I sat down with my travel mentor last week to catch up and share travel stories. Mary has decades of world travel under her belt, but this year was the first time she and her husband booked a cruise. This is worth noting because Mary is nearly 80 years old. When I was in my 30s and considering a cruise, this is the woman who told me “Clare, save the cruises for when you can’t walk anymore.” The fact that she waited so long to begin cruising, and that her first one was an expedition style Hurtigruten cruise, is one of the reasons that I love talking travel with Mary.
For many, cruise ships conjure images of sunbathing on deck chairs, sipping cocktails, indulging on decadent food. Or like me, they inflict images of crowded ships full of people who are more interested in ship amenities then seeing new places. While that’s certainly true for many cruise lines, there are several excellent choices for travelers who want to get on land and explore new places on foot.
Small ship cruising to the rescue!
Small ships, focused on expedition-style voyages with onshore hiking and active adventures, are increasingly becoming more popular and readily available. Far different from the mega-ships, the cruises we’re talking about are called Expedition or Small Ship cruises and I’ll share my personal favorites. I’ve even thrown in a few hiking-friendly river cruises.
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Are there eco-conscious cruise ships?
Some travelers might be concerned about the environmental impact of cruise ships, as we all should be. For the eco-conscious hiker, small ship expeditions offer a good alternative. These intimate ships carry far fewer passengers (usually no more than 200), reducing the impact on local communities. Their focus on exploration often prioritizes environmental education and awareness of the planet’s limited resources, with the goal of minimizing disruption to fragile ecosystems while training passengers to become citizen scientists. Increasingly these ships are being designed with more efficient fuel options and better waste management, making them a more responsible choice for the environmentally-minded adventurer.
When it comes to eco-friendly travel, walking, biking and trains are still the best forms of transportation. But traveling by ship is such a unique experience, something everyone should do, so when you opt for cruises try to go with the more responsible options.
Look at what they do to eliminate single-use plastic and how they prevent food waste. Note their waste-management and carbon-reduction practices. Consider who they support through donations and how they involve local communities in their decision-making. Are their ships designed with X-bow or dynamic positioning with satellite and lateral thrusters (important for protecting fragile ecosystems). It’s a lot of work to determine this, but that’s where we can help with our Travel Planning Services.
How are expedition cruises different?
Imagine a ship full of like-minded nature enthusiasts, with itineraries designed to get you off ship and moving as often as possible. A ship staffed by fellow adventurists, scientists and wildlife experts with the experience and skills to help you explore remote landscapes. A cruise company that understands your desire to see the world on foot and who designs daily excursions with that in mind.
Are there adventure river cruises?
Cruise itineraries are increasingly incorporating shore excursions designed for hikers of all levels, often partnering with land-based adventure tour operators. From trekking glaciers in Patagonia to walking tours in the Mediterranean, cruises offer a unique way to experience the world’s most incredible places. So, ditch the preconceived notions and consider one of these cruises for your next hiking adventure.
Best Cruise Companies for Hiking
Prices listed below are PER PERSON based on DOUBLE OCCUPANCY and are included for comparison purposes. Many cruise lines offer big discounts and a savvy travel agent will help ensure you get those. We can also steer you to cruise lines that waive single-supplement fees.
Alaskan Dream Cruises
This Sitka-based company has a fleet of ships holding 40-80 passengers and staffed by local guides. If local tour operators, indigenous tourism or community-based tourism is important to you, Alaskan Dream Cruises is a top choice. Tours include remote villages and a strong focus on wilderness and wildlife experiences.
Alaskan Dream’s 8-day Last Frontier voyage starts at $4,000 and offers hikes on Kupreanof and Baranof Islands and Glacier Bay National Park.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
I love this Portuguese-owned company for hikers who want a mix of luxury and expedition. It’s a good choice for groups with mixed abilities or those who prefer to be independent because excursions are optional. Offering a 1:1 ratio of staff to passengers, these yachts hold a maximum of 200 passengers and routes include Patagonia/Uruguay, Antarctica, Rio de Janeiro to Tenerife, Mediterranean, Iceland/Greenland and UK/Norway/Denmark.
Atlas Ocean Voyages’ 12-day Edinburgh to Trondheim offers walking opportunities in Norway, Scotland and an overnight stay in the Faroe Islands.
Aurora Expeditions
A B-Corp certified Australian company, Aurora Expeditions specialize in small-group expeditions that include hikes led by experienced guides and a strong focus on environmental education. Ships hold up to 130-154 passengers. One of my favorite things about Aurora is they have a category specifically for Trekking. Known for their fuel-efficient, low-impact ships and focus on sustainable food, there is much to love about this cruise line. Routes cover Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, Patagonia, Tasmania, Iceland, Greenland and the rarely covered Aleutian Islands.
If price is not a factor, look at Aurora Expeditions’ 20-day In Shackleton’s Footsteps which offers the opportunity to hike from Fortuna Bay to Stromness, the final stage of Shackleton, Worsely and Crean’s epic journey across South Georgia Island. At $23,195 this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that may change your perspective on life and our planet.
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Avalon Waterways
When it comes to hiking friendly river cruises, Avalon Waterways is the best choice for price-conscious independent travelers. Ship capacity ranges from 100-166 passengers. Their Active & Discovery Cruises offer hiking poles and bikes with excursions to match and you can choose whether or not you wish to walk with a group or venture off on your own. Eric and I traveled with them in 2022 and loved the flexibility they provided.
Avalon’s 8-day Active & Discovery on the Lower Danube offers a walking/hiking excursion almost every day. I love the town walk in Croatia and hikes through Djerdap National Park, Belogradchik and Văcărești Nature Park. List price is $5,206 but discounts are often available.
Backroads Active Cruises
Yes, we know Backroads is a land tour operator, but did you know they offer ocean and river cruises? Partnering with AmaWaterways and Australis, the popular US cycling and hiking tour operator offers a great selection of walking focused cruises on ships that hold less than 210 passengers. Current itineraries include Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Iceland. Itinerary details include hiking distances and elevation details.
We love all of the Backroads Cruises but our particular favorite is the 9-day Chilean Patagonia & Fjords Cruise. The $12,000 tour is all-inclusive (except for gratuities and airfare) and includes land hotels.
Coral Expeditions
Another Australian company that we love, Coral Expedition ships hold up to 120 passengers and provide relaxed cruising around Australia, New Zealand and the Indian Ocean. If you want to mix scuba diving with your hiking, they’re an especially good choice.
Coral Expeditions’ 11-day Coastal Treks of Tasmania is our personal favorite because it offers walking opportunities every day, some including 2-4 hour hikes. Starting at $8,870, price includes all excursions, fees and gratuities.
Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten is well-known by US travelers who love adventure, and for good reason. This Norwegian company has been offering expeditionary cruises for over a hundred years. Used by academia and scientists worldwide, they are an excellent choice for mid-range budgets and those who care more about comfort and excursions than they do about being pampered. Although that will happen too. With ships that carry up to 570 passengers, Hurtigruten is the sole exception on our list in terms of size, but they are one of the leaders in designing environmentally-friendly ships so they deserve consideration.
Most of Hurtigruten’s tours include hiking, but we particularly like their 11-Day Coastal Express to the Viking Capital which includes a multitude of guided walking and hiking opportunities for the affordable price of $2,908 (excursions are an added cost).
Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX)
For more expeditionary trips, look at Hurtigruten Expeditions. Expect the same quality and educational focus but with more attention to adventure activities requiring more equipment and trained arctic guides.
HX’s 21-day Cambridge Bay to Portland is on my bucket list because it takes you through the Northwest Passage into places few humans get to see and a landscape that is rapidly changing. Besides the remote islands north of Canada, this tour offers stops in Greenland and Corner Brook Newfoundland (one of our favorite places in North America)! List price is $23,038 but a good travel agent can get you a sweet deal at nearly half the price.
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic partners with Lindblad Expeditions for their tours, which speaks volumes for the high quality experience they provide. These expeditions are for people who are serious about the environment, who love wildlife and remote wilderness. Families with children are welcome, making them a good choice for multi-gen hiking trips. Lindbland routes cover Antarctica, New Zealand and Subantarctic, Galapagos and Alaska. Ships range anywhere from 16-148 passengers and are as diverse as their destinations.
For something closer to home, we love Lindblad’s 8-day British Columbia & San Juan Islands cruise, which starts at $5,788. We’ve hiked these places and can vouch for the natural beauty and friendly locals!
Northwest Navigation
Years ago I met the owners of Northwest Navigation, when they did a presentation at my library talking about how they rebuilt an old wooden boat, the David B, and turned their dreams into a reality. Jeffrey and Christine are some of the nicest people you will ever meet and their 9-passenger cruises through the Alaskan Inside Passage and San Juan Islands are a unique, intimate experience that is perfect for those who want to be as close to the outdoors as possible. This is authentic and eco-friendly cruising at its best! Your quarters will be tiny with a private toilet and sink but a shared bathing room. This is for adventurous souls, not luxury seekers.
Northwest Navigation’s 8-day Roundtrip Juneau cruise is all-inclusive and will cost you $7,900, unless you get lucky and grab a last-minute deal when they’re trying to fill the boat.
Polar Quest
The eco-friendly Swedish Polar Quest offers expedition cruises that feel like your own private boat. With ships that carry 12 to 53 passengers, Polar Quest can venture into narrow fjords and remote destinations in Norway, Galapagos, Greenland and Antarctica.
Polar Quest recommends any tour in July, August or September as those are the best hiking conditions and we particularly like their 12-day Svalbard expedition which (weather permitting) includes 10 days of excursions off the ship. Starting at $8,790 this is the chance of a lifetime to get close to the North Pole with boots on the ground.
Quark Expeditions
Quark is another great option for hikers seeking Antarctic and Arctic expeditions. We love that they separate groups by ability, helping to ensure everyone enjoys a hike best suited to them. Some excursions are extra (as are gratuities and laundry) but they do give you a complimentary parka to take home. Trekking poles and muck boots are also provided during excursions and most hiking tours are included in the price. Ships hold 128-200 passengers and their new Ultramarine ship has gained much attention for its waste management system and fuel efficiency.
The 11-day Antarctic Explorer is Quark Expeditions’ classic journey and they offer a departure from Ushuaia starting at $9,236 or a 12-day from Buenos Aires starting at $13,216. Hiking and a short helicopter ride are included in this price, with additional options to add heli-trekking, camping, kayaking and more.
If you want a good laugh, here are my thoughts after returning from my first river cruise. Wish I had known about all of these expedition cruises back then!
