“People don’t just want a ‘nice holiday’ anymore, they want to come home feeling like it meant something.”
It’s an interesting perspective on expedition cruising from Michelle Black, Viking Cruises managing director for Australia-New Zealand.
And it’s a view that’s resonating with a growing cohort of people choosing expedition cruise, seeking purpose and deeper meaning from travel.
Expedition voyages, above all else, are about connection — to people and cultures; and to the places we visit.
A wide choice of luxury ships, with varying capabilities in ice conditions, give us access to spectacular polar destinations, and so many other remote, exotic places of the world to explore. Think Arctic’s Greenland, or Svalbard where a rare polar bear sighting is richly rewarding (and a career highlight for me); or WA’s Kimberley region; the sub-Antarctic islands, and the Antarctic peninsula, with its rich array of wildlife evolving throughout the season — nesting or hatching colonies of gentoo and Adelie penguins, or humpback whales in February-March.
Where we can come “home” to after a busy day out exploring, cocooned in luxury and be spoilt with beautiful chef-prepared treats and welcoming hospitality.
For these reasons, expedition is no longer a niche but a natural extension of luxury travel.
Michelle adds: “Expedition is different (than river or regular ocean cruising) because the place you’re travelling to is the whole point. Comfort and quality are still a given, but what guests are really seeking now are experiences that feel genuinely rewarding.”
It continues to evolve quickly with technological advances shaping the way we explore, with a focus on sustainability and conservation, and initiatives like citizen science as part of enrichment programs.
It was only in the 2010s we started seeing purpose-designed-and-built polar expedition ships. Previous to that, there was no choice for those looking to voyage to polar regions other than Russian research ships or repurposed ferries built for polar conditions.
“The luxury is in getting access to somewhere remote, having the support around you to do it comfortably, and then having that extra layer of understanding, whether that’s through the experts onboard, the science lab, or the citizen science activities,” she says.
Featured in this, our second Cruising Guide of 2026, are the latest industry developments as well as a bunch of handpicked itineraries to help you plan an expedition voyage . . .
Innovations
On board science
An innovation that truly demonstrates “authentic travel” is citizen science.
Whilst science is a focal point of expedition voyages, relatively few ships double as mobile research platforms, like Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot or Viking Octantis.
These and other expedition cruise ships are fully equipped for real field research by guest scientists.
Many of their projects allow passengers to contribute to the research through collecting and uploading data in citizen science programs.
It’s not only great for passengers to partake in real-time science, but it allows research that would otherwise be too costly and logistically prohibitive to do in such remote areas.
It’s important conservation work in partnership with leading groups like the Scott Polar Research Institute and the University of Tasmania. Where findings such as mapping movements on marine mammals like whales and the marine impacts of climate change are fed into open access for the international scientific community.
The fieldwork extends to custom-designed science labs on board where analysis and deeper learning about ecosystems explored happens, complemented by facilities like science centres and lecture theatres for presentations.
Antony Jinman, Expedition Leaders Manager at Swan Hellenic, says: “Having scientists of this calibre onboard allows our guests not just to observe, but to actively participate in research that has real-world impact.”
You’ll find citizen science programs also on Aurora, HX, Lindblad, Swan Hellenic ships.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is transforming cruising operations rapidly. One of its key functions is keeping ships running as efficiently as possible to save on fuel costs and limit emissions.
Aurora Expeditions is working with Australian climate-technology company CounterCurrent to integrate its AI-powered navigation system aboard its new ship, Douglas Mawson.
The CounterCurrent technology has been developed over a decade by a team led by Dr Shane Keating at the University of New South Wales.
The system is interesting in that it routes ships to “ride” ocean currents rather than resist them while burning less fuel, even over longer distances travelled.
How is that possible? Well as an Aurora spokesperson explains: by integrating AI, onboard sensors and satellite data CounterCurrent generates hyper-local, vessel-specific route predictions. The system continuously analyses ocean conditions such as wind, wave and ocean currents in real time to model the most fuel-efficient routes.
Aurora’s sustainability manager Sasha Buch explains there are multiple benefits — reduced emissions and operational costs, improved safety in challenging polar environments, and quicker, smoother travel.
