What is Expedition Cruising?
If you’re a traveler with a thirst for discovery, a love for nature, and a desire to step beyond the traditional vacation, then expedition cruising might just be your perfect match. And when it comes to true expedition experiences, Hurtigruten stands out as a leader in the field.
What Is Expedition Cruising?
Expedition cruising is a unique form of travel that combines adventure, exploration, and education—often in some of the most remote and pristine corners of the planet. Unlike traditional cruises focused on leisure and entertainment, expedition cruises prioritize immersive experiences and close encounters with nature and culture. Think guided landings by small boats (Zodiacs), lectures by onboard scientists and historians, wildlife observation, and active excursions such as hiking, kayaking, and even polar plunges.
These voyages aren’t just about seeing the world — they’re about experiencing it.
Cruising with Hurtigruten
With over 130 years of exploration heritage, Hurtigruten is more than just a cruise company. They are pioneers in sustainable and responsible expedition travel. Here's why thousands of travelers choose Hurtigruten every year:
Access to Remote and Untouched Destinations
From Antarctica and the Arctic to the Galápagos Islands, Greenland, Svalbard, and the Northwest Passage, Hurtigruten’s fleet of expedition ships ventures far beyond the beaten path. You’ll visit places few people on Earth have ever seen—glaciers calving into the sea, penguin colonies, remote indigenous communities, and fjords carved by ice over millennia.
Smaller Ships, Bigger Experiences
Hurtigruten’s expedition ships are intentionally smaller than mainstream cruise vessels, which allows them to access narrow fjords, remote harbors, and pristine coastlines where larger ships simply can’t go. Fewer passengers also means a more intimate and personal experience, with plenty of space and time to connect with guides and fellow adventurers.
Expert-Led Exploration
Each voyage includes a hand-picked Expedition Team of scientists, photographers, historians, and naturalists. They host engaging lectures, guide shore landings, and offer valuable insight into the places you visit—from Arctic ecology and glaciology to the culture of indigenous peoples.
Commitment to Sustainability
Hurtigruten is an industry leader in green innovation. They launched the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition ship and actively work to reduce CO₂ emissions and eliminate single-use plastics on board. Their science-based approach includes citizen science projects, where guests can contribute to real environmental research during the cruise.
Unscripted and Authentic Adventures
No two expeditions are exactly the same. Flexible itineraries allow the captain and crew to adapt based on weather, wildlife sightings, and environmental conditions. Spotting a pod of humpback whales or getting unexpectedly clear skies in Antarctica? The ship may linger or change course to make the most of it—turning every trip into a unique journey.
Comfort Without Excess
While the focus is on exploration, Hurtigruten’s ships don’t skimp on comfort. Onboard amenities include modern cabins, locally inspired cuisine, panoramic lounges, hot tubs, and wellness areas. The design ethos is “Scandinavian simplicity,” letting nature take center stage.
Adventure Awaits
Expedition cruising with Hurtigruten offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the wild, the remote, and the real. It’s travel that changes you—because it’s not just about where you go, but how you experience the journey.
If you crave authentic, impactful adventure with a company that values science, sustainability, and storytelling, then Hurtigruten is ready to welcome you aboard.
