Polar Expeditions
For the ultimate adventure, join an expedition cruise to the Polar regions. With a focus on the destination, expedition cruises are smaller and are generally led by highly experienced and qualified guides and specialists such as biologists, naturalists, historians, photographers and other scientific specialists.
Image credit: Abercrombie & Kent
Best Times To Go
Antarctica | Arctic |
Peak: December, January, February | Peak: June, July, August |
Shoulder: November, March | Shoulder: May, September |
Antarctica
In Antarctica, you'll cruise past glaciers and icebergs, get the chance to see different species of penguins, whales and seals and have the opportunity to walk on the 7th continent.
Shorter itineraries:
A few of our favourites:
10-day Puerto Williams to Puerto Williams with Silversea - you’ll cross the Drake’s Passage and explore Antarctic Sound and the Antarctic Peninsula where you’ll have a unique and immersive experience, unlocking the secrets of a wild and remote world that few get to visit. Departs 26 Oct 25, finishes 5 Nov 25.
11-day The Great White Continent with Seabourn - 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.
12-day Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake with Aurora Expeditions - flying over the Drake Passage in both directions, is the ideal way to reach the white continent. 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.
14-day Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition with Quark Expeditions - on this expedition you'll have the opportunity to see penguines, seals, whales and dramatic ice formations. However, the highlight will be crossing the iconic Antarctic Circle - a milestone few travellers have achieved.
Longer itineraries:
18-day Puerto Williams to Puerto Williams with Silversea - from South Georgia, to the gentoo penguins on Elephant Island, and from the snow-blanketed landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula to the thrill of crossing Drake Passage, you’ll experience the best of the best of the Antarctic. Departs 23 Nov 25, finishes 11 Dec 25
19-day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Expedition with Abercrombie & Kent - this is an ideal itinerary for photographers and explorers alike. Go ashore with your Expedition Team to visit areas rich in the history of polar exploration and experience the wildlife of the Southern Ocean region in all its glory.
20-day In Shackleton's Footsteps with Aurora Expeditions - follow in the footsteps of 'the Boss' and set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula before making your way north to the Antarctic Sound. Set a course to Elephant Island and then head across the Scotia Sea to South Georgia all while learning about the fascinating history of Shackleton's Endurance expedition.
23-day Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands and South Georgia with Quark Expeditions - 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.
Arctic Expeditions
Head to the Arctic where you might spot a polar bear, whales, seals and sea birds, chase the Northern Lights or learn about the rich history of Inuit communities.
A few of our favourites:
8-day Elemental Iceland with HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) - 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.
16-day Northwest Passage with Aurora Expeditions - experience the archipelago of islands and channels that make up Canada’s High Arctic region. Along the way, we hope to meet local indigenous people who call this remote wilderness home, and perhaps catch glimpses of the wildlife that inhabit the region: polar fox, bowhead whale, polar bear and the elusive narwhal.
13-day Grand Greenland: The Icy Giants of Disko Bay with HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) - explore Greeland's wild western coast, look out for whales and enjoy lectures ranging from mythology through to glaciology. You'll see immense icebergs, icy mountains and awesome glaciers.
8-day Fjords and Glaciers of Spitsbergen with Ponant - a cruise to discover the riches of Svalbard, in search of mysterious wild fauna, in the comfort of an exceptional ship.
10 or 12-day Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway with Quark Expeditions - you'll seek out abundant wildlife including walrus, reindeer and hopefully a polar bear while marveling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight.