How much deposit do expedition cruise lines ask for?

By Richard Jasinski·Updated 9 November 2026

These 28 expedition cruise lines state their deposit and when the balance is due on their own websites, read 9 November 2026. Each card gives what the line says about it, with the ship, voyage, length, price or number where it names one, then why to choose it, what to ask for and the limits it publishes.

How much deposit do expedition cruise lines ask for?

28 expedition cruise lines in the Uncompromised Travel table say on their own websites that they state their deposit and when the balance is due; Quark Expeditions, Natural World Safaris and UnCruise Adventures have the most Google reviews under the line's own name.

Who is on this page and why. The Uncompromised Travel expedition cruise lines table holds 54 companies: the expedition cruise lines ChatGPT names most often when asked about expedition cruises, plus lines found from the IAATO and AECO member lists. Their own websites were read on 9 November 2026, with their Google and Trustpilot listings matched by name. This page carries every line in the table that, on its own website, states its deposit and when the balance is due: 28 lines. Cards are in alphabetical order. Each line on a card gives what the company's own website says, with a link to the page it came from; a second reader checked 324 of the table's rows against the pages. No company paid to be on this page.

Abercrombie & Kent

Best for: Expedition cruises on partner ships, excursions included
Deposit and balance: Asks a deposit of 15% of the programme price per person for Expedition Cruises at booking, with final payment due 120 days before departure.
Why choose them: Expedition cruise fares include all shore excursions, house bar drinks and gratuities for the ship's crew and the A&K Expedition Team. Trustpilot (whole company): 4.4 out of 5 from 795 reviews, newest 3 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the expedition cruise inclusions on your ship, including the parka and backpack to keep and the loan boots, waterproof pants and trekking poles on polar cruises.
Not the fit if: you will not carry evacuation cover: polar cruises require proof of a minimum of $100,000 per person in emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance.
Website: abercrombiekent.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: booking-terms-and-conditions-for-journeys.

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Adventure Canada

Best for: Canadian Arctic and Greenland small-ship expeditions
Deposit and balance: Asks a non-refundable deposit of $2,500 USD per person, per cruise to register, with the final balance due 120 days before departure.
Why choose them: Began in 1987, when brothers Matthew and Bill Swan and friend David Freeze started taking travellers to "off the map" destinations. Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 29 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a dedicated solo cabin, a shared cabin or roommate matching on select expeditions.
Not the fit if: you cannot climb the external gangway stairs to transfer between the ship and the Zodiacs.
Published price: From $8,995 USD per person based on double occupancy, Heart of the Arctic, 2 to 14 August 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Money protection: Customer deposits held in Client Trust Accounts, audited annually by a CPA and inspected by TICO auditors (TICO registration 4001400/5002 1860).
Website: adventurecanada.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, about-us, how-to-register-and-important-booking-informatio.

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Aqua Expeditions

Best for: Small ships in Indonesia and the Galapagos
Deposit and balance: Asks a deposit of US$1,000 per person to confirm a cabin booking made 91 days or more before departure, with the final balance due 90 days before departure.
Why choose them: Runs a fleet of six vessels sailing 12 destinations, founded in 2007 by Francesco Galli Zugaro. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 11 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a private charter, which gives exclusive use of a whole vessel, its crew and all onboard spaces on any of its six ships.
Not the fit if: your plans may change late: cabin deposits become non-refundable from 120 days before departure and from 90 days the full payment is kept.
Website: aquaexpeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: booking-policies, aqua-experience/our-story.

