Luxury Expedition Cruise Lines of 2020
Expedition cruises hold about 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 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.
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. For 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 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 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.
Again, expedition cruising is not for everyone. 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. Here are many of our expedition cruise partners for you to consider:
- Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC – Cruises
- American Queen Steamboat Company
- Aqua Expeditions
- Australis
- Celebrity Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
- Cunard Line
- Hurtigruten
- Intrepid Group Cruises
- Lindblad Expeditions
- PONANT Yacht Cruises & Expeditions
- Quark Expeditions
- Seabourn Cruises
- Silversea Cruises
- UnCruise Adventures
- Zegrahm Expeditions
