Exploration Cruise Inspiration & Stories
Welcome to the Cruise Routes Blog
There’s a difference between travelling somewhere and truly experiencing it. This is where we share stories, insights and inspiration from the world of small ship exploration and expedition cruises. From remote coastlines and wildlife-rich archipelagos to great rivers and culturally connected journeys, these are the experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
You’ll also find practical insight and first-hand recommendations from our Cruise Consultants, shaped by personal experience and a clear understanding of what matters when planning meaningful exploration cruises.
Think of it as a place to discover new destinations, explore ideas, and start shaping where your next journey might take you.
Where to See Elephants in Africa: Unforgettable Encounters in the Wild
Few wildlife experiences can match seeing an African elephant in the wild. Whether it’s a family gathering at a waterhole, a lone bull crossing the savannah or an entire herd moving quietly through the bush, these encounters often become the
Exploring Svalbard aboard Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine
There are some places where the landscape completely changes your sense of scale. Svalbard is one of them. Located high above mainland Norway, this Arctic archipelago is a place of towering glaciers, snow-covered mountains and wildlife that has adapted to
India by River and Sea: A Different Way to Discover One of the World’s Most Fascinating Destinations
India has a way of staying with you. It’s there in the sound of temple bells at sunrise, the scent of cardamom drifting through a bustling market, the quiet moments watching village life unfold along a riverbank, and the conversations
The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Patagonia by Expedition Cruise
Few places on Earth capture the imagination quite like Patagonia. Stretching across the southern reaches of Chile and Argentina, this vast wilderness is home to towering glaciers, snow-capped peaks, remote fjords and extraordinary wildlife. It’s a landscape that feels untamed,
What It’s Really Like on a Tropical Expedition Cruise: Raja Ampat to the Philippines
When people think of expedition cruising, Antarctica often comes to mind. But expedition ships are just as much at home in warm waters, reaching remote islands, hidden anchorages and communities that larger vessels simply can’t. After joining Swan Hellenic’s voyage
Cruising South Africa: A Journey of Wildlife, Culture and Coastline
Why choose a South African cruise? South Africa cruises are one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country’s dramatic coastline, remarkable wildlife and richly layered culture. From sailing into Cape Town beneath Table Mountain to combining your voyage
Svalbard: More Than Polar Bears
Svalbard has always been synonymous with polar bears. This remote archipelago deep within the Arctic Circle is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to see them in their natural habitat. But after spending time on a Svalbard
Best Time To Visit Greenland: A Month by Month Guide
Greenland is one of the world’s last great frontiers for exploration. A place of immense fjords, drifting icebergs, remote communities and wildlife-rich coastlines, it offers a style of travel that’s as much about discovery as it is the destination itself.
Indonesia Cruises: Exploring the World’s Largest Archipelago by Small Ship
With more than 17,000 islands stretching between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Indonesia is one of the world’s most rewarding destinations to explore by sea. But this is not a place best experienced aboard large cruise ships with crowded itineraries