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Upcoming (2).

Cruise with The BOSS PROJECT

Sat, Nov 2, 4:00 PM

Check ticket price on event

Sail Away with Maiden Cane, SWFL's Favorite Arena Rock Tribute Band

Sat, Feb 8, 3:00 PM

The Promise Conference at Sea

Fri, Jun 21, 12:00 PM

You're Invited to an Exclusive Princess 3 Day Sale Event - Cumming, GA

Wed, Jun 5, 1:00 PM

You're Invited to an Exclusive Princess 3 Day Sale Event - The Villages

Mon, Jun 3, 12:00 PM

You're Invited to an Exclusive Princess 3 Day Sale Event - Venice

Tue, May 28, 1:00 PM

Travel Talk with AmaWaterways

Thu, May 2, 3:00 PM

FREE Ice Cream from Jeremiah's Ice courtesy of Royal Caribbean!

Sat, Apr 27, 1:00 PM

You're Invited! Travel Talk with Rocky Mountaineer

Wed, Apr 24, 3:00 PM

Exclusive Travel Talk with Viking

Mon, Apr 22, 2:00 PM

Travel Talk with American Cruise Lines at Expedia Cruises in Punta Gorda

Thu, Apr 4, 3:00 PM

Exclusive Travel Talk with Globus

Wed, Apr 3, 3:00 PM

An Evening of Music & Laughter featuring Michael D'Amore (of the Capris)

Tue, Apr 2, 7:00 PM

Travel Talk with MSC Cruises at Expedia Cruises in Venice

Tue, Mar 19, 3:00 PM

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Biggest Sale of the Year

Our 3 Day Sale is here! Enjoy 72 Hours of COLOSSAL Value on Princess Cruises® from June 6 – 8. This is the BEST OFFER AVAILABLE ANYWHERE on a Princess cruise during our 3 Day Sale and is exclusively available through your local Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant. Book ANY sailing at Princess Plus® fares, June 6 – 8 for all these Expedia® Extras & more:

Last chance to save up to 20% with Early Booking Bonus

• Up to $1,200 Onboard Cash Credit.*
• Onboard Beverage Package.*
• Unlimited Wi-Fi.*
• Crew Appreciation.*
• Over $900 in Onboard Coupon Value.*
• Reduced Deposit (non-refundable).*

Our sale lasts for 72 HOURS ONLY, so browse our featured deals below and contact us now to access this EXCLUSIVE OFFER!

Featured Deals

8 night caribbean cruise.

Exclusive! $50 Onboard Credit

Book select rates and receive an EXCLUSIVE! $50 onboard credit. Offer valid on select sailings. Onboard credit is valid for new bookings only and is per cabin. Restrictions may apply. Terms and Conditions: Prices listed are cruise only, per person, and based on double occupancy. Prices do not include airfare, or government fees and taxes. The onboard credit value listed is per cabin, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn or modified at anytime without notice. This offer is valid on new bookings only, and one onboard credit per cabin may be applied. Singles will receive half of the applicable onboard credit amount. Onboard credit will appear on a passenger’s onboard account. Extras such as bottle of wine and photo voucher are per cabin, not per person and are applicable on qualified sailings only. Offer is not combinable with FLASH or other non-refundable promotions and select past passenger rates. All bookings must be made and the required deposit must be paid by the expiration date of the promotion to qualify for the offer. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

Promotion ID: 1802078

Princess Plus - Plus Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, Crew Appreciation, Fitness Classes and more - a $140 per day value

Princess Plus - This fare includes a Plus Beverage Package (includes drinks up to $15 each and service charges), Unlimited WiFi on one device per guest, Crew Appreciation, two Casual Dining meals per cruise, two premium crafted desserts per day, two fitness classes per cruise, unlimited juice bar items, OceanNow delivery, room service delivery, and free shipping of Medallions to Princess guests (U.S. only) which is a $140 per day value! Offers apply to guests 1 & 2 and can be added for 3rd/4th guests (where applicable) for an upgrade charge. For guests under 21 the Beverage Package will be replaced with the Zero-Alcohol Drink Package. Restrictions may apply; please see terms and conditions for complete details. Terms and Conditions: One guest’s participation in Princess Plus may be dependent on the other guest in his/her stateroom’s participation, as determined by booking method. Princess Plus is contingent on ship capacity and only available on select voyages, while capacity lasts. Packages and their parts may be changed or revoked at any time and are not substitutable or redeemable for cash. Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. (“PCL”) is not responsible or liable for technical or printing errors. Void where prohibited. Princess Plus and its parts are non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash and may not be combinable with other offers. Drinks, Wi-Fi, Crew Appreciation, Premium Desserts, Juice Bar, and Fitness Classes are not applicable to land portion of cruisetours, and expire at the end of each cruise. Plus Beverage Package is valid only for guests who are 21 years or older. Guests under 21 booked under Princess Plus will receive the Zero-Alcohol Drink Package and will not receive any refund for the difference. The Plus Beverage Package includes all beverages priced up to $15.00 USD/$22 AUD each as listed on Princess’ menu(s). Any bottle of wine, one-liter bottles of water purchased on board with the Plus Beverage Package will receive a 25% discount. Exclusions apply, see full terms & conditions for Plus Beverage Package. Wi-Fi included for one device per guest. All internet usage subject to standard Wi-Fi policies, which may limit browsing of sites due to network security and bandwidth usage and is subject to change with or without notice. Crew Appreciation paid on behalf of the guest varies based on stateroom type (up to 4 guests per stateroom). Princess Plus does not include other service charges. Although Crew Appreciation is listed as part of the Princess Plus package, on Australia and New Zealand voyages Crew Appreciation is already included in the cruise fare and therefore all guests, regardless of whether they book the Princess Plus package, will receive Crew Appreciation and no substitution or refund will be provided for such part of the package. *Medallion Shipping will be offered to U.S. residents only and will be shipped via ground shipping. Must book package with ample time for the Medallion to arrive to guest via ground shipping or such package part shall be forfeited. *Premium Desserts is limited to 2 desserts per guest per day during the voyage. Excludes SMiZE premium ice creams. Gratuities included; not valid using OceanNow feature within the MedallionClass app. Only available during open hours of the venue at which dessert is available. *Juice Bar: Only available at breakfast and lunch during the opening hours of the World Fresh Market place/other adjacent location at which juice is served; not valid using OceanNow feature within the MedallionClass app. *Fitness Classes is limited to 2 classes per guest during the entire voyage. Applies to in-person classes, must sign up for class on-board by visiting the fitness center. Exact class type, length, timing, schedule, availability, and other details will be determined by the ship type and by Princess in its sole discretion. *Casual Dining with pre-fixe meals are limited to 2 meals per guest during the entire voyage at ship’s select casual dining venue locations. This package allows the guest to enjoy two price fixe meals at Casual Dining venues that otherwise carry a charge not included in your cruise fare. At each of the two included meals, guest will be able to select one option from each menu section on the price fixe menu (for example, one starter, one entrée, one dessert; no substitutions, revisions, or other changes will be permitted to such menu. Exact meal options, availability, and other details will be determined by the casual dining venue. Any unused casual meal will not be credited or refunded to guest. *Included One-Time Delivery Access Fee covers the one-time fee of $14.99 USD/$22.99 AUD for each guest for delivery orders placed through the Princess® MedallionClass® app (OceanNow®). Orders for delivery through the 24247479.2 232001-10002 stateroom phone or stateroom breakfast order card are also included for guests with the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages. All delivery based on availability and may be subject to additional terms. Note: You may book a wheelchair-accessible stateroom online. For assistance reserving them or other reasonable accommodation, contact your Travel Advisor. ©2023, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Princess®, MedallionClass®, and the Princess logo are trademarks of Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. or its affiliates. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

Promotion ID: 1802904

Princess Premier - Premier Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, Crew Appreciation, Dining and more - a $257 USD per day value

