In recent years, the expedition cruise line has garnered praise for its dedication to sustainability. It was the first to eliminate heavy fuel and single-use plastics, and recently introduced the industry's first battery-powered hybrid ships. It also made history by hiring Dr. Verena Meraldi, a biologist, as its first chief scientist. This year, the company plans to donate more than 1,500 cabins to scientists for field research and offers passengers the opportunity to participate in citizen science projects, such as wildlife monitoring with eBird and iNaturalist.
Given its strong sustainability focus, it’s no surprise that the National Audubon Society, a leading nonprofit in bird conservation, has announced a new partnership with the cruise line. This collaboration aligns with Audubon's mission and aims to engage more people in bird and habitat protection efforts.
Starting this fall, the partnership will feature "Audubon Voyages"—10 sailings across five itineraries to Antarctica, Alaska, and the Galápagos Islands. These voyages will include trained ornithologists or local naturalist guides to enhance bird-watching experiences and explore diverse ecosystems in search of rare and endemic bird species.
Audubon members receive a 10 percent discount on these special voyages and a 5 percent discount on other cruises.
The initial itineraries, launching in October, include:
Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos are known for their unique bird species, with 45 out of 56 native species being endemic. The cruise line offers two routes: "Nine of the Best Isles (Western and Northern Route)" on October 15 and December 10, 2024, and "In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)" on November 6, 2024, January 15, 2025, and February 12, 2025. Expect sightings of species like the Galápagos penguin, blue-footed booby, and Galápagos flamingo. Prices start at $7,476 per person.
Antarctica
The "In-Depth Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition Southbound," starting October 20, spans 22 days from Valparaiso, Chile, along the South American coastline to Antarctica, offering views of Andean condors, Austral pygmy owls, and various penguin species. The journey includes crossing the Drake Passage and exploring Antarctica, where you might see gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins. Prices begin at $14,973 per person.
The "Antarctica & Falkland Expedition" is a 16-day trip departing from Ushuaia, Argentina on November 6 and December 14, 2024, featuring species such as king and southern rockhopper penguins and the Falkland steamer duck. Prices start at $9,547 per person.
Alaska
The 18-day "Alaska and British Columbia Inside Passage, Bears and Aleutian Islands (Southbound)" cruise departs on July 7 and September 8, 2025, covering a vast area from Nome through the Aleutians to Vancouver. Expect sightings of seabirds like tufted puffins and black-footed albatrosses, with a focus on the rare McKay’s bunting. Prices begin at $8,648 per person.
