How Far in Advance Should You Book a Luxury Expedition Cruise?

Okay, so we know why you’re here. You’ve just seen one of our incredible email newsletters, or maybe a stunning brochure has just dropped through your front door. You’ve had a scroll or a flick through and now your heart is set on an expedition cruise. 

We don’t blame you. 

Whether it’s the Kimberley, Antarctica, or the otherworldly Galápagos Islands, each one of them absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list. But which one are you going to tick off first? 

In fact, hold on a minute. 

we’re getting ahead of ourselves. You have to book one first, but good luck if you want to sail in the next six months. Expedition cruises book up quickly and they rarely lower prices or launch offers because demand stays consistent. Here’s a practical guide to how far in advance you should reserve your spot—and why last-minute rarely pays off.

The Short Answer: 12 to 24 Months in Advance

No matter who you are or where you’re at, expedition cruises are a big deal. So why settle for a cabin you don’t want, or an itinerary that isn’t exactly what you’re looking for? You shouldn’t, which is why you should book at least a year in advance. 

For the best choice of suites, dates, and destinations, most expedition cruises should be booked between 1-2 years ahead of your trip. These voyages are extremely limited in capacity (many ships hold just 100 to 200 guests) and often only run a few sailings per season in remote regions.

Also, while you won’t find last minute reductions, you could snag yourself an early-booking discount or flight inclusion when booking early. Flexible cancellation terms are also often offered to early birds, especially on voyages departing in 2026 and 2027.

Why Do Expedition Cruises Sell Out So Quickly?

There are three key reasons:

1. Small Ships, Fewer Cabins
   Unlike traditional ocean liners, luxury expedition vessels are built for intimacy and agility. That means fewer suites and a greater sense of exclusivity, but also greater competition for space.

2. Limited Seasonal Windows
   You can’t cruise to Antarctica year-round, nor can you navigate the Northwest Passage any time you like. Expedition destinations have short, weather-dependent seasons, which means fewer departures and increased demand.

3. Repeat Guests & Pre-Release Offers
   Expedition cruisers are often seasoned travellers who book again and again. Cruise lines frequently open priority booking to past guests or travel club members before the general public, meaning top suites can sell out long before they’re even available to non-repeaters.
    

How Far in Advance to Book By Destination

Antarctica:

Book at least 18–24 months ahead for prime departures (Nov–Feb). Top suites and longer itineraries (including the Falklands or South Georgia) go first.

Arctic (Svalbard, Greenland, Northwest Passage):

Book 12–18 months ahead for the summer season (June–August). Ice conditions can vary, so lines often promote sailings early with rebooking flexibility.

Galápagos Islands:

Book 12–18 months ahead. Galápagos permits are tightly controlled, and luxury ships like those from Silversea and Celebrity Flora fill up quickly.

The Kimberley (Australia):

Book 12–16 months ahead for departures in the May–September dry season. Luxury expedition demand has soared since travel reopened fully in Australia.

Alaska (Small Ship Expedition-Style):

Book 10–14 months ahead. Expedition itineraries that access more remote regions and include Zodiac landings or cultural immersion often have fewer departures than mainstream routes.

South Pacific & Remote Asia:

Book 10–12 months ahead. For destinations like Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat or Micronesia, early planning is key, especially with lines like Ponant or Scenic offering only limited sailings per year.

When Is Last-Minute a Good Idea?

It’s rare, but some shoulder-season expedition cruises may offer last-minute availability, especially in Alaska, Patagonia, or the Galápagos if travel conditions shift. However, these are usually limited to entry-level suites and don’t include the generous benefits of early booking.

Also, last-minute offers don’t apply well to bucket-list destinations like Antarctica or the Arctic, where flights, gear, insurance and logistics need time to coordinate.

If you’re flexible on travel dates and don’t mind flying long-haul at short notice, it’s always worth checking with a cruise expert who monitors last-minute luxury availability—but go in with realistic expectations.

Thinking about an expedition cruise for 2026 or 2027?

So, now that you’re dead set on your dream expedition cruise, give one of our expert Cruise Connoisseurs a call!