Luxury Cruise Lines Expand Polar Voyages with New Routes and Eco Focus

Luxury cruise lines are expanding their itineraries and offerings, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, highlighting a commitment to immersive travel experiences and sustainable tourism. With innovative voyages that range from polar exploration to warm-water expeditions, major players including Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Aqua Expeditions, Silversea Cruises, Oceanwide Expeditions, and Atlas Ocean Voyages are catering to an increasing demand for tailored, high-end travel options.

Hapag-Lloyd Announces Diverse Expedition Programs

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is enriching its expedition portfolio with itineraries through 2028, featuring both polar and warm-water expeditions. The Hanseatic Nature, a 230-guest ship, is slated to debut warm-water expeditions in Madagascar and remote Indian Ocean atolls such as Aldabra through March 2028. Following these itineraries, the ship will transition to Northern Europe for iconic winter cruises in the Baltic Sea, Geirangerfjord, and the North Cape, showcasing the Northern Lights.

In addition to warm-water cruises, Hapag-Lloyd will offer 14-day Antarctic expeditions aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration and Hanseatic Spirit, focusing on South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and the Antarctic Circle. The company is reintroducing semi-circumnavigation voyages in the South Atlantic, Amazon River expeditions aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration, and Great Lakes itineraries that include maiden calls to Cleveland and Alpena, as well as expeditions in Indonesia and Western Australia’s Kimberley region aboard the Hanseatic Spirit.

Aqua Expeditions: Luxury Meets Remote Exploration

Aqua Expeditions has revealed an ambitious Arctic and Seychelles program for 2026. Beginning February 2026, the Aqua Lares will debut in the Seychelles, offering five- to 11-night voyages focused on remote islands with small-group activities such as kayaking, diving, and paddleboarding, complemented by award-winning cuisine and a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio (30 guests to 33 staff).

The ship will then reposition to the Arctic for summer voyages, commencing May 30, 2026. The Arctic program includes five- to 14-night itineraries featuring wildlife-rich regions such as Svalbard and the Norwegian Arctic. Departures will operate from Longyearbyen or Tromsø, with routes showcasing polar bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and key destinations like the Lilliehöök Glacier, Raudfjord, and Kongsfjorden. Dual-destination expeditions will link the Arctic with Scotland, departing from Glasgow and exploring the Scottish Isles, including St. Kilda and Staffa’s Fingal’s Cave.

“With the Aqua Lares, we’re redefining what it means to explore the farthest frontiers,” said Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro. The company also introduced the Circolo Aqua Guest Loyalty Program, offering tiered rewards to frequent travelers.

Silversea's Largest-Ever Cruise Collection

Silversea Cruises unveiled its 2027–2028 program featuring 414 voyages across 12 ships, visiting over 600 destinations worldwide in more than 100 countries. The highlight includes Silversea’s inaugural summer cruises in Japan aboard the Silver Muse, timed around traditional cultural festivals like Awa Odori and Gion Matsuri. Additional itineraries will explore destinations in the Mediterranean, Asia, and South America, with Grand Voyages such as a 77-day South American journey aboard the Silver Ray, Arctic sailings to 80° North, and 43 Antarctic expeditions, including 32 fly-cruise options.

“Our collection for 2027–2028 marks a new chapter of innovation in luxury travel, delivering guests exclusive access to enriching cultural and natural experiences worldwide,” said Silversea President Bert Hernand.

New Frontiers with Oceanwide Expeditions

Oceanwide Expeditions has commenced its 2025–2026 Antarctic season, spotlighting immersive itineraries such as the 27-night Remote Weddell Sea Explorer, which set a record for farthest south travel last season. Guests can also choose activity-focused Deep South Basecamp experiences, photography tours, and voyages to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Departures operate from Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn, and Stanley, providing a blend of classic and exploratory routes in less-charted Antarctic regions.

“We’re proud to continue our legacy of providing authentic, immersive polar experiences,” said Franklin Braeckman, Oceanwide Expeditions Antarctic Program Manager.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Expands Arctic Sailings

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced its 2027 Arctic season, introducing 27 new ports, including Nunavut’s Pond Inlet and Kimmirut, Hudson Bay’s Churchill and Coats Island, and Greenland’s King Frederick VI Coast. The focus is on wildlife-rich fjords, Inuit communities, and pristine Arctic landscapes. Highlights include navigation through Iceland’s Westfjords, Jan Mayen Island, and the volcanic terrains of Greenland.

“These remote northern frontiers offer a unique blend of wilderness and cultural authenticity,” said James A. Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. Early booking incentives include up to 15% savings and generous air credits for select sailings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which ship operates Aqua Expeditions’ Arctic and Seychelles itineraries?

The Aqua Lares will host both the Arctic and Seychelles voyages, offering five- to 14-night expeditions for exclusive small-group experiences.

What is unique about Hapag-Lloyd's itinerary offerings?

Hapag-Lloyd features warm-water itineraries in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean through 2028 aboard the Hanseatic Nature, as well as Antarctic semi-circumnavigation, Amazon River expeditions on Hanseatic Inspiration, and maiden calls in North America’s Great Lakes, including Cleveland and Alpena.

What sets Silversea’s 2027–2028 collection apart?

Silversea’s lineup includes 414 voyages across 12 ships covering over 600 destinations worldwide, featuring unique cultural festivals in Japan, three Grand Voyages, Arctic cruises to 80° North, and extensive Antarctica fly-cruise options.

What innovations are part of Oceanwide Expeditions’ Antarctic programs?

The 2025–2026 Antarctic season introduces the Remote Weddell Sea Explorer itinerary, small-group Basecamp voyages, and photographic expeditions led by expert guides, with departures from Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn, and Stanley.

What destinations are key for Atlas Ocean Voyages?

Atlas Ocean is expanding its Arctic footprint with first-time calls in Greenland, Hudson Bay (including Churchill and Coats Island), and the Canadian Arctic, emphasizing rare navigation routes and cultural encounters with Inuit communities.