While luxury travelers head to the “ends of the Earth” on an Arctic region or Antarctica voyage, much more awaits within the global expedition marketplace. Increasingly, expedition lines are offering culinary-focused Mediterranean expeditions, warmer Caribbean or South Pacific cultural expeditions and Australia eco-adventures within the remote Kimberley region.
Looking ahead to 2026, expedition sales are booming, thanks to growth in both polar and nonpolar offerings. For example, Mystic Invest Holding, parent company of small-ship Atlas Ocean Voyages recently reported “explosive growth” with 70 percent of the expedition line’s 2025 inventory already sold. One catalyst for this small-ship, luxury boutique expedition line’s growth is its development of "Epicurean Expeditions" and "Cultural Expeditions," a step that came about two years ago under the leadership of James Rodriguez, Atlas’ president and CEO.
So, it’s good news that Rodriguez, who had previously announced plans to depart the brand on January 1, 2025, is now staying on the job. Mystic and Rodriguez jointly announced that decision in December 2024.
In newly released schedules, travelers might check out Atlas’ new 2026 "Epicurean Expeditions" in the Mediterranean Sea. Three good examples are a 10-night “Riviera Marvels” itinerary from Rome to Barcelona on July 30; a 10-night “Sea of Antiquity” sailing from Istanbul, Türkiye, to Rome on July 20; and a seven-night “Pearls of Italy” sailing from Rome to Dubrovnik on September 8.
Foodie-focused guests can indulge their gastronomic passions as each "Epicurean Expeditions" voyage includes one complimentary cultural immersion excursion per guest. So, travelers might taste specialty cheeses or chocolates, attend a cooking school demonstration, or taste regional wines, spirits or coffees.
Another plus is that Atlas’ Epicurean Expeditions often bring in a Gastronomic Guest or Visiting Vintner, typically a local chef, agricultural producer or local vintner. That expert typically might offer a culinary demonstration, give an enrichment talk, lead guests on a local market tour, or set up an interactive cooking class or wine tasting session. In addition, guests can enjoy the “Yachtsman Cookoff,” a poolside culinary competition.
On the seven-night “Pearls of Italy” sailing, the 196-passenger World Traveller will set sail from Rome to Dubrovnik on September 8, 2026. Travelers will go ashore at such Italian destinations as Amalfi, Capri and Lipari plus Corfu, Greece, and Kotor, Montenegro. We’d suggest reserving a one-bedroom, 465-square-foot Navigator Suite (NS).
Pampered by the suite’s butler, guests will enjoy exterior scenic views from double floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors or while seated on teak furnishings on their oversized private balcony. This suite is comprised of a living room with sofa and vanity; bedroom area with queen-sized bed (convertible to two twins) and Portuguese cotton linens by Lameirinho; a bathroom with double sinks and a tub; walk-in closet and wardrobe; and more.
South Pacific Vibes
Another region attracting much expeditionary interest—again for many smaller, remote, off-the-beaten-path spots to explore—is the South Pacific. From April to May 2026 and September to October 2026, Seabourn’s 264-passenger Seabourn Pursuit will navigate the remote islands and atolls of the South Pacific on its way to and from The Kimberley region, another popular expedition region.
Six Seabourn expedition itineraries will range from 11 to 22 days with departures from San Antonio (Santiago), Chile; Darwin, Australia; Lautoka, Fiji; and Papeete, Tahiti. Each sailing is unique, guaranteeing that no two experiences are alike. Activities are led by a 24-person Expedition Team, both on board and ashore. The ship carries two helicopters, many kayaks and 24 Zodiacs for guest eco-activities.
On Easter Island, Chile, guests will spend two days ashore—admiring the isle’s famed Moai statues and strolling along pink sand beaches. During a port call to Ambrym Island, Vanuatu, another highlight is that guests can witness the Rom Dance, complete with intricate masks and costumes. And in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, bird-watching enthusiasts can join their Seabourn expedition team to search for the elusive Red Birds of Paradise, a bird species famed for its dazzling plumage.
