ARCTIC
Panache Expeditions is an innovative new venture by Panache Cruises. Working together with the world’s premier expedition cruise lines, we’re a luxury and ultraluxury travel agent that designs and builds your ideal expedition holiday package. We strive to make onceniche expedition cruising accessible to our customers.
We offer a price-match guarantee on all expedition cruise fares, with potential exclusive savings up to £4,000 available. We’re fully committed to providing the best service in our industry by a team of cruise connoisseurs who have experienced an expedition cruise first-hand. We’ve been there and done that. Call us to talk about it.
Why book with Panache Expeditions?
Throughout your journey, we’ll provide you with the expertise of our cruise connoisseurs, who will deliver knowledge and insight on many destinations, cruise lines, specific excursions and more. Many of our team have
OUR CRUISE LINE
EXPEDITION PARTNERS
ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD
had the incredible opportunity of discovering the world on an expedition voyage exploring Antarctica, Galapagos, the Arctic and many more enchanting locations. Your next cruising adventure belongs with us—no one matches our passion and expertise when crafting unforgettable expeditions solely for you!
The Panache Expeditions Promise
• Up to £4,000* off any cruise you book with us
• Best Price Guarantee means we’ll beat any quoted cruise fare
• Best Service Guarantee from our lovely team of cruise connoisseurs
• Founders Loyalty Programme offers exclusive benefits
• Exceptional relationships with our cruise line partners
CELEBRITY EXPEDITIONS
State-of-the-art
HX HURTIGRUTEN EXPEDITIONS
Exploring the world since 1896
Explore the world’s most remote wonders in ultra luxury
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
A journey of natural, cultural and epicuren discovery
Galápagos exploration
PONANT Yacht expeditions with a touch of French class
SCENIC
The World’s First Discovery Yachts™
SEABOURN
All-inclusive expedition cruises with a difference
SILVERSEA
WHY GO TO THE ARCTIC?
The Arctic region is as expansive as it is beautiful with frost-tinged boundaries sat like a wooly hat on top of our wonderful world.
More accessible than an Antarctic cruise, and arguably with more things to do, to cruise there is to experience a world like no other. Despite popular opinion, this is not an endless expanse of white tundra, bleak blizzard views and the odd iceberg floating by. Over 40 diverse ethnic groups live here—from the rich heritage of Viking history and art from remote Inuit communities to the intense rhythms of Icelandic heavy metal and the warm embrace of Canadian hospitality.
The scenery and wildlife aren’t bad either. Look up at skies teeming with rich birdlife and look down for unique marine life—beluga whales, bowhead whales and the almost-mythical narwhals. Do things you thought impossible; hike under thunderous waterfalls, kayak amongst mighty icebergs or camp on ice under impossibly starry skies. Have your captain wake you up in the middle of the night because there’s a polar
bear prowling somewhere on the shore. Witness enormous chunks of ancient glaciers crashing into the sea. Not bad at all.
Luxury and ultra-luxury cruises have redefined Arctic exploration. Once rugged expeditions now feature gourmet dining, spa treatments and exceptional comfort, ensuring you can enjoy the Arctic’s wonders without sacrificing convenience. Accessible for travellers from the USA, Canada and Europe, the Arctic is closer than you think.
Come for the Aurora Borealis or stay for the magic of the midnight sun. The Arctic promises an unforgettable escape where nature, culture and now, luxury, converge. Whatever your hobby, desire or dream—to take photos, to ski in the wild or to spot polar bears in their natural habitat—there’s an Arctic cruise itinerary for you.
Arctic Circle THE
The Arctic Circle is a realm of absolute magic, where the midnight sun bathes the land in golden light for months, and the Aurora Borealis dances in vivid greens and purples across the dark winter sky. It’s a place where polar bears roam icy landscapes, and the silence of snow-covered forests is broken only by the howls of Arctic wolves. Indigenous Sami traditions, endless tundras, and frozen seas create an ethereal, almost otherworldly beauty that feels untouched by time. This guide showcases the very best of this region.