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Atlas Ocean Voyages

Best for: All-inclusive ice-class yachts, sailing year-round
Deposit and balance: Asks an initial deposit of 25% within three days of booking for bookings made more than 120 days from sailing, with final payment due 120 days from sailing.
Why choose them: Its three yachts, World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager, are Polar Category C and Ice Class 1B. Google: 4.0 out of 5 from 86 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Drake Express voyage, which includes a roundtrip private charter jet between Punta Arenas and King George Island.
Not the fit if: you use an electric wheelchair or scooter: only collapsible wheelchairs are accepted on board.
Published price: From US$12,150 per guest, double occupancy, 11-night Antarctica voyage on World Navigator roundtrip from Ushuaia, 8 March 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: atlasoceanvoyages.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: terms-of-use, faq, home page.

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Aurora Expeditions

Best for: Small-ship polar voyages with solo cabins
Deposit and balance: Asks a deposit of 25% of the price of each ticket within 7 working days of booking, with final payment due at least 120 days before departure.
Why choose them: Publishes an Expedition Team-to-expeditioner ratio of 1:7. Google: 4.4 out of 5 from 107 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for one of the 10 dedicated solo cabins with no single supplement on the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle.
Not the fit if: you may need to cancel late: from 120 days before departure the cancellation fee is 100% of the full ticket price.
Published price: Spirit of Antarctica, 11 days, from USD $15,436 per person twin share (was $19,295), December 2026 and 2027 seasons. Read 9 November 2026.
Money protection: Deposit Protection Program: all voyage deposits go into a separate trust account (Aurora Passenger Trust).
Enquiry: aurora-expeditions.com/booking-form

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, about-us, home page.

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Cookson Adventures

Best for: Private superyacht expeditions planned from scratch
Deposit and balance: Invoices a non-refundable retained deposit before planning starts, which it says typically starts at £5,000 and can be higher; full payment of the expedition balance is due once you confirm the final trip proposal.
Why choose them: Founded in 2009 by polar explorer Henry Cookson, it designs every trip as a private journey for one group. Google: 4.7 out of 5 from 13 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Private Client Manager to design a private yacht expedition, with helicopters, submersible dives or a professional photographer built in.
Not the fit if: your budget is under £150,000: it typically works with a minimum spend of £150,000 per journey.
Money protection: ATOL licence 12608 on certain bookings, such as flight-inclusive packages booked in the UK.
Website: cooksonadventures.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: faqs, press-hub/cookson-adventures-announces-the-appoi, booking-conditions.

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Cruceros Australis

Best for: Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego fjords
Deposit and balance: Asks a US$300 deposit per person to secure a reservation, with full payment due no later than 60 days before departure.
Why choose them: Runs two ships, Ventus Australis and Stella Australis, tailor-made for the narrow fjords of Patagonia. Google: 3.0 out of 5 from 1 review. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the promo rate on the Fjords of Tierra del Fuego or Patagonian Explorer voyage, from US$1,955 per person in a B cabin for the 2026-2027 season.
Not the fit if: your plans may change late: from 29 days before departure the cancellation charge is 100% of the sale.
Published price: From US$1,955 per person, cabin B, promo rate, double occupancy, 2026-2027 season (Fjords of Tierra del Fuego or Patagonian Explorer, 5 days and 4 nights). Read 9 November 2026.
Enquiry: australis.com/contact

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: travel-conditions, our-ships, itineraries.

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Ecoventura

Best for: Galapagos yachts carrying 20 guests
Deposit and balance: Asks a deposit of $1,000 per person ($2,000 for singles) within five days of written confirmation in 2026, rising to $1,500 and $3,000 from 2027; final payment is due 90 days before the sailing date.
Why choose them: Has two naturalist guides for every ten guests, which it says is the lowest guide to guest ratio in the Galapagos.
Ask for: Ask for a two-room Premium Suite or a whole-yacht charter for up to 20 guests.
Not the fit if: you may cancel late: from 89 days before departure the entire cruise rate is forfeited.
Website: ecoventura.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: booking-terms-conditions, celebrate-valentines-day-by-booking-a-private-mo.