While on Seabourn Pursuit, we’d opt for a 1,023-square-foot Owner’s Suite (700 or 701) that includes a 484-square-foot veranda. It offers dining for up to four people, separate bedroom with queen-sized bed (convertible to two twins), master bathroom, guest bath, living room with a convertible sofa bed that sleeps one, interactive flat-screen TV, writing desk, fully stocked bar, pantry with wet bar, two closets, including one walk-in closet, two flat-screen TVs, complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi, and wet bar.
For travelers who desire to narrow their South Pacific focus, Aqua Expeditions’ luxurious, 30-passenger Aqua Blu is permanently based in East Indonesia. Designed by renowned Dutch yacht designer Cor Rove, this five-deck, long-range explorer yacht sails the Raja Ampat archipelago, and its Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers help provide optimal comfort. As for daily cuisine, guests will dine on dishes curated by renowned Chef Benjamin Cross, many taking inspiration from Indonesia’s spice trade route.
Since East Indonesia is home to numerous off-the-beaten-path destinations, guests will discover pristine beaches, coral reefs, jellyfish lakes and mangrove forests. Aqua Expeditions helps its guests “get out there” to explore the region via snorkeling, diving, kayaking, guided hikes, paddleboarding and other eco-activities. Back on board, Aqua Blu’s 15 different suite designs combine modern, yachting refinement with a high level of comfort.
For luxury travelers seeking the most robust Pacific Ocean expedition, one enticing new option to consider is Silversea’s new, 77-day “Grand South Pacific Expedition.” Departing August 20, 2026, the 254-passenger Silver Cloud will sail from Fremantle (Perth) in Western Australia, to Valparaiso, Chile, touching 57 destinations in 11 different countries. Cultural expedition activities include, for example, meeting members of the Asaro Mudmen, an Indigenous tribe of Papua New Guinea’s Eastern Highlands, at a colorful Sing-Sing festival.
Many calls will take guests to remote spots, such as the 48-acre remote Euaiki Island, Tonga; Silversea’s guests can head out for either hiking or snorkeling with the expedition team. Silver Cloud also carries 20 Zodiacs and 10 kayaks for guest excursions along the itinerary route. While onboard, we’d reserve a stylish Owner’s Suite, either available as a one-bedroom, 587-square-foot suite or two bedrooms with 827 square feet of space.
British Isles and Beyond
Another unique facet of Silversea’s 2026 expedition lineup is its lineup of 11- to 12-day Northern Europe and British Isles expeditions. For instance, on April 23, 2026, the 220-passenger Silver Endeavour will sail an 11-day expedition from Dublin, Ireland, to Edinburgh (Leith), Scotland, U.K. It will visit 17 different destinations—many quite remote—in two countries. So even frequent U.K. visitors may not have ever visited these spots.
For instance, the ship will call at Lunga, the largest island in the Scotland’s Treshnish archipelago. Populated until the 1800s and famed for its 300-foot-high cliffs, the island is now home to rare, endangered flora and bird life, including great puffins. Guests will see evidence of volcanic origins and remains of black houses. Activities while visiting include complimentary kayaking, snorkeling or hiking led by a Silversea expedition team member.
Located in a premium bow position on Deck 7, Silver Endeavour’s 1,867-square-foot Owner’s Suite is the most luxurious accommodation; that square footage includes a 737-square-foot private veranda. Guests will discover a large living room, separate dining area and well-stocked bar, master bedroom with large walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom with double vanity, walk-in shower and whirlpool bath. Need more capacity? Guests can reserve the adjacent suite for a second bedroom, separate wardrobe, and a bathroom with walk-in shower.
Aurora Expeditions’ 130-passenger Greg Mortimer will set sail on a “Historic Trails & Wilderness: Scotland, Faroes & Iceland” voyage from Aberdeen, Scotland, U.K., to Reykjavik, Iceland, on May 17, 2026. Guests can visit the archaeological sites of Jarlshof and enjoy views of the bird cliffs at Fair Isle, both in the Shetland Islands. Other highlights include dramatic landscapes in both the Faroe Islands and Iceland.
Designated a “Discovery” voyage, think of this new sailing as a bit of a hybrid. No, it’s not a full-blown expedition voyage such as a polar one, but it offers many expeditionary elements and has a water platform aft. Yet, it also has thematic tours focused on culture, history and art—akin to a regular small-ship cruise.
