Trending Expedition Cruises to book now
“Are you a cruise person?” Maybe you answer with an emphatic yes – already well versed in the excitement of overwater travel. Or maybe you’ve never tried it and need some gentle convincing.
Here in the Y Travel office, we’re big fans – it’s a sure-fire way to tick off most of our Y Factors - and we’re certainly not alone. Cruising continues to be a popular form of travel worldwide and some of the main reasons enthusiasts cite include: the variety of destinations to choose from; the sense of community onboard; the quality of the dining and entertainment; value for money; and the fact that you get to visit multiple destinations… but only need to unpack once!
These days there truly is a cruise boat for every budget and style – from boutique cruise lines to luxurious ocean liners and everything in between. To help you wade through the countless choices, we’ve listed some of our current favourites below.
But what we are REALLY interested in this year, is exploring THE UNEXPECTED and jumping on a highly coveted Expedition Cruise. Grab your polar gear, or your best explorer outfit, and strap in for our hottest picks.
Seabourn Venture
Seabourn's ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship Seabourn Venture, paying tribute to the remote destinations visited by the brand's highly successful expedition and Ventures by Seabourn excursion programs and the fascinating places yet to be explored in the future. Join us on a Norway Winter expedition, the first of its kind, as we explore snowcapped mountains, giant fjords and the second longest coastline in the world.
2. Silver(sea) Nova
Enter a new world of cruising aboard Silver Nova. Her revolutionary asymmetrical design, vast open areas and more space than ever before is just the beginning. Her pioneering structural innovations, make sure that every outdoor area aboard Silver Nova brings sweeping, unobstructed views, so you can enjoy that wow moment time after time. If it’s deep destination connection you want, coupled with extreme elegance and luxury, then isn’t it time you enjoyed the Nova way of travel?
3. Ponant & Nat Geo
Two of the world’s most iconic brands have joined forces, bringing the spirited adventure traveller a unique opportunity to embark on a selection of new expedition cruises to some of the most intriguing and remote destinations on the planet. Together they’ll take you further than ever before. Sail turquoise waters on an idyllic cruise through the beautiful islands of the Seychelles or discover wild landscapes while following in the footsteps of the gold prospectors in Alaska and beyond.
4. Hurtigruten Grand Expedition
Reboot your wanderlust with Hurtigruten’s ‘For explorers by explorers’ concept. Welcome to knowledge-focused, sustainable, and life-defining expedition cruises to spectacular landscapes across our planet. Lush volcanic islands, seductive beaches and steamy jungles – discover ecological marvels and cultural wonders on an African sea safari like no other.
5. Quark Ultramarine
The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.
6. Aurora Expeditions
The only Antarctic journey that allows you to SKI!! Embark on a sea-based adventure to the remote coastal regions of our globe, where unique encounters will allow you to experience nature at its most pristine.
This type of travel was born three decades ago, nurtured by rugged adventurers keen to share the magic of the wilderness with like-minded travellers. Expedition cruising brings together those with a curiosity about the world around them, a keen sense of adventure, and a desire to immerse themselves in the natural environment.