Pacific Ocean
Canada
Chukchi Sea
Laptev Sea
Kara Sea
Barents Sea
Norwegian Sea
Greenland Sea
Labrador Sea
Baffin Bay
Beaufort Sea
Svalbard
Baffin Island
THESE REGIONS ARE NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED
Northern Lights and epic fjords
It might seem obvious to say, but the further north you get, the better the spectacle of the Northern Lights will be. Visit Norway, where in the winter months somebody turns the lights out—just in time for the Aurora Borealis. Swirling ribbons of ethereal green and lavender intermingle with the starry night sky; the Northern Lights are a celestial symphony, playing out in front of your eyes. Time seems to bend and the world fades away—you’re left alone with your thoughts about just how insignificant we are within this massive universe.
Did you know?
With all its wild islands, epic fjords and even sandy beaches, Norway’s coastline is over 62,706 miles long and the second longest in the world!
Top 5 things to do on a Norway cruise
Experience the Northern Lights in winter: Between September and March, witness the Aurora Borealis dancing over the Arctic.
Sail through the Norwegian fjords: Cruise through incredible scenery such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
Explore the Lofoten Islands: Charming fishing villages set against islands that are some of the most beautiful you’ve ever seen. Visit Nordkapp—the North Cape: Stand at 71°N, one of Europe’s northernmost points and marvel at the endless Arctic Ocean views.
Spot incredible wildlife: Spot humpback whales, orcas and minke whales, especially in Tromsø and Vesterålen. See puffins, sea eagle, and reindeer in the Arctic tundra.
Svalbard
Kingdom of the Polar Bear
Journey to the very top of the world and find Svalbard—supposedly a Norwegian territory… but really this is the Kingdom of the Polar Bear. This archipelago is made up of nine main islands and several much smaller, uninhabited islands. In keeping with the rest of the Arctic’s ice paradise, find expansive glaciers, majestic mountains and icy-blue waters framed by midnight sun or Northern Lights. Spot Arctic foxes, reindeer and beluga whales in their natural habitat—but always, always be on the lookout for polar bears. The polar bear is the King of the North, spending their days on the prowl for food—namely, the unfortunate ringed and bearded seals who cross their paths. Your Captain will announce over the tannoy when one has been spotted. A geologist’s and fossil hunter’s haven to boot, Svalbard should be on your bucket list.
Top 5 things to do on a Svalbard cruise
Search for Polar Bears: Svalbard is the best place in the world to spot polar bears in their natural habitat.
Take a Zodiac through ice floes in Hinlopen Strait: Explore glaciers, fjords, and massive icebergs up close.
Visit Ny-Ålesund, the northernmost settlement: Learn about Arctic research at this historic mining town turned science station.
Take an Arctic hike: Trek through wildflower-covered tundra in summer and see reindeer grazing.
Spot walruses at Poolepynten: Observe large walrus colonies sunbathing on ice or beaches.
Did you know?
Svalbard has no native population. Actually, you’re not even allowed to give birth on the archipelago. Pregnant people must visit the Norwegian mainland if they want to give birth.
THESE REGIONS ARE NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED
The most photogenic place in the world
Greenland is enormous. Truly remote, the world’s largest island is home to just 57,000 people and is the most sparsely-populated region in the world. And despite being so large, only a small part of the island is suitable for living, with 20,000 living in the capital city Nuuk. You might not have much human interaction in this destination, but the wildlife and scenery more than make up for it. Vast glaciers, countless icebergs, dramatic fjords and rugged mountains are home to polar bears, whales, muskoxen and seals. Greenland is 836,330 square miles; raw, wild and ripe for exploration—the most photogenic place you could ever visit.
Did you know?
UK citizens needn’t apply for a visa to visit Greenland. The country is a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark and is subject to the same rules as mainland Denmark.
