‘Beyond the Poles’ is the pinnacle of expedition cruising, taking you to the world’s most extraordinary destinations beyond the polar regions. Delve into remote and isolated cultures in the South Pacific, Polynesia, Micronesia, Hawaii, Asia, and Australia and immerse yourself in each port of call’s rich history and vibrant life with captivating shore excursions.
Read on to discover our five favourite expedition cruises across these tropically tantalising regions.
Little Mussau Island, Melanesia
Magical Encounters in the Soloman Islands & Micronesia by PONANT
PONANT offers a 14-day exploration cruise aboard the Le Jacques Cartier. Explore the magnificent Pacific archipelagos and have amazing experiences with native cultures. The adventure begins in Honiara and takes you through distant and untamed locations of amazing beauty.
Leisurely activities in the Solomon Islands include swimming and snorkelling on Njari Island, as well as immersion in the vivid ambience of traditional markets on Ghizo Island. Le Jacques Cartier will sail to Papua New Guinea, an intriguing area with many ethnic groups and an unknown ecosystem. Explore the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, a unique cluster of islands geographically connected to the Solomon Islands archipelago but politically distinct.
Explore further to learn the mysteries of Micronesia’s scattered islands and atolls, which are steeped in World War II history. Chuuk Lagoon and Pulap Island serve as heartbreaking relics of the war, with an Underwater Military Museum preserving the debris of Japan’s military air and marine fleets.
Micronesia’s pristine environment provides excellent prospects for diving in its diverse undersea world. On land, take in the beauty of white sand beaches, coconut palms, and traditional settlements, such as the lovely Ifalik and Gaferut atolls. Your adventure culminates in Guam, the largest volcanic island in the Mariana Islands, where this unforgettable tour ends.
Le Jacques-Cartier in the tropics
Discover the Secrets of Melanesia by Heritage Expeditions
Heritage Expeditions offers an incredible 17-day expedition voyage that reveals the hidden wonders of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Sail into a world few have seen, full of history, different cultures, and compelling wildlife. Visit picturesque islands and secluded towns where age-old customs thrive and lavishly costumed dancers welcome you into their vivid world.
Explore the culturally significant Sepik River, traverse the Bismarck Sea, and see remote beaches and settlements that still practice traditional lifestyles. Immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of New Ireland and Britain. As your ship crosses the Buka Channel to Nissan Island, you will discover poignant remnants of WWII. Enter the long-isolated world of Bougainville, becoming one of the first travellers to return in over two decades. Explore the pristine seas of the Solomon Islands, where new perspectives and unexpected encounters await. Discover Tetepare Island, a conservation gem in the South Pacific, and more.
Melanesia has beautiful reefs that are alive with vivid species and coral gardens of every colour. These seas, which contain some of the world’s finest marine diversity, offer unparalleled snorkelling experiences. This itinerary is a bird enthusiast’s dream, including uncommon species on distant islands that are rarely visited. Find endemic birds such as the Solomon Sea Eagle and the Vanikoro White-eye.
Vanuatu’s cultural spectacle known as lēh-temēt – vibrant ritual headdresses called temēt, representing primordial spirits
Hawaiian Seascapes by UnCruise Adventures
On this 8-day expedition trip with UnCruise Adventures, you will visit four islands: Molokai, Lana’i, Maui, and Hawaii, the Big Island, and experience a new Aloha aboard a boutique, intimate vessel that can accommodate only 36 guests. Experience cultural exchanges, volcano treks, and wildlife expeditions.
Each day brings a new adventure, whether it is kayaking along Maui’s unspoiled coastline, discovering Lanai’s “Private Island,” or immersing yourself in Molokai’s rich culture and relaxed pace. UnCruise Adventures allows you to connect deeply with Hawaii’s landscapes, marine life, and local cultures, generating lifelong memories. Engage with a local Kahuna in Molokai’s ancient Halawa Valley, explore historic sites with ample time for beach and water activities, night snorkel with Giant Pacific Manta Rays, hike Hualalai Volcano, peering into the crater or venturing inside a lava tube.
Hawaiian hiking views
Zanzibar, Aldabra & the Treasures of the Indian Ocean by PONANT
Join PONANT aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville for a 13-day adventure voyage around the Indian Ocean, where you’ll experience breathtaking natural environments, spectacular wildlife, and historic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Starting in Victoria on the island of Mahé, your first stop is La Digue, a Seychelles paradise with palm trees, granite outcrops, white sand, and crystal-clear waters.
Next, you will sail to the breathtaking Saint-François atoll before arriving at Aldabra Atoll, a rare natural sanctuary. Surrounded by mangroves and excellent sandy beaches, it is home to the world’s largest land turtle colony. The little island of Astove provides opportunities for snorkelling and diving among diverse marine life.
After visiting the stunning Assumption Island, your voyage continues to Tanzania, where you will discover the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, a 13th-century Swahili trading post, explore the coral island of Misali, and visit Pemba Island, which has clove plantations and excellent scuba diving opportunities. The journey ends at Zanzibar, a rich historical city with UNESCO-listed buildings that combine African, Arab, Indian, and European influences spanning millennia.
Lookout onto Iden island, Seychelles
Kimberley Explorer by Heritage Expeditions
Aboard the luxurious, 140-guest adventure ship Heritage Adventurer, embark with Heritage Expeditions on an exciting, 11-day in-depth tour of Australia’s renowned Kimberley Coast, where you will witness one of the world’s most beautiful and undisturbed wildernesses.
The rugged, desolate coastline of Western Australia spans more than 400,000 square kilometers in size. It boasts massive red cliffs with iron tones, gushing waterfalls, turquoise waters, hidden caves and coves, serene white sand beaches, stunning reefs, and a wide variety of rare and endangered animals. Rich history, strong ties to the past, and Indigenous cultures are all interwoven in this breathtaking landscape.
Cruises around Kimberley are best experienced by adventure vessel and provide an intimate and immersive experience of this rough-edged region, where the grandeur of nature is awe-inspiring. Highlights of this voyage include the unforgettable sight of King George Falls, which plunges 80m down 2,000-million-year-old towering cliffs, outdoor galleries displaying ancient Aboriginal rock art of the Gwion Gwion and Wandjina people, World War II relics, early explorer history, and an optional helicopter excursion to Mitchell Falls.
King George Falls in Western Australia’s Kimberley
Ready to start planning your trip on an incredible Beyond the Poles expedition cruise?Simply complete our enquiry form to get in touch, or call our Polar Specialists on 020 3666 1033.
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