Expedition cruising is for travellers who want to explore the edges of the world. These voyages take you to destinations few ever see - Antarctica’s icy wilderness, the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands, or the remote Arctic coastlines of Greenland. Purpose-built ships, small groups, and expert-led excursions mean you can venture safely and responsibly, often by Zodiac, kayak, or on foot.

What sets expedition cruising apart is the depth and intimacy of the experience. You may watch penguins porpoising beside your ship, step onto untouched ice, or hear first-hand from onboard scientists and naturalists who reveal the secrets of these extraordinary environments. Every day brings unique encounters with nature and culture, making it immersive, educational, and profoundly moving — a journey that changes the way you see the planet.

Top Picks

Below you will find three of my top picks in the following categories:

• 3–4★ Larger Expedition Ships: Comfortable vessels with excellent itineraries for first-time expedition travellers.

• Family-Friendly Expeditions: Engaging activities and wildlife encounters suitable for children and teens.

• 5★ Luxury Expeditions: Exceptional service, expert-led excursions, and immersive experiences in some of the world’s most remote destinations.

4★ Expedition Ships

Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North ❄️🧊

• November 24 – December 3, 2026 ** Ask me about alternative dates and prices

• From $13,873 USD (was $17,090 USD) — approx. AU$22,400*

• Includes charter flight & hotel

*AUD conversion is approximate and subject to currency fluctuations.

Step into the ultimate bucket-list adventure and witness the world’s last great wilderness: Antarctica. Imagine towering icebergs sculpted by millennia of wind and water, penguins waddling along pristine beaches, and whales breaching in the frigid Southern Ocean. This isn’t just a cruise — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the edge of the world, where every moment is a story waiting to be told.

Sail aboard the Ocean Explorer, a purpose-built expedition ship designed for comfort, safety, and unparalleled access to the polar landscape. With expert Expedition Leaders guiding you through each icy fjord and glacial cove, you’ll go beyond sightseeing to truly explore: hike on glaciers, cruise among icebergs, and experience Antarctica in ways few ever will. Every penguin colony, every seal haul-out, every iceberg is an intimate encounter with a world untouched by time.

Itinerary highlights:

• 📍 Ushuaia, Argentina – Embark from the southernmost city in the world, the gateway to Antarctica, surrounded by jagged peaks and the Beagle Channel.

• 🌊 Drake Passage – Brave one of the most legendary and wild stretches of ocean on the planet.

• 🐧 South Shetland Islands – Walk among penguin colonies, seals, and seabirds in this untouched polar wilderness.

• ❄️ Antarctic Peninsula – Witness towering glaciers, icebergs, and majestic Antarctic landscapes in their full glory.

• ✈️ Punta Arenas, Chile – Conclude your adventure with a smooth flight back after an epic exploration of the White Continent.

  
  

What’s included:

• Expert-led expeditions with world-class guides

• Adventure-packed off-ship activities like zodiac cruises and wildlife encounters

• Premium dining and comfortable cabins with panoramic views

• Complimentary Wi-Fi, alcohol, and your official Quark parka to take home

• Select voyages include transfers and accommodation for seamless travel

  
  

This is not your average cruise — it’s an expedition of a lifetime, a journey to the ends of the Earth, and a story you’ll tell forever. 🌟

Book now and secure your place on the ultimate Antarctic adventure.

Family-Friendly Expeditions

🐢 Discover the Galápagos: A Family Adventure Like No Other

Galápagos Escape

From A$8,678 per person (Save A$964, was A$9,642)

• Duration: 7–8 Days

• Ships: National Geographic Islander II | National Geographic Gemini

• Departs: Year-round from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

Few destinations capture the imagination quite like the Galápagos Islands, where wildlife roams freely and every day brings new discoveries. On this National Geographic-Lindblad expedition, families can sail among the archipelago’s stunning landscapes to encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful penguins, and curious sea lions, all unfazed by your presence. With multiple ways to explore both on land and at sea—from hikes and photo walks to kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding—each day is a hands-on adventure guided by expert local naturalists.

Whether paddling alongside sea turtles, hiking black-sand beaches, or snorkeling over coral reefs teeming with marine life, this is a voyage that turns curiosity into discovery for every family member. And with National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, kids and teens have their own interactive program to learn about iguanas, tortoises, penguins, and the fragile ecosystems of the islands, ensuring engaging, educational fun at every turn.

Why Sail with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions?

• Family-friendly expedition ships: Intimate vessels like the National Geographic Islander II and the new National Geographic Gemini offer maximum comfort with access to all decks.

• Learn from the experts: Veteran expedition teams, naturalists, and field staff provide insights into the Galápagos’ extraordinary wildlife, geology, and history.

• Hands-on adventure: Hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding every day, with multiple options to suit all ages and activity levels.

• Flexible itineraries: Departures year-round with 7–8 day voyages, starting in Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, plus options for post-expedition extensions or back-to-back voyages to explore more islands.

• Exclusive family program: Explorers-in-Training gives kids and teens a chance to engage with nature in meaningful ways, making this an expedition everyone in the family will remember.

  
  

Step aboard and let your family explore the wildlife and wonders that inspired Darwin, snorkel among playful sea lions, and hike through landscapes found nowhere else on Earth. Every day is a new adventure waiting to be discovered.

🌟 Book your family expedition today and create memories that will last a lifetime!

5★ Luxury Expeditions

❄️✨ Seabourn Pursuit: Antarctica, Chilean Fjords, Easter & Pitcairn Islands

44 Days • 13 Mar – 26 Apr 2027

Veranda Suite From AU$52,699pp 🛳

Experience the ultimate expedition of a lifetime with Seabourn — where remote ice realms , ancient mysteries and secluded tropical paradises unfold in one epic voyage. From the icy cathedral of Antarctica’s wild frontiers to the whispering winds of Cape Horn; from the surreal stone sentinels of Easter Island to the hidden charms of the Pitcairn Islands and on to the turquoise horizons of French Polynesia — this is exploration at its most extraordinary. Every day presents a new wonder, a new possibility, a chance to witness places few travellers ever see.

Seabourn Pursuit delivers this rare journey in signature ultra‑luxury style — intimate, all‑suite comfort with personal verandas, intuitive service, world‑class dining, premium spirits and champagne on arrival… and right now, exceptional savings make this incomparable experience even more rewarding. With premium inclusions, enrichment opportunities and Seabourn’s bespoke expedition team guiding every moment, this is more than travel — it’s a profound adventure curated for discerning explorers.

📍 Unmatched Itinerary Highlights

Days 0–1 | Buenos Aires, Argentina Begin in this vibrant city of European elegance and Latin passion 💃 — a cultured starting point before true wilderness calls.

Day 1 | Ushuaia, Argentina ❄️“The End of the World” — rugged, beautiful Ushuaia sits at the edge of civilisation; the gateway to polar realms.

Days 2–3 | At Sea Transition south with onboard enrichment as ice draws nearer.

Days 4–8 | Antarctica Venture into glacial cathedrals and icy waterways — Zodiac cruises , wildlife encounters and tailor‑made exploration days guided by expert naturalists.

Days 9–10 | At Sea Reflect on Antarctic wonders and prepare for South American fjords.

Day 11 | Ushuaia (Return Stop) Optional excursions into Tierra del Fuego National Park and regional heritage.

Day 12 | Puerto Williams, Chile

Discover this windswept outpost framed by the majestic Dientes de Navarino mountains.

Day 13 | Cape Horn, Chile Stand at this legendary nautical milestone where oceans meet and legends were born.

Days 14–15 | Patagonian Fjords, Chile ❄️Navigate glacier‑carved channels, witness the colossal Pío XI Glacier and encounter sea lions, penguins and soaring condors amid emerald forests and granite walls.

Days 16–24 | At Sea Cross the South Pacific in comfort — gourmet meals, lectures, stargazing and scenic tranquility.

