How Expedition Cruising Has Evolved Beyond the Ultra-Adventurous

A Deepak Chopra-themed expedition cruise focused on holistic well-being?

Believe it or not, this is just one of many similar voyages available on expedition vessels these days. From culinary and photography cruises to wildlife and golf experiences, expedition brands are expanding offerings, giving cruisers the opportunity to enjoy some of the newest ships, without having to don a parka and brave a Zodiac ride.

That’s right: The tide has turned. Clients need not be a veritable Ernest Shackleton, exerting themselves daily, to enjoy an expedition cruise. Nor do they need to travel to extreme climates.

All they need is an open mind and a healthy sense of curiosity.

In fact, a recent survey from Allianz Partners USA reports that 35% of travel advisors are seeing a greater interest in cultural-related themed cruises than in previous years, including those with an emphasis on immersion and exploration.

The desire for alternative expedition cruises is growing, clearly, and there are plenty of brands at the forefront of this trend, ready to show all types of travelers a different side of expedition cruising.

A Breadth of Choices

To understand just how varied alternative expedition cruising can be, travel advisors and their clients can peruse a line like Ponant’s extensive list of available themes. There’s music, gastronomy and wine, media, art and museums, theater and literature, wellness, golf and even Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution. This collaboration between Smithsonian Journeys and Ponant promises to “embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment and wildlife,” according to the line.

HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is on the same page. The newly rebranded line, which has developed itineraries for more than a century following its first expedition cruise in 1896, believes more in making authentic connections than offering adventure just for adventure’s sake.

For us, expedition cruising isn’t just about exploring the untouched corners of our planet; it’s about immersive experiences that enrich and educate.

“For us, expedition cruising isn’t just about exploring the untouched corners of our planet; it’s about immersive experiences that enrich and educate,” said Alex McNeil, senior vice president of the expeditions product and guest experience for HX. “There’s a growing demand from travelers for authentic and meaningful engagement with the places they visit. We’re increasingly focused on connecting with local communities to better understand their culture and traditions, aiming to provide a transformative experience.”

Taking inspiration from “friluftsliv,” a concept intrinsic to Norwegian culture that revolves around a passion for a simple life in nature, HX’s Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition Under the Northern Lights itinerary is designed to allow travelers to partake in Norwegian-style living. Highlights include nature walks and polar plunges, as well as the relaxed indulgences of Scandinavian saunas and bonfires.

Cultural Expeditions 

Atlas Ocean Voyages offers cultural and epicurean expeditions beyond its polar adventures, with experiences that include everything from pasta-making and food and wine pairings to navigational astronomy. Its cultural journeys in South America and Northern Europe, for example, range from exploring the captivating ruins of Peru’s Machu Picchu to unveiling the artistic heritage of Copenhagen.

“On Cultural Expeditions, we are excited to introduce a unique mix of immersive onboard and shoreside experiences, where guests can gain insights from experts to further enrich their expedition,” said James A. Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages.

On Cultural Expeditions, we are excited to introduce a unique mix of immersive onboard and shoreside experiences, where guests can gain insights from experts to further enrich their expedition.

Clients can expect drone and photo workshops, as well as educational lectures from destination experts.

Additionally, trips to Iceland, Ireland, Norway and the Canary Islands feature the chance to capture exciting aerial imagery of dunes and volcanoes via first-person-view goggles. Meanwhile, experts in the fields of navigational astronomy, forensic science, nature conservation, medical microbiology and even economics and trade will be on hand to offer guests insights of a different kind.

Not unlike Ponant’s partnership with the Smithsonian, Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic offers immersive alternative expedition sailings with the namesake exploration society. The brand’s National Geographic Orion has itineraries that include discovering the rites and relics of Fiji in Oceania and cruising the Greek Isles to learn about the destination’s ancient history and mythology.

“Our purpose-built fleet sails well beyond the icy waters of the poles to more than 120 countries and territories on all seven continents across our more than 170 unique itineraries,” said Noah Brodsky, chief commercial officer for Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic.

“We have something for everyone, from globe-trekkers looking to get mud on their boots to forever students hoping to immerse themselves in cultures at the corners of the world.”

Closer to Home 

When considering a cultural expedition cruise, don’t overlook those closer to home. For instance, Lindblad navigates Alaska and Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, and Ponant travels to the Great Lakes, as does Viking.