It’s like “trying to create the Google Maps of the ocean to reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions”, Sasha tells me.
The Douglas Mawson trial in collaboration with the Polar Citizen Science Collective is helping fill critical data gaps in the Southern Ocean where real-time data is scarce.
Data obtained during the ship’s inaugural Antarctic season will be analysed soon. The tech has potential to support wider maritime industry too.
+ The polar regions are, of course among the most fragile environments on Earth. They’re also among the most in-demand travel destinations, so innovations like HX Expeditions’ “silent science boats” limit the disturbance to marine fauna and have potential to be scaled up.
The Norwegian line recently launched two fully electric MK 5 Zodiacs that use the RAD 40 drive system, which HX claims are the most advanced electric drives on the market.
They will be used by scientists conducting research, as well as HX expedition teams aboard MS Fram in the Arctic, and MS Fridtjof Nansen in Antarctica, leading passenger excursions.
Scientists consider the new boats a game changer for studying polar wildlife underwater, where for whales especially, “noise can mean the difference between thriving and struggling”, according to HX chief scientist Dr Verena Meraldi.
HX considers it a major step towards phasing out all its traditional combustion engine Zodiacs with clean, electric alternatives.
E-propulsion
On the subject of electric propulsion a very exciting development was just announced by Germany-based shipbuilder Meyer Werft, in partnership with leading maritime battery maker Corvus Energy.
It’s not something I ever expected to see — a 100 per cent battery-electric cruise ship of 80,000-plus gross tonnes. That’s a big ship to be pulling by battery, and much bigger than the average expedition vessel.
The technology would slash greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95 per cent, it is claimed. It’s at concept stage only but it speaks to the potential of battery propulsion technology.
Corvus CEO Fredrik Witte describes the project as “a milestone for the cruise industry”.
“The move towards fully electric cruise ships shows the world that the technology is safe, mature and ready to set new standards,” he says.
Current battery technology in expedition cruising is via hybrid ships. These vessels use two power sources — usually a conventional combustion engine and a rechargeable battery — and can lower emissions by up to 25 per cent. The world’s first — Hurtigruten Expeditions’ MS Roald Amundsen — was launched in 2019.
What’s ‘old’ is new again
Amid the parade of slick new ships entering the field are older vessels given a fresh start in expedition cruising.
The two that come to mind are part of small, independent cruise operations with fascinating backstories.
Heritage Adventurer is one of two vessels operated by Heritage Expeditions, owned and run by the Russ family of New Zealand since 1984.
They describe its flagship as “a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree” with a solid ice-class rating of 1A Super (capable of sailing through first-year ice up to 1m thick) and a renowned history of polar exploration. It is claimed the ship once held records for the most Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing the Northwest and Northeast passages.
The 1991 Finnish-built Heritage Adventurer formerly sailed for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises as MS Hanseatic.
The first stages of progressive refurbishments have been completed on this ship that carries just 140 passengers but designed for 184, ensuring a personalised experience and plenty of space. There are 14 Zodiacs for exploring destinations and great spots for viewing landscapes and wildlife.
The ship sails to Antarctica, including the Ross Sea area, as well as the sub-Antarctic islands of NZ and Australia; Japan; South-East Asia; South Pacific; coastal NZ; and WA’s Kimberley coast.
St Helena meanwhile is the flagship of Australian-based startup Terra Nova Expeditions — founded and run by veteran expedition travel entrepreneur Greg Carter.
The ship is a 1989 UK-built passenger-cargo vessel that first operated as RMS St Helena, the Royal Mail Ship. It served as a link between Cape Town and the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena.
Throughout its lifetime, St Helena has shifted roles from mail ship to vessel-based armoury supporting maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman, and for a period was used to transport electric racing vehicles and equipment for the Extreme E championship.
A major refurbishment in 2022 included upgrades to cabins and public spaces and is looking in fine nick for life as an expedition cruise ship. Antarctic voyages launch December 9 this year for Terra Nova.
The ship’s capacity is 150 but will carry just 98 in an all ocean-view configuration. It is built for the rigours of Antarctic expeditions with an ice-strengthened hull, and includes a dedicated science laboratory for its resident science team and citizen science projects on every voyage.
