Which expedition cruise lines have been running the longest?

By Richard Jasinski·Updated 9 November 2026

These 26 expedition cruise lines state their founding year on their own websites, read 9 November 2026. The cards are ordered from the oldest; a founding year says how long a line has run, not whether it fits your voyage.

Which expedition cruise lines have been running the longest?

26 expedition cruise lines in the Uncompromised Travel table give the year they were founded or ran their first voyage on their own websites; the three longest running are Metropolitan Touring (1953), Lindblad Expeditions (1979) and Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris (1980).

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 whose own website gives the year it was founded or ran its first voyage: 26 lines, ordered by that year, oldest first, then by name. A parent company or an earlier brand does not count. 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.

Metropolitan Touring

Best for: Galapagos cruises on three small ships
Founded: Founded in 1953, when it says friends set out to create a travel business.
Why choose them: Each Yacht La Pinta cruise sails with one Expedition Leader and an average of one Naturalist Guide for every 12 guests. Google (whole company): 4.5 out of 5 from 550 reviews; Trustpilot (whole company): 4.9 out of 5 from 254 reviews, newest 8 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
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.
Enquiry: metropolitan-touring.com/contact-us

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: all-about-us, galapagos-cruises/yacht-la-pinta, galapagos/faq.

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Lindblad Expeditions

Best for: Expedition cruises with National Geographic experts
Founded: Founded in 1979 by Sven Lindblad.
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: about/our-story, plan/faqs, cancellation-policy.

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Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris

Best for: Wildlife photography trips to South Georgia
Founded: Founded in 1980 by educators and ecologists Doug and Gail Cheeseman.
Why choose them: Says it provides on average one leader per six clients. Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 36 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
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

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: history, about, travel-insurance.

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Heritage Expeditions

Best for: Ross Sea and Subantarctic expeditions
Founded: Says it was formed in 1984 by Rodney and Shirley Russ and is still family-owned and run.
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: about, about/responsible-travel, terms-conditions.

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Maple Leaf Adventures

Best for: Small-ship voyages in BC and Alaska
Founded: Has operated small ships in BC and Alaska since 1986.
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: about, faq, dates-and-rates.

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Quasar Expeditions

Best for: Galápagos yacht cruises and Patagonia safaris
Founded: Says it pioneered high-end yacht cruising in the Galapagos in 1986.
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: why-quasar, galapagos, terms-conditions.

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Scenic

Best for: All-inclusive polar yachts with helicopters
Founded: Says it was established in 1986, starting with tours to the Great Ocean Road; Scenic Eclipse's inaugural season was 2019 to 2020.
Why choose them: Scenic Eclipse takes a maximum of 228 adult-only guests, 200 in Antarctica and the High Arctic, with an almost 1:1 crew to guest ratio.
Ask for: Ask for the fare on select voyages that includes a 30-minute helicopter flightseeing experience in Antarctica.
Not the fit if: you travel with children: Scenic Eclipse sails with adult-only guests.
Published price: From £16,573 per person, two sharing the lowest priced cabin, Antarctica in Depth, 13 days from Buenos Aires, 2028/2029 season. Read 9 November 2026.
Money protection: ATOL 9294 on flight-inclusive holidays where indicated at booking; ABTA member.
Enquiry: scenic.cruises/UK/en-GB/contact-us

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: UK/en-GB/about-us, UK/en-GB/about-us/the-scenic-difference, UK/en-GB/offers/expedition-voyages-and-land-jour.

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Adventure Canada

Best for: Canadian Arctic and Greenland small-ship expeditions
Founded: Says it began in 1987, when brothers Matthew and Bill Swan and friend David Freeze started taking travellers to “off the map” destinations.
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: about-us, how-to-register-and-important-booking-informatio, home page.

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Pelagic Expeditions

Best for: Private sailing-vessel charters to Antarctica
Founded: Has sailed south every year since a 1988 sailing and climbing expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia.
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_clients.asp, destinations_ant.asp.

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Seabourn

Best for: Expedition ships with all-veranda suites
Founded: Says it began sailing in 1988 with a fleet of small ships designed to feel like private yachts.
Why choose them: Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit are built to PC6 Polar Class standards and each carries 24 Zodiacs. Trustpilot (whole company): 1.8 out of 5 from 32 reviews, newest 2 October 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the SBNSOLO offer, which cuts the single supplement to as low as 125% on select sailings.
Not the fit if: you cannot sit unassisted on a Zodiac pontoon: Zodiacs have no wheelchair tie-downs and such guests cannot use them.
Enquiry: seabourn.com/en/us/about/contact

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: en/us/about/our-company, en/us/cruise-destinations/expedition-ships, en/us/faq/mobility-accessibility-information.

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Ecoventura

Best for: Galapagos yachts carrying 20 guests
Founded: Says it has been operating in the Galapagos since 1990, after an Ecuadorian family began the venture in the mid-1980s.
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: traveling-with-a-conscience-how-your-ecoventura-, celebrate-valentines-day-by-booking-a-private-mo, booking-terms-conditions.

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G Adventures

Best for: Small-group travellers on one 128-passenger ship
Founded: Founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip.
Why choose them: Its ship, the Expedition, carries a maximum of 128 passengers with 14 expedition guides, keeping a 10:1 guest to expert ratio. Google: 4.4 out of 5 from 8 reviews; Trustpilot (whole company): 4.9 out of 5 from 17,485 reviews, newest 9 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a shared cabin with a same-sex roommate, so you travel alone without paying a single supplement.
Not the fit if: you cannot manage stairs: the Expedition has no elevator and Zodiac landings need good mobility.
Enquiry: gadventures.com/contact-us

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: about-us, travel-styles/cruising/scotland-cruises, expedition-protocols.

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Aurora Expeditions

Best for: Small-ship polar voyages with solo cabins
Founded: Founded in 1991 by Greg and Margaret Mortimer.
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: about-us, terms-and-conditions, home page.

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Noble Caledonia

Best for: Small-ship voyages for mature travellers
Founded: Established in 1991, when its first Caledonian Star cruise sailed.
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/our-history, about-noble-caledonia/faqs, voyages-and-tours/polar-cruises.

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Oceanwide Expeditions

Best for: Activity-focused polar voyages on ice-class ships
Founded: Says it began in 1993, originating in a university research programme in the northern Netherlands.
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. Google: 4.5 out of 5 from 66 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
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

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: press, home page, trips/dates-rates.

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Silversea

Best for: Expedition ships with butler service
Founded: Says it was founded in 1994 as the world's first all-inclusive, premium global cruise line.
Why choose them: Runs a fleet of 12 ships, eight Classic and four Expedition; it was founded in 1994. Trustpilot (whole company): 2.4 out of 5 from 58 reviews, newest 9 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a private Zodiac tour with an Expedition Expert as your personal guide.
Not the fit if: you need step-free shore access: nearly all discovery ashore is by Zodiac launch to and from the ship.
Enquiry: silversea.com/other-resources/contact-us.html

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: about-silversea/the-company.html, welcome-expedition.html.

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Viking

Best for: Large Polar Class ships with submarines
Founded: Founded in 1997; it launched expedition voyages in 2022 with Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.
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: about-us/history.html, oceans/why-viking/did-you-know.html.

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Grands Espaces

Best for: Small-ship Spitsbergen and Greenland expeditions
Founded: Founded in 1998 by Christian Kempf, an explorer and scientist.
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: home page, faq, en/croisieres/new-expedition-cruises-to-spitsber.

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PolarQuest

Best for: Svalbard on 12- and 50-passenger ships
Founded: Calls itself Sweden's polar specialist since 1999.
Why choose them: Says it is one of the eight companies that founded AECO in 2003 to regulate tourism on Svalbard.
Ask for: Ask for a shared cabin on M/S Quest, split into women's and men's cabins, which must be booked by contacting the office.
Not the fit if: your mobility is limited: it requires good general health and good mobility; guests aged 80 or over must return a medical form.
Published price: From 79,900 SEK per person in a triple cabin, Svalbard towards the pack ice on M/S Quest, 12 days, 10 July 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: polarquest.se

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: resor/antarktis/expedition-antarktis-2026, infor-resan-svalbard/resa-med-omtanke, infor-resan-svalbard/forberedande-information.

