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Our Polar Cruises offer an expedition cruising experience unlike any other form of travel. As you embark on an adventure of a lifetime, you’ll go where few have gone before in a thrilling, awe-inspiring journey to some of the world’s least visited spaces.

With a Polar expedition cruise, you can expect to see cultures that the world has forgotten; see the sights that the bravest explorers discovered, and savour the flavours of a unique destination. Our Polar Cruises are handcrafted journeys which visit Antarctica, South Georgia, the Ross Sea, the Canadian Arctic, Spitsbergen, Greenland as well as Iceland, Scotland and even Norway.

As our voyages are more of an active style of cruising, you can expect to have plenty of opportunities to hop off the ship and into zodiacs, whisking you away to the mainland for some short hikes, full day treks, sea kayaking, wildlife viewing and even diving. Whether you’re the curious traveller eager to always see what is beyond the next mountain, or the animal enthusiast who longs to see wildlife in their natural habitat, an expedition cruise will take you on an intimate, immersive experience that captures the landscape, culture and habitat of your chosen destination. You’ll leave with a better perspective and newfound appreciation for the natural elements-well beyond the concrete jungle of your town or city of residence.

Best of all, after you spend the day marvelling at the great wonders that the world has to offer, you’ll return to the comfort of your cabin, where you will have a chance to reflect on your day’s discoveries in a relaxed and easy setting.

 
 

Find your Polar Cruises trip


World Expeditions has over 40 years of experience operating authentic and unique adventure holidays with a genuine focus on the paths less travelled. We are the pioneers in designing groundbreaking itineraries and many say our trips start where most others end. As the leaders in responsible travel, we offer big adventures with a small environmental footprint. While safety is core to how we operate, we’re also focused on the fun factor and suitably challenging you to feel that great sensation of personal achievement while enjoying the camaraderie of like minded travellers.


World Expeditions is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. It was a commitment formed when the company was established, and today, in the face of a multitude of threats to global environments and cultures, our commitment is stronger than ever. Over several decades we have honed our responsible travel philosophy and are continually assessing and improving initiatives that are practiced in the field to ensure that we are mitigating our impact to the smallest possible footprint. View our award winning The Thoughtful Traveller booklet here.


Trip reviews


Spectacular Ross Sea Explorer
1
Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.

2
Adventure Touring

These adventure tours sometimes involve travel at high altitude (rarely exceeding 4000m, except on certain trips in Tibet, Peru and India) and may visit remote areas of the world where facilities are often basic. Many of these trips sometimes involve some camping or basic lodging. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity.

3
Introductory

Up to 5 or 6 hours of physical activity a day at a slow but steady pace.

4
Introductory to Moderate

Introductory activity with several moderate stages.

5
Moderate

Up to 5-7 hours of physical activity a day at a steady pace. Terrain may vary and some steep ascents to be expected. Be prepared for variable weather conditions.

6
Moderate to Challenging

Moderate activity with several challenging stages.

7
Challenging

Up to 8 to 10 hours+ of physical activity a day, often in remote areas with variable and adverse weather conditions.

Note:
8
9
10

Apply only to mountaineering trips and are therefore not shown.

1
Discovery & Cruising

These journeys of discovery and cruises are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2-3 months prior to departure.

2
Adventure Touring

To enjoy these adventures we suggest you have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a moderately active lifestyle and a positive attitude.

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

3
Introductory

Our introductory trips are not ‘easy’ trips and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, starting at least two to three months before departure. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. For treks, hill or stair walking with a 5-7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is advised.

4
Introductory to Moderate

On these adventures you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, from a minimum of three months period to your departure. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. For treks, hill or stair walking with a 7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is advised.

5
Moderate

These adventures require a good level of fitness and health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45-60 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions, kayaking or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

6
Moderate to Challenging

These adventures require a good level of fitness and excellent health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic type exercise, four times a week. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions, kayaking or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

7
Challenging

On these challenging adventures, you will need an excellent level of fitness.

Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic exercise, four times a week – such as jogging, hard walking, cycling or paddling. Solid preparation is essential in the months leading up to your departure. For trekking, hill walking with a 7kg pack is a must. On the weekends mix in a relatively demanding bushwalk relatively steep ascents and descents. For cycling, regular biking for one to four hours at a time, with as many hills as possible, will help prepare you for your trip.

Inclusions & Equipment

The exact inclusions and equipment for each of our adventures is listed once you've found the trip you want. Our trips are generally more inclusive than others in the market place in line with our philosophy of minimising 'extra payments' displayed outside of the main trip price as well as out of pocket expenses once you reach your destination.

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