Princess Premier - This fare includes a Premier Beverage Package (includes drinks up to $20 each and service charges), 4 device WiFi plan, Crew Appreciation, 2 nights of Specialty Dining, unlimited Casual Dining meals, Princess Prizes, a Photo Package, unlimited premium crafted desserts, unlimited fitness classes, unlimited juice bar items, reserved seating at the Princess Theatre, OceanNow delivery, room service delivery, a Medallion accessory, and free shipping of Medallions to Princess guests (U.S. only) which is a $257 USD per day value! Offers apply to guests 1 & 2 and can be added for 3rd/4th guests (where applicable) for an upgrade charge. For guests under 21 the Beverage Package will be replaced with the Zero-Alcohol Drink Package. Restrictions may apply; please see terms and conditions for complete details. Terms and Conditions: One guest’s participation in Princess Premier may be dependent on the other guest in his/her stateroom’s participation, as determined by booking method. Princess Premier may be capacity controlled on select cruises. Princess Premier and its parts are non-transferable, are not redeemable for cash and may not be combinable with other offers. Drinks, Wi-Fi, Specialty Dining, Photo Package, Princess Prizes and Crew Appreciation are not applicable to land portion of cruisetours and expire at the end of each cruise. Premier Beverage Package is valid only for guests who are 21 years or older. Guests under 21 booked under Princess Premier will receive the Zero-Alcohol Drink Package and will not receive any refund for the difference. The Premier Beverage Package includes all beverages priced up to $20.00 USD/$30 AUD each as listed on Princess’ menu(s). Any bottle of wine, one-liter bottles of water purchased on board with the Premier Beverage Package will receive a 25% discount. The Premier Beverage Package does not include mini bar items, beverages offered via self-service or vending machines, tobacco, food items or souvenir glassware. A daily limit on alcoholic beverages will apply. Bar service charge is only included in the package and is paid on behalf of the guest for qualifying beverages included in the Premier Beverage Package. Exclusions apply, see full terms & conditions for Premier Beverage Package. Wi-Fi included for 4 devices per guest. All internet usage is subject to standard Wi-Fi policies, which may limit browsing of sites due to network security and bandwidth usage and is subject to change with or without notice. Crew Appreciation paid on behalf of the guest varies based on stateroom type (up to 4 guests per stateroom). Princess Premier does not include other service charges. Although Crew Appreciation is listed as part of the Princess Premier package, on Australia and New Zealand voyages Crew Appreciation is already included in the cruise fare and therefore all guests, regardless of whether they book the Princess Plus package, will receive Crew Appreciation and no substitution or refund will be provided for such part of the package. Two Specialty Dining meals are available per each Princess Premier guest. Each specialty dining meal consumed by a guest in a stateroom with this package will have the meal credited against the entire stateroom. It is recommended that guests make the Specialty Dining reservations pre-cruise using Dine My Way in the MedallionClass app. Princess Cruises reserves the right to pre-assign Specialty Dining times and location. The Specialty Dining included in Princess Premier does not include items with extra charges on the menus. Availability of Specialty Dining might be limited on certain cruises. Photo package includes digital downloads of images taken by onboard Princess photographers featuring the guest and three prints, up to 8x10 size of such photos or photos supplied by the guest. The photo package does not apply to Platinum Studio, weddings, portraits or group special events. Participation in Princess Premier constitutes guests’ opt-in to Princess Prizes. At the close of each promotional period, Princess Cruises will make available the list of winners per prize category. Please see full Terms and conditions for Princess Prizes. *Medallion Shipping and Included Accessory: Shipping will be offered to U.S. residents only and will be shipped via ground shipping. Must book package with ample time for the Medallion to arrive to guest via ground shipping or such package part shall be forfeited. Accessory provided will be determined by PCL in its sole discretion; only available while supplies last. Accessory is not transferrable, substitutable, or redeemable for cash. Accessory will be available in guest’s stateroom once on board. *Premium Desserts are only available during the voyage during open hours of the venue at which dessert is available. Excludes SMiZE premium ice 24247479.2 232001-10002 creams. Gratuities included; not valid using OceanNow feature within the MedallionClass app. *Juice Bar: Only available at breakfast and lunch during the opening hours of the World Fresh Market place/other adjacent location at which juice is served; not valid using OceanNow feature within the MedallionClass app. *Fitness Classes: Applies only to in-person classes, must sign up for class on-board by visiting the fitness center. Exact class type, length, timing, schedule, availability, and other details will be determined by the ship type and by Princess in its sole discretion. *Reserved Seating in Theater: PCL will reserve a group of seats for Princess Premier guests for “production show” presentations (Broadway-style shows with singers and dancers) during the voyage; such guests must arrive at the Theater between 15 and 30 minutes before show time to select seats (no saving seats will be allowed). Reserved seats are subject to availability, are first come, first served, and only available to guests booked with Premier package. PCL will determine, in its sole discretion the location of reserved seats. PCL not responsible if Premier guest does not get a reserved seat. Such seats will be released to all voyage guests starting 15 minutes prior to show time. *Casual Dining with pre-fixe meals are available at ship’s select casual dining venue locations. This package allows the guest to enjoy unlimited price fixe meals at Casual Dining venues that otherwise carry a charge not included in your cruise fare. At the included meals, guest will be able to select one option from each menu section on the price fixe menu (for example, one starter, one entrée, one dessert; no substitutions, revisions, or other changes will be permitted to such menu. Exact meal options, availability, and other details will be determined by the casual dining venue. Any unused casual meal will not be credited or refunded to guest. *Included One-Time Delivery Access Fee covers the one-time fee of $14.99 USD/$22.99 AUD for each guest for delivery orders placed through the Princess® MedallionClass® app (OceanNow®). Orders for delivery through the stateroom phone or stateroom breakfast order card are also included for guests with the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages. All delivery based on availability and may be subject to additional terms. Note: You may book a wheelchair-accessible stateroom online. For assistance reserving them or other reasonable accommodation, contact your Travel Advisor. ©2023, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Princess®, MedallionClass®, and the Princess logo are trademarks of Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. or its affiliates. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

