Adventures by Disney announced their first ever expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands offering families a unique way to explore some of the world’s most fascinating ecological wonders. Similar to the Adventures by Disney river cruises, Disney is partnering with expedition cruise lines for the sailings instead of one of the Disney Cruise Line ships. Bookings for the following new Adventures by Disney Expedition cruise vacations will go on sale to the public on January 22, 2021. Early booking is available on January 19, 2021 for Adventure Insiders – previous Adventures by Disney Guests, January 21, 2021 for Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Line Platinum and Gold Castaway Club, and Golden Oak residents, then open to the general public on January 22nd.
On all Adventures by Disney expedition cruises, families will relax and play together aboard an intimate expedition ship as a team of Adventure Guides lead engaging programming for adults and Junior Adventurers alike. Special presentations by naturalists will further immerse travelers in the stories of the ecosystems around them, and onselect sailings, Disney animal and photography experts will host conversations and hands-on workshops about wildlife, conservation and travel photography.
Antarctica Expedition Cruise
Adventures by Disney’s family expedition cruises to the White Continent of Antartica are scheduled for 2021 and 2022, two 12-day, 11-night Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruises will sail with PONANT, a leader in luxury polar expeditions.
Sail dates are as follows:
- December 20, 2021 – December 31, 2021
- January 30, 2022 – February 10, 2022
- February 20, 2022 – March 1, 2022 (added on March 1, 2021 – Disney is contacting those on the waitlist and general booking will start on March 4, 2021.)
- Buenos Aries
- Buenos Aries & Ushuaia
- Ushuaia & At Sea
- Drake Passage
- Drake Passage
- Antarctic Peninsula (Antartica)
- Antarctic Peninsula (Antartica)
- Antarctic Peninsula (Antartica)
- Antarctic Peninsula (Antartica)
- Drake Passage
- Drake Passage
- Ushuaia & Buenos Aries
Following an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the adventure begins at the southernmost tip of Argentine Patagonia, where guests will visit the resort town of Ushuaia, take a scenic train ride and explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, travel by catamaran through the Beagle Channel and visit the historical settlement, Estancia Harberton. After navigating through the Drake Passage, the journey continues in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Antarctica, where each day brings a new adventure. Guests will embark on daily boat excursions and hike along the continent’s shorelines, catching glimpses of native wildlife like seabirds, penguins and seals in their natural habitat. With offshore activities defined by nature, every wildlife viewing will be unique to the sailing.
Highlights of the Adventures by Disney Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise include daily boat excursions and hikes along Antarctica’s shorelines to view native wildlife like seabirds, penguins and seals in their natural habitat. As part of an add-on, limited-capacity experience, guests can kayak through the captivating and serene icebergs and glaciers of Antarctica. All offshore excursions are led by naturalists. (PONANT/Nicolas Dubreuil, photographer) 
During the Adventures by Disney Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise, guests will embark on daily boat excursions and hike along Antarctica’s shorelines, catching glimpses of native wildlife like seabirds, penguins and seals in their natural habitat. All offshore excursions are led by naturalists. (PONANT/Olivier Blaud, photographer)
Travelers can add even more adventure to their Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise with the Buenos Aires Escape. This four-day, three-night guided group experience will highlight must-see attractions as well as the hidden gems of Argentina’s capital. Guests will enjoy the countryside tradition of horseback riding while visiting a local estancia and also become immersed in the cosmopolitan culture of the “Paris of South America” as they dance the tango and stroll the charming streets of Buenos Aires.
Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise
Adventures by Disney’s family expedition cruises to the Enchanted Isles of the Galapagos Islands will take families island-hopping from one extraordinary adventure to the next with five nine-day, eight-night sailings aboard the boutique expedition ship, the Galapagos Legend.
On excursions led by naturalists, adventurers will discover the archipelago’s spectacular vistas and remarkable diversity of plant and animal species, with possible sightings of thealbatross, frigatebird, blue-footed booby, giant tortoise, marine iguana and Galapagos penguin. Trip highlights include snorkelingin turquoise waters inhabited by sea lions, reef fish and sea turtles; hiking across the islands’ diverse terrain; and paddling in transparent kayaks along sheltered coves.
On the Adventures by Disney Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise, guests will have the chance to snorkel in turquoise waters inhabited by such wildlife as reef fish, sea turtles, and sea lions. Other trip highlights include hiking across the islands’ diverse terrain and paddling in transparent kayaks along sheltered coves. (Diana Zalucky, photographer) 
On the Adventures by Disney Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise, families will connect with the natural, ecological wonders around them. On excursions led by naturalists, adventurers will discover the archipelago’s spectacular vistas and remarkable diversity of plant and animal species, with possible wildlife sightings of the albatross, frigatebird, blue-footed booby, giant tortoise, marine iguana, Galapagos land iguana and Galapagos penguin. (Diana Zalucky, photographer)
Families will also get a taste of culture in the islands as they try their hand at making fresh sugar cane juice at a family farm, discover local crafts with artisans-in-training at a local bazaar, demonstrate their fancy footwork in a game of soccer and visit a coffee plantation, where the plants are grown in the island’s rich volcanic soil.
Three routes are scheduled for the Adventures by Disney Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise in 2022.
Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise |South – North
The north and south Galapagos itinerary includes excursions to the islands of San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Genovesa and Santa Fe.
- February 9, 2022 – February 22, 2022
- Quito
- Quito and San Cristobal Island
- Espanola Island
- Floreana Island
- Santa Cruz Island
- Santa Cruz Island
- Genovesa Island
- Santa Cruz Island and Santa Fe Island
- Baltra Island and Quito
Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise | East – South
The south and east Galapagos itinerary includes excursions to the islands of South Plaza, North Seymour, San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana and Santa Cruz.
- March 6, 2022 – March 14, 2022
- July 10, 2022 – July 18, 2022
- August 7, 2022 – August 15, 2022
- Quito
- Quito, Baltra Island and Bartolome Island
- South Plaza Island and North Seymour Island
- San Cristobal Island
- San Cristobal Island
- Espanola Island
- Floreana Island
- Santa Cruz Island
- Baltra Island and Quito
Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise | North – West
The north and west Galapagos itinerary includes excursions to the islands of Baltra, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Mosquera, Santiago, Rabida, Isabela and Fernandina.
- December 18, 2022 – December 26, 2022
- Quito
- Quito, Baltra Island and Santa Cruz Island
- Genovesa Island
- Santa Cruz Island and Santa Fe Island
- Santa Cruz Island and Mosquera Islet
- Santa Cruz Island and Rabida Island
- Isabela Island
- Fernandina Island and Isabela Island
- Baltra Island and Quito
River Cruise Departures Return
In addition to launching brand-new expedition cruises, Adventures by Disney’s popular river cruise vacations return to Europe with itineraries along the Danube, Rhine and Seine Rivers. New for 2022, specialty National Geographic Photography Sailings along the Seine River will offer photo-driven excursions with National Geographic photographers. Sailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, these all-inclusive voyages are filled with active and immersive experiences in enchanting European destinations.
With exceptional service, storytelling and authentic cultural experiences, Adventures by Disney expedition and river cruises are designed to appeal to the interests and needs of the entire family, allowing parents, grandparents and young adventurers to discover the world together on a voyage of a lifetime.
To learn more about Adventures by Disney or to book a vacation, guests can visit AdventuresByDisney.com, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent.