Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Iinterest in campaign Cruising This is growing as curious travelers seek more educational experiences at sea.
The purpose of an expedition cruise is to foster your sense of curiosity and help you discover new experiences. You might meet penguins when you explore Antarctica or see unique wildlife on the Galapagos Islands.
Expedition cruise ships tend to be smaller, with a focus on expert talks and excursions rather than West End-style shows and waterslides.
You’ll still find bars and restaurants on board, as well as pools, hot tubs, and even spas so you can relax after a day exploring.
Research from Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) shows that the fastest growing regions for sales to members this year were Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galapagos Islands. Other popular areas include the Indian Ocean and the Amazon River.
The fare may be more expensive than a standard cruise, but many trips will be bucket list trips worth saving up for. Some prices may also include flights, tips and drinks.
Here are some of the top expedition cruises to satisfy your curiosity in 2026.
Read more: Best cruise deals for 2026
HX Expeditions: Antarctica highlights
route: Buenos Aries – Ushuaia – Drake Passage – Ushuaia – Buenos Aries
This 12 day Antarctica cruise hx campaign Start with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before flying to Ushuaia, where your journey begins.
Highlights include sailing through the Drake Passage as well as opportunities for ice landings, small boat cruises, kayaking and snowshoeing.
Onboard, guests can participate in scientific activities and lectures related to the area, or simply relax in the bar and restaurant and watch the glaciers and icebergs float by.
Departing on 17 February 2026. From £7,290pp.
Bark Europa: Chile Channel
route: Ushuaia – Puerto Williams – Chile Channel – Valparaíso
Discover the labyrinth of fjords, islands and inland waterways as you sail through Chile’s coastal channels aboard the tall ship Barque Europa during this 29-day coastal voyage.
Watch out for whales and dolphins as you sail from Ushuaia in Argentina to Valparaiso in Chile as the landscape changes from glaciers to rainforests.
With capacity for only 49 guests, this is the ultimate intensive sailing.
Onboard, you can set sail, learn to tie knots and listen to astronomy and oceanography lectures before preparing for a guided hike on land.
Departing on 18 March 2026. From £4,610pp.
Silversea: Luxury Arctic
route: Longyearbyen – Svalbard Northern Area – Svalbard Southern Area – Longyearbyen
Experience the midnight sun and amazing views svalbard During a one-week luxury expedition silversea,
The remote Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean is the midpoint between mainland Norway and the North Pole.
You’re more likely to see polar bears, walruses and seals than people as you explore the unique remote landscape onboard. silver attempt – One of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea.
Guests can join hiking, zodiac rides and glacier expeditions to get closer to the scenery and wildlife.
With capacity for approximately 200 guests, the luxury all-suite ship offers an attentive crew at a nearly one-to-one ratio, as well as plenty of public space for in-depth lectures and relaxing, including a spa and fine dining restaurant.
Departing on 13 June 2026. From £7,940pp.
Read more: The seven best places you can reach on Eurostar from London
Polar Latitude: Greenland Explorer
route: Iceland
Follow the ancient Norse sea route from Reykjavik greenland To see magical swords and glaciers – and maybe even the northern lights.
This 11-night cruise along polar latitudes explores the Tunumiit culture in Tasiilaq and Kuummiut, and visits the haunting abandoned military post of Ikatek, as well as the snow-filled Sermilik Fjord.
Other stops include Nuuk, Greenland’s colorful capital, where traditional houses stand next to modern glass towers.
sailing on ocean victory, Guests can soak up the views from the onboard hot tub or enjoy the gym and spa facilities.
Departing on 15 August 2026. From £5,390pp.
Lindblad Expedition: Exploring the Galapagos
route: Quito – Galapagos Islands – Quito
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and get up close to the incredible wildlife and natural history of the Galapagos Islands.
sailing with Lindblad campaignThis expedition cruise begins in Quito where you fly to Baltra Island for a 10-day voyage of discovery to meet giant tortoises, blue-footed booby birds, playful penguins and sea lions, and more.
Experts onboard will guide you around the area as well as offer you the chance to drop anchor and meet underwater marine life in the crystal clear waters.
Departing on 6 February 2026. From £4,242pp.
Aqua Campaign: Amazon River
route: Iquitos – Yanayacu Yacapana – Clavero Lake – Nauta Town – Marañon River – Samiria River – Nauta Caño River – Iquitos
Dive deep into the legendary Amazon rainforest River Cruise From Aqua Campaigns.
On a seven-day sailing with the luxury brand around the Peruvian part of the famous river, guests can enjoy expert-led excursions to spot rare wildlife including pink dolphins, spider monkeys and sloths.
You can also relax in the spa, gym or movie room in the 20-suite black aqua or 16-suit Aria Amazon.
Departing June 20, 2026. From £8,442 per person.
Read more: best bucket list cruises