Promotion ID: 1802905

Up to 40% Off + Reduced Deposit

Book between July 1 - August 28, 2024 for Reduced fares and a $99USD Reduced Deposit (or Canadian equivalent). Valid on bookings made with Princess Standard, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier fares. Savings are already reflected in the prices shown. Restrictions may apply; please see terms and conditions for complete details. Terms and Conditions: Offers only available to legal residents of North America. Offers only available for new bookings, on select cruises, on a limited availability, are capacity controlled (regardless of stateroom availability), and may not be combined with other offers or promotions (aside from those listed herein). Offers valid on bookings made 7/1/24 - 8/28/24. Up to 40% off fares Offer - Discount based off applicable Launch Fare, which fare excludes government-imposed taxes, fees and expenses. Offer available on a space-available basis at time of booking, on select categories and sailings. Discount applied to cruise fare only and is based on destination and stateroom category. Discount only applies to first two guests in a stateroom. $99USD Deposits applies to full, standard deposits only and shall not further reduce already reduced or discounted deposits. Offer not available on World Cruises, Full suites, Sanctuary Collection categories, cruises 45 days or longer, and cruises in which final payment is required. Other restrictions and exclusions apply. Note: You may book a wheelchair-accessible stateroom online. For assistance reserving them or other reasonable accommodations, please call 1-800-774-6237. Sale Offer Expiration: August 28, 2024 (11:50 p.m. PT) Promo codes: NUS (Standard) / NUP (PPlus) / NRU (Premier) ©2024, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Princess®, Ocean®, MedallionClass®, and the Princess logo are trademarks of Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

Promotion ID: 2164543

Recommended

Promotion ID: 2150764

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7 night Pacific Coastal Cruise

7 night Caribbean Cruise

10 night Caribbean Cruise

Exclusive! $60 Onboard Credit

Book select rates and receive an EXCLUSIVE! $60 onboard credit. Offer valid on select sailings. Onboard credit is valid for new bookings only and is per cabin. Restrictions may apply. Terms and Conditions: Prices listed are cruise only, per person, and based on double occupancy. Prices do not include airfare, or government fees and taxes. The onboard credit value listed is per cabin, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn or modified at anytime without notice. This offer is valid on new bookings only, and one onboard credit per cabin may be applied. Singles will receive half of the applicable onboard credit amount. Onboard credit will appear on a passenger’s onboard account. Extras such as bottle of wine and photo voucher are per cabin, not per person and are applicable on qualified sailings only. Offer is not combinable with FLASH or other non-refundable promotions and select past passenger rates. All bookings must be made and the required deposit must be paid by the expiration date of the promotion to qualify for the offer. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