The voyage is considered “semi-flexible,” so guests will also go ashore with a mix of Zodiac landings as well as dockings/tendering operations. While ashore, travelers will take guided eco-hikes and look for wildlife, but also head out for community and town visits. Transportation will include a mix of Zodiacs or motorcoaches. Either an expedition team member or local guide will lead the activities. Also, guests can participate in citizen science programming, and on board listen to lectures.
Eighty-five percent of Greg Mortimer’s accommodations have a private balcony. The ship’s top suite is Deck 4’s 479-square-foot Captain’s Suite with a large lounge area, walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom and private balcony.
Bound for Japan
Multiple consumer research surveys show the popularity of Japan travel right now. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ new 2026 itineraries include a 16-day “Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture” voyage. Sailing from Osaka to Kyoto, the 138-passenger National Geographic Resolution will depart on September 7, 2026.
We like this Japan itinerary, rated as a light-to-moderate activity level, as history enthusiasts can delve into Japan’s feudal past at samurai castles and districts in Matsue and Uwajima. Guests can also tour Gyeongju’s ancient ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site from Korea’s Silla Dynasty; visit Naoshima island’s museums and studios dedicated to artists and traditional handicrafts; and learn about geisha heritage and culture in Kyoto.
With a striking design, National Geographic Resolution has a patented X-Bow. Yes, it’s smooth exterior look, but more importantly, guests typically will enjoy a comfortable and quiet ride regardless of most sea conditions. As for where to stay, Luxury Travel Advisor suggests the ship’s Category 7 large balcony suites (Nos. 708-711, 716, 718, 719 and 721).
Inside, these suites offer a queen-sized bed (or two singles), pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk and chair, espresso maker, and a large walk-in closet with full-length mirror. The expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer and rain shower. Plus, the suite’s private balcony includes two chairs, a hammock and table.
Africa and Beyond
Later this year and in 2026, Aqua Expeditions will sail for the first time to the Seychelles and Zanzibar, Tanzania, with a new explorer-yacht-like vessel. Expeditions will range from five- to nine-night itineraries that will explore the Seychelles’ inner and outer islands. They can be combined to also create a 14-night exploration of the Seychelles archipelago.
They’ll also rotate with comprehensive 10- and 11-night sailings to both the Seychelles and Tanzania’s islands. One top highlight, depending on the itinerary selected? That’s the chance to visit the famed Aldabra Atoll, considered the Galapagos of Africa, as its home to more than 150,000 giant tortoises.
While the line hasn’t yet released full details about either the itineraries or new vessel as yet, Aqua Expeditions says guests can expect a super-yacht experience, 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio, personalized service, cuisine created by renowned chefs, and small group, expert-guided excursions.
Also traveling to Africa in 2026, Swan Hellenic will visit many destinations on cultural expedition cruises. Among the African ports that typically aren’t on other major expedition lines’ schedules are Elmina, Ghana; Baie des Tortues, Loango National Park and Mayumba, all in Gabon; and Ilha Baia dos Tigres, Angola. We’d definitely set out to explore Loango National Park, an amazing eco-preserve where the rainforest meets the ocean. It’s a protected habitat for elephants, leopards, hippos, buffalo, lowland gorillas and 355 species of birds.
For example, the 192-passenger Diana will sail a 13-night “Southwest Africa” itinerary between Luanda, the capital city and largest city in Angola, and Tema (Accra), Ghana, on April 5, 2026. One luxurious accommodation on board the ship is its 441-square-foot Premium Suite with a separate living room; bedroom area with king-sized bed; bathroom with separate shower and tub; a flame-effect fireplace; and private balcony.
Separately, Swan Hellenic also offers exclusive MARIS Gourmet Cruises; each showcases the creations of a different famous chef from JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, the organization for rising chefs under age 40 who’ve already won international acclaim. So, Michelin-starred Chef Federico Pettenuzzo will lend his culinary expertise to onboard dining experiences during the 11-night “Africa’s Roman Riches” cruise on Diana from Lisbon, Portugal, to Palermo, Sicily.
Departing August 11, 2025, the voyage will call at Lagos, Portugal; Seville, Spain; Tangier, Morocco; Algiers, Bejaia and Annaba, Algeria; and La Goulette, Tunisia. Guests will enjoy signature dishes nightly and a gala dinner created by Chef Pettenuzzo, plus a cooking show and special culinary shore excursions led by the chef.
