Forget the floating city. The most exciting way to cruise today is aboard a small ship, with fewer guests, an onboard team of naturalists and scientists, and itineraries that reach places big ships simply can’t.
Luxury expedition cruises
Luxury expedition cruises combine five-star comfort with real adventure, and they are fast becoming a favourite with women who want to travel deeper. Here are the voyages worth adding to your list.
Why women love luxury expedition cruises
Expedition cruising suits women travelling solo, with friends or with a partner. Everything is organised, from Zodiac landings to guided walks, so you can relax and simply enjoy the experience. Small ships make it easy to meet like-minded travellers, and lectures from the expedition team mean you come home knowing far more about the places you’ve seen.
1. The Kimberley, Western Australia
Australia’s last great wilderness is best explored by sea. Small ships thread between ancient sandstone gorges, waterfalls and reefs, with stops for rock art sites and remote beaches. Highlights include the Horizontal Falls, King George Falls and the tidal spectacle of Montgomery Reef.
When to go: the dry season, roughly April to September. Early-season voyages see the waterfalls at their most powerful.
2. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat, in West Papua, sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle and has some of the richest marine life on Earth. Snorkelling and diving here are extraordinary, and the limestone islands are breathtaking from the deck. Read our story on living like Victoria Beckham on board the Paspaley Pearl in Raja Ampat.
3. Antarctica
For many travellers, Antarctica is the ultimate expedition. Most voyages depart from Ushuaia in Argentina and cross the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, where days are spent landing by Zodiac among penguin colonies and cruising past icebergs and whales. Smaller ships are a real advantage here, because strict guidelines limit how many people can be ashore at one time.
When to go: November to March, during the southern summer.
4. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The islands that inspired Charles Darwin are home to giant tortoises, marine iguanas and sea lions that seem completely unafraid of people. Visits are tightly managed by the national park, and small expedition ships with naturalist guides are the best way to explore the different islands.
5. Norway and Svalbard
Norway’s fjords are spectacular year-round, with the midnight sun in summer and the chance to see the northern lights in winter. Further north, summer voyages to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard offer the chance to see polar bears, walruses and vast glaciers.
How to choose the right expedition cruise
- Ship size: the smaller the ship, the more time you’ll typically spend ashore and the more remote the places you can reach.
- The expedition team: look for lines with experienced naturalists, scientists and guides, and ask about the onboard lecture program.
- Inclusions: many luxury lines include drinks, excursions, gratuities and gear such as parkas and boots, so compare the full price rather than the headline fare.
- Travelling solo: some lines reduce or waive the single supplement on selected departures, so ask before you book.
- Sustainability: choose operators that are investing in cleaner ships and supporting science. Read our interview with Dr Verena Meraldi on the science charting a greener future.
What to pack
Layers are essential, even in the tropics, along with good walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag for Zodiac landings. For a stylish edit, see our guide to 11 stylish buys to pack for a luxury expedition cruise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a luxury cruise and an expedition cruise?
A traditional luxury cruise focuses on the ship and its ports. An expedition cruise focuses on the destination, using small ships, Zodiacs and expert guides to reach remote places. Luxury expedition cruises combine both.
Are expedition cruises good for solo female travellers?
Yes. Small ships, organised activities and shared dining make it easy to meet people, and many lines offer solo cabins or reduced single supplements.
When is the best time to cruise the Kimberley?
The dry season, from roughly April to September, is the cruising season. Earlier voyages see the waterfalls at their fullest.
Find your next voyage in our Cruises section.