Antarctic tourists watch a leopard seal very closely from the Zodiac

Expedition Cruises

Bob Family Travel’s Expedition Cruises service is designed for travelers seeking immersive, once-in-a-lifetime journeys to the most remote and awe-inspiring destinations on Earth. With a strong foundation in cruise expertise and personalized service, the agency curates expedition experiences that go far beyond traditional cruising—blending adventure, education, and luxury into one seamless travel package.

Expert-Led Adventures

Each expedition cruise is enriched by a team of onboard experts—including naturalists, marine biologists, historians, and photographers—who guide guests through every destination. Their insights transform each journey into a deeper learning experience, offering context on wildlife, ecosystems, and local cultures.

FAQs

An expedition cruise is small-ship travel to remote or off-the-beaten-path destinations that larger cruise ships cannot reach — places like Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos Islands, Patagonia, and the Norwegian fjords. Ships carry between 50 and 500 passengers and are purpose-built for polar and wilderness conditions. The focus is wildlife, nature, and guided shore excursions led by onboard naturalists, scientists, and local experts, rather than onboard entertainment. Expedition cruises trade casino and waterpark for glaciers and penguins.

Expedition cruises visit destinations that are inaccessible or impractical by land or conventional ship. Top destinations include Antarctica (November–March), the Arctic and Svalbard (June–August), the Galápagos Islands (year-round), Alaska's Inside Passage and Glacier Bay (May–September), Patagonia and Cape Horn, the Amazon River, Canada's Arctic and Northwest Passage, Iceland, and Norway's fjords. Some expedition ships also sail the Pacific Islands, the Kimberley coast of Australia, and remote regions of Southeast Asia and Greenland.

A regular ocean cruise visits popular port cities on a fixed schedule; the ship is the main attraction. An expedition cruise treats the ship as a vehicle for getting to places most people never see. Daily schedules are flexible and adapt to wildlife sightings and weather. Onboard experts — marine biologists, geologists, ornithologists — give lectures and lead Zodiac landings. Dress code is practical layers, not formal nights. The experience is closer to a guided wilderness expedition than a resort holiday at sea.

Fitness requirements vary by destination and itinerary. Most expedition cruises offer a range of activity levels — from leisurely Zodiac wildlife viewing (no fitness required) to guided hikes and kayaking (moderate fitness). Antarctica and Arctic sailings involve stepping in and out of inflatable Zodiacs, which requires reasonable mobility. The ships themselves are completely accessible, with no fitness requirement for onboard activities. We recommend discussing your mobility level with us so we can match you to the right expedition and activity program.

Expedition cruises are among the most expensive cruise categories because of the remote destinations, small ship sizes, and specialist staff. Antarctic expeditions typically range from CAD $8,000 to $30,000+ per person for a 10–21 night voyage, depending on cabin category and cruise line. Galápagos and Arctic voyages are similarly priced. Alaska expedition cruises can start closer to CAD $5,000. Most expedition fares are highly inclusive — transfers, excursions, parkas, and specialist guides are typically bundled in the price.

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