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Enchanted Expeditions

Best for: Galapagos yachts for 16 guests or fewer
Deposit and balance: Asks a 20% deposit to confirm a reservation, with the balance due 60 days before departure.
Why choose them: Says it has over 40 years running small boat cruises in the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador. Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 22 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a charter of one of its own yachts for a small group or family, with or without extensions.
Not the fit if: you might cancel late: within 60 days of departure the full price of the cruise is charged.
Published price: US$6,640 per person based on double occupancy, Beluga cruise with guest host Lucy Cooke, 9 to 16 December 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Enquiry: enchantedexpeditions.com/contact

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: travelling-faq, home page, booking-conditions.

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GO Galapagos

Best for: Galapagos cruises paired with Ecuador land tours
Deposit and balance: Asks a deposit of USD $500 net per person per short cruise, with the full balance due 61 days before departure; charters need 20% of the charter rate to confirm.
Why choose them: Owns and operates three expedition ships in the Galapagos: the Galapagos Legend for 100 guests, Coral I for 36 and Coral II for 20. Google: 4.7 out of 5 from 19 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a GO 3 Galapagos Cruise & Ecuador's Volcano Avenue package, 13 or 16 days combining land days in Ecuador with a Galapagos cruise.
Not the fit if: you need an easy walking pace: it recommends reasonably good physical condition as some trails may be difficult; guests board from a small dinghy.
Enquiry: gogalapagos.com/contact-our-team

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, about-us, general-faqs.

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Grands Espaces

Best for: Small-ship Spitsbergen and Greenland expeditions
Deposit and balance: Asks a deposit of 40% of the voyage price to book a cabin, with the balance due two months before departure.
Why choose them: Keeps one guide for every 10 passengers on Zodiac outings. Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 35 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a private charter of one of its ships with an adapted itinerary.
Not the fit if: you have reduced mobility: there is no lift on its ships.
Published price: From €10,900 per person, 8-day Spitsbergen voyage on Captain Arctic, 6 to 13 August 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Enquiry: grands-espaces.com/en/contact-us

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: faq, en/croisieres/new-expedition-cruises-to-spitsber.

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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Best for: Bilingual PC6 expedition ships, pole to pole
Deposit and balance: Asks 20% of the total cruise price on PLATINUM fares booked up to 365 days ahead, 25% from 364 to 181 days and 30% within 180 days (SILVER fares 40%, 45% and 50%). Bookings within 30 days of departure pay in full; travel documents follow the balance, not earlier than 30 days before the cruise.
Why choose them: Its three HANSEATIC expedition ships, commissioned in May and October 2019 and May 2021, have PC6, which it says is the highest ice class for passenger ships.
Ask for: Ask for the cruises on its offers list where there is no or only a small surcharge for single occupancy of the cabin or suite.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair: guests who depend on one cannot travel in the Zodiacs.
Published price: From €13,640 per person, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula, 14 days from Ushuaia on HANSEATIC inspiration, 07 Jan 2028 (early booking discount until 28 Feb 2027). Read 9 November 2026.
Money protection: Insolvency cover with Deutscher Reisesicherungsfonds GmbH for European customers; ABTOT ATOL Franchise, ATOL number 12926, for UK customers.
Website: hl-cruises.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: service/faq/planning-your-cruise, press/photo-archiv/hanseatic-nature, cruises/destinations/antarctica.

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Heritage Expeditions

Best for: Ross Sea and Subantarctic expeditions
Deposit and balance: Asks a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total Expedition price; the balance is due 90 days before departure on Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Discoverer (120 days for Antarctica) and 60 days before on Heritage Explorer.
Why choose them: Aims to keep a guide-to-client ratio of 1:12 on its expeditions.
Ask for: Ask for the 17 December 2026 Galapagos of the Southern Ocean voyage, which has a wildlife photography workshop with Nikon Ambassador Rachel Bigsby.
Not the fit if: you need a refundable deposit: the 25% deposit is non-refundable and on Antarctica voyages the full fare is lost within 120 days of departure.
Published price: From US$10,900 per person (reduced from US$13,500), Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Cruise incl. South Shetland Islands on Heritage Discoverer, departures from 22 November 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Money protection: Deposits held by Heritage Security Ltd on behalf of Heritage Expeditions (2018) Ltd under a customer deposit agreement.
Enquiry: heritage-expeditions.com/contact

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: terms-conditions, about/responsible-travel, destinations/antarctic-peninsula-cruises/antarct.

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HX Expeditions

Best for: Polar voyages on a five-ship expedition fleet
Deposit and balance: Asks a 25% non-refundable deposit for bookings made more than 90 days ahead, with final payment due 90 days before departure.
Why choose them: Says it has been sailing polar waters since 1896. Trustpilot (whole company): 2.9 out of 5 from 46 reviews, newest 22 October 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for departures with no solo supplement, which it offers on selected expedition sailings.
Not the fit if: you may need your deposit back: the 25% deposit is non-refundable and final payment is due 90 days before departure.
Website: travelhx.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: en-gb/support/faq, en-us.

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Lindblad Expeditions

Best for: Expedition cruises with National Geographic experts
Deposit and balance: Takes an advance payment of 15% of the cabin fare at reservation, with final payment due 120 days before departure.
Why choose them: Says its staff-to-guest ratio is no more than 1-to-16. Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 84 reviews; Trustpilot: 3.2 out of 5 from 6 reviews, newest 4 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Share Guarantee, which matches solo guests willing to share with another solo guest of the same gender at the double-occupancy rate.
Not the fit if: your plans may change: cancelling 119 to 90 days before departure costs 50% of the trip cost and 89 days or less costs 100%.
Money protection: US Federal Maritime Commission passenger vessel financial responsibility rule (46 C.F.R. Part 540); California Seller of Travel #2151120; Washington Seller of Travel #601134845 001 0001.
Website: expeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: reservation-terms-conditions, plan/faqs, cancellation-policy.

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Maple Leaf Adventures

Best for: Small-ship voyages in BC and Alaska
Deposit and balance: Asks a deposit of one third of the trip price to reserve a space, with the balance due 120 days before departure.
Why choose them: Has operated small ships in BC and Alaska since 1986 and owns and maintains its ships locally. Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 79 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a full-ship charter, where the fare is the same regardless of how many people are on the trip, up to each ship's maximum.
Not the fit if: you have failing health or a physical disability: it says its trips are not suitable, with almost no docks where it lands.
Published price: $3,950 per person in Canadian dollars, double occupancy, Gulf Islands in Spring on Maple Leaf, 16 to 20 April 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: mapleleafadventures.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: booking-cancellation-policy, about, faq.

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Natural World Safaris

Best for: Specialist-led wildlife voyages on partner ships
Deposit and balance: Asks a deposit of 30% of the total amount payable to confirm a booking; the balance is due no later than 90 days before departure. Bookings made within 90 days are paid in full.
Why choose them: Has been planning wildlife travel since 2005 and has expertise across 40+ countries. Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 139 reviews; Trustpilot (whole company): 4.8 out of 5 from 88 reviews, newest 7 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Svalbard Wildlife Safari, an intimate ship charter focused on polar bears, with its dates and price in writing.
Not the fit if: you might cancel within 89 days of departure: 100% of the entire cost is then payable.
Published price: From $12,000 per person (US$), Classic Antarctica Adventure on Sea Spirit, 28 Nov to 09 Dec 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Money protection: ATOL or Trust My Travel, included for UK and EU clients.
Website: naturalworldsafaris.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: resources/terms, resources/about-us, polar-regions/antarctica/safaris/classic-antarct.