The Americas
In summer 2026, Viking will position its 378-passenger Viking Octantis on a new 10-day “Great Lakes Treasures” itinerary with departures on June 18 and June 27, as well as three dates in May and two in September. Sailing round-trip from Milwaukee, WI, the ship will call at Mackinac Island, MI; Georgian Bay (Killarney), Georgian Bay (Frazer Bay), Fathom Five National Marine Park and the Benjamin Islands, all in Ontario, Canada; Sault Sainte Marie, MI; Door Peninsula (Algoma), WI; and Chicago, IL.
As an example of the Great Lakes shore excursions offered, in Sault Sainte Marie, Viking’s guests can choose from four different “included” excursions. One will head for the famous Soo Locks, another involves Hiawatha Highlands hiking, and a third will visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The fourth option is a trip to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
For maximum space and relaxation when selecting accommodations, look to Viking Octantis’ 1,238-square-foot Owner’s Suite (OS category), or alternatively, its 548-square-foot Explorer Suite (ES category). That said, those suites are already sold out on certain dates, but another good option is the 322-square-foot Nordic Junior Suite.
Farther south in North America, luxury boutique Ponant will offer 10-night “Secrets of Central America” sailings which include a Panama Canal transit as well as many eco-adventure activities ashore. For example, the 184-passenger Le Champlain, one of the line’s Explorers Series yachts, will sail between Colon, Panama, and Puntarenas, Costa Rica, on March 5, 2026.
One top historic site is Costa Rica’s Fort San Lorenzo, constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Darien National Park in Panama, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, travelers can learn about local flora and fauna as well as visit Playa Muerto, a tiny coastal village home to the semi-nomadic Emberas Amerindian community; there, travelers will learn about traditional singing, dancing and local crafts.
Eco-adventure awaits among the coral islets of the Panama’s San Blas Islands and Pearl Islands. Birders will also undoubtedly relish the opportunity to visit Costa Rica’s Curu Wildlife Refuge, home to 200 species of birds. At this eco-reserve, visitors also might spot monkeys, iguanas and lumbering sloths.
For its ocean expedition ships, Scenic Cruises also offers “Discovery Cruises” that bring aboard renowned chefs and special gastronomic programming. One such voyage is the 12-day “Rhythms of the Brazilian Coastline with Chef Luciana Berry” itinerary. Departing October 11, 2025, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse will sail from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In addition, Tom Goetter, the line’s vice president of oceans hotel operations, maritime master and Top Chef “World All Star,” will also host this voyage. Along the route, guests will cruise along Brazil’s coast and to Uruguay. Throughout the voyage, guests can look forward to a hosted welcome reception, live cooking demonstration, Q&A session and curated dining experiences with chef-curated dishes.
This itinerary begins with a visit to Buzios, famed for beaches, boutique shops, luxury hotels and fine restaurants. Did you know that Brigitte Bardot was among the first to discover its charms back in the 1960s? Her visit catapulted the small fishing village onto a global stage, and eventually, it became known as the “St Tropez of Brazil.”
Scenic Eclipse also visits many other Brazilian ports, including Ilha Grande, Paraty, Ilhabela, Pontal do Sol (Ilha do Mel), and San Francisco do Sul. At the latter, Scenic’s guests will be treated to a “Tastes of Discovery: Pop-Up Restaurant” experience with a specially themed menu curated by Chef Luciana. Other ports of call will include Punta del Este and Montevideo, Brazil.
Top suites are two 2,099-square-foot Penthouse Owner’s Suites (901 and 902), located on the ship’s bow. With superior views, they also offer a private dining area that can comfortably seat up to eight guests.
Expeditionary lines are also expanding their resources and programs as they move into 2025 and 2026. Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2026, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions but now its own, separate brand, split from Hurtigruten) recently launched “HX Explorers,” its first standalone loyalty program with two levels. Guests can expect special rates for repeat bookings, a dedicated onboard loyalty manager and much more.
So, as 2025 begins and 2026 looms just over the horizon, luxury eco-adventurers can increasingly find enticing new expeditionary options. Many sailings focused on ecology, cuisine or culture go to highly appealing destinations far beyond the poles.
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