Available on select voyages is the option to day-sail aboard 61-ft, purpose-built polar expedition yacht Icebird for departures in January and February. Icebird will accompany the main ship and is the only extra cost of Terra Nova’s itineraries.
Passengers will transfer to and from the yacht, which carries six to eight passengers only and three crew. You’ll be under sail to venture into bays, channels and anchorages regular expedition ships cannot access, with expedition equipment like kayaks, skis and diving gear provided.
I really like this concept — it’s innovative and is about as immersive as polar travel can get. Greg says no-one else is offering a small Antarctic sailboat experience on expedition cruises.
“We thought, ‘how can we kind of amp this up and make this an even more intimate experience?’ And having worked a little bit with sailboats over years in the Antarctic, I realised no one’s ever really combined them in conjunction with expedition cruise. So hence the idea of working with Icebird came about.
“She’s super capable, built for the conditions. And the idea is we can actually take six to eight people off at once and explore for a whole day away from the ship and away from everyone else. So it’s getting people a really unique, intimate experience you just simply can’t get on another vessel.”
Choices Galore
Expedition is the fastest growing segment of cruising at more than 20 per cent year on year, according to the latest industry data.
Demand is being met with more capacity so there are copious choices of ship, style and destination depending on your travel preferences.
Costs are generally higher than for regular ocean cruises because they are operated on smaller ships, increasing the cost per person.
See the list in this guide for a comprehensive list of expedition cruise companies. Here are my top itinerary picks to start you off:
Viking: Great Lakes
There is availability on Viking’s new Niagara and Great Lakes Treasures itinerary for 2027 and 2028.
The cruise is between Toronto in Ontario, Canada and ending in Milwaukee in Wisconsin, US (or vice versa), through the world’s biggest freshwater system of the Great Lakes.
Among the highlights will be: traversing the Welland Canal and its eight locks that lift or lower ships between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie; and the opportunity to excursion to the thundering torrent of Niagara Falls, which straddle the Canada-US border. There’s also stops in Detroit, Michigan — home to the Henry Ford Museum; Milwaukee; Georgian Bay and Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario with its vast lake system, forest and hiking trails; as well as cultural hub Chicago.
Viking include a shore excursion or landing in every port of call, and this 17-day itinerary is priced from $19,845 per person, double occupancy.
There are savings of up to 35 per cent on 2026-28 itineraries, for bookings made before June 30, 2026. Viking has also just released new departure dates for 2028-29 on its popular expedition itineraries in the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes.
Ponant: Kimberley
Ponant’s 11-day (10 nights on board) Australia’s Iconic Kimberley itinerary next season, sailing between Darwin and Broome or the other way.
It visits the King George River and twin falls; Vansittart Bay; Careening Bay; Swift Bay with its rock shelters and Aboriginal rock art; Hunter River; Collier Bay/Talbot Bay and Horizontal Falls (conditions permitting); and sails through the Lacepede Islands.
That’s a nice mix of French chic, remote wilderness discovery and learning with a knowledgeable expedition team that will lead Zodiac excursions.
Sailings in 2027 are on either Explorer yacht Le Jacques Cartier (184 passenger max) with comforts like exquisite dining, bars and observation lounges including the below-water Blue Eye; or the slightly bigger ship Le Soleal (264 max).
Various departure dates are from May to August, 2027 and priced from $16,650 per person that includes a shore excursion or activity in each port of call. Departures in 2028 are also now on sale.
Meanwhile, last cabins are available on the 11-day/10-night Solar Eclipse Over Western Australia: Sailing the Kimberley Coast — with Smithsonian Journeys voyage, from Darwin to Broome, departing July 19, 2028.
The itinerary is themed around the July 22, 2028 solar eclipse for which the Kimberley will have the longest duration of totality anywhere on Earth of more than five minutes. Remembering that the Exmouth eclipse in 2023 lasted just 59 seconds.
The voyage is headlined by on-board lectures and discussions with Brent Garry, geologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and meteorologist Joe Rao.
Terra Nova: Antarctica
The 20-day Ultimate Antarctic Adventure combines a traditional voyage on a small expedition ship with an exclusive five-night adventure experience aboard polar sailing yacht Icebird (maximum of six guests only) for rare wilderness access and a flexible itinerary. Dependent on weather and ice conditions, of course.
