Expedition Cruises and Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

In addition to river cruises and small ship cruises, there are several smaller ship cruise products that usually specialize in expedition cruises, or off-the-beaten-path itineraries.

It's impossible to provide a "one size fits all" description for expedition cruises -- there are simply too many different types and varieties of products that can fall into this category. And while they are not the same as expedition cruises, we also include here some unique cruises we label as "off the beaten path."

Usually, an expedition cruise foregoes some of the niceties of ocean cruise ships. It would be unusual to find some amenities like casinos and Broadway-style shows onboard an expedition cruise, or extensive spa facilities. But that's not to say one has to give up basic comforts or good cuisine on an expedition cruise.

In fact, some of the newer expedition ships are quite luxurious. Luxury Silversea Sea Cruises is entering the market with the upscale expedition ship, Prince Albert II.

Some expedition cruise companies or those purveying the off-beat offer worldwide itineraries, including Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyages) and pioneering Lindblad Expeditions, as well a Silversea's Prince Albert II. 

Others specialize in select corners of the planet, including Orion Expedition Cruises in the South Pacific, Aqua Expeditions on Peru's upper Amazon, the Grand Iberostar Grand Amazon on Brazil's Rio Negro and Solimoes rivers, and Pandaw Cruises on the Mekong and Iriwaddy rivers.

One expedition cruising destination growing in interest with discerning travelers is Antarctica, and there are several companies that offer Antarctica cruises seasonally (December - February).

For more information on expedition cruises, or off- the-beaten-path cruising, contact one of our small ship specialists or luxury cruise experts for more information on these choice offerings.