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Noble Caledonia

Best for: Small-ship voyages for mature travellers
Deposit and balance: Asks a 10% deposit for bookings made 90 days or more before departure; the final balance is due 90 days before departure.
Why choose them: Established in 1991, it owns MS Island Sky and MS Hebridean Sky, which carry 118 guests each. Trustpilot (whole company): 2.2 out of 5 from 24 reviews, newest 2 June 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for sole use of a twin cabin and the solo travellers' evening it hosts on board when numbers allow.
Not the fit if: you are travelling with children: it says travelling with children is not recommended and most of its ships have a minimum age of 15-18.
Published price: From £9,995 per person (special offer), Falklands in Focus, 14 nights on MS Island Sky, departing 5 January 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Money protection: ATOL for UK residents with air travel included; a bond with ABTA for UK bookings without air travel.
Enquiry: noble-caledonia.co.uk/about-noble-caledonia/contact-us

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: about-noble-caledonia/faqs, about-noble-caledonia/our-history, voyages-and-tours/polar-cruises.

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Pelagic Expeditions

Best for: Private sailing-vessel charters to Antarctica
Deposit and balance: Asks one third of the total charter fee on booking, a second third six months before departure and the balance six weeks before departure.
Why choose them: Says it has sailed south every year since 1988, when it made a sailing and climbing expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia.
Ask for: Ask Skip Novak for a charter of the Pelagic 77 Vinson of Antarctica, with its dates and day rate in writing.
Not the fit if: you want to fly to Antarctica: voyages sail from Puerto Williams in Chile across the Drake Passage, usually three to four days.
Enquiry: pelagic.co.uk/contact.asp

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: over_terms.asp, over_clients.asp, destinations_ant.asp.

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Polar Latitudes

Best for: Small polar ships with citizen science
Deposit and balance: Asks a 20% non-refundable deposit to confirm a booking, with final payment due 120 days before departure; bookings inside 120 days pay in full.
Why choose them: Publishes a passenger-to-staff ratio of 7:1 to 8:1 on every voyage. Google: 4.1 out of 5 from 7 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.7 out of 5 from 189 reviews, newest 8 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Solo Vista Stateroom on MV Discoverer, designed for solo travellers with no single supplement.
Not the fit if: you want to sail without travel insurance: it is mandatory at booking, with at least $150,000 USD cover for medical expenses and evacuation.
Published price: From $8,817 per person in U.S. dollars, Antarctic Peninsula: The Pure Expedition, 10 days/9 nights on Ocean Victory, Feb 4-13 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: polar-latitudes.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, about, rates-and-dates.

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Quark Expeditions

Best for: Polar-only voyages with helicopter options
Deposit and balance: Asks a deposit of 25% of the total booking for bookings made 151 days or more before Day 1; the full amount is due no later than 150 days before Day 1.
Why choose them: Ultramarine carries two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 604 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.9 out of 5 from 578 reviews, newest 8 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Antarctic Express fly-cruise options if you would rather fly the Drake Passage than sail it both ways.
Not the fit if: you want to pay late: the full balance is due 150 days before Day 1 and bookings made inside that window are paid in full.
Published price: from $13,551 USD per person, Greenland to Newfoundland, 14 days on Ultramarine from Reykjavík, departures September 2027 to September 2028. Read 9 November 2026.
Money protection: USTOA Consumer Protection Plan ($1 million posted with the USTOA).
Website: quarkexpeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: booking-terms-and-conditions, about-us/small-ships, expeditions/greenland-to-newfoundland-mountains-.

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Quasar Expeditions

Best for: Galápagos yacht cruises and Patagonia safaris
Deposit and balance: For Galapagos cruises booked 91 days or more ahead, asks a non-refundable deposit of $1,800 USD per person, with final non-refundable payment due 90 days before departure.
Why choose them: Says it keeps a 10:1 guest to guide ratio on its Galápagos yachts. Google: 5.0 out of 5 from 117 reviews; Trustpilot: 5.0 out of 5 from 779 reviews, newest 12 June 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a private charter of the Evolution or Grace yacht in the Galápagos.
Not the fit if: your plans may change: on Galápagos cruises all payments received are non-refundable.
Website: quasarex.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: terms-conditions, galapagos.

