Small Ship Expedition Cruises

SMALL-SHIP CRUISES

Our small ship cruising programs allow you to experience the best of the natural world, while enjoying the comforts of our friendly floating hotel.  The ship generally moves during the night, so every morning you awake to new vistas and discoveries.  Every day we offer a combination of interesting shore excursions and fun shipboard activities.  You can choose which elements of the program you want to participate in.

hiking in the Arctic, expedition cruise

RESOURCE STAFF

On-board we have an amazing resource staff that will give informative lectures on the ship and provide expertise during shore visits. Travelling with you will include geologists, archeologists, authors, aboriginal culturalists, birders, naturalists and musicians.  You will learn first-hand about the wildlife, the geology of the stunning landscape and deep fjords, and will hear first-hand stories from the Indigeneous people who live in these diverse landscapes.

Experienced guides, expedition cruise

ON-SHORE EXPLORATION

The point of expedition cruises is to explore the surrounding landscape. Sometimes we will have dry-dock landings and other times we will reach shore via zodiacs. Our onboard specialists will join us on these shore excursions to provide interpretation and narration to these wonderful landscapes and experiences. 

We provide a variety of activities for all levels, from those that want a gentle shoreline stroll or walk through town to those that want a more vigorous hike to the ridgeline.

Greenland icecap, expedition cruise

ZODIACS

Small ships have the ability to land virtually anywhere using zodiacs, providing excellent opportunities for exploration.  Our excursions onshore will involve a relatively low level of exertion, but you will need a reasonable level of mobility to get up and down the gangway and climb into and out of Zodiacs (with assistance).  Some of our shore landings will be ‘wet’, requiring waterproof boots.  Once you have left the zodiac, you’ll find our shore excursions accommodate both those who wish to enjoy a gentle stroll and those who prefer more active hikes.

zodiac cruise in the Canadian arctic

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Our expedition cruises are an intimate and wonderful way to learn about and experience remote parts of the world. Expedition cruises are different from other cruise experiences in that they allow you to experience the land and people in a connected, meaningful way.

They share stories, traditions, and you can sample traditional food from the regions.

Experience Greenland, traditional costumes

ART & CULTURE

On many of our tours we will try and incorporate art culture by visiting museums, carvers, or print-makers.

Cape Dorset print making

WILDLIFE VIEWING

From the ship and from shore, we will always be on the lookout for wildlife and we will do our best to share our sightings with you. Depending on the trip you take, you may expect to see polar bears, whales, and of course bird sightings.

polar bears from expedition cruise ship

PHOTOGRAPHY

On many of our trips we bring along a professional photography that can assist you in your photography.

Photograph the arctic

YOGA & SPA

The expedition cruise ships are equipped with a sauna and indoor workout facilities. There is also a spa and massage therapist onboard. On some trips we will have yoga sessions indoors or on the ship’s deck when possible.

yoga and wellness, expedition cruise, arctic

PRESENTATIONS & MUSIC

Each evening we will gather in the lounge to recount the day’s events and share memorable stories.  Our onboard musician will provide some lively entertainment during happy hour and the expedition leader will outline the following day’s schedule.

presentations and lectures, expedition cruise ship

POLAR PLUNGE

For the more adventurous traveller, you might enjoy partaking in the polar plunge. While this isn’t for everyone, it is always fun to watch.

polar plunge, swim in the arctic

COSTUMES & DANCE PARTIES

We like to have fun on our voyages, so you can expect the occasional silliness and dance party.

having fun on expedition cruise

LEISURE TIME

While the ship is underway, we like to keep you busy with lectures and entertainment.  However, this can also be a wonderful time to join a naturalist on deck, take photos of the stunning scenery, or get caught up on some reading in the library. A Shirley temple in the hot tub can also be a fun way to pass time.

hot tub expedition cruise ship

ON THE SHIP

While on the ship, you will enjoy fabulous meals in the dining room and occasionally on the deck when weather permits. You will be able to take in the daily lectures provided by our resources staff. Or perhaps you will choose to have some relaxation time and visit the spa/sauna. The programming is diverse and you can choose which parts you want to participate in.

Our Ships

dining on deck of expedition cruise ship