Polar and Expedition
Expedition cruising is often the best and sometimes the only way to experience a destination such as Antarctica, the Arctic or the Galapagos Islands. These cruises are generally led by highly experienced and qualified guides and specialists such as biologists, naturalists, historians, photographers and other scientific specialists. The focus is on exploring a destination rather than onboard amenities such as casinos, pools and other entertainment. The ships are generally significantly smaller than traditional cruise ships and quite often, a lot more relaxed and casual. While there are some activities that do require a degree of fitness or sense of adventure, as long as you can comfortably walk a kilometre or two, you'll be able to take on most activities. Each expedition cruise company offers something different so here are a few of our favourites or contact us and we'll help choose the best expedition cruise for your perfect adventure.
Antarctica21
In operation for over 20 years, Antarctica21 specialise in boutique wilderness adventures taking you to Antarctica and beyond.
You can experience Fly & Cruise Expeditions to Antarctica and Sea Voyages to Patagonia & Chilean Fjords, the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia, and Antarctica.
Antarctica21's small ship voyages offer the perfect balance between active exploration and high-quality hospitality.
A few of our favourites:
8-day Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise - once you arrive in Antarctica by flight from Punta Arenas (Chile), you'll head to the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctica Peninsula. With penguins, seals and whales along with spectacular icebergs, it's no wonder this is their most popular itinerary.
9-day Patagonia & Chilean Fjords - on this wilderness expedition, you'll visit Puerto Cisnes, the San Rafael Bay and Glacier, the Gulf of Penas, the village of Puerto Eden, the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego and the Beagle Channel.
20-day Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica - an expedition like no other, you'll embark in Punta Arenas (Chile) and head to the Falklands and South Georgia. Here, you'll visit one of the world's largest king penguin colonies. Cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula and among the South Shetland Islands before disembarking in Ushuaia.
Save US$2000 per person on selected 2025-26 Antarctica Air-Cruise departures.
Save US$2000 per person on 2026-27 Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle Air-Cruises.
Save US$1000 per person on 2025-26 Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Sea Voyages.
Book by 31 March 2025*
Click here for full Terms and Conditions
Aurora Expeditions
A B-Corp certified company, Aurora Expeditions have been pioneering exploration and adventure for over 33 years. You'll enjoy a relaxed onboard atmosphere, beautifully appointed staterooms, wellness centre and hearty meals with a maximum of 130 adventurers onboard (154 on the Douglas Mawson).
Tip: solo travellers have the option of sharing accommodation with an adventurer of the same gender or taking a solo room.
A few of our favourites:
12-day Antarctic Explorer - you'll fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island and transfer to the vessel. Your expedition team will then design your itinerary day by day, choosing the best options based on the weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities with Zodiac cruises and shore excursions. After a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands, you'll sail to Ushuaia via the Drake Passage
23-day Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula - this epic voyage visits Subantarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. You'll enjoy additional time in Falklands-Malvinas, discovering the history of the islands and the spectacular birdlife. You'll then see king penguin colonies before immersing yourself in the grandeur of the Antarctic Peninsula.
16-day Northwest Passage - get a glimpse into the world that captivated early explorers by exploring a portion of the Northwest Passage. You'll visit the final resting places of some legendary explorers, meet local indigenous people and encounter arctic wildlife including beluga whale, polar bear, walrus and perhaps a narwhal.
15-day Wild Landscapes of West Greenland - we'll go as far north as possible along Greenland's west coast, exploring hidden bays and where whales may shelter.
Receive a US$2,000 per person air credit PLUS save up to 20% off 2025-26 Antarctica expeditions*
Save up to 25% on selected 2026-27 Antarctica voyages*
Save up to 20% PLUS enjoy a free stateroom upgrade on selected 2025 Arctic expeditions*
Save up to 25% on selected 2026 Arctic & Beyond voyages*
Book by 31 March 2025
Exclusive Virtuoso benefits may apply to selected cruises*
Click here for full Terms and Conditions
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
Made for curious travellers, on an HX trip, you'll join experts from a range of fields who will lead you on discoveries both on shore and on board. Meals, drinks, gratuities and daily excursions are all included. With a maximum of 500 travellers on board their comfortable, purpose-build ships you can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
A few of our favourites:
8-day Elemental Iceland - MS Fridtjof Nansen - starting and ending in Reykjavik, you'll go whale watching in Husavik, sail into the Arctic Circle and enjoy Iceland's beautiful scenery with active volcanos, geysers, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls.