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Secret Atlas

Best for: 12 to 36 guest polar micro cruises
Deposit and balance: Takes 30% on booking, 30% six months before departure and the last 40% three months before, when booked more than six months ahead; inside three months the full fare is due on booking.
Why choose them: Publishes a 1:6 guide ratio in the Arctic and in Antarctica and South Georgia. Google: 5.0 out of 5 from 82 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Antarctic Circle by Air departure, which replaces the Drake Passage crossing with a two-hour charter flight from Puerto Natales to King George Island.
Not the fit if: you might cancel late: the initial 30% deposit is never refunded and nothing is refunded less than 3 months before departure.
Published price: £9,500 / US$12,500 per person, Signature Twin/Double, Svalbard Spring Micro Cruise on Vikingfjord, 19-26 May 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: secretatlas.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: booking-terms-and-conditions, home page, dates-and-rates.

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Swan Hellenic

Best for: Cultural expedition cruises on three ships
Deposit and balance: Asks a down payment of 20% of the cruise package price, or 30% for suites; the balance is due 120 days before the start of the trip (60 days for customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland).
Why choose them: SH Minerva and SH Vega carry 152 guests each and SH Diana 192. Trustpilot: 4.6 out of 5 from 179 reviews, newest 28 October 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask which departures waive the single supplement for solo travellers.
Not the fit if: you might cancel within 60 days of departure: 100% of the cruise package price is charged.
Money protection: Insolvency bonding with ACTA (Cyprus) for cruise-only and flight-inclusive bookings.
Website: swanhellenic.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: terms, latest-news/how-many-people-are-on-a-cruise-ship.

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Terra Nova Expeditions

Best for: Antarctica on a 98-guest ship, activities included
Deposit and balance: Asks a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the contract price at booking, with the balance due 120 days before departure; within 120 days the full price is payable at once.
Why choose them: Keeps its Antarctic expeditions to fewer than 100 guests, with Terra Nova Adventurer taking a maximum of 98.
Ask for: Ask for an open-air camping place early: it is included but limited to 30 guests per departure.
Not the fit if: you want to fly over the Drake Passage: every voyage leaves Ushuaia and crosses it by sea.
Published price: From $6,490 per person in US dollars, Classic Antarctica, 10 days on Terra Nova Adventurer, next departure December 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: terranova-expeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: en/terms-conditions, home page, en/faqs.

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UnCruise Adventures

Best for: Small-ship adventure cruises in Alaska
Deposit and balance: For bookings from 1 October 2025, asks a 20% deposit, with final payment due 120 days before departure; inside 120 days full payment is due at booking.
Why choose them: Sails nine ships carrying 22 to 88 guests. Google: 4.7 out of 5 from 136 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Families in Nature sailing, where kids 2 and under sail free.
Not the fit if: you want a doctor on board: it does not undertake to provide a physician or other health care on the vessel.
Published price: In Steinbeck's Wake, Safari Voyager, from US$8,400 per person in a Compass Cabin, double occupancy, April and May 2027 departures. Read 9 November 2026.
Enquiry: uncruise.com/pages/ready-to-book-form

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: pages/terms-conditions, home page, products/in-steinbecks-wake-an-epic-voyage-throu.

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Viking

Best for: Large Polar Class ships with submarines
Deposit and balance: Offers a promotional US$25 deposit on itineraries of 35 days or less departing from April 2027 (from June 2027 for longer itineraries; World Cruise excluded); for 2027 departures, payment in full is due by 17 December 2026 or 120 days before departure, whichever comes first.
Why choose them: Its expedition ships Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, launched in 2022, carry 378 guests each. Trustpilot (whole company): 1.7 out of 5 from 382 reviews, newest 8 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a submarine dive: each submarine takes 6 guests and a pilot.
Not the fit if: you travel with children: it lists no children under 18 on its ocean voyages; the pages read give no age rule for its expedition ships.
Enquiry: vikingcruises.com/expeditions/contact/index.html

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: expeditions/contact/index.html, about-us/history.html, oceans/why-viking/did-you-know.html.

