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Expedition & adventure cruises
There’s no adventure quite like one of our expedition cruises, venturing to some of the most spectacular and remote corners of the earth, to marvel at the extraordinary landscapes and wonderful wildlife found here. Board an expedition cruise ship to the Arctic Circle, Antarctica or the Galapagos Islands, and you’re guaranteed a holiday to remember, all from the comfort of a specially designed expedition cruise ship.
At the top of the world, spot polar bears as you sail to the ice edge while circumnavigating Svalbard, following in the footsteps of polar explorers visiting some of Norway’s most northerly settlements. Or explore the most isolated corners of Greenland, sailing past icebergs shimmering in the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord – the perfect itinerary to combine with time in Iceland.
Our adventure cruises take you to the far south as well, to the majestic Great White Continent. Enjoy some of the highlights of South America before voyaging to Antarctica, a land of gleaming icy blue, where whales and penguins swim through freezing waters and few people have ever set foot.
Away from the poles, the Galapagos Islands are packed with natural treasures of their own, from unique creatures to volcanic scenery – marvel at the Ecuadorian Amazon first or the civilisation of the Incas in Peru.
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What is an expedition cruise?
An expedition cruise uses specially designed ships to take you to some of the world’s most remote locations in comfort, with a focus on adventure and activity during your time aboard. An expedition cruise ship is smaller than your average cruise ship, allowing them to reach these more isolated destinations.
There is also a focus on the educational side of a visit, with citizen science programmes, expert lectures and workshops, and a chance to learn more about the local flora and fauna. Visiting destinations including the Antarctic, the Arctic Circle and the Galapagos Islands, you’ll discover unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes from the ship, as well as excursions with expert guides.
Highlights of an expedition cruise
Taking you to some of the least-visited and most unspoiled corners of the planet, expedition cruises are unmatched when it comes to spectacular scenery, remarkable wildlife, unforgettable activities and a chance to get involved in protecting these wonderful destinations.
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Imagine cruising through a gleaming white and icy blue landscape, where icebergs the size of skyscrapers tower high above or crash from nearby glaciers into the frozen waters. Whether you head to the Arctic Circle or the Antarctic in the far south, cruising fjords or past islands inhabited only by penguins, few settings have such an impact. There’s more than just ice and snow, with dramatic volcanic scenery in the Galapagos Islands too, from the Martian reds of Rabida island to the fantastic rock formations of Fernandina, plus lush forest, looming peaks, and white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waves.
Expedition cruises information
All our expedition cruising holidays are rated ‘active explorer’ which is our fastest paced holiday. These tours will be more active, including some potentially challenging terrain and longer walks, as well as having a busier itinerary. You can also expect more early mornings and late evenings, with more activities included during the day. Check our pace guide for more details.
Expedition cruises will include some of the more specialist equipment that you might need during your holiday. For example, in the Galapagos, snorkelling equipment is available to borrow, along with wetsuits to rent, and you can also borrow walking poles for hiking across more uneven volcanic terrain. On our Antarctica expedition cruises, you’ll be given a wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket, while you can also borrow boots, trekking poles and anything needed for specific activities. You’ll want to bring your own camera, with plenty of memory cards and spare battery (or portable charger if you’re using a camera phone), as well as some binoculars to spot the wildlife.
The vast majority of excursions on an expedition cruise holiday are included in the trip, so there’s no need to book a place on any tours, including those to the Arctic Circle, Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands. For Antarctica cruises, there are also some optional activities in addition to the planned landings, such as kayaking, snow shoeing and camping, which are all weather dependent. There are limited places available for these, and you’ll need to register your interest on board to be eligible to go into the ballot for a spot.
These remote, unspoiled destinations are also among some of the most fragile in the world, home to endangered species and landscapes threatened by climate change, so it’s vitally important to ensure that our expedition cruises don’t have a negative impact. The expedition cruise ships from HX are hybrid vessels, reducing damaging emissions and enabling the ships to travel silently through the tranquil polar regions.
Every expedition cruise also meets strict sustainability guidelines from the relevant organisation in that area; the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), Galapagos National Park, the Maritime Authorities, and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism, whose regulations are designed to protect the environment, as well as ensuring expedition cruise tourism supports local communities.
The HX Foundation has supported over 100 local and environmental projects around the world, while even the jackets provided for Antarctic cruises are made from recycled materials and have a sustainable chain of supply with a low carbon footprint.
Discover a holiday created with you in mind. We take care of all the finer details, so you can sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that you’re getting the high quality and personalised service you’d expect from Saga, every time.
70 years’ experience
Experienced travellers have been enjoying great value Saga holidays for over 70 years.
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We’re constantly monitoring prices and negotiating the best deals with our travel partners.
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