11-day Circumnavigating Spitsbergen - MS Spitsbergen or MS Fram - experience mighty glaciers, serene fjords, whales, reindeer and if you're lucky, polar bears. We'll also attempt to find a way through the sea ice to venture above the 80th parallel and explore the ice edge with a goal to successfully complete a circumnavigation of Spitsbegen.
18-day Antarctic Circle Expedition - MS Roald Amundsen - on this expedition, we'll aim to journey below the Antarctic Circle to the secluded and magnificent Marguerite Bay. There will be opportunities to see penguins and whales and you can also hike, kayak, ice-cruise and even camp on the Antarctic snow.
Save up to 25% on selected HX departures from 23 March 2025 to 31 March 2027 when you book by 31 March 2025*
Exclusive Virtuoso benefits apply to all HX cruises*
Click here for full Terms and Conditions
Quark Expeditions
Exploring the Polar Regions for over 30 years, Quark have a diverse fleet of small expedition ships with up to 199 travellers on board. With an abundant variety of itineraries from 7 to 23 days, the most experienced expedition team in the industry and plenty of off-ship activities, you'll find the perfect expedition for you.
Tip: Quark provide a waterproof jacket with a puffer jacket insert to use on your expedition and to take home with you. They will also supply waterproof boots on loan to you for the duration of your expedition, saving valuable luggage space.
A few of our favourites:
10 or 12-day Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway - Ocean Explorer or Ultramarine - you'll seek out abundant wildlife including walrus, reindeer and hopefully a polar bear while marveling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight.
14-day Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition - Ocean Explorer or Ultramarine - on this expedition you'll have the opportunity to see penguins, seals, whales and dramatic ice formations. However, the highlight will be crossing the iconic Antarctic Circle - a milestone few travellers have achieved.
23-day Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands and South Georgia - Ultramarine - this is epic for a reason. Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia to embark the Ultramarine. You'll head to the Falkland Islands and then onto South Georgia where 300,000 king penguins await before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and crossing the Antarctic Circle.
Triple Bonus Event available on selected voyages when booked by 31 March 2025. Receive:
$2,350 Flight Credit
Free charter flight and hotel package
One Year Priority Pass Membership - two free visits per person to over 1700 airport lounges
Exclusive Virtuoso benefits may apply to selected cruises*
Click here for full Terms and Conditions
Seabourn
A Seabourn Expedition is an ultra-luxury Safari at Sea. With all-ocean front suites with a private veranda, highly personalised service, exceptional dining with premium spirits and fine wine and a world-class Expedition Team. There are many included activities such as expert-led lectures, shore excursions, cultural tours, guided Zodiac® cruises, hikes, nature walks and snorkeling with optional experiences such as submarines and kayaks.
A few of our favourites:
10-day Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls & Wandjinas - from Broome to Darwin or reverse, your expedition takes in Lacepede Island, Kuri Bay, the Hunter River, Ashmore Reef, Vansittart Bay and King George River.
9-day Heart of the Amazon - your captain and veteran expedition leader will choose from among the amazing sites of this stretch of the Amazon River to determine Zodiac and kayak explorations, treks and other points of interest. Expedition staff will also be on deck to point out wildlife and other highlights.
11-day The Great White Continent - depending on weather, ice conditions and reported wildlife during your voyage, your captain and expedition team will put together a fabulous itinerary of discovery and adventure for you in Antarctica.
