consists to a large extent of the Arctic Ocean, which is almost completely frozen, especially in Winter. Here you will find not only gigantic ice masses, but also a rich variety of wildlife: polar bears, walruses, seals and whales.
Popular regions in the Arctic include Spitsbergen and Greenland. The latter is considered the largest island in the world and waits near the North Pole to welcome you with majestic icebergs, colourful coastal villages, friendly people, the midnight sun and the fascinating polar lights. Spitsbergen is one of the most northerly inhabited areas in the world and is known for its rocky, remote terrain with glaciers and polar bears.
Antarctic - the South Pole
The Antarctic is a continent of its own, the fifth largest in the world. Characteristic of the southernmost region of the world are the gigantic icebergs and ice masses, which are also referred to as "the eternal ice". Due to these conditions, expedition vessels must be equipped with certain ice classes in order to pass through the region. The Zodiac, a motorized dinghy takes you to the most beautiful places in the Antarctic. Imagine sailing through the waters with the Zodiacs, until in front of you a penguin swarm appears in the water. What a fantastic experience!
Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are worth a trip in their own right. Here you will find a world that is characterized by a unique biodiversity and volcanic remnants that will leave you speechless. The Galapagos Islands are so scattered that they can only be fully discovered on a cruise. Sociable sea lions, massive Galapagos tortoises and wise dolphins make the group of islands one of the most beautiful places for animal lovers. Not to forget the typical land iguanas and cute blue-footed boobies. Here you have the opportunity to shoot the perfect photo. --> Galapagos cruises
Popular cruise lines for expedition cruises
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is arguably one of the most well-known and most popular cruise lines with regard to expeditions. Here you will not only discover the world on extraordinary routes, but also travel in absolute luxury. Four ships are already available, of which the MS Bremen and MS Hanseatic inspiration have been awarded the highest ice class, and also the two newbuilds MS Hanseatic nature and MS Hanseatic inspiration with the highest ice class for passenger ships. Trips to Iceland, Greenland and Spitsbergen are especially popular. --> Hapag-Lloyd cruises
Silversea
Silversea Cruises is worth mentioning in the field of expeditions. The American luxury cruise line has four expedition ships taking you to the most remote parts of the world: the Silver Cloud Expedition (ultra-luxurious), the Silver Explorer, the Silver Galapagos and the Silver Discoverer. --> Silversea cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers unique moments with its luxurious expedition ships Celebrity Xploration, Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xperience. The new Celebrity Flora promises unique experiences around the Galapagos Islands for which it was designed. --> Celebrity Cruises
