Expedition Cruising

Thinking of “Expedition Cruising”? The Arctic and Antarctic await!

These two polar regions are often confused due to their similar names, but geographically they couldn’t be further apart (the North Pole vs. the South Pole). Antarctica is a continent, the 5th largest, and the Arctic is a region that covers the northern-most parts of Alaska, Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. Although both regions are considered the coldest climates on the planet, the Arctic is warmer and is known as the Land of the Midnight Sun. Unlike Antarctica, in the Arctic, the native cultures continue to live in coastal areas. Little known fact: the Arctic was discovered by Phoenician sailors who named the newly discovered region after a polar star called “Arktos” by the Greeks which means “Land Of The Big Bear”. Arctic expeditions take place during the summer months, generally, in June, July, and August, and the Antarctic expeditions take place in December, January, and February.

If you want to see Polar Bears, the Arctic is where you will find them. In the Antarctic, the Penguins prevail.

What is Expedition Cruising?

An Expedition Cruise is a taste of adventure and exploration of a place off-the-beaten-path. There are no production shows or organized activities. Instead, you will find wildlife, intriguing history, and breathtaking vistas. Expedition ships are small, and they take you to some of the most remote regions on the planet. Expedition Cruises are for curious travelers, those longing to see wildlife in its natural habitat and to be immersed into the culture and landscape of the regions they visit with help from the experts native to the area. Although the Arctic and Antarctic are probably the best-known expedition regions, there is so much more for you to explore.

• The wonders of the Galapagos

• The rugged gorges and epic waterways of the Kimberley Region in Western Australia

• The far corners of Asia

The Kimberley Region

No matter where you go, your expedition experience will be immersive and will expand your global perspective. You will soon find yourself re-evaluating what really matters and that when it comes to “expedition” cruising, there are a great many options from which to choose. I used to think that expeditions meant “roughing it”. But now, with many of them in my “Treasured Memories” bank, I can assure you that your comforts will not be denied. All it takes is to match the explorer to the expedition and when it comes to that, you will find that a good guide is the best discovery you will ever make.