Top 5 things to do on a Greenland cruise
Explore Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO Site): Witness massive icebergs calving from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. Take a boat tour or hike along the Icefjord for breathtaking views.
Hike in Tasermiut Fjord (Greenland’s Patagonia): Trek through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Arctic. Stroll through the colorful streets and visit the Katuaq Cultural Center.
See the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): If cruising between late August and early October, watch for dazzling auroras in the night sky.
Go Whale Watching: Spot humpback, minke, and fin whales in Greenland’s fjords. Summer is the best time for whale sightings.
Explore Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system: Marvel at dramatic cliffs, glaciers and towering icebergs. Enjoy stunning reflections on calm waters.
THESE REGIONS ARE NOT FOR THE
The Canadian High Arctic
Truly remote
Baffin Island is something different—maybe even something you’ve never experienced before. Far away from any civilisation, high up in the Canadian Arctic, Baffin Bay boasts dramatic fjords, rugged mountains, expansive glaciers and blank tundra landscapes. Polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses and even narwhals roam here, while birdwatchers can look forward to puffins, snow geese and other rare species. Above all, Baffin is rich in Inuit culture; visitors are invited to learn about traditional Inuit practices, art and storytelling in communities like Iqaluit and Pangnirtung.
Top 5 things to do on a Canadian High Arctic cruise
Spot incredible wildlife: Spot polar bears hunting on the ice. See walruses, Arctic foxes, musk oxen and beluga whales in their natural habitat.
Visit remote Inuit communities: Learn about Inuit culture and traditions in towns like Pond Inlet, Arctic Bay or Gjoa Haven. See local artwork and try Arctic cuisine.
Sail Lancaster Sound, the “Arctic Serengeti”: This wildlife-rich waterway is home to narwhals, belugas, seals and seabirds. Watch for massive pods of whales in the summer months.
Sail through the legendary Northwest Passage: Follow in the footsteps of Arctic explorers like Sir John Franklin.
at Auyuittuq National Park’s towering peaks: View the jagged mountains and glaciers of Baffin Island, including Mount Thor, the world’s highest vertical cliff. Hike through tundra landscapes dotted with Arctic wildflowers.
Did you know?
Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island is home to Mt. Thor which has the world’s highest vertical drop.
Marvel
The Land of Fire and Ice
Although not technically in the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers all the natural wonder and cosy polar culture that an expedition destination should offer. Call it one for the faint-hearted, with modern towns and cities, providing plenty of modern amenities to explore the rich landscape the country has to offer. Home to glassy glaciers, hot thermal springs, spectacular geysers, active volcanoes, lava fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, Iceland is the “Land of Fire and Ice”. Golden Circle attractions of Þingvellir National Park—a park with a geological rift where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America meet— the Geysir Geothermal Area—a geothermal field with active geysers, hot springs, mud pools and steam vents—and Gullfoss Waterfall, a waterfall known for its unusual shape and photogenic views.
Did you know?
Up to 30% of Icelanders believe in elves. Icelandic folklore is still rich with stories about the Huldufólk, meaning “hidden people”, who are said to live in the lava fields.
Top 5 things to do on an Iceland cruise
Explore Westfjords, Iceland’s remote wilderness: Sail into Ísafjörður and hike to stunning viewpoints. Visit Dynjandi Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most beautiful cascades.
Witness puffins and seabird colonies at Latrabjarg Cliffs: See thousands of puffins, guillemots, and razorbills nesting on Iceland’s westernmost cliffs.
Sail through iceberg-filled fjords in eastern Iceland: Cruise past towering icebergs and remote villages in Seyðisfjörður and Bakkagerði. Spot reindeer and Arctic foxes in this untouched region.
Cross the Arctic Circle by landing on Grimsey Island: Step across the Arctic Circle and take in the rugged landscapes. See abundant birdlife, including puffins and Arctic terns.
