Expedition Cruises

Experience the extraordinary with a once in a lifetime luxury Expedition cruise. Embrace adventure on-board purpose-built luxury expedition ships to experience the most remote and untouched natural wonders on Planet Earth. SixStarCruises’ Expedition cruise packages are crafted entirely to your needs, planned to perfection to create the trip of a lifetime. From your preferred airline and luxury accommodation choices to transfers and desired sailings, every aspect of your trip is planned to the finest of details. Our luxury Expedition experts will use their personal experience to offer first-hand advice, support and guidance on curating your dream holiday and help you embark on a journey you’ll never forget.

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EXPEDITION?

Ship

Expedition ships are smaller than traditional cruise vessels, yet still provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests. They are specifically designed to navigate narrower estuaries and shallower waters, allowing for closer encounters with wildlife and more in-depth exploration of remote destinations.

Expert Guides

A key advantage of expedition cruising is the presence of knowledgeable experts who travel on board throughout the journey. From horticulturists and marine biologists to geologists and historians, these specialists offer valuable insights and help create a truly engaging and educational experience for travellers.

Wildlife

From swimming alongside turtles and observing penguins to spotting polar bears and reptiles in their natural habitats, expedition cruising offers the chance to encounter remarkable wildlife up close in ways few experiences can match.

Experiences

Expedition itineraries offer a once-in-a-lifetime journey, filled with immersive experiences and unforgettable moments in some of the most remote and stunning parts of the world. Explorers have plenty of opportunities to connect with their surroundings through activities such as kayaking, submersible dives, hiking, zodiac excursions, polar plunges, cultural encounters, and more.

Destinations

Africa Expeditions

Tropics Expedition

Kimberley Islands Expedition

Alaska Expedition

United Kingdom Expedition

Antarctica Expedition

Cruiselines

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

Scenic Ocean Cruises

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Riviera Travel

AE Expeditions

Seabourn

Experiences

Polar Plunge

Zodiac Tours

Submersible Excursions

Guided Tours

Photography

Northern Lights

When cruising in the Arctic or Antarctica, you’ll have the chance to take part in a polar plunge. This exhilarating and unique experience involves jumping into the icy waters of the polar regions. Often a highlight for adventurous travellers, this activity combines the thrill of extreme cold with the breathtaking beauty of these remote environments, creating lasting memories for those brave enough to take the plunge.

Entering the Water:

Participants usually enter the water one at a time, either by jumping in or using a ladder. The initial shock of the cold water can be intense, with temperatures typically hovering around freezing (0°C).

Brief Immersion:

Most participants remain in the water for only a few seconds to a minute, as the cold can be overwhelming. The cold shock response includes rapid breathing, an increased heart rate, and a strong sensation of cold.

Exiting the Water:

After the brief immersion, participants quickly exit the water, often assisted by the support crew, and are provided with warm towels and blankets. Zodiac excursions are a key highlight of any expedition cruise, offering an intimate and immersive way to explore remote and pristine environments, and to get up close to wildlife and stunning landscapes. These small inflatable boats are ideal for navigating through ice, fjords, and coastal waters, allowing explorers to access areas that the ship itself cannot reach.

Zodiacs are used to explore coastlines, icebergs, and wildlife-rich areas. Their small size and manoeuvrability enable them to approach local wildlife closely without disturbing their natural behaviour.

Exploration:

Landings:

Zodiacs also facilitate landings on remote shores and ice floes, providing opportunities for guided walks, wildlife observation, and photography. Each Zodiac is usually accompanied by a knowledgeable guide or naturalist who offers insights into the local ecology, geology, and wildlife, enhancing the educational value of the excursion.

Scenic Cruising:

Some excursions focus on scenic cruising, offering spectacular views of glaciers, ice formations, and dramatic landscapes from the water.

Embarking on a submersible excursion during an expedition cruise is an unforgettable experience that takes you into the mysterious depths of the ocean, offering a unique perspective on the underwater world. Submersibles often feature a transparent, dome-shaped cockpit that provides almost 360-degree views of the underwater environment.

Access to the Deep:

Submersibles allow you to dive to depths that are otherwise inaccessible, even to advanced scuba divers. You can explore underwater landscapes, coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life at depths of several hundred metres.

Close Encounters with Marine Life:

The experience offers an up-close view of marine creatures in their natural habitats, often encountering species that are rarely, if ever, seen by humans.

Controlled Environment:

The submersible provides a comfortable, pressurised environment, allowing you to stay dry and warm while experiencing the underwater world, which is especially appealing in colder waters.

Expedition guided tours enable travellers to explore remote destinations with the expertise of knowledgeable guides. Whether hiking through pristine wilderness, navigating icy fjords, or visiting historic coastal villages, explorers benefit from the guides’ insights into the ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural histories they encounter.

A Variety of Activities

Guided tours can include a range of activities designed to suit different interests and fitness levels. From kayaking in glacial waters to snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs, each excursion is tailored to maximise exploration and discovery.

Post-Tour Lectures

Many expedition cruises also feature lectures and workshops, enriching the experience with discussions about the areas and wildlife encountered that day, as well as conservation efforts and the impact of climate change on the destination.

Smaller Group Sizes

Guided tours on expeditions often involve intimate group settings, fostering a deeper connection with both the natural environment and local culture. This creates lasting memories and a greater understanding of our world.

Photography is a brilliant way to capture the stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and unique cultural moments you encounter on expedition. It serves not only as a creative outlet for photographers of all skill levels but also as a means of preserving memories from an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.

Photography workshops

Many expedition cruises offer dedicated photography workshops led by experienced guides, who provide advice on composition, lighting, and equipment to help guests improve their skills and make the most of their photography sessions.

Unique locations and wildlife

Expedition cruises frequently grant access to unique vantage points well off the beaten track. This provides opportunities to photograph the breath-taking scenery wherever you are — from majestic glaciers and towering rainforest trees to playful wildlife such as seals and turtles.

Ship technology

Many expedition vessels are equipped with camera technology, allowing both crew and guests to use the cameras for spotting wildlife and to enjoy close-up, live footage of animals as the ship approaches.

Flexible Itineraries and Smaller Groups

Early morning landings and sunset excursions are often scheduled to make the most of natural light. With smaller group sizes, photographers can usually get closer to their subjects without causing disturbance, allowing for intimate and powerful shots.

An expedition cruise to see the Northern Lights offers a unique blend of adventure, comfort, and natural wonder. Unlike traditional cruises, expedition voyages are designed to explore remote, often icy regions such as Norway’s northern fjords, Iceland, or the high Arctic. These small ships are equipped for rugged conditions, with expert guides and naturalists on board to enrich the experience.

Flexible Itinerary & Arctic Activities

Expect a flexible itinerary, as the ship may change course based on weather or aurora forecasts to maximise your chances of seeing the lights. You’ll spend time both at sea and ashore, visiting isolated villages, engaging in polar activities like snowshoeing or husky sledding, and learning about the region’s wildlife, culture, and geology.

Chasing the Northern Lights

Evenings are often spent on deck, gazing skywards. When the aurora appears, it’s truly breathtaking—ribbons of green and purple dancing across the night sky in complete silence. While sightings can never be guaranteed, winter months and clear, dark skies offer the best odds.

Life Onboard & Unique Experience

Life onboard is informal and relaxed, with warm hospitality, lectures, and cosy lounges. It’s a voyage of discovery, not just of the natural world, but of a quieter, more contemplative pace of travel. For those seeking something extraordinary, it’s a journey like no other.