Which expedition cruise lines have the best reviews?
By Richard Jasinski·Updated 9 November 2026
20 expedition cruise lines have at least 25 Google reviews under their own name, read 9 November 2026. They are ordered by Google rating, then by review count; each card adds the Trustpilot figure where the line has a profile, what it sells and the limits it publishes. A rating from a few dozen reviews moves more with each new one than a rating from hundreds, so read the count beside it.
Which expedition cruise lines have the best reviews?
Of the 54 expedition cruise lines in the Uncompromised Travel table, 20 have at least 25 Google reviews under their own name; Quasar Expeditions, Secret Atlas, Waterproof Expeditions and Golden Galapagos share the highest rating, 5.0 out of 5.
Quasar Expeditions
- Best for
- Galápagos yacht cruises and Patagonia safaris
- Google rating
- 5.0 out of 5 from 117 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- Trustpilot
- 5.0 out of 5 from 779 reviews, newest 12 June 2026
- What it sells
- Runs Galápagos cruises of 8 and 15 days on two yachts, the Evolution (32 guests) and the Grace (16 guests), plus overland safaris in Patagonia.
- Why choose them
- Says it keeps a 10:1 guest to guide ratio on its Galápagos yachts.
- 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
Secret Atlas
- Best for
- 12 to 36 guest polar micro cruises
- Google rating
- 5.0 out of 5 from 82 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs Expedition Micro Cruises in Svalbard, Greenland, South Georgia and Antarctica, with 12 guests on Vikingfjord and Freya and 36 on Aureum.
- Why choose them
- Publishes a 1:6 guide ratio in the Arctic and in Antarctica and South Georgia.
- 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
Waterproof Expeditions
- Best for
- Small-group Svalbard voyages and polar snorkelling
- Google rating
- 5.0 out of 5 from 59 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs its own small-group Signature Expeditions with its own guides and sells voyages on partner expedition ships such as Sea Spirit, Hondius and Ocean Albatros, to Svalbard, Norway and Antarctica.
- Why choose them
- Founded in 2007 by Marlynda Elstgeest and Göran Ehlmé of Waterproof Diving International.
- 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
Golden Galapagos
- Best for
- Small catamarans in the Galapagos
- Google rating
- 5.0 out of 5 from 49 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs Galapagos cruises on six catamarans it describes as luxury, most for 16 guests, with options of 3, 4, 5 and 7 nights and Eminence due to start in April 2027.
- Why choose them
- Its parent, Golden Experiences & Travel, achieved B Corporation certification in September 2025.
- Ask for
- Ask for a single cabin on Petrel, Elite or Monique if you are travelling solo.
- Not the fit if
- you want flights in the fare: its rates exclude Galapagos flights and mandatory entrance fees.
- Published price
- USD 5,950 per person, double occupancy, 3-night Galapagos cruise on Eminence in a Golden Suite, a launch rate for 2027 travel. Read 9 November 2026.
Natural World Safaris
- Best for
- Specialist-led wildlife voyages on partner ships
- Google rating
- 4.9 out of 5 from 139 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- Trustpilot (whole company)
- 4.8 out of 5 from 88 reviews, newest 7 November 2026
- What it sells
- Sells specialist-led small-group expeditions and private journeys, including polar voyages on other operators' ships such as Sea Spirit, Sylvia Earle and Heritage Adventurer, plus an intimate ship charter in Svalbard.
- Why choose them
- Has been planning wildlife travel since 2005 and has expertise across 40+ countries.
- 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
Maple Leaf Adventures
- Best for
- Small-ship voyages in BC and Alaska
- Google rating
- 4.9 out of 5 from 79 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Sails its own three small ships, the 8-guest schooner Maple Leaf, the 12-guest converted tugboat Swell and the 24-guest catamaran Cascadia, on the BC coast and in Southeast Alaska.
- Why choose them
- Has operated small ships in BC and Alaska since 1986 and owns and maintains its ships locally.
- 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
Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
- Best for
- Wildlife photography trips to South Georgia
- Google rating
- 4.9 out of 5 from 36 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs small-group wildlife expeditions and safaris, founded in 1980, including voyages to South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula and Svalbard.
- Why choose them
- Says it provides on average one leader per six clients.
- Ask for
- Ask for the South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula itinerary for November 10 to 30, 2027, which sets out its cancellation terms.
- Not the fit if
- you do not want to buy evacuation cover: it requires about $250,000 of emergency evacuation insurance for its Antarctic and Arctic expeditions.
- Money protection
- California Seller of Travel #2063050-40; participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC), with payments held in a trust account under California law.
- Enquiry
- cheesemans.com/contact
Adventure Canada
- Best for
- Canadian Arctic and Greenland small-ship expeditions
- Google rating
- 4.9 out of 5 from 29 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs small-ship expeditions for fewer than 200 guests in the Canadian Arctic, the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Newfoundland and Labrador, on chartered ships including Ocean Victory and Ocean Nova.
