The Top 15 Luxury Expedition Cruises​ in 2025

Discover all the wonders of Antarctica aboard the Sylvia Earle. Named after the esteemed marine biologist, oceanographer and conservationist, this exceptional vessel can accommodate up to 130 passengers. Hop into one of its 15 Zodiac boats to head out into the wilderness – you can go kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, skiing or even camping on the ice. 

The ship’s Citizen Science Center also allows you to contribute directly to research efforts and data collection. And in November 2025, you can join a special 20-day expedition to follow in the footsteps of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton.

If you want to experience the magic of an Antarctica cruise but don’t have much time, the Magellan Explorer is for you. It offers ‘air-cruises’ that allow you to fly directly to and/or from Antarctica (via stopovers in Patagonia). Expeditions can last anywhere from six to twenty days.

The Magellan Explorer boasts spacious cabins and suites with private balconies, a glass-enclosed lounge and an observation deck that’s ideal for wildlife spotting, along with a gym, sauna, library and more.

Exploring the Galápagos Islands by sea is the experience of a lifetime, giving you the chance to see as much of the archipelago as possible in just a few days. And among the many Galápagos cruises available, the Hermes Mega Catamaran might just be the most luxurious.

This boutique vessel has space for only 20 guests, ensuring exceptional privacy and personalised service. After a long day of adventures you can soak in your private hot tub, have a drink in the aperitif lounge or savour gourmet cuisine on the sun deck.

The Elite and the Endemic are undoubtedly among the best expedition cruises in the Galápagos. Exquisitely modern and intimate with just a handful of suites, each of these ships promises a completely immersive and comfortable journey through the islands.

Both the Elite and the Endemic are proud members of our Positive Impact Collection. They work with several different local organisations to support community development, gender equality, marine conservation and the protection of endangered species in the archipelago.

The MV Freya invites intrepid travellers to navigate the northernmost reaches of the globe on a spectacular Arctic cruise. The ship is small and specially designed for the harsh conditions of this environment; it was originally used for building lighthouses before being transformed into a luxury vessel for Arctic expedition cruises.

The MV Freya welcomes a maximum of 12 guests per journey. You can choose from routes around the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, the shores of Greenland and the fjords of  Scoresbysund, with possible sightings of polar bears, reindeer, narwhals and more.

Imagine making your way deep into the world’s largest tropical rainforest, reaching places that most travellers will never see. This is the privilege afforded by cruising through the northern Peruvian Amazon on a sumptuous ship like the Aqua Nera. 

The Aqua Nera’s three- to seven-night itineraries between Iquitos and Nauta include twice-daily excursions to immerse yourself in this destination’s dazzling biodiversity, encounter rare animal species and visit local villages. Back on board you can enjoy the ship’s farm-to-table cuisine, cosy lounges and open-air plunge pool.

The Delfin I is one of the most exclusive luxury expedition cruise ships in the Amazon, with just four suites. This makes it a wonderful choice for a private journey with a close group of friends or family. Each suite has its own terrace and two of them boast a private hot tub as well.

The Delfin I offers three- and four-night trips from Iquitos to Nauta. You can reach Iquitos in a short flight from either Lima or Cusco, making it easy to incorporate your Amazon cruise into a larger tour of Peru.

Discover the shimmering coastline of Turkey aboard the Dolce Mare: a 36-metre (118-foot) luxury yacht that boasts six cabins and a full crew. You can charter it for your own private trip around the Turkish coastline, providing a different perspective on seaside locales like Bodrum and the rest of the Turquoise Coast.

Along the way you can stop at off-the-beaten-track beaches, go canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing or snorkelling, or even hop onto the yacht’s jet ski if you’re in the mood for some thrills.

Go island hopping in style on the Aquila. You can charter this classically elegant yacht for a fully bespoke adventure through the Greek Islands, from the glitz and glamour of Mykonos to the scenic cliffs of Santorini. It comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests, as well as a six person crew who’ll provide a truly luxury experience.

The Aquila can be chartered in winter or summer. The warmer months are busy in Greece, but you can request a 10 metre chase boat for day trips, giving easy access to remote coves for island excursions off the beaten path.

The Zambezi Queen combines all the excitement of a safari with the romantic ambience of a luxury cruise. As you glide along the Chobe River in northern Botswana, you’ll be treated to front-row views of the brilliant ecosystem on shore. You’re likely to spot elephants, leopards, lions and many other species from your suite’s balcony or the ship’s decks and lounges.

The Zambezi Queen is a self-described ‘floating boutique hotel’ with only 14 suites. You can choose a two- or three-night journey through Chobe National Park, including not only wildlife viewing but also cultural excursions, photographic safaris and more.

Cruise through history on the world’s longest river, visiting storied sites like the Valley of the Kings and Kom Ombo Temple along the way. The Historia Nile Cruise is a journey unlike any other, blending some of Egypt’s most intriguing ancient attractions with contemporary style and comforts.

You can choose to head south on the Nile from Luxor or north from Aswan, with routes lasting anywhere from three to seven nights. Each day includes excursions to awe-inspiring temples and ruins, along with delicious meals and engaging entertainment on board.

Boasting five decks and space for up to thirty guests, the Aqua Blu is an icon of luxury cruising in east Indonesia. Once a British naval vessel, the ship offers itineraries from one to three weeks between Bali, Flores, Raja Ampat, West Papua, the Spice Islands and beyond. 

When you’re not relaxing on the sun deck, soaking in the outdoor hot tub or sampling locally inspired cuisine, you can go scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking and exploring on the islands with local guides.

Spending your nights aboard an expedition cruise ship might not be the most common way to visit Western Australia, but that’s precisely what makes it so special. True North operates various adventure cruises in the Kimberley region, connecting the remote outposts of Kununurra and Wyndham with the beautiful beach town of Broome. 

Your journey might include bush walks to thundering waterfalls, snorkelling and diving at Rowley Shoals, fishing in tranquil rivers or swimming in serene billabongs. Regardless of which itinerary you choose, you’ll be utterly amazed by the breathtaking scenery.

Sail through the majestic islands of Indonesia on the Silolona, a gorgeous ship modelled after the archipelago’s traditional sailing vessels. You can glide through Komodo National Park, the glistening waters of Raja Ampat or the historical wonders of the Banda Islands – each itinerary is flexible.

The Silolona is among our top choices for an Indonesian yacht charter thanks in large part to its exceptional crew and team of trip leaders, dive instructors and skilled chefs who will go out of their way to make your journey unforgettable.

With so many incredible places to see and things to do, it can be hard to remember the value of slowing down – and that’s exactly why Lahé River Cruises (home to the MV Rudra Singha) exist. Offering a variety of journeys in northeastern India, Lahé (which means ‘slow’ in the local language) invites small groups of travellers aboard its private houseboats for one-of-a-kind adventures.

Depending on the route, you might spend your days spotting tigers in Kaziranga National Park, looking for one-horned rhinos in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, meeting monks or learning about traditional crafts from local artisans.