Save up to 15% on selected voyages PLUS receive an up to US$1000 shipboard credit per suite when booked by 4 February 2025*
Or enjoy an FBI Travel exclusive offer - book a selected Seabourn cruise and receive an up to $2,000 flight credit. Read more here
Exclusive Virtuoso Voyages benefits may apply*
Click here for full Terms and Conditions
Silversea
Since pioneering luxury expedition voyages, we’ve been perfecting the experience. Our cutting-edge itineraries provide endless opportunities to venture from pole to pole and discover places that very few ever have the opportunity to visit. With some of the most spacious suites in luxury cruising, you'll also enjoy the services of a butler and diverse cuisine and beverages throughout the ship and in-suite.
A few of our favourites:
16-day Benoa, Bali to Darwin - Silver Cloud - see the Komodo dragons and Pink Beach on Komodo before heading to Palopo Sulawesi, Bau-Bau, Pulau Semau and Kupang. Onto Darwin and then Talbot Bay, Montgomery Reef, Freshwater Cove, Hunter River Region, Vansittart Bay, Koolama Bay before finishing your cruise in Darwin.
6-day King George Island to King George Island - Silver Endeavour - maximise your time by flying to and from Antarctica. Silversea's polar experts will guide you to hidden landings and reveal the extraordinary wildlife of the world's most remote continent.
12-day Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik - Silver Wind - Silversea's expert Expedition Team will seek out hidden coastlines and amazing wildlife of Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland, providing an unforgettable journey for you.
Save up to $8,000 per suite on selected cruises when booked by 28 February 2025 for travel through to 2027*
Exclusive Virtuoso Voyages benefits may apply*
Click here for full Terms and Conditions
Abercrombie and Kent
Abercrombie & Kent's Luxury Expedition Cruises are accompanied by expert guides and naturalists. With over 30 years of experience and no more than 199 travellers on board, you'll enjoy a private balcony with your stateroom and an all-inclusive experience with all meals, house drinks, excursions and onboard gratuities included.
As you navigate the Enchanted Isles of the Galápagos aboard Ecoventura’s vessels, you will benefit from the expertise of a guide for every 1 to 10 guests, ensuring a comprehensive and unparalleled insight into these extraordinary islands.
Ann-Marie Chapman, A&K VP Customer Sales & Operations APAC
9-day Ultimate Galapgos Expedition Cruise
17-day Indonesia Voyage: Komodo, Papua & Great Barrier Reef
19-day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Expedition
Exclusive Virtuoso benefits apply to selected cruises*. Ask us for more information
The Kimberley Collection
There are many ways to experience the vast and spectacular Kimberley region, and luxury cruising is ideal to really discover this unique part of the world. Cruise vessels offer an excellent range of luxury styles when choosing your cruise. From more intimate catamarans and mono-hulled vessels hosting just a dozen guests, to larger vessels that can accommodate 184 guests, there are many choices. Onboard, you’ll discover a world of cruising luxury in the Kimberley. Vessels each have a wide range of special features and inclusions that help make your Kimberley cruise the journey of a lifetime. Whether you love to relax or enjoy a more active itinerary, there’s something for every guest cruising on one of our preferred vessels.
I would recommend travelling early in the season (April / May / June) when waterfalls and gorges have an abundance of water and the vegetation is green and lush!
Matthew Fleming, The Kimberley Collection
A few of our favourites:
7-night Kimberley Snapshot Broom to Wyndham - True North/True North II - the best of the best! For those pressed for time or perhaps considering the budget – here is the flagship Kimberley Ultimate itinerary condensed into a single week voyage. Includes the King George Falls, the Hunter River, the Prince Regent Falls, Montgomery Reef and the Horizontal Falls.
8-night Northern Dream - Ocean Dream - witness majestic waterfalls including the King George Falls, and discover an incredible array of gorges, river systems, captivating wildlife and ancient rock art. Includes a scenic helicopter flight over the Mitchell Falls and a light aircraft flight between Mitchell Plateau and Kununurra.
10-night The Kimberley Cruise - Coral Expeditions - Broome to Darwin or reverse - take in King George River and Falls, Vansittart Bay, the Mitchell Falls and Swift Bay, Prince Frederick Harbour, Prince Regent River, Montgomery Reef, Doubtful Bay, Horizontal Falls and The Lacepede Islands.