- Why choose them
- Began in 1987, when brothers Matthew and Bill Swan and friend David Freeze started taking travellers to "off the map" destinations.
- 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
Ponant
- Best for
- Polar expeditions with French-style service
- Google rating (whole company)
- 4.8 out of 5 from 699 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- Trustpilot (whole company)
- 4.6 out of 5 from 644 reviews, newest 7 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs expedition cruises on its own fleet, including Le Commandant Charcot, the PONANT Explorers and Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Kimberley.
- Why choose them
- Le Commandant Charcot is a hybrid electric ship running on LNG, which it says cuts CO2 by 25%, nitrogen oxides by 85% and fine particles by 95%.
- Ask for
- Ask for a departure with the single supplement waived, marked 'Voyageur Solo 0%', for a double cabin to yourself at no extra price.
- Not the fit if
- you travel with children under 6, who are not accepted on expedition cruises (under 8 on Le Commandant Charcot).
- Published price
- From 9,720 € per person, double occupancy, Fjords et glaciers du Spitzberg, 7 nights on Le Lyrial round trip from Longyearbyen, 3 to 10 July 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
- Website
- ponant.com
Quark Expeditions
- Best for
- Polar-only voyages with helicopter options
- Google rating
- 4.8 out of 5 from 604 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- Trustpilot
- 4.9 out of 5 from 578 reviews, newest 8 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs polar-only voyages on Ultramarine and lists Ocean Explorer and World Voyager, carrying 138 to 199 guests, to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falklands, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic; it does not say who owns the last two.
- Why choose them
- Ultramarine carries two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs.
- 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
Poseidon Expeditions
- Best for
- One small ship in both polar regions
- Google rating
- 4.8 out of 5 from 36 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- Trustpilot
- 4.5 out of 5 from 595 reviews, newest 3 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs polar expedition cruises on one ship, the 114-passenger Sea Spirit, to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falklands, Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland.
- Why choose them
- Founded in the UK in 1999, it now sails one ship, the 114-passenger Sea Spirit.
- Ask for
- Ask for the Request-Share programme if travelling solo: if no cabin-mate is found, the single supplement is waived.
- Not the fit if
- you require walking assistance: it advises such guests to strongly consider not joining.
- Published price
- From US$8,846 per person, Classic Antarctica, 12 days, 28 Nov to 9 Dec 2026, with 25% off and a free upgrade. Read 9 November 2026.
- Website
- poseidonexpeditions.com
UnCruise Adventures
- Best for
- Small-ship adventure cruises in Alaska
- Google rating
- 4.7 out of 5 from 136 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs small-ship expedition cruises in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and the Galápagos on nine ships carrying 22 to 88 guests.
- Why choose them
- Sails nine ships carrying 22 to 88 guests.
- 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.
Lindblad Expeditions
- Best for
- Expedition cruises with National Geographic experts
- Google rating
- 4.6 out of 5 from 84 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- Trustpilot
- 3.2 out of 5 from 6 reviews, newest 4 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs expedition cruises with National Geographic on the twelve National Geographic ships it owns plus several on long-term charter, with over 100 expedition cruises in more than 70 countries on all seven continents.
- Why choose them
- Says its staff-to-guest ratio is no more than 1-to-16.
- 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
Antarctica21
- Best for
- Flying over the Drake to Antarctica
- Google rating
- 4.6 out of 5 from 75 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- Trustpilot
- 4.0 out of 5 from 17 reviews, newest 5 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs air-cruises and sea voyages to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Patagonia on two ships, Magellan Explorer and Magellan Discoverer, flying guests over the Drake Passage.
- Why choose them
- Says it pioneered the Antarctica fly-cruise programme in 2003, flying with DAP Airlines.
- Ask for
- Ask for the Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise, its most popular itinerary, which flies from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
- Not the fit if
- travelling with children under 8: air-cruises take children aged 8 and above, sea voyages 12 and above.
- Published price
- From $15,995 USD per person in a double cabin on Magellan Explorer, Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise, 8 days, late November to early March. Read 9 November 2026.
- Enquiry
- antarctica21.com/book-a-call
Grands Espaces
- Best for
- Small-ship Spitsbergen and Greenland expeditions
- Google rating
- 4.6 out of 5 from 35 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Sells polar expedition cruises on small ships of 12 to 98 passengers to Spitsbergen, Greenland and Norway, plus a voyage to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
- Why choose them
- Keeps one guide for every 10 passengers on Zodiac outings.
- 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.
Metropolitan Touring
- Best for
- Galapagos cruises on three small ships
- Google rating (whole company)
- 4.5 out of 5 from 550 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- Trustpilot (whole company)
- 4.9 out of 5 from 254 reviews, newest 8 November 2026
- What it sells
- Says it owns and runs three Galapagos expedition vessels, Yacht La Pinta (48 guests), Yacht Isabela II (40) and Santa Cruz II (90), on 5, 7 and 9 day itineraries from Baltra, plus journeys in Ecuador and Peru.
- Why choose them
- Each Yacht La Pinta cruise sails with one Expedition Leader and an average of one Naturalist Guide for every 12 guests.