“As with all our itineraries around the world, our itineraries in the Great Lakes continue to highlight Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences,” said Richard Marnell, executive vice president of marketing for Viking. “It is what we call ‘The Viking Way’ of exploration.”

An example of a Viking Local Life experience is learning about the important trade route of the Indigenous Anishinaabe people in Canada’s Georgian Bay. Meanwhile, a Working World experience may involve joining a regional fisherman in Thunder Bay, Canada, and cooking a fresh catch.

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And the line’s Privileged Access experiences extend to exclusive shore excursions, such as afternoon tea at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel in Michigan.

For those wishing to at least dip a toe in more adventurous waters, the above activities are in addition to Viking’s typical expeditionary offerings, which include Zodiac rides to help the expedition team scientists study phytoplankton as it relates to the lakes’ ecosystem; or, in Canada, kayaking in Silver Islet or sub diving in Fathom Five National Marine Park. 

“While the polar regions have always been a draw for intrepid travelers, the Great Lakes are an undiscovered treasure rich with opportunity for curious explorers,” Marnell said.

Culinary Expeditions

If there’s one aspect of cultural cruises that can bring everyone together, it’s surely food. That’s why UnCruise Adventures spotlights locally sourced and sustainable farm-to-table ingredients on its voyages, including those to Alaska and Baja California, Mexico.

“This approach creates a truly immersive culinary journey, reflecting the unique regions visited by UnCruise, and is sure to appeal to clients seeking an authentic experience,” said Julie Quarry, director of outside sales for UnCruise. “UnCruise believes the essence of exploration extends to the plates served on its small ships.”

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Swan Hellenic and Atlas Ocean Voyages also emphasize culinary experiences on their cruises.

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Scenic’s new Tastes of Discovery series along the Brazilian coastline will showcase creations from Tom Goetter of “Top Chef: World All-Stars” and Michelin star-recognized and “Top Chef Mexico” finalist chef Gabriel Rodriguez, along with meet-and-greet opportunities, cooking challenges and other custom dining experiences.

Meanwhile, Swan Hellenic’s Maris: Culinary Discovery at Sea series showcases a different JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs gourmet chef on each cruise. The organization brings its acclaimed international gastronomic expertise onboard with Michelin-star names such as Edwin Soumang from the Netherlands, Michael Ammon and Andreas Hillejan from Germany, Clement Bidard from France and Luca Marchini from Italy.

Since 2023, Atlas Ocean Voyages, too, has gathered foodie clients, celebrity chefs and culinary experts together in the Mediterranean. For 2024, the line is partnering with culinary school Academia Barilla to deliver genuine Italian excellence and what it calls “pasta immersion” on select sailings.

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“We are excited to collaborate with Academia Barilla to offer our guests an unparalleled culinary experience,” said Rodriguez of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “This unique partnership underscores our commitment to elevating our Epicurean Expeditions programming and providing unforgettable journeys for our guests.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ guests will also have the chance to attend an array of cooking classes, dining events and special meals, as well as learn from experts such as Martin Gimenez Castro, winner of “Top Chef Poland;” Stephan Pyles, considered a founding father of Southwestern cuisine; and Food Network star Chef Plum.

Health and Wellness 

Don’t think we forgot about that Deepak Chopra cruise: Swan Hellenic’s Explore & Restore sailings feature a partnership with the renowned author and pioneer of the integrative medicine and personal transformation movement. The cruises, which sail to the Mediterranean, South Africa, the Caribbean and Brazil through this fall, focus on inward reflection onboard and onshore, with activities such as daily yoga, meditation sessions, breath work, group connections, self-discovery workshops, other self-care practices and Ayurveda-inspired meals.

Brands such as Atlas Ocean Voyages are also focused on wellness outside of cultural and culinary itineraries.

Atlas offers healthier vegan options for breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard, for example, as well as a fully equipped fitness center and its signature Sea-Spa by L’Occitane. The French luxury retailer-branded facility can provide treatments such as an anti-aging Immortelle Divine Secret facial, or a Sleep & Reset Massage, proven by the European Sleep Center to effectively improve sleep quality.

With so many options to choose from, cruisers can experience a new side of expedition cruising that also fits their interests — and an adventure that doesn’t involve grueling exertion or traveling to the poles (unless they so choose, of course).