A Guide To Expedition Micro Cruises
Welcome to our guide to Expedition Micro Cruises.
We believe that the best way to experience the Polar regions is on a small expedition ship.
We started Secret Atlas to offer a lower impact alternative to the increasingly larger cruise ships that visit the polar regions and we have put this guide together to give you an in-depth overview of why smaller ships are not only better for the environment, but also offer a richer experience for the visitor looking to explore a polar region.
What is an Expedition Micro Cruise?
An Expedition Micro Cruise is a voyage with just 12 guests on a purpose-built expedition vessel. The style of the trip is an expedition and the emphasis is on exploring and learning about the natural environment. We are led by 2 expedition leaders who share their knowledge throughout the trip. The vessel is equipped with Zodiac landing crafts to make shore landings on a daily basis. You can see our Expedition Micro Cruises here.
The vessels we use offer a good level of comfort, and allow us to visit places the larger ships can’t access. Our trips are designed for those who wish to escape the crowds on larger ships and experience the nature in a small, friendly group. You can see our ships here.
5 Reasons to Consider an Expedition Micro Cruise
1. We take only 12 guests per voyage
Travelling with a small number of explorers ensures a more personal and intimate voyage than a larger ship can offer. It offers a great deal of flexibility when it comes to wildlife viewing.
We have one expedition leader for every 6 guests, the best ratio in the industry.
2. A small group offers you a richer experience
Shore landings are the essence of an expedition cruise. On our voyages, there is no waiting to go ashore as there is space in the Zodiacs for everyone. You will be going ashore with a small group of like-minded guests where you will experience the wilderness in an unhurried way and not part of a large tour group.
Average Number of Passengers per Shore Landing
Expedition Vessel
Cruise Ship
3. Expedition Micro Cruises get you closer to what you came to see
A huge benefit of a small expedition ship is that it takes you closer to the fantastic nature you came to see.
Expedition ships have increased manoeuvrability than larger vessels and can get nearer to glacier faces, enter shallow bays and provide a more intimate platform for wildlife watching.
4. A smaller ship allows us more flexibility
An expedition ship has greater flexibility than a large vessel. We can change plans depending on the conditions and we don’t follow a prescribed itinerary. We spend less time waiting and more time exploring.
Expedition Vessel vs Cruise Ship
5. Reduced Environmental Impact
Due to their more compact size, expedition ships create less disturbance to the wildlife.
Expedition vessels offer lower emissions than larger vessels. We offset all our emissions via tree planting.
Landing 12 guests at a time reduces our footprint in comparison to a large ship.
Join an Expedition Micro Cruise Today
Is an Expedition Micro Cruise for me?
If you would like to visit and learn about the Arctic in a low impact way with a small group of people then the answer is yes. Our expedition ships are warm inside and feature cabins with comfortable beds. We offer tasty, freshly cooked food onboard for breakfast lunch and dinner. Our vessels feature a passenger lounge to relax in during the evenings.
Our cruises are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and mobility. When ashore we will be hiking on uneven terrain. We have 2 expedition leaders on every trip and can divide the group if there are some guests that would like to do longer hikes.
See Our Expedition Micro Cruises