Days 25–27 | Easter Island, Chile Immerse in the enigmatic moai and living Polynesian culture on this remote cultural treasure.

Days 28–32 | Pitcairn Islands Step ashore one of the most isolated communities on Earth — lush landscapes, historic mutineer lore and pure solitude.

Days 33–44 | French Polynesia Finish in tropical paradise — Tahiti and idyllic islands with crystal waters, coral lagoons and sunset serenity.

🚢 Why Sail with Seabourn Pursuit?

• Ultra‑luxury, yacht‑like experience with all ocean‑front suites — most with private verandas

• Personalized service with an unmatched crew‑to‑guest ratio

• World‑class dining, complimentary caviar, premium wines & spirits

• Optional Ventures by Seabourn® for immersive Zodiac, kayak & nature excursions

• Seabourn Conversations and enrichment programs

• Unlimited Wi‑Fi (Starlink), curated entertainment & signature events

• Tipping neither required nor expected

• Commitment to environmental stewardship

Sail beyond the ordinary — from polar ice ❄️ to Pacific paradise 🌴 in the unrivalled comfort of Seabourn Pursuit.

Voyage to Indonesia: Dragons, Reefs & the Spice Islands – with Smithsonian Journeys 🌏

Dates: 15–26 May 2027 | From: AU$12,770

Ponant Bonus: Up to 20% off selected cruises

Set sail on the 12-day expedition aboard Le Jacques Cartier, exploring the hidden wonders of eastern Indonesia and northern Australia. From the white-sand beaches of Bali to the remote Kei Islands, this voyage blends adventure, culture, and luxury with the expertise of Smithsonian Journeys. Every day brings a new discovery, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to thriving coral reefs in the heart of the Coral Triangle.

Why Sail with Ponant?

• Intimate luxury ships offering a private-yacht atmosphere and personalized service

• Expert-led expedition team, including glaciologists, ethnologists, and marine biologists

• Zodiac landings and immersive shore excursions, allowing you to experience local culture and wildlife up close

• Smithsonian Journeys partnership, featuring onboard talks and discussions by world-class experts

• All-inclusive experiences, including transfers, guided excursions, and enrichment programs designed for English-speaking travelers

  
  

Highlights of the Expedition

⭐Bali (Benoa): Begin your journey on the “Island of Gods,” exploring pristine beaches, terraced rice paddies, and iconic Hindu temples.

⭐Sumbawa (Badas): Visit Pamulung Village for traditional rice pounding, weaving, and witness a buffalo race in honour of your arrival.

⭐Komodo National Park: Encounter the legendary Komodo dragons amid volcanic landscapes and turquoise waters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

⭐Flores (Maumere): Explore tribal villages, local markets, and experience the ancient traditions of the island’s communities.

⭐Alor & Barat Daya Islands: Discover preserved nature, coral reefs, and the unique architecture and ceremonies of indigenous peoples.

⭐Banda Neira & Mommon: Trace the fascinating history of the “Spice Islands,” from colonial architecture to vibrant local markets, and enjoy snorkeling at the pristine Kitikiti Waterfall.

⭐Triton Bay, West Papua: Navigate the Bird’s Head Seascape by Zodiac, encountering unparalleled marine biodiversity in one of the world’s richest coral reef systems.

⭐Kei Islands: End your journey on secluded white-sand beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and engaging with the deeply hospitable local communities.

The Ponant Experience

From the moment you step aboard Le Jacques Cartier, every detail is curated for comfort and discovery. Enjoy gourmet dining, enrichment programs, and expert-led excursions, all while sailing aboard an intimate, luxurious vessel designed for exploration. This expedition allows you to engage with the sights, sounds, tastes, and traditions of Indonesia and northern Australia like never before.

Embark from Benoa, Bali and disembark in Darwin, on a journey that blends natural wonders, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences — all with the Ponant commitment to luxury and discovery.

Secure your place on this unforgettable journey and discover the magic of Indonesia like never before – book your adventure with Ponant today!

📧 Email: jwilliams@mtatravel.com.au

 📞 Call or text: 0413 571 735