Go whale watching in the whale capital, Húsavík: Spot humpback, minke, blue whales, and orcas in Skjálfandi Bay. Visit the Húsavík Whale Museum to learn about marine life.
Alaska
En vouge Arctic destination
Another one for the faint-hearted, and technically more an ocean cruising destination than an expedition destination, Alaska is stunning and surprisingly accessible. Home to eight national parks and 20 of the highest mountains in the USA, it is the most epic state. For brown bears, grey wolves, whales, caribou and other magnificent creatures, this is also home. More adventurous souls can enjoy a fearless kayak past mighty glaciers as they calve and crash right in front of them. The Hubbard Glacier is worldfamous, and a must-see for nature lovers. Spot whales from the ship in Icy Strait Point and uncover native culture and Tlingit history in Haines against the backdrop of incredible mountain scenery.
Top 5 things to do on an Alaska cruise
Search for bears in remote wilderness: Spot brown bears fishing for salmon in places like Katmai National Park or Admiralty Island (Fortress of the Bears). Watch black bears foraging along the shorelines from your Zodiac.
Kayak in Glacier Bay: Paddle through Glacier Bay National Park, surrounded by towering ice walls. Experience the silence of Alaska’s fjords, with eagles soaring above and seals popping up nearby.
Zodiac cruising in ice-choked fjords: Get up close to massive tidewater glaciers like Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. Witness glacier calving, when huge chunks of ice crash into the water with a thunderous roar!
Watch whales in the Inside Passage: See humpback whales breaching and bubble-net feeding in Frederick Sound. Spot orcas hunting in the icy waters near Sitka.
Hike in pristine, off-the-beaten-path locations: Trek through Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Walk through lush valleys and tundra landscapes with views of towering peaks and glacial rivers.
Did you know?
You should try aqutak, or Eskimo ice cream—a mix of seal oil, animal fat, snow, and
wild Alaskan berries.
HOW TO GET THERE
Ultra-luxury cruises
It’s a double-edged sword: these places are so remote and untouched that they offer an unparalleled, raw beauty—where Mother Nature reigns supreme. However, their remoteness also makes them difficult to access, with limited airports, infrastructure and landmarks scattered far and wide. While accessibility is gradually improving, there’s really only one way to truly explore this vast region: aboard a custom-built expedition ship, accompanied by a team of expedition leaders, naturalists, geologists and more, who bring every detail to life.
Your only problem now is choosing which to go with.
Scenic Eclipse —up to 228 guests
Scenic are famous for two reasons: incredible river cruises across Europe in absolute luxury, and for the World’s First Discovery Yachts, Scenic Eclipse and II. Luxury and discovery come together in perfect harmony onboard Scenic Cruises. It’s the latter we’re interested in this brochure, and those two yacht-style ships feature four onboard helicopters between them and a submarine each. They’re some of the smallest ships in our Panache Cruises fleet, meaning they can explore even lesser-known destinations.
• Two of the World’s First Discovery Yachts™
• Soar the skies in the state-of-the-art Airbus EC-130 -T2 helicopter
• Scenic Eclipse also has its very own submarine! Scenic Neptune is a customised submarine which is capable of diving to 300 metres with six guests onboard.
• Purpose-built ships to travel to some of the most dangerous desinations on earth
• As seen on television in the programme “Maritime Masters”
• Relax in an indulgent suite with included butler service
• Outstanding choice of up to 10 dining options
• Hand-selected Discovery Team for each voyage
Seabourn Expeditions —up to 264 guests
You might have heard of Seabourn, famous for ultra-luxury ocean cruises around the world. In 2022, the world-renowned brand built its first expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, and they’ve not looked back since… as they sail into sunsets at the far-ends of our wonderful world. Seabourn Pursuit followed not long after her sister, and now there are several reasons why you would choose Seabourn Expeditions for your expedition cruise.