- Ask for
- Ask for the Standard Cabin on Yacht Isabela II, its solo traveller's cabin with no single supplement.
- Not the fit if
- you have serious mobility issues: Galapagos visitor sites have rugged terrain and no access ramps.
Oceanwide Expeditions
- Best for
- Activity-focused polar voyages on ice-class ships
- Google rating
- 4.5 out of 5 from 66 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs polar expedition voyages in Antarctica and the Arctic on four ships: m/v Hondius, m/v Ortelius, m/v Plancius and the sailing vessel s/v Rembrandt van Rijn.
- Why choose them
- Says Ortelius and Hondius have the highest ice-class notation among its ships, UL1 and Polar Class 6, which it gives as equal to 1A-Super.
- Ask for
- Ask for an Antarctica Basecamp voyage, where camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering and a photo workshop come free with no pre-booking.
- Not the fit if
- you want a cabin alone at little extra cost: single occupancy costs 1.7 times the Twin or Superior rate.
- Published price
- From 9,650 USD per person, Antarctica Discovery and Learning Voyage, 10 nights on m/v Hondius roundtrip from Ushuaia, 27 December 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
- Website
- oceanwide-expeditions.com
Aurora Expeditions
- Best for
- Small-ship polar voyages with solo cabins
- Google rating
- 4.4 out of 5 from 107 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs expedition voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond on three ships of its own name, the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson.
- Why choose them
- Publishes an Expedition Team-to-expeditioner ratio of 1:7.
- 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).
Antarpply Expeditions
- Best for
- Antarctic Peninsula voyages from Ushuaia
- Google rating
- 4.2 out of 5 from 47 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Runs Antarctic expeditions on its ships the Ushuaia and the Spirit of Sydney, to the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, the Weddell Sea, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
- Why choose them
- Often makes two landings a day by Zodiac in the South Shetland Islands and on the Antarctic Peninsula.
- Ask for
- Ask for the Classic Antarctica departures A211126, A191226, A291226, A080127 or A180127, which add an extra day around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
- Not the fit if
- you want an all-in fare: a fuel surcharge of US$47 per person, per night is charged in addition.
- Website
- antarpplyexpeditions.com
Atlas Ocean Voyages
- Best for
- All-inclusive ice-class yachts, sailing year-round
- Google rating
- 4.0 out of 5 from 86 reviews, read 9 November 2026
- What it sells
- Sells polar, epicurean and cultural expeditions year-round on three ice-class yachts, World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager, in Antarctica, the Arctic, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and South America.
- Why choose them
- Its three yachts, World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager, are Polar Category C and Ice Class 1B.
- 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
Which of these lines name a scheme that protects your money?
6 of the 20 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.
- Natural World Safaris: ATOL or Trust My Travel, included for UK and EU clients
- Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris: California Seller of Travel #2063050-40; participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC), with payments held in a trust account under California law
- Adventure Canada: Customer deposits held in Client Trust Accounts, audited annually by a CPA and inspected by TICO auditors (TICO registration 4001400/5002 1860)
- Quark Expeditions: USTOA Consumer Protection Plan ($1 million posted with the USTOA)
- 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
- Aurora Expeditions: Deposit Protection Program: all voyage deposits go into a separate trust account (Aurora Passenger Trust)
Who to contact first
Start with the 9 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.
- Secret Atlas
- Waterproof Expeditions
- Natural World Safaris
- Maple Leaf Adventures
- Adventure Canada
- Quark Expeditions
- UnCruise Adventures
- Aurora Expeditions
- Atlas Ocean Voyages
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 line reviews: 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?
17 of the 20 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 Trustpilot profiles?
8 of the 20: Quasar Expeditions, Natural World Safaris, Ponant, Quark Expeditions, Poseidon Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Antarctica21 and Metropolitan Touring. Each card gives the TrustScore, the review count and the newest review date, read 9 November 2026.
Which of these publish their cancellation terms?
11 of the 20: Quasar Expeditions, Secret Atlas, Waterproof Expeditions, Natural World Safaris, Maple Leaf Adventures, Adventure Canada, Quark Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures, Lindblad Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions and Atlas Ocean Voyages. 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 has a Google listing under its own name with at least 25 reviews. 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.
Read next
- Which expedition cruise lines have the best expedition teams and naturalists?
- Which expedition cruise lines are the most all-inclusive?
- Expedition Cruise Operator Index 2026: 12 Operators Scored on Published Fares, Ice Class and How Many Guests Can Actually Land
- How to Book an Expedition Cruise: The All-In Cost and the Terms That Matter
Companies are added at each update. Want to be the company this page features?
Built to answer the question in the main heading. What is shown: what each line published on its own website, read on 9 November 2026, with links to the pages read, with its Google and Trustpilot figures where the listing carries the line's own name, from the Uncompromised Travel expedition cruise lines table. Lines are ordered by Google rating, then review count. No company on this page is a partner of Uncompromised Travel. How this site earns · How we work.