858 523 9000
myScottDunn
Inquire Now
Inquire Now

Expedition cruises

Discover a secret side to an iconic destination on a relaxing barge or river cruise. Drift by villages and vineyards, glimpse an authentic rural life and those hidden gems that pass many others by. Whether you want to explore the waters of the mighty Amazon, cruise through the untouched beauty of Burma’s Irrawaddy or sample the local delicacies of the Champagne region, we’ll find the perfect barge or river cruise for you.

Expedition cruises

Looking for an immersive adventure that doesn't scrimp on life's little luxuries? A high end river cruise has all of the amenities and service levels of a five-star hotel and we've been fussy about hand picking only those barges and river boats that will transport you to another world, take you off the beaten track and show you some of the world's most beautiful places from a whole new perspective.

Culture lovers, imagine floating along the Mekong, watching daily life unfold in the riverside villages of Vietnam and Cambodia, exploring monasteries during your on-shore excursions. Wildlife fans, picture yourself cruising on the Amazon, surrounded by millions of acres of rain forest and the chance to see hundreds of species, from the pink Amazon dolphin to the giant river otter. If cities are more your thing, how about a voyage along the Danube, soaking up the history, architecture and culture in locations such as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest? Or why not charter a barge in the south of France with family and friends where medieval towns, mouthwatering meals and local wines await.

With a wide selection of barge and river cruises around the globe, we're ready to craft a bespoke itinerary just for you, whatever floats your boat.

Filter:
Filter
Ponant Le Boréal

Expedition to Southern Lands with Ponant Le Boréal

17 nights
Departing 13th February 2025 from Ushuaia

In South Georgia and on the shores of the White Continent, follow in the footsteps of the greatest explorers during a 18-day polar expedition cruise. Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache, Ernest Shackleton, these legendary names evoke the most prodigious adventures, which PONANT is offering you the chance to discover during an unforgettable trip.

Le Boréal will leave Ushuaia, for South Georgia. It is there, amid the snow-covered mountains, that Sir Ernest Shackleton miraculously ran aground during the famous Endurance Odyssey in 1916, before returning to rescue the rest of his crew, left behind on the remote Elephant Island. You will travel back in time to (re)discover this fabulous saga and life at this little-known time in history.

You will sail on the Southern Ocean to reach the frozen shores of the nearly inaccessible White Continent, Antarctica. White shades take on a thousand nuances as it covers the icebergs, glaciers, mountains and frozen sea all around you. You will be one of the rare few travellers to have laid eyes on this legendary land, the theatre of the greatest expeditions and the witness of the most extraordinary adventures.

Throughout your trip, our team of naturalist guides will share with you the secrets of these faraway lands inhabited by unique wildlife. Discover the vast territory of the penguins – Adelie, king, chinstrap, Gentoo, Magellanic, southern rockhopper – albatrosses, numerous species of seals, and majestic whales blowing on the horizon.

To disembark in Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego, you will have to sail along Drake Passage. At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, you will enter this mythical maritime route. The wind blows, the waves crash against the stem of the ship, and the cape petrels keep you company overhead until the end of your expedition.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO.

$22,100 pp

Ponant Le Jacques-Cartier

Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guinea with Ponant Le Jacques-Cartier

13 nights
Departing 16th February 2025 from Cairns, Queensland

This exciting tropical expedition on board Le Jacques Cartier  takes you through some of the most fascinating natural beauty and cultures of Melanesia.

Departing from Cairns, you will head north to reach Alotau, in the Milne Bay province of Papua New Guinea, to discover a rich history shaped by pearl divers, miners, and missionaries.Then, Dobu, one of the five islands of the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago, will reveal its fascinating history and ancient traditions.

Your call at Tufi will be one of the highlights of your voyage. Dubbed the Scandinavia of the Tropics, you will undoubtedly fall under the charm of this picturesque region, with its deep ‘fjords’ known locally as ‘rias’, which were formed through volcanic activity. In this unique setting, local  Papuan tribes will share their customs, beliefs and artwork with you.