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Waterproof Expeditions

Best for: Small-group Svalbard voyages and polar snorkelling
Deposit and balance: Asks a deposit of 30% of the total price on booking, with the balance due 90 days before departure.
Why choose them: Founded in 2007 by Marlynda Elstgeest and Göran Ehlmé of Waterproof Diving International. Google: 5.0 out of 5 from 59 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Signature Expedition such as Svalbard Awakening on Explorer, led by its own guides.
Not the fit if: you cannot manage the gangway: to join landings you must get up and down from the ship to the water to board the Zodiacs.
Published price: Svalbard Awakening, Explorer, 10 days, 19 to 28 June 2027, from EUR 14,700 per person in a Superior Suite. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: waterproof-expeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: terms-conditions, about-us, faq.

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What deposit does each line ask for?

28 of the 28 lines state their deposit as a share of the fare or a fixed amount; names are in alphabetical order.

Abercrombie & Kent: 15% of the programme price
Adventure Canada: $2,500 USD per person, per cruise
Aqua Expeditions: US$1,000 per person
Atlas Ocean Voyages: 25%
Aurora Expeditions: 25% of the price of each ticket
Cookson Adventures: typically starts at £5,000
Cruceros Australis: US$300 per person
Ecoventura: $1,000 per person and $2,000 for singles (2026)
Enchanted Expeditions: 20% deposit
GO Galapagos: USD $500 net per person per short cruise
Grands Espaces: 40% of the voyage price
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: 20% of the total cruise price (PLATINUM fare, booked up to 365 days ahead)
Heritage Expeditions: 25% of the total Expedition price
HX Expeditions: a 25% non-refundable deposit
Lindblad Expeditions: 15% of the cabin fare
Maple Leaf Adventures: one third of the price of the trip
Natural World Safaris: 30% of the total amount payable
Noble Caledonia: 10%
Pelagic Expeditions: 1/3rd of the total fee
Polar Latitudes: 20% non-refundable deposit
Quark Expeditions: 25% of the total booking
Quasar Expeditions: a non-refundable deposit of $1,800 USD per person
Secret Atlas: 30% on booking
Swan Hellenic: 20% of the cruise package price (30% for suites)
Terra Nova Expeditions: 25% of the contract price
UnCruise Adventures: 20% deposit
Viking: a promotional deposit on departures from April 2027
Waterproof Expeditions: a deposit equal to 30% of the total price

Which of these show a dated price on this page?

17 of the 28 cards show a price for a voyage, with its currency and a date or season. Cookson Adventures, Ecoventura, GO Galapagos, Lindblad Expeditions, Quasar Expeditions and Viking publish fares on their own websites without a date or currency on the pages read, so no figure is shown for them. Ask every line for a written quote with the departure date and what it includes.

Adventure Canada
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Aurora Expeditions
Cruceros Australis
Enchanted Expeditions
Grands Espaces
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Heritage Expeditions
Maple Leaf Adventures
Natural World Safaris
Noble Caledonia
Polar Latitudes
Quark Expeditions
Secret Atlas
Terra Nova Expeditions
UnCruise Adventures
Waterproof Expeditions

Which of these lines name a scheme that protects your money?

10 of the 28 lines name a scheme, bond, licence or account that protects payments for some or all bookings; check the number with the scheme before you pay.

