As the Lindblad Expedition zodiac approaches land, penguin chicks come into view and I realise that I am finally going to set foot on Antarctica- a place I never thought I’d journey to.
The moment the zodiac slides onto land, the penguins and their chicks waddle over like an adorable little welcome committee.
My eyes well up with appreciation for the experience: the chance to watch mothers feeding their tiny chicks, nurturing them; adolescent penguins losing their baby fluff and getting their adult feathers; and lazy fathers stealing pebbles from other nests and running it back to theirs.
From viewing massive pods of orcas surrounding the boat to hunt to jumping confidently into the southern ocean, expedition cruises are for travellers looking to experience intense emotions at the edge of the world.
The changing face
Journeying to the ends of the earth, with the soft chattering of penguin colonies in the distance and echoes of ice cracking, the otherwise eerie silence of somewhere so isolated fills me with a sense of gratitude.
“Expedition cruising offers a unique and immersive way to explore some of the world’s most extraordinary and remote regions — from walking among penguins in Antarctica to watching whales breach in the Arctic or Pacific,” explains Akvile Marozaite, CEO of the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN).
And this isn’t just for the ultra-fit travellers or older clients either, says Marozaite, who explains that the demographic is changing.
“Guests are becoming increasingly younger, and the sector continues to attract more solo travellers.
“Expedition cruising is well-suited to solo travel, offering a safe and sociable way to explore remote corners of the world. The informal, welcoming atmosphere onboard fosters a sense of community among guests and crew.”
Nick Hindle, Business Development Manager UK and Ireland with Quark Expeditions, notes that expeditions to the polar regions are becoming far more accessible for travellers looking to push their limits.
“At Quark we’re seeing a trend of clients booking late for the Arctic season with competitive prices,” explains Hindle. “Clients are also asking for more experiential trips – with the added attraction of heli-centric itineraries on the Ultramarine.”
Quark has also noticed an uptick in Antarctic itineraries with leading photographers like Paul Goldstein, and unique Arctic eclipse voyages in 2026.
Knowledge is power
Lindblad Expeditions is paving the way for a modern approach to expedition travel, bringing guests to the world’s most “awe-inspiring destinations,” while emphasising “curiosity, discovery, and sustainability”.
Kathi Riddle, the operator’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Revenue Management, says: “Expedition cruising taps into a real sense of curiosity and the desire to explore, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in some of the world’s most remote and most extraordinary places.”
Riddle notes that travellers are searching for “more than your average trip”, adding: “They want immersive, meaningful experiences that connect them with the natural world – which is what expedition cruising is all about.”
“For decades, we’ve specialised in this kind of travel, especially through our relationship with National Geographic, which combines exploration, science, and education.
“This immersive spirit is woven into every part of a Lindblad Expeditions journey, from locally sourced, thoughtfully curated menus to enriching onboard programmes led by expedition staff and National Geographic Experts.”
Quark Expeditions’ Hindle suggests for agents “knowledge is power” and urges them to take advantage of the training collateral that is available.
“Use opportunities like our training portal Polar Pro, as well as attending some of the many immersive training events we run including Polar Pints and Expedition Brews and News,” he says.
“The polar regions, particularly Antarctica and the Arctic, remain iconic and continue to be in high demand, especially among those seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences tied to wildlife, landscapes, and climate-focussed interest,” says ECN’s Marozaite.
“Overall, clients are increasingly looking for immersive, meaningful travel, whether that means kayaking among icebergs, hiking through tropical rainforests or connecting with local cultures in more remote regions.”
Depending on a client’s budget, a few options stand out: from the Arctic and the Antarctica, to the Kimberley Coast in Western Australia and the Galapagos Islands, expedition travel continues to grow, with many travellers willing to pay big bucks.
Eventful expeditions
Quark Expeditions offers an ‘Antarctica By Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands’ expedition, with four options throughout 2025 and 2026. Prices start from £10,793pp and guests experience two helicopter excursions.
‘Niagara and the Great Lakes’ with Viking brings guests through city skylines and natural attractions, sharing history, stories of wildlife, and incredible views along the way. At Port Colborne, there’s access to Niagara Falls.
Antarctica 21 is hosting a one-off air-cruise in December 2026 on the Magellan Discoverer, which will be the inaugural voyage for South America’s first hybrid-electric polar vessel. The cruise will explore Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica over 10 days and nine nights.
Guests on the ‘Svalbard Circumnavigating Spitsbergen, in the Realm of the Polar Bear’ voyage with HX Expeditions can enjoy wildlife viewing in the midnight sun. On the expedition boats, travellers should keep their eyes open for Arctic foxes, birds, walruses, massive polar bears, and reindeer.
Book it
Lindblad Expeditions ventures beyond polar regions. The ‘Exploring the Galápagos’ itinerary starts at $5,557pp.
intrepidtravel.com
Jessica Kelly
Jessica is a travel journalist and photographer living in New York. She’s written for publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Elite Traveler, Thrillist, Lonely Planet, Time and others .