Silversea Expeditions —up to 274 guests
Silversea Expeditions fall under the category: ultra-luxury ocean cruising goes expedition. Theytake you to regions less-trodden and provide you with awe-inspiring, thrilling and humbling experiences. Silversea’s three expedition ships are perfectly designed for this type of adventure, having smaller capacity and with a favourable crew-to-guest ratio. Signature Silversea service is included, with butler service in every suite of these all-suite ships. All-inclusivity comes as standard.
• Round-the-clock butler service in every suite
• Door-to-door fares and all-inclusive cruising
• Incredible fine dining options to rival any land-based restaurant
• All-luxury oceanview suites with outstanding amenities
• Fleet of four expedition ships sail to all seven continent
• Expedition team made up of experts, scientists, historians and sailors
• Zodiac and kayak expedition adventures
• Book a suite and receive addition benefits including a separate mud room, priority embarkation and more
• Newest ships have cutting-edge navigation and exploration technology
• All-inclusive experiences at every stop and port of call, Zodiacs, hikes and more
• 23-person expedition team on each voyage
• Purpose-built ship, ice-strengthened hull and superior stability
• Two custom-built six-guest submarines on each ship
• Up to 30,000 square feet of viewing space on each ship
• Complimentary Signature Events: Caviar on the Ice, Polar Plunge and more
• Daily enrichment throughout the ship with expert-led “Fireside Chats”
• Extra-large walk-in closets for expedition gear with heating rack for your wet gear!
Luxury cruises
Ponant
-up to 264 guests
Ponant’s unique travel philosophy allows travellers to discover cruising their very own way, and do it with supreme and eccentric French swagger. Guests are culturally enriched, witness to some incredible sights, and wined and dined on some of the finest grub at sea—they see the world in a whole new way. Ponant is the only cruise line which sails under the French flag, and it shows. You’ll feel a little bit of—how do you say—je ne sais quoi as you experience the world.
• Small ships can dock in private ports and access remote locations
• Refined gastronomy, Hermés stateroom amenities and a Sothys spa
• Multilingual crew offers uber-attentive service
• World-leading sustainability features
• Quiet harbors and little-visited sites
• Activities, including snowshoeing, ice fishing and polar plunges
• World’s first luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot
HX Expeditions
-up to 530 guests
HX Expeditions is a new name on the block, but this is a cruise line with over 130 years of waterborne heritage under the name Hurtigruten. The onboard learning experience is second-to-none. HX Expeditions seeks to inspire and educate guests through an immersive Science Centre, which hosts several citizen science programmes designed to deepen understanding and knowledge of the areas where each voyage takes place. Functional expedition cruising with all the necessary comforts available.
• Work with nature and conditions to make itineraries flexible from day to day
• Incredible unique experiences offered in each destination
• Expedition Team hand-picked for every voyage
• Huge focus on science and education—most extensive in industry
• Pioneers in sustainable cruising with state-of-the-art hybrid ships
• Regionally-inspired cuisine cooked by master chefs
• Friendly and informal vibe on board
Atlas Ocean Voyages -up to 198 guests
Atlas Ocean Voyages, established in 2019, stands out in the realm of luxury expedition cruise lines. Upon a fleet of three ships, each as cosy and comfortable as the last, this cruise line service up cultural, culinary and natural expeditions across the globe. Typically all-inclusive, you’ll get to know your fellow expeditioners aboard intimate yacht-style ships. Great food, lovely staterooms, attentive service and an enriching educational programme—what more could you need as you explore the Arctic?
• Free cultural immersion, open bar and free 24-hour room service
• Culinary and cultural expedition cruises
• Navigate hidden coves and dock steps away from iconic city centers on small ships
• Nearly 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio with butler service in suites
• Enjoy delightful culinary adventures with globally inspired gourmet cuisine
• Signature shore excursions to immerse you in your destination
Svalbard
Norway
Canada
