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Grand Expedition Cruises Travel Guide

Embark on the ultimate global adventure and follow in the wake of the great explorers on one of our Grand Expedition Cruises.

4 mins read


Explore iconic global destinations

A Grand Expedition Cruise is an experience that’s truly deserving of the epithet ‘once in a lifetime’. Travelling to a kaleidoscope of countries, you’ll encounter a smorgasbord of cultures, wildlife and ecosystems, from penguins huddled on the frozen tundra to monkeys swinging from trees in steamy equatorial rainforests. Unleash your inner explorer, expect the unexpected, and go on a globe-trotting adventure the likes of which you've never experienced before.

The Viking trail - wild Iceland and Greenland

Circumnavigate Iceland and find out why it’s referred to as the land of fire and ice. From brooding volcanoes and towering waterfalls to coastal towns and wind-swept islands steeped in folklore, Iceland is a place of myths and beauty. Across the Denmark Strait lies Greenland, where you’ll discover the untouched wilderness as you sail into the heart of the world’s largest fjord system on the east coast and experience the cultural delights and ethereal beauty of its west coast. 

Navigating the fabled Northwest Passage

Those with a passion for adventure will relish an expedition into the legendary Northwest Passage. Following in the wake of famed Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, we navigate this icy northern waterway that connects the Atlantic to the Pacific. This feat can only be accomplished during a few summer weeks, so you’re in for an unparalleled experience. Guided by our ships’ state-of-the-art navigation equipment and the highly skilled captain, you’ll enjoy stunning scenery and varied wildlife and visit remote Thule and Inuit settlements. 

Big country cruising – Alaska and North America

From isolated villages in the Canadian Arctic to thriving cities such as Montréal, Boston, and Miami, you’ll get to know the heart and soul of North America. Alaska, with its mighty mountains and wildlife-rich forests, will take your breath away. New England will delight with its laid-back coastal towns and picture-perfect villages, and eastern Canada’s Sable Island National Park Reserve—populated by its iconic wild horses—is truly a special place for wildlife lovers. On a Grand Expedition cruise, you’ll see the best of the east coast of this beautiful and diverse continent. 

Spectacular Central and South America

Central and South America are packed with fascinating history, lively, architecture-rich cities, and spectacular geography. We’ll land at rarely visited tropical islands and swim in the crystal-clear waters beside exotic shores. From the mysterious mummies and gigantic geoglyphs of Nazca to the Inca “lost city” of Machu Picchu in Peru, you’ll be awestruck by the sense of ancient mystery. Then, as we cut through the calm waters of the Chilean fjords, you’ll get jaw-dropping views of the Andes mountains, and be on the lookout for whales, Magellanic penguins, and the mighty Andean condor. 

The frozen continent

Explore the vast, pristine realm of Antarctica. Arriving in late spring, you’ll see colonies of nesting penguins against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains, while glaciers calve delicately hued icebergs into the nearby waters. Later in the year, you’ll be treated to sights of whale pods and fledgeling penguin chicks making their way to the sea. In true adventure style, we’ll attempt a landing at Cape Horn in Tierra del Fuego on our return voyage across the Drake Passage. 

Your basecamp at sea

The countries, scenery, and even the seasons will change along your extended cruise, but our fully equipped expedition ships will be your comfortable base camp throughout. Wherever you are in the world, spend time relaxing in a sauna or an outdoor hot tub, or head to the gym. Some of our ships also provide wellness treatments in the spa. With an informal atmosphere, restaurants serving regionally inspired dishes, and consistently high-quality service, you’ll develop a strong bond with your base camp at sea. And after an expedition day, your stylish cabin or suite is the perfect place to rest and unwind. 

A journey of scientific discovery

There’s a science focus on every Grand Expedition Cruise, and each ship features a Science Center outfitted with cutting-edge observation equipment such as powerful microscopes and underwater drones. Every onboard Expedition Team includes research scientists who’ll be there to open your eyes to the natural wonders around you, and you can contribute to important global research with our Citizen Science projects and listen in on riveting informal lectures by our top experts.

Penguins perched on the ice of Cuverville Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

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