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Cruise holidays

4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1280 Reviews

4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1280 Reviews

Overview

From the icy waters of the Arctic to the sun-kissed Marquesas Islands, our collection of small ship expedition cruises takes you pole to pole.

Encounter penguins in Antarctica or humpback whales in Alaska’s Inside Passage; follow in the steps of intrepid explorers, visit First Nations villages on Canada’s Pacific coast or explore Iceland’s volcanic shores on a circumnavigation around the island.

Small ship cruising is all about immersing yourself in your surroundings: a true exploration of remote areas, uncovering local cultures and encountering wildlife, learning as you go, and sharing the adventure with like-minded travellers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Put the camera down. No words can describe how it feels to be immersed in the intense nature of Antarctica. Take a stroll with a king penguin, watch a baby seal gang rough and tumble at your feet, and whatever you do, stop, take a breath and really feel it. It's wild.
Plan Your Trip

  • Cruise holidays by destination

    Antarctica

    From its extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking scenery to the relics of a fascinating history of science and exploration, the vast ‘White Continent’ of Antarctica has epic appeal.

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  • arctic jan mayen polar bear on ice istk

    Cruise holidays by destination

    The Arctic

    Deep fjords, ancient glaciers and rugged mountains make up the landscape, whilst the icy Arctic Ocean is home to a startling wealth of marine life just waiting to be discovered.

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  • Cruise holidays by destination

    Norway

    The famed coastal route threads through a maze of deep fjords and scattered islands, past towering mountains and colourful fishing villages.

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Small ship expedition voyages

Our expedition voyages are all about unforgettable experiences. We use our first-hand expertise to help realise the dreams of ocean explorers. As leading specialists in small-ship cruises, we are constantly enhancing our programme of expedition voyages to the Arctic, Antarctica, Alaska and beyond.

We can advise you on where to go – whether it’s charting a course for Greenland’s mighty fjords, polar bear spotting in Svalbard or setting sail for Antarctica across the Drake Passage.

Small Ship Cruises

Planning your trip

Timing is everything. Our Travel Specialists can help you pick the best months for anything from seeing penguin chicks to whale watching. They’ll also go the extra nautical mile to make it a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, perhaps by including a sea kayaking excursion or recommending a voyage that delves into Inuit or Polynesian culture.

They will take the time and care to help you navigate every detail – from your choice of ship, cabin and itinerary to international flights and pre- and post-cruise stopovers. It’s always important to book early to secure your place on the expedition voyage of your choice, as many fill fast and have limited availability.

What to expect from a Polar voyage

Your ship is your base, providing tasty meals and a comfortable night’s sleep, but the main reason for choosing an expedition cruise is that exploration by boat is the best way to reach these wild places. The aim is to get off the ship as often as possible; whether that means pulling up at a deserted cove to hike through rainforest, visiting isolated Inuit communities, or jumping into Zodiacs for closer encounters with whales and other marine wildlife.

Along the way you’ll have the chance to learn about the region’s natural and historic contexts, gaining a greater understanding and appreciation of some of the most special and fragile corners of our planet.

Polar Voyages

Polar voyage ideas

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Worldwide cruise ideas

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  • Travel guides

    Your Guide to Expedition Voyages

    While each of our voyage operators have their own particular style, many features are common to all the trips.

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  • Travel guides

    How to Plan a Polar Holiday

    Thinking about planning a trip to the polar regions, but not sure where to start? Read our step by step guide to choosing your expedition voyage…

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