Departures: 26 departures between March 2024 and March 2025
Experience: Embark on a 10-day carbon-neutral Galápagos expedition with HX on the recently refurbished MS Santa Cruz II (minimum age to sail is six). The itinerary begins with two nights in Quito, Ecuador, with a visit to the smoldering Cotopaxi volcano. Travelers are then whisked to the Galápagos, where it’s all about taking in the endemic wildlife. Hike, swim, snorkel, and kayak in several of the eastern islands—including San Cristobal—where Charles Darwin first landed in 1835. Here, you can witness endangered giant tortoises and catch sight of pink flamingos. Spot curious sea lions and blue-footed boobies on Mosquera, land iguanas on South Plaza Island, and prowling black-tip reef sharks and green turtles off pristine-white beaches. The intimate 90-passenger MS Santa Cruz II is excellent for families, thanks to interconnecting cabins and suites for larger groups. For younger cruisers, the Young Explorer program was created for kids ages 6-12—and there are dedicated kids’ naturalists aboard.
Silversea
Itinerary: Broome (Kimberley) to Darwin, Australia
Departures: June 8, 2024, through July 29, 2024
Experience: Savor the unfathomable beauty of the Kimberley’s on a 10-day voyage from Broom to Darwin (or vice versa), aboard Silversea’s luxurious Silver Cloud. The 254-passenger vessel features spacious all-suite accommodation, a pool deck with sumptuous sunbeds, 20 zodiacs, and 10 kayaks. Since there are no dedicated children’s facilities onboard, older children and teens are more suited to this mind-expanding voyage. Take in the vibrant Ashmore Reef, deep in the Indian Ocean. It’s home to 500 marine species, including turtles, dugongs, and dolphins—with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking on the agenda. This breathtaking voyage features the Kimberley’s Ord River, home to freshwater crocodiles and fruit bats. Step on a zodiac to King George Falls, with its twin 260-foot drop surrounded by soaring ochre rock formations. Additionally, don’t miss Hunter River’s thick mangrove system, which shelters rapacious saltwater crocodiles and Indigenous rock art scribed thousands of years ago in Vansittart Bay.
Abercrombie & Kent
Itinerary: Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands
Departures: December 20, 2024
Experience: Families with children seven and older can join Abercrombie & Kent on this 19-day expedition aboard the plush 199-passenger Le Lyrial to the frigid waters of Antarctica. Following two nights in Buenos Aires, adventurers depart Ushuaia, Argentina, in search of rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses in the Falkland Islands, and fur seals and king penguins in South Georgia. In the stark Antarctic Peninsula, younger passengers will get to handle a zodiac tiller (weather permitting) in the shadow of colossal icebergs and gob-smacking glaciers in search of penguins, seals, and whales. Part of the luxury operator’s family program, there will be A&K Young Explorers guides, kids’ activities, such as marine mammal identification—and Father Christmas makes an appearance onboard. After a thrilling day of wildlife spotting, gather to sip velvety hot cocoa in the panorama lounge, soak up pristine views from your spacious suite, and splash in the heated outdoor pool.
Ponant
Itinerary: Christmas Magic with Renaud Capuçon
Departures: December 20, 2024
Experience: Pack your crew’s thermals for this nine-day expedition on Ponant’s exquisite 245-passenger icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot (minimum age to sail is eight). This parent-pleasing voyage features Ponant’s stellar Kid Explorers Club in partnership with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation, with special appearances by French classical violinist Renaud Capuçon. The LNG-powered (liquefied natural gas) ship departs Helsinki for Stockholm, before zigzagging north to the Narnia-like wilderness of the Gulf of Bothnia. Marvel at starry pitch-black skies from the promenade deck as you sail by snowy peaks toward Lapland’s thick boreal forests. Visit cinnamon-scented Christmas markets in the capital cities and the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland. A highlight is Lulea, Swedish Lapland, where snowmobiling, naturalist-led snowshoeing walks, and ice fishing on a frozen lake are on offer.