Adventure Canada: Customer deposits held in Client Trust Accounts, audited annually by a CPA and inspected by TICO auditors (TICO registration 4001400/5002 1860)
Aurora Expeditions: Deposit Protection Program: all voyage deposits go into a separate trust account (Aurora Passenger Trust)
Cookson Adventures: ATOL licence 12608 on certain bookings, such as flight-inclusive packages booked in the UK
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: Insolvency cover with Deutscher Reisesicherungsfonds GmbH for European customers; ABTOT ATOL Franchise, ATOL number 12926, for UK customers
Heritage Expeditions: Deposits held by Heritage Security Ltd on behalf of Heritage Expeditions (2018) Ltd under a customer deposit agreement
Lindblad Expeditions: US Federal Maritime Commission passenger vessel financial responsibility rule (46 C.F.R. Part 540); California Seller of Travel #2151120; Washington Seller of Travel #601134845 001 0001
Natural World Safaris: ATOL or Trust My Travel, included for UK and EU clients
Noble Caledonia: ATOL for UK residents with air travel included; a bond with ABTA for UK bookings without air travel
Quark Expeditions: USTOA Consumer Protection Plan ($1 million posted with the USTOA)
Swan Hellenic: Insolvency bonding with ACTA (Cyprus) for cruise-only and flight-inclusive bookings

Who to contact first

Start with the 14 lines on this page that publish both a voyage price and their cancellation terms on their own websites, then add any other card that fits your dates and the voyage you want.

Adventure Canada
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Aurora Expeditions
Cruceros Australis
Enchanted Expeditions
Heritage Expeditions
Maple Leaf Adventures
Natural World Safaris
Polar Latitudes
Quark Expeditions
Secret Atlas
Terra Nova Expeditions
UnCruise Adventures
Waterproof Expeditions

What to ask each one to set out in writing:

What the fare includes, line by line: flights, hotel nights before and after, drinks, gratuities, excursions, kayaking or camping, parka and boots.
The ship: passengers on board, ice class where it matters, the cabin and whether anything on board costs extra.
The deposit, when the balance is due, what you lose if you cancel and what happens if ice or weather changes the route.
Which scheme or licence protects your money, the travel insurance you need and the medical cover it must include.

Expedition cruise deposits: the questions people ask

What should I ask an expedition cruise line before booking?

What the fare includes, line by line; how many passengers the ship carries and how many go ashore at once; the deposit and what you lose if you cancel; the travel insurance and medical cover it requires; and which scheme protects your money.

Can I book with these lines directly?

Yes. Each card links the line's own website or enquiry page; ask for a written quote that lists what the fare includes and the cancellation scale.

Do these lines all sell the same kind of voyage?

No. Each card names the voyage, ship or offer the line's own website gives; ship sizes, lengths, routes and prices differ, so compare the cards before you ask for quotes.

Do I need travel insurance for an expedition cruise?

27 of the 28 lines set out on their own websites what insurance they ask for; many polar voyages require cover for medical evacuation. Ask each line for the cover it requires before you buy a policy.

Which of these have the most Google reviews?

Quark Expeditions, Natural World Safaris and UnCruise Adventures, in that order. A count says how many people reviewed a line, not whether it fits your voyage; each card gives the rating and count, read 9 November 2026.

Which of these have Trustpilot profiles?

10 of the 28: Abercrombie & Kent, HX Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Natural World Safaris, Noble Caledonia, Polar Latitudes, Quark Expeditions, Quasar Expeditions, Swan Hellenic and Viking. Each card gives the TrustScore, the review count and the newest review date, read 9 November 2026.

Which of these publish their cancellation terms?

23 of the 28 publish a cancellation scale on their own websites. Ask each for the full scale in writing before you pay a deposit.

Where can I check these facts myself?

Each card links the pages of the line's own website its lines were read from, with the date they were read.

How were these lines chosen?

Each one is in the Uncompromised Travel expedition cruise lines table, built from the expedition cruise lines ChatGPT names most often. On its own website it states its deposit and when the balance is due. A line is on the page because its published facts fit the question, never because it paid.

Is any company on this page paying to be here?

No. No company on this page is a partner of Uncompromised Travel; none paid to be on it.