If you’ve been on a river cruise or an African safari, you could be the perfect candidate for an expedition cruise. The former are two types of journeys with similar qualities to expedition cruises: they are rich with opportunities to interact with local people or view wildlife, offer engaging discussions and interactions with experts, and they travel to unique destinations where larger ships cannot go.
Cruise Specialists works with a number of very experienced, carefully-vetted expedition cruise companies to craft thrilling, memory-making vacations. And yes, although expeditionary in nature, they are often quite luxurious, ensuring you are eating well, resting up and having fun – setting the stage for a perfect day of exploring.
Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic
A group of eight Cruise Specialists clients recently returned from an Antarctic expedition with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic, arranged by our Cruise Consultant LynnDee King. Client Pei Tang, along with clients Myra and Dan, all came back with stunning images – and looked great in their complimentary parkas from Lindblad, to boot. Lindblad features National Geographic photographers aboard every departure of National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion, as well as select departures fleetwide, ready to help you achieve the best photos of your life.
Tauck
Cruise Consultant Gillian Clark traveled to Antarctica with Tauck several years ago, and we can tell you that any of our clients who travel with Tauck come back as thrilled as Gillian did. Tauck’s service is unmatched and Gillian described the destination this way. “Approaching Antarctica, when you see your first tabular iceberg – it’s like Alaska glaciers to the nth degree.”
Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions continues our polar theme. Over the past quarter-century, Quark has developed a team dedicated to sharing their knowledge and providing you with experiences that others can’t. Quark operates a fleet of small expedition ships and authentic icebreakers, each carrying fewer than 200 passengers. Their newest ship, World Explorer, launching in December 2018, is Quark’s first all-suite, all-balcony, hybrid polar expedition ship – featuring an abundance of public space for wildlife viewing and relaxation.
Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten parlays its 125 years of experience and diverse fleet to offer you breathtaking, nature-based experiences in remote corners of the world. Connect with your inner explorer while tracing the footsteps of the great explorers of the past. While they are best known for expeditions in Norway and the polar regions, Hurtigruten offers cruises in many places around the globe – including North and South America.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
This August, we’ll see the introduction of Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yacht. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, you’ll travel in six-star luxury and enjoy world-class innovation. Scenic’s Discovery Leaders are experts in their field, covering a range of subjects and interests, including a full complement of dedicated Arctic and Antarctic team members. For an additional fee, Scenic’s Sixth Star helicopter and seven-seat submarine will provide more ways to explore the world’s delights and mysteries.
Abercrombie & Kent
These spectacular expedition cruises prove luxury and adventure can indeed to hand in hand. Whether you desire to step foot on Antarctica, delve deep into Japan’s culture, forge the Northwest Passage, discover Australia’s Kimberley, or uncover the hidden treasures of Greece, Abercrombie & Kent has you covered. Throughout, you’ll be treated to impeccable attention that transforms your journey into a true luxury experience.
Crystal Cruises – Crystal Endeavor
Crystal Cruises continues to move ahead with its next level of exploration as it builds Crystal Endeavor, set to debut in 2020. The ship will be the largest and most spacious purpose-built Polar Class ship and will feature Crystal’s celebrated service and hospitality.
Aqua Expeditions
Specializing in in-depth explorations of the Peruvian Amazon and the Mekong, travel with professional naturalist guides, enjoy first-hand encounters with native wildlife, and participate in enlightening visits to local communities. The eco-friendly river ships feature boutique hotel sophistication, luxurious suites, gourmet cuisine, generously-sized lounges and outdoor observation decks.
Zegrahm Expeditions
We recently received an email from one of our repeat expedition clients, Mary, who books with our own Sharon Whiting. Mary’s email came in the midst of a Zegrahm Expedition in the South Pacific, saying, “The trip is going marvelously. I did one dive on the Great Barrier Reef, and I’m looking forward to the next one today in Papua New Guinea. Zegrahm’s expedition staff is outstanding – so knowledgeable, helpful and informative, and the ship staff is great, too. Thanks for taking care of all the arrangements!”
As Cruise Consultant Gillian sums it up, “If you are curious and have a desire to see wildlife, I recommend a small ship expedition. It really can’t be beaten, because it is such an up close and personal experience.” Expedition cruises sell out quickly, so it’s best to contact us soon to start planning.