At the southern end of the picturesque Huon Gulf lies Morobe Harbor. Here, in one of the most remote regions of mainland Papua New Guinea, culture and traditions remain at the heart of local life.

In the heart of the Solomon Sea, you will discover the splendid turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the uninhabited islands of the Lusancay archipelago. These spectacular, picture-postcard islands provide the opportunity to swim and snorkel over coral reefs teeming with life. Learn about the traditional ‘Kula’ trading system on the island of Kiriwina, as well as local village life through their spectacular cultural performances.

In the Solomon Islands, Ghizo and Njari islands are where you will meet some of the most skilled carvers in the world, enjoy world-class snorkelling and diving, and visit the local traditional markets.

In Roderick Bay, experience the extraordinary environment featuring white-sand beaches and fringing coral reefs before reaching the Malaita Province. As well as learning about its unique local traditions and social aspects of life such as ‘bride price’, you will experience their traditional music and sacred dances accompanied by traditional panpipers.

Your expedition will finish in the capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara, where Le Jacques-Cartier will be positioned alongside the wharf of Point Cruise.

$9,000 pp

Silversea Silver Nova

Fremantle to Singapore with Silversea Silver Nova

8 nights
Departing 16th February 2025 from Fremantle, Western Australia

From sun-kissed Perth to tropical Bali and sparkling Singapore, indulge in an invigorating adventure from Western Australia to the heart of Asia. To arrive in Bali is to rejuvenate the soul, tasting fresh dragon fruit and mango, meeting friendly locals, and encountering beautiful jungles and glowing rice paddies. Continue on to incredible Singapore - a unique blend of world-class cuisine, food markets and cutting-edge architecture and urban design.

$4,500 pp

Ritz-Carlton Evrima

Bridgetown Roundtrip with Ritz-Carlton Evrima

5 nights
Departing 16th February 2025 from Bridgetown

Stroll through the colorful seaside villages of Les Anses-d’Arlet, sipping Martinique’s renowned rum as you search for the perfect stretch of sand. Then sail for exclusive island retreats in the Grenadines, which are surprisingly under the radar given their remarkable beauty. Arriving in Grenada, grab your snorkel gear or a glass-bottomed kayak to witness Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, the first of its kind.

$6,100 pp

Ritz-Carlton Ilma

San Juan (Puerto Rico) Roundtrip with Ritz-Carlton Ilma

3 nights
Departing 16th February 2025 from San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Set sail from San Juan for one of the most unique and dramatic stretches of shoreline in the Caribbean. The Baths of Virgin Gorda are strewn with enormous granite boulders on the sandy white shores, creating turquoise tidal pools, hidden grottoes and a spectacular seascape. Contrast this otherworldly paradise with the yachting haven of St. Barths, where the secluded beaches are complemented by designer shops and fine French restaurants.

$3,600 pp

Why Book a Cruise with Scott Dunn?

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Unique
Unique to You
Person kayaking off the Ponant l'Austal

  • We listen to you, and tailor your cruise to your travel style, pairing you with the right ship and the right destinations.
  • We can make your itinerary as relaxing, active or cultural as you like. There is no one size fits all when it comes to cruising with Scott Dunn – it’s all about you.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Service
Seamless Service
Bartender aboard the EXPLORA I

  • We take care of all the logistics, including your cruise, flights, transfers, and luxury hotels, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
  • You are always in safe hands with us and our trusted worldwide partners. As with any Scott Dunn trip, we are just a phone call away 24/7.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Collection
Carefully Curated Collection
Ritz-Carlton Ilma at sunset in a European port

  • Whether before, after or during your luxury cruise, we curate the best experiences on land to compliment your journey by sea, accompanied by our expert local guides.
  • We only partner with small-ship luxury cruise lines with high staff to guest ratios – designed to never feel crowded.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Luxury
Luxury in Every Sense
Person in the pool aboard the EXPLORA I

  • Our cruises are carefully chosen for their five-star offering: fine dining, luxe facilities, attentive staff, and personal in-cabin butler service.
  • We have personally experienced these ships and will only suggest those that meet the level of service and luxury that our guests expect.

Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your vacation

Cruise vacation guides and inspiration