September 8, 2026
There’s cruising … and then there’s expedition cruising—and these two sailing styles couldn’t be more different! Expedition cruises utilize specially designed ships built to navigate some of the most remote waters on earth, bringing you closer to astounding natural landscapes—and the incredible wildlife that inhabit them—than you ever thought possible.
The focus is on immersion and education; you’ll often have naturalists on board to shed more light on the incredible ecosystems you encounter. If you’re ready to embark on a real overseas adventure, here are three awe-inspiring expedition cruise journeys that will wow you.
1. Antarctica
The Great White Continent is a place that few travelers ever get to see for themselves—but expedition cruises make it possible. You’ll typically embark from the tip of South America in Argentina, and then explore the icy waters of the otherworldly Southern Ocean.
What exactly is in store on an Antarctica expedition cruise? You’ll sail pass massive glaciers and jutting icebergs (the sound of humongous sheets of ice cleaving off of icebergs and crashing into the sea is like nothing else), hop into inflatable zodiacs that bring you closer to seals, breaching whales, and albatross soaring above, and hike among penguin colonies on Antarctica’s remote peninsula.
Sounds like the kind of truly epic trip for you? Then I’d love for you to join me—I’m planning an Antarctic Expedition Cruise just for JSG clients in January 2028; you can learn more and view the full itinerary right here!
2. The Arctic Circle
While icy and otherworldly as well, the Land of the Midnight Sun provides a different take on an expedition cruise from a sailing to Antarctica. For one, the wildlife is different; instead of penguins, you can spy Arctic foxes, reindeer, narwhal whales, puffins, and perhaps even an elusive polar bear.
The other big draw—and the reason the Arctic Circle is on many intrepid travelers’ bucket lists—is the chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Plan your sailing between late September and March for the best chance at spotting the glow; your ship will most likely route you through Northern Norway, traversing narrow fjords and deep seas in search of the spectacle.
If seeing the Northern Lights is a big travel goal for you, an expedition cruise makes a lot of sense—your ship is always on the move, increasing your chances of spying the phenomenon. Plus, your captain will “ring the alarm” if the Aurora Borealis does show, and you can stay cozy in your cabin until then … instead of waiting up all night, for nights on end, yourself!
3. The Galapagos Islands
If packing a thick fleece isn’t your idea of a good vacation, consider an expedition cruise to the Galapagos Islands instead. This marine-rich area off the coast of Ecuador is teeming with wildlife—that you can’t find anywhere else on earth. Swim with sea turtles, seals, and marine iguanas, hike past massive Galapagos tortoises and colonies of blue-footed boobies and playful penguins, and sunbathe next to sea lions.
Even the island landscapes are astounding, like the black basalt coves of Santiago and the untouched wilderness of Fernandina, home to one of the most active volcanoes on earth. Follow in the footsteps of Darwin and other renowned naturalists as you explore one of the last remaining truly wild places on the globe.
Ready to set sail on your own expedition?
Let me take care of all the details for you, and pair you up with the perfect itinerary. To start planning your next journey together, fill out my brief trip inquiry form here—or check out the JSG 2028 Antarctica sailing right here.
