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July 2026

7 Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments You Need to Experience

Some vacations blur together. Then there are the other kind—the ones that rewire how you see the world, that become the stories you tell for the rest of your life. Those are the journeys at the heart of our Elite Explorer's Event.

From July 15 – August 5, Expedia Cruises’ Elite Explorer's Event brings together extraordinary luxury and expedition journeys with limited-time offers on select sailings and tours. It's the perfect moment to turn those "one day…" dreams into a real departure date.*

Below are seven once-in-a-lifetime moments you can book during our Elite Explorer's Event—each one blending jaw-dropping destinations with all the comfort, care, and expertise you expect when you book with those who've been there.

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1. Standing at the Edge of the World in Antarctica

Step off a Zodiac onto a snow-covered shore surrounded by towering ice cliffs, while penguins waddle past and a glacier calves into the sea in the distance. On an expedition voyage, your small ice-rated ship is a comfortable base for adventure—with expert guides, passionate naturalists, and gourmet dining. It's raw, powerful nature combined with expert planning that makes for an unforgettable journey.

2. Walking Near Blue-Footed Boobies in the Galapagos

On the Galapagos Islands, the wildlife is just as curious about you as you are about them. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance a few steps from your path, marine iguanas sun themselves on black lava rock, and frigatebirds soar overhead. Small expedition ships and local naturalists guide you through this fragile ecosystem—then it's back on board for fine cuisine and sunset on deck.


3. Toasting the Midnight Sun in the Arctic

At dawn on the savanna, the air is cool, the sky turns pink, and your vehicle rolls quietly across the plains until you spot a pride of lions stretching in the first light. Luxury safaris pair these wild encounters with intimate lodges, gourmet dinners under the stars, and private wildlife drives led by expert local guides.

4. Watching Lions at Sunrise on an African Safari

At dawn on the savanna, the air is cool, the sky turns pink, and your vehicle rolls quietly across the plains until you spot a pride of lions stretching in the first light. Luxury safaris pair these wild encounters with intimate lodges, gourmet dinners under the stars, and private wildlife drives led by expert local guides.


5. Going Ashore Where Almost No One Has Been

There's a particular thrill in skimming across glassy water in a Zodiac toward a place with no roads, no towns, and almost no footprints. This could be a hidden cove in Antarctica, a glacier-lined bay in Greenland, or a rocky landing in Svalbard alive with thousands of seabirds wheeling overhead. On an expedition cruise, these landings are your gateway to truly off-the-map moments. Back on board, