Once synonymous with polar frontiers, expedition cruising has evolved into a mode of travel that can take you from equatorial jungles to forgotten islands and ancient trading ports. New itineraries for 2026 push well beyond penguins and polar bears, offering immersive experiences that blend adventure with culture, history and warm-water exploration.
Ponant’s fleet of boutique yachts was among the first to widen the lens. The French line recently introduced complimentary excursions on all its voyages, underscoring a commitment to meaningful experiences ashore. In September 2025 the 264 ‑guest Le Soléal will sail from Darwin to the remote Raja Ampat islands in Indonesia – the only expedition ship operating out of this Australian port. Guests will snorkel in biodiverse reefs, kayak glassy lagoons and visit villages where the way of life hasn’t changed for centuries, all while enjoying the all encompassing amenities and refined French hospitality for which Ponant is known.
Silversea Cruises, long a luxury leader at the poles, is also steering towards distant horizons. In 2026 the new Silver Ray will embark on a 71‑day circumnavigation of South America that threads together the Amazon River, remote Falkland Islands and the dramatic Chilean Fjords. Sister ship Silver Nova will follow with a 45‑day semi‑circumnavigation of Australia, calling at ports along the country’s seldom‑visited western and northern coasts. The line’s program in West Africa features visits to Ghana’s Takoradi, Côte d’Ivoire’s Abidjan and the protected Bijagos Archipelago off Guinea‑Bissau, where birdlife and cultural rituals take centre stage. Each voyage combines included excursions, butler‑serviced suites and intimate ships that carry no more than a few hundred guests.
Germany’s Hapag‑Lloyd Cruises has quietly built an enticing portfolio of warm‑water expeditions. Its 2025‑26 schedule positions the 230‑passenger Hanseatic Spirit in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Palau, threading through coral atolls and rain‑forested islands. Other itineraries venture deep into the Amazon River, exploring tributaries where macaws and pink dolphins flourish, or head for the volcanic Azores in the North Atlantic to hike crater lakes and sample local wines. With a fleet built for true exploration and a high ratio of expedition staff to guests, Hapag‑Lloyd delivers the curiosity and comfort that seasoned travellers demand.
Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has also expanded its chartered expedition program. For 2026 the company unveils three new voyages: a 10‑night exploration of the British Isles with calls at Guernsey and the Isles of Scilly; an Arctic Wildlife Expedition in Svalbard timed to coincide with the midnight sun; and an autumn sailing through French Polynesia that ventures from Tahiti to the rarely visited Marquesas. Each journey is led by A&K’s seasoned guides and includes enriching lectures, wildlife encounters and opportunities to connect with local cultures.
Even traditional expedition lines are venturing into new latitudes. Hurtigruten’s MS Spitsbergen will operate a 13‑day West Africa itinerary round‑trip from Dakar, Senegal, taking guests to the UNESCO‑listed island of Gorée to learn about the Atlantic slave trade and then on to Cape Verde’s rugged volcanic landscapes. The voyage spends four days exploring the mangrove‑fringed Bissagos Islands, home to salt‑water hippopotamuses, crocodiles, dolphins and the matriarchal Bijagos people. Far from the ice, this African adventure showcases the diversity of expedition cruising today.
Together these offerings signal a broader shift: expedition cruising is no longer defined solely by latitude or scientific discovery. Modern expeditions might include cooking classes in a fishing village, snorkelling with manta rays, hiking to World War II relics or listening to anthropologists unravel local legends. The common thread is authenticity and a deep respect for the environments and communities visited.
Expert Insight: The expansion of expedition cruising beyond the poles is arguably the most exciting trend in high‑end travel for 2026. By pairing the hardware and expertise developed for polar exploration with itineraries that span the globe, companies like Ponant, Silversea and Hapag‑Lloyd are redefining what an “expedition” means. For affluent travellers, these voyages offer the chance to experience remote cultures and ecosystems without sacrificing comfort – but demand is high and capacity is limited. Those considering a warm‑water expedition should book early and prepare for journeys that challenge perceptions while delivering luxury at every turn.