Options on this itinerary include five nights aboard Icebird from $US25,380 per person ($35,472) in a double private cabin; from $US21,080pp ($29,463) quad share; or a full day sailing and exploring on the yacht and returning to St Helena in the evening for $US1295pp ($1810).
Expedition guide-led activities like snowshoeing, and kayaking — for which most other lines charge a hefty price for — are included in the fare too.
Departures on the Ultimate Antarctic Adventure itinerary start December 28, 2026.
There are six other Terra Nova itineraries to the Antarctic peninsula, starting at $US7990 ($11,168) for the 10-day Classic Antarctica journey.
Silversea: Antarctica
Crossing a long stretch of potentially heaving ocean for days aboard a ship with land nowhere in sight will not suit everybody.
But that’s the reality, and the challenge, of reaching the Great White Continent — a day-and-a-half sailing the unpredictable Drake Passage to get to Antarctica, and the same on the way back.
Until now, that is.
Luxury and expedition cruise line Silversea has, from the start of next season in October 2026, an option to skip the Drake altogether on a six-day Antarctica Fly Cruise package.
Alternatively, you can cruise one leg of the passage on a nine-day package (so you can say you’ve done it).
The six-day package goes like this: An included night’s stay in Santiago, Chile before a private flight to Puerto Williams and a night at Silversea’s new 150-room hotel, The Cormorant at 55 South, which is claimed to be the southernmost hotel on Earth.
The next day is a final charter flight to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands — instead of sailing south across the Drake. You’ll then join a Silversea ship, such as Silver Endeavour or Silver Wind already in Antarctica. The flights and stay at The Cormorant are repeated in reverse on the way back — that’s Antarctica ticked in less than a week.
The Cormorant looks a delightful hotel that Silversea president Bert Hernandez says “will offer our guests the same hallmark comfort and personalised service they expect while on board our ships and will immerse them in the rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty of the region”. Think cosy lounges, curated gathering areas and panoramic views.
Aurora Expeditions: Arctic
Aurora’s 11-day Iceland and East Greenland: Through the Lens themed itinerary caught my attention. For it combines exploring the Arctic’s dramatic icy landscapes with photography learning and practice alongside seasoned professionals.
So whether you are using professional gear or snapping shots on your smartphone, lauded photographers — Scott Portelli, Peter Eastway, David Vargas and Wayne Sorensen — will be there to guide you in the field as you shoot nature at its rawest during extended time off-ship. They’ll also share their expertise in onboard workshops.
You’ll explore East Greenland’s Scoresbysund — the world’s largest fjord system with its glaciers and gigantic icebergs; Iceland’s remote Westfjords’ rugged coastlines, waterfalls and volcanic terrain; and cultural sites.
The Reykjavik return voyage departs July 31, 2027 aboard custom-designed expedition ship Sylvia Earle.
There are savings up to 15 per cent on fares, which are from $22,776 per person, twin share, or from $34,164 solo — that’s a saving of more than $6000 for a single. All activities except sea kayaking ($1220 per person optional extra) are included.
Aurora also has Arctic itineraries to Svalbard and coastal Norway, the Northwest Passage/Canadian High Arctic, and Northern Lights cruises, as well as Antarctica.
Booking through an expert travel advisor is recommended as they can advise on the best price and cruise options, and are there for support during unforeseen events.
Coming up
After a couple of Arctic expeditions in and around Svalbard, I’ll be venturing to Antarctica in November aboard Aurora ship Sylvia Earle — named for the renowned oceanographer and explorer.
The Aurora voyage will venture below the Antarctic Circle to explore the western peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
As Dr Earle so poignantly says: “Our goal is literally to inspire a network of hope — one place, one community, one vision at a time — but together around the world.”
EXPEDITION CRUISES
Aqua Expeditions
Aurora Expeditions
Chimu Adventures
Heritage Expeditions
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
Kimberley Quest
Pearl Expeditions
Ponant
Quark
Scenic
Seabourn
Silversea
Swan Hellenic
Terra Nova
Viking
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails