North America Expedition Cruises

It is easy to imagine that the New World is all about the arrival of the Europeans. But this vast continent, whilst seeming familiar, is in fact an exciting mixture of amazing scenery, with vast mountain ranges, extraordinary river basins, deserts and plains, with huge lakes, intricate coastlines, and a host of indigenous wildlife. Add to that a rich culture, both native and imported, and you have a destination you will never tire of.

Highlights of a North America Expedition Cruise

The breathtaking wildernesses of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest are an adventurer's paradise, with the most amazing scenery, loads of opportunities for active exploration both in and out of the water, and so much wonderful flora and fauna. from brown bears and eagles to humpbacks, orca and more.

Further east, lighthouse-dotted islands and pristine inland seas define the spectacular Great Lakes region of the USA and Canada. Home to deer, moose, bears, eagles, and countless bird species, these vast lakes offer serene backdrops for diving, fishing and kayaking on an expedition cruise, often combined with exploring the historic maritime towns throughout Atlantic Canada, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island for fantastic seafood, history and coastal charm.

The Small Ship Expedition Difference in North America

Small expedition ships tend to carry Zodiacs, paddleboards, and kayaks, allowing guests to venture far from crowds and immerse themselves in the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and beyond - think kayaking in quiet coves spotting whales and eagles, beach barbecues, bear watching, rafting white-water rivers, or even heli-hiking across glaciers. In Alaska, small ship cruises get away from the large - often incredibly busy ports - and are able to navigate into tiny waterways for authentic experiences that explore the true wilderness that lies behind the touristy towns. Some itineraries even reach St Matthew Island, one of the most secluded places on Earth and an entire day's journey from the nearest human settlement.

The Great Lakes are connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River, and navigating them requires passing through a sequence of locks and canals. For that reason, only the smallest ocean-going ships are able to make the journey.

Luxury Expedition Cruise Lines That Visit North America

Ponant and Hapag-Lloyd are some of the only lines that have cruises that sail on the Great Lakes, as well as calling in to Atlantic Canada and the Saint Lawrence River, operating select itineraries that often begin in Toronto or Milwaukee. Cruises may travel through New York State toward the five Great Lakes, combining iconic cities such as Chicago and Minneapolis with quiet forested islands and remote stretches of shoreline.

Only a handful of expedition cruise lines offer truly immersive Alaska and British Columbia exploration, including HX Expeditions, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (on their now fully bilingual ships) and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions (who also have some interesting Columbia and Snake Rivers itineraries sailing from Oregon). Most voyages travel between ports such as Seattle, Sitka, Vancouver and Seward and include visits to the breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument; spectacular Tracy Arm Fjord, home to whales, dolphins, eagles, sea lions, and bears; and the legendary Inside Passage, allowing you to venture further into remote corners of Alaska such as Katmai National Park known for its brown bears; Kodiak, with its salmon-rich streams; and isolated islands of the Bering Sea such as St Paul, with its tens of thousands of nesting seabirds.

Best Time for an Expedition Cruise in North America

North America's cruising seasons vary by region. The Pacific Northwest and Alaska are best explored from late spring to early autumn, when wildlife is most active and conditions are ideal for outdoor pursuits. The Great Lakes season spans the warmer months, offering comfortably mild temperatures and long daylight hours. Atlantic Canada shines from summer into early autumn, with excellent whale watching opportunities, especially in Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy, and vibrant autumn colours arriving later in the season.