Expedition Cruises: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure Cruises

It used to be expedition cruise ships would forego some of the comforts and luxuries of ocean cruise ships. But that's changing with the times, though it's unlikely you'll find Broadway-style shows onboard an expedition cruise or adventure cruise.

But that's not to suggest one has to give up comforts or good cuisine on an expedition cruise. Not at all! Some of these newer expedition cruise ships are quite luxurious. Extensive spa facilities are also rare, though more upscale expedition cruises include them.

Some of the new luxury expedition ships include Silversea's Prince Albert II, the m.v. Le Boreal, Celebrity Xpeditions in the Galapagos, and Orion Expedition Cruises offer spa services onboard.

Some expedition cruises purveying the off-beat offer worldwide itineraries, include Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyages), pioneering Lindblad Expeditions, and Silversea's Prince Albert II.

Other small ships operate expedition cruises and specialize in select corners of the planet, including Orion Expedition Cruises in the South Pacific & Southeast Asia, or Celebrity Xpeditions in the Galapagos.

While not expedition cruise ships, some "off the beaten path" river cruises include Aqua Expeditions on Peru's upper Amazon, the Grand Iberostar Grand Amazon on Brazil's Rio Negro and Solimoes rivers. Skoprios Cruises operates a small cruise ship in the Chilean Patagonia.

In SE Asia AMA Waterways, Pandaw Cruises and Heritage Line's new Javayarman operate adventure cruises on Asia's Mekong River. Pandow and Orient Express also have cruises on Myanmar's Iriwaddy River. Read more about river cruises.

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

The newest luxury entry here is 'Le Boreal,' which features elegant design and innovative state-of-the-art marine technology. The vessel offers a single seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theater.

For more information on expedition cruise deals, or off- the-beaten-path adventure cruises, contact one of our small ship specialists or luxury cruise experts for more information on these choice offerings, or call us at 1-888-779-7447.