The Exploration Cruise Specialist
Helping like-minded travellers explore the world more meaningfully – through expedition, river and specialist ocean cruises.
Extraordinary adventures with a personal touch
At Cruise Routes, we believe cruising should be designed for exploration. For experiencing a destination more deeply, rather than simply passing through it. Through expedition cruises, small ship journeys and exploration-led voyages, we create experiences that allow you to properly connect with the places you visit.
We are known for expedition cruising, but we don’t only offer expedition cruises.
And we’re not here to offer every type of cruise, either.
We specialise in small ship exploration cruises designed to immerse you fully in the landscapes, wildlife, cultures and communities that define a destination.
A shared passion for exploring the world
We work with a carefully selected range of expedition, river and small ship cruise operators across the world, chosen for their expertise, standards and shared belief in exploration-led travel.
Together, we create journeys that connect travellers more deeply with the landscapes, wildlife, cultures and communities that make each destination unique.
Originally the Polar Expedition Cruise Specialist
Originally founded as Polar Routes, specialists in expedition cruising to Antarctica and the Arctic, we’ve taken our experience and passion for exploration and opened the world wider – from the ancient waterways of Africa to the rugged coastlines of Australia and the remarkable journeys in between.
Today, Cruise Routes brings together a wider collection of small ship and exploration cruises designed to connect travellers more deeply with the world around them.
Voyages with depth & discovery
We specialise in a certain style of cruising – smaller ships, deeper exploration and more time in the places you came to see. From expedition cruises in Patagonia to river journeys through the Amazon and small ship cruises along Croatia’s Adriatic coast, our focus is always on meaningful travel and genuine connection to the destination.
Everything we do is shaped by discovery – helping travellers experience the landscapes, wildlife, cultures and communities that make each journey unique.
Value over volume
We’re not just here to sell cruises. We’re here to help like-minded explorers discover more of the world – in one of the most authentic, exciting and meaningful ways.
Less talking, more listening
Your Cruise Consultant takes the time to get to know you – not just for your first trip, but for every trip beyond – constantly looking for things they know you’ll love.
First-hand expertise
We’re explorers, too, so all our advice is based on experience. A perspective that makes all the difference when it comes to recommending the right cruise for you
Made for the extra-ordinary
Every cruise we sell has been carefully chosen for its ability to deliver something extraordinary. It sounds simple, but is often overlooked.
Where We Explore
Our journeys take travellers to some of the world’s most rewarding exploration cruise destinations – from remote polar regions and wildlife-rich archipelagos to culturally connected waterways and lesser visited coastlines.
These featured regions are just a small selection of the extraordinary places we explore across the world.
French Polynesia
Small ship journeys through volcanic islands, coral atolls and remote South Pacific communities shaped by the rhythm of the ocean.
The Galápagos
Wildlife-rich expedition cruises offering close encounters, volcanic landscapes and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Australia
Explore the remote Kimberley coastline through waterfalls, ancient landscapes and expedition cruising designed for discovery.
Indonesia
Small ship journeys through volcanic islands, coral atolls and remote South Pacific communities shaped by the rhythm of the ocean.