Promotion ID: 1815731

7 night Alaska Cruise

7 night Europe Cruise

12 night Panama Canal Cruise

12 night British Isles Cruise

Exclusive! $85 Onboard Credit

Book select rates and receive an EXCLUSIVE! $85 onboard credit. Offer valid on select sailings. Onboard credit is valid for new bookings only and is per cabin. Restrictions may apply. Terms and Conditions: Prices listed are cruise only, per person, and based on double occupancy. Prices do not include airfare, or government fees and taxes. The onboard credit value listed is per cabin, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn or modified at anytime without notice. This offer is valid on new bookings only, and one onboard credit per cabin may be applied. Singles will receive half of the applicable onboard credit amount. Onboard credit will appear on a passenger’s onboard account. Extras such as bottle of wine and photo voucher are per cabin, not per person and are applicable on qualified sailings only. Offer is not combinable with FLASH or other non-refundable promotions and select past passenger rates. All bookings must be made and the required deposit must be paid by the expiration date of the promotion to qualify for the offer. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

Promotion ID: 1815729

23 night Panama Canal Cruise

20 night Japan Cruise

7 night Canada / New England Cruise

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Terms & Conditions

*One guest’s participation in Princess Plus may be dependent on the other guest in his/her stateroom’s participation, as determined by booking method. Princess Plus is contingent on ship capacity and only available on select voyages, while capacity lasts. Packages and their parts may be changed or revoked at any time and are not substitutable or redeemable for cash. See your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant for full terms and conditions.

*Expedia Extras offers are per stateroom (unless otherwise stated) on select sailings, based on double occupancy, apply to new bookings only, are not combinable with any other offer, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. For full terms and conditions, click the specific Expedia Extra offer or contact your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant.

Prices are per traveller, available within last 24 hours and valid for US and Canadian residents only. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included. Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised and Expedia Extras are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings. Availability & prices can change frequently, please continue with the booking to check latest availability & prices.

Our Promise

At Expedia Cruises, we are navigators of spectacular vacation experiences. As part of the number one brand in travel, this is our promise to you:

Expedia Extras.

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Set sail this summer with July 4th cruise deals at Expedia, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises

Shop today's best cruise deals that'll take you anywhere from Alaska to Aruba.

Updated July 4, 2024

Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.

7 best July 4th cruise deals

1. celebrity cruises.

Vacation like a celeb with Celebrity Cruises.

Set sail in style this summer with Celebrity Cruises, which is known for offering luxurious cruise experiences and premium services at discounted rates. You can book select trips now and save up to 75% on your second guest and knock the price of each room down by as much as $150.

2. Princess Cruises

Enjoy a vacation that's fit for royalty with Princess Cruises.

Whether you're sailing to the Mexican Riviera or trying to see the wonders of Europe, get the royal treatment and take a trip with Princess Cruises. This cruise line offers a blend of relaxation and adventure and has select cruises available for up to 35% off for a limited time.

3. CheapTickets

Save money on your trips abroad thanks to CheapTickets

It's no secret that traveling can be expensive. However, CheapTickets is here to help! It's a popular online travel agency known for offering competitive prices on various travel services, including cruises. CheapTickets has trips to the Mediterranean and tons of 4th of July cruise deals available now.

Save on cruises and more when you book your travel plans through Expedia.

Find the voyage that's right for you with Expedia, a one-stop platform for booking travel accommodations. You'll see last-minute deals and discounted cruises galore on the travel website, all that's left to do is pick the one that suits you best this summer.

Save big on Orbitz cruise deals this summer and beyond.

Enjoy the convenience of online booking with Orbitz, as the travel agency offers cruise deals from different cruise lines and caters to a range of preferences and budgets. You can currently save up to 50% on select trips to Cuba, Hawaii, Asia, and more.

