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Expedition Cruises

Explore the World's Last Frontiers

Expedition cruises offer a truly unique way to travel, taking you off the beaten path to some of the most remote and awe-inspiring destinations on Earth. Designed for curious travellers and nature lovers, these immersive journeys combine adventure with comfort and expert guidance.

Travel to extraordinary places like:

Antarctica and the Arctic – Witness glaciers, icebergs, and polar wildlife in the world’s most pristine icy wilderness.

The Galapagos Islands – Explore rare ecosystems and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, with nature-led excursions.

Alaska – Sail through dramatic fjords, past towering glaciers, spotting whales, bears, and eagles along the way.

The Amazon & Beyond – Venture into the heart of the rainforest, or uncover remote gems like Siberia and the South Pacific.

Purpose-built ships, small group sizes, and expert naturalist guides ensure a safe, comfortable, and deeply enriching experience.

At Thorne Travel, our specialists will match you with the perfect expedition cruise, tailored to your travel goals. All packages are fully ABTA and ATOL protected, with 2025–2027 sailings available now.

Browse our latest expedition cruise holidays or contact our team to start planning your next great adventure.

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Expedition cruising offers a unique and immersive experience that takes you to some of the most remote and spectacular destinations in the world, including:
 
Polar Regions: Explore the icy landscapes of Antarctica and the Arctic, where few can venture, and witness glaciers, icebergs, and polar wildlife up close.
 
Galapagos Islands: Discover the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with nature-focused excursions that bring you closer to rare species and pristine environments.
 
Alaska: Cruise through the majestic Alaskan wilderness, with stunning views of towering glaciers, rugged coastlines, and wildlife such as whales, bears, and eagles.
 
Other Remote Locations: Explore destinations like the Amazon River, South Pacific islands, and Siberia, where nature and culture blend together in harmony.
When you choose Ponant, Seabourn, Silversea, or Hurtigruten for your Expedition Cruise, you can expect nothing short of luxury, comfort, and exceptional service throughout your journey. Here’s what to expect:
 
Ponant Cruises: Known for their French elegance and luxurious small ships, Ponant takes you to some of the world’s most remote locations, providing a combination of refined luxury and intimate exploration.
 
Highlights: Experience the Arctic, Antarctica, and Southeast Asia aboard Ponant’s ice-class ships, designed for polar exploration with luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and personalised service.
 
Seabourn Cruises: A leader in ultra-luxury expeditions, Seabourn provides all-inclusive experiences with exclusive itineraries, fine dining, and world-class service.
 
Highlights: Explore Antarctica, Alaska, and the Arctic on Seabourn’s small expedition ships that offer luxury in every detail. Enjoy excursions led by expert naturalists and wildlife guides while experiencing the world’s most remote regions in ultimate comfort.
 
Silversea Cruises: Offering ultra-luxury, all-inclusive expedition cruises, Silversea combines elegant suites, gourmet dining, and all-inclusive service with expert-led expeditions.
 
Highlights: Explore Antarctica, Alaska, and the Arctic on ships like the Silver Explorer or Silver Cloud, with butler service, spacious suites, and shore excursions guided by experienced naturalists.
 
Hurtigruten: A pioneer in sustainable polar travel, Hurtigruten offers exceptional exploration opportunities with a focus on environmental responsibility.
 
Highlights: Travel with Hurtigruten to the Arctic, Antarctica, or the Norwegian fjords, with itineraries that offer naturalist-led excursions and a focus on sustainability and scientific research.
 
 
Don’t settle for ordinary travel when you can embark on an Expedition Cruise to the most remote and spectacular destinations in the world. With luxury service, expert-led adventures, and unparalleled exploration, you’ll discover the beauty of Antarctica, the Galapagos, and the Arctic in a way that is as immersive as it is luxurious.
 
Contact our Cruise Experts today to let us plan your next extraordinary adventure with an Expedition Cruise and explore the world’s wonders in style.
Expedition cruises are led by expert expedition teams, including marine biologists, geologists, and wildlife specialists, who provide a wealth of knowledge and insight as you explore these remote regions. Here’s what makes Expedition Cruises so special:
 
Zodiac Cruises – Navigate close to shore with Zodiac boats, which allow you to access hidden coves, pristine beaches, and wildlife-rich waters that larger ships cannot reach.
 
Wildlife Encounters – Get up close with the wildlife of each destination, from penguins and whales in the polar regions to giant tortoises and marine iguanas in the Galapagos.
 
Shore Excursions – Explore your destination with immersive shore excursions like hiking in national parks, kayaking in fjords, or scuba diving in crystal-clear waters.
 
Intimate Experience – With smaller ships, Expedition Cruises allow you to experience nature up close while avoiding the crowds. This intimate experience ensures that your journey is truly unique and unforgettable.
Access to Remote Destinations – Expedition ships are designed to access places larger ships simply can’t reach. Explore the world’s wildest, most remote, and untouched destinations with expert guidance and luxury service.
 
Exclusive Experiences – Enjoy tailored shore excursions, expert-led educational programmes, and small-group exploration to fully immerse yourself in the destination’s natural beauty.
 
Luxury and Comfort – Despite being in remote areas, Ponant, Seabourn, Silversea, Hurtigruten, and other expedition cruise lines offer luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalised service that makes each adventure as comfortable as it is thrilling.
Here are some of the best expedition cruise lines that offer extraordinary journeys:
 
Ponant
Known For: Luxury, French elegance, and polar expeditions.
 
Highlights: Ice-class ships for polar exploration, all-inclusive luxury, Zodiac excursions, and gourmet dining.
 
Notable Destinations: Antarctica, Arctic, South Pacific, Southeast Asia.
 
Seabourn
Known For: Ultra-luxury and all-inclusive service.
 
Highlights: Butler service, luxury suites, expert-led shore excursions.
 
Notable Destinations: Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic, Galapagos Islands.
 
Silversea Cruises
Known For: All-inclusive luxury and personalised service.
 
Highlights: Butler service, luxury suites, exclusive excursions.
 
Notable Destinations: Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic, Galapagos Islands.
 
Hurtigruten
Known For: Sustainability and polar exploration.
 
Highlights: Naturalist-led excursions, sustainable cruises, and scientific research.
 
Notable Destinations: Arctic, Antarctica, Norwegian Fjords, South America.
 
Quark Expeditions
Known For: Polar exploration and adventure cruising.
 
Highlights: Ice-breaking ships, expedition teams, and kayaking in remote waters.
 
Notable Destinations: Antarctica, Arctic, Greenland, Siberia.

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