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Poseidon Expeditions

Best for: One small ship in both polar regions
Founded: Founded in the UK in 1999; it says its first full season ran North Pole voyages aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker Yamal.
Why choose them: Founded in the UK in 1999, it now sails one ship, the 114-passenger Sea Spirit. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 36 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.5 out of 5 from 595 reviews, newest 3 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
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

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: about, info-for-travelers/faq, antarctica.

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Antarctica21

Best for: Flying over the Drake to Antarctica
Founded: Says it pioneered the Antarctica fly-cruise programme in 2003 and has operated more Antarctic flights over the Drake Passage than all other expedition companies combined.
Why choose them: Says it pioneered the Antarctica fly-cruise programme in 2003, flying with DAP Airlines. Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 75 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.0 out of 5 from 17 reviews, newest 5 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
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

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: landing/antarctic-flights-agents, home page, our-expeditions/classic-antarctica-air-cruise.

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Aqua Expeditions

Best for: Small ships in Indonesia and the Galapagos
Founded: Founded in 2007 by Francesco Galli Zugaro, its founder and CEO.
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: aqua-experience/our-story, booking-policies.

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Waterproof Expeditions

Best for: Small-group Svalbard voyages and polar snorkelling
Founded: Founded in 2007 by Marlynda Elstgeest and Göran Ehlmé.
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: about-us, faq, team/szymon-niezabitowski.

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Cookson Adventures

Best for: Private superyacht expeditions planned from scratch
Founded: Founded in 2009 by polar explorer Henry Cookson.
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: press-hub/cookson-adventures-announces-the-appoi, faqs, booking-conditions.

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Royal Galapagos

Best for: Galapagos cruises on 16-guest family-owned yachts
Founded: Says it began in 2012 as a boat operator.
Why choose them: Its seven Galapagos vessels carry 16 guests each, except Infinity with 20. Google: 2.9 out of 5 from 19 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.7 out of 5 from 93 reviews, newest 30 October 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a private charter of a whole yacht for up to 20 guests, on itineraries of 4 to 15 days.
Not the fit if: you travel without insurance: it requires all visitors to have travel insurance.
Enquiry: royalgalapagos.com/contact-us

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: contact-us, cruise-compare, galapagos/tips.

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Atlas Ocean Voyages

Best for: All-inclusive ice-class yachts, sailing year-round
Founded: Launched in 2019 as the brand under which Mystic Cruises operates its ocean expedition voyages; its first yacht, World Navigator, debuted in August 2021.
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: about, faq, home page.

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Which of these show a dated price on this page?

13 of the 26 cards show a price for a voyage, with its currency and a date or season. Metropolitan Touring, Lindblad Expeditions, Quasar Expeditions, Seabourn, Ecoventura, Silversea, Viking, Cookson Adventures and Royal Galapagos 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.

Heritage Expeditions
Maple Leaf Adventures
Scenic
Adventure Canada
Aurora Expeditions
Noble Caledonia
Oceanwide Expeditions
Grands Espaces
PolarQuest
Poseidon Expeditions
Antarctica21
Waterproof Expeditions
Atlas Ocean Voyages

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

8 of the 26 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.

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
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
Heritage Expeditions: Deposits held by Heritage Security Ltd on behalf of Heritage Expeditions (2018) Ltd under a customer deposit agreement
Scenic: ATOL 9294 on flight-inclusive holidays where indicated at booking; ABTA member
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)
Noble Caledonia: ATOL for UK residents with air travel included; a bond with ABTA for UK bookings without air travel
Cookson Adventures: ATOL licence 12608 on certain bookings, such as flight-inclusive packages booked in the UK

Who to contact first

Start with the 6 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.

Heritage Expeditions
Maple Leaf Adventures
Adventure Canada
Aurora Expeditions
Waterproof 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.

Oldest expedition cruise lines: 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?

24 of the 26 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?

Quasar Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions and Atlas Ocean Voyages, 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?

11 of the 26: Metropolitan Touring, Lindblad Expeditions, Quasar Expeditions, Seabourn, G Adventures, Noble Caledonia, Silversea, Viking, Poseidon Expeditions, Antarctica21 and Royal Galapagos. Each card gives the TrustScore, the review count and the newest review date, read 9 November 2026.

Which of these publish their cancellation terms?

14 of the 26 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 gives the year it was founded or ran its first voyage. 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.