6. Travelocity

Save on hotels, flights, cruises, and more at Travelocity.

Travelocity is a well-known platform for booking flights, hotels, and, of course, cruises. It frequently showcases deals and discounts on cruise vacations, allowing travelers to embark on memorable journeys without breaking the bank. That includes package deals that combine your cruise with flights and hotels for added convenience and savings.

7. MSC Cruises

Enjoy free drinks and more with this deal from MSC Cruises.

MSC Cruises is turning up the heat this summer with a special 4th of July sale. Right now, travelers can score drinks, Wi-Fi, and up to $500 in onboard credit when they book select cruises to destinations like the Bahamas and northern Europe.

Should I take advantage of July 4th cruise deals?

Absolutely! Expedia, Travelocity, and so many other travel agencies are hosting incredible 4th of July cruise deals all weekend long.

Are last-minute cruise deals worth it?

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Expeditions aren't your typical vacation: 'What a privilege it is to see these places'

• Expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in the cruise industry.
• It's one of the few vacations where passengers can experience pristine wilderness face-to-face.
• The trips themselves are a financial commitment, with most Arctic expeditions starting at over $8,000 per person.

Get more news like this delivered to your inbox by signing up for our Travel newsletter here . 

Not every traveler is made for an expedition cruise . However, those who are looking for a connection with nature and aren’t afraid of a little discomfort could find themselves at the most extreme locations in the globe.

But what if you landed in the Arctic Circle on a whim? 

That was the case for Katie McCay who said that after feeling overwhelmed at work , any trip sounded like a good idea. Thankfully, long-time friend Victoria Dixon was there with the idea to cross eight time zones from Melbourne, Australia, to embark on Aurora Expeditions ’ Sylvia Earle for an Arctic exploration. 

“The idea presented itself, so why not,” MacKay told USA TODAY. 

Nature can make you feel small. You should seek that feeling when traveling.

Expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in the cruise industry. It's one of the few vacations where passengers can experience pristine wilderness face-to-face. According to an Aurora Expeditions spokesperson, the line estimates that by December 2025, "we will have tripled our capacity since 2019 with our three purpose-built ships."

"We know that consumers are increasingly conscious about spending money with companies they know are operating ethically and sustainably, and this is also true for those they choose to travel with," a spokesperson for the line told USA TODAY.

For many of the 58 passengers, boarding the Sylvia Earle was purposeful and intentional. 

“I saw a YouTuber do this exact trip, and I knew I had to do it,” Patricia Spiekermann, a photography enthusiast from Frankfurt, Germany, said. 

How are expedition itineraries created?

Aurora Expeditions product teams work two to three years in advance to design their programs, "with considerations including the popularity of destinations/voyages, market trends, scheduling logistics, port availability and more," the spokesperson said.

Onboard Expedition Manager (and locker room DJ) Samantha Deer added that product teams will also rely on local guides for suggestions and insights into a new area.

While many of the passengers were content with the breathtaking views – which some described as “otherwordly” – quite a few had to adjust their expectations. 

Throughout our Arctic expedition, the group was able to watch Arctic foxes, reindeer, seals, walruses, puffins, and even a pair of humpback whales, but not the emblematic polar bear. A testament that nothing is guaranteed in the outdoors. 

The crew, however, was incredibly diligent in scoping out locations and ensuring passengers had every opportunity to spot as much wildlife as they could. 

“I think that what we're trying to do is we're trying to instill a sense of privilege,” Expedition Leader Howard Whelan told USA TODAY. “You know, what a privilege it is to see these places and, for the most part, (passengers) look after it.”

What can passengers expect from an expedition cruise?

“Goood morning, passengers!” All passengers were treated to Whelan’s cheery wake-up calls every day of the voyage with a quick rundown of what to expect that day. 

Travelers need to be ready to adjust and follow a schedule that’s subject to continuous changes. 

“I'm looking at the ice charts right now, and our second excursion in Svalbard is at a place called Samarinbreen, which is (an expedition on a) Zodiac cruise in front of a glacier, but right now, it looks like there's still fast ice at that end of the fjord,” Whelan explained. “We may either try and make a landing on fast ice, or we may not get in close, in which case I have to come up with an alternative, check around the area and see what's another really fantastic place to go to and I'll make that call. Ultimately, we may be going into a place in the wind direction, which may not be suitable for us to make the landing. So then we'll change that and find a place with a different exposure.”

Of course, if someone wasn’t feeling up for it, they could notify the crew that they would be staying on board. But even for those who ended up on the Sylvia Earle by happenstance, nature forced everyone to bear witness to its splendor.

“We know (passengers) have wonderful trips, but the one thing that most of us love to do is, when we're in the Zodiacs, we love to just turn the engine off and just stop and get everybody in the Zodiac to be quiet for a few minutes. Don't say a thing and just sit there,” Whelan said. “And quite often, at the end of the trip, when we asked people what was the most the most powerful experience that you had, often (people will) say when we sat silently, and we listened to the ice cracking in the glaciers … that was the best thing.”

It is worth noting that the Sylvia Earle is a purpose-built ship. It was made for these expeditions, and as such, amenities on board are fewer than those of an ocean cruise ship. 

In lieu of musical shows, passengers can attend daily lectures on different aspects of what they’re experiencing. Instead of food halls with long operating hours, there is the main dining room where meals are scheduled and a premium restaurant option for an additional cost. And instead of a casino, there’s a daily coin toss to spot wildlife.

“Sometimes (the lectures are a) little too much since we're on vacation,” said Peter Cvek, from Newark, New Jersey, who was on board with his wife Mary. “But I find a lot of it very interesting and very good to know that the people (here) have a lot of knowledge.” 

The purpose is to be outside, as all of the expedition guides made clear with their infectious enthusiasm for the outdoors. 

“This is an opportunity to do something that I would have never thought to do. And it's sitting there right in front of you. So why not take the chance?” Cvek added.

What is a regular day like on an expedition cruise?

No two days are alike – unless you have four consecutive sea days like we did – but on our trip, they all started with a daily rundown before breakfast, getting some time to get our waterproof clothing and hiking gear ready, and then it was off to that day’s adventure. Some days, you could expect to be out until the late afternoon, but in our case, we usually did a morning trek, ate lunch at the ship, and did an early afternoon activity like hiking, kayaking, or Zodiac cruising. Then, it was back on board for a recap of the day, dinner and bedtime.

Expeditions to the Arctic or Antarctica do attract travelers looking to cross a destination off their bucket list, or as Whelan said, those "who make a place a goal rather than a place to experience."

“I think, for me, the most important thing is that people connect in a deeply personal way with these remote, wild places because I think that it feeds the soul,” Whelan said. “We do offer all of these activities and some people get caught up with thinking, ' Oh well, that's so exciting if we go kayaking or if we go skiing or whatever. ' And it's true, it is. But what's really wonderful about that is it puts you in contact with a different way of experiencing the place that we go to and I think that's the beauty of Aurora.”

The trips themselves are a financial commitment, with most Arctic expeditions starting at over $8,000 per person . Aurora Expeditions does not charge a single supplement on select voyages.

"Though our predominant demographic is still in the over 50s-60s, we are seeing that some voyages are skewing younger, depending on the destination and the activities and experiences offered," the spokesperson said. "There is certainly a subset of older millennial travelers who are adventurous and able to afford more premium experiences like an expedition to Antarctica or the Arctic, and they are attracted to our more informal and relaxed approach to expedition cruising."

Aurora Expeditions does have ADA-accessible cabins, but it's important for passengers to carefully review the itinerary and assess accommodations as soon as possible. Also, keep in mind that many of the ports will require Zodiac transportation to shore.

Both MacKay and Spiekermann, who embarked on the Sylvia Earle by opposite paths, said they enjoyed their holiday. The same goes for every passenger USA TODAY spoke to onboard – even those who got seasick.

Travel isn’t always perfect. It’s as messy as real life, and that’s part of it. Those are the moments that provide a foil. Those are the moments that change you as a person. And those are the moments Aurora Expeditions is aiming to provide for its passengers.

The reporter on this story received access to this event from Aurora Expeditions. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Bykovo Manor
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Saturn Stadium