From helicopter ‘flightseeing’ to underwater exploration in a luxury submarine, top-end expedition cruises are offering truly once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list experiences on some of the most immersive and adventurous voyages ever seen in the cruise industry. For an additional cost (even though regular shore excursions are included in the cruise fare), you can take part in one of the most unique tours available on your expedition cruise.

Helicopter Excursions

Some expedition cruise ships are equipped with onboard helicopters or have access to helicopters stationed nearby. The helicopters are used for scenic flights which allow passengers to experience the destination from a unique perspective.

These excursions are often available on visits to remote regions like the Arctic, Antarctic, Alaska, the Norwegian fjords, or other areas known for their rugged landscapes and natural beauty. Many expedition cruise itineraries are carefully crafted to offer passengers the opportunity to explore these pristine environments from both the ship and the air.

Submarine excursions

Perhaps an even more unique experience on your expedition cruise is the opportunity to delve beneath the ocean’s surface in a custom-built submersible! Expedition cruises which offer submarine excursions provide an extraordinary opportunity to explore the underwater world in remote and pristine locations, from a comfortable (and warm!) perspective - if the polar plunge sounds like your worst nightmare, then perhaps a submarine excursion is for you. 

Combining the thrill of a submarine dive with the comfort and luxury of an expedition cruise ship, these exciting excursions allow passengers to witness marine life, underwater landscapes, and historic shipwrecks. Not as common aboard cruise ships, only a select few expedition vessels are equipped with specially-made submersibles which carry a limited number of passengers.

Which expedition cruise lines offer helicopter and submarine excursions?

Ponant

Ponant is a French luxury cruise line specialising in expedition cruises. The latest ship in the fleet is Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker and hybrid electric polar exploration ship aiming to revolutionise responsible sailing. The ship carries two onboard helicopters and offers scenic ‘flightseeing’ excursions in some of the most incredible destinations on earth. 

Ponant’s Explorer vessels (Le Laperouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Bellot, Le Jacques-Cartier, and Le Dumont-d’Urville) also feature a world first - a ‘multi-sensorial underwater lounge’ called Blue Eye. While not technically a submarine or submersible, the Blue Eye lounge is without a doubt the next best thing. 

Enjoy a cocktail while gazing out of the large porthole windows and try to spot schools of fish and pods of dolphins as they swim by. In polar regions, you might even be lucky enough to see whales drifting effortlessly through the water beside you.

Scenic

The World’s First Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse, features twin helicopters which guarantee the ultimate exploration of some of the most incredible regions on the planet. Scenic offers helicopter excursions in destinations like the Arctic, Antarctica, and Alaska, allowing passengers to discover these remote areas from above.

Scenic Eclipse also features a custom-built submarine, Scenic Neptune, which allows up to eight passengers to take underwater excursions up to 200 metres below sea level. Explore the marine ecosystems, vibrant coral reefs, historic shipwrecks, and underwater landscapes in the Arctic, Antarctica, and other select regions.

Seabourn

Seabourn offers spectacular expedition cruises onboard Seabourn Venture, and her soon-to-launch sister ship, Seabourn Pursuit. Passengers aboard Seabourn Venture have the opportunity to take a submarine excursion to explore vast and vibrant underwater environments. The submarine is designed specifically for Seabourn and provides passengers with the chance to witness marine life and underwater landscapes in select destinations.

Ready to book an epic expedition cruise? Get in touch with the team at Panache Cruises on 0161 513 8200 and our specialists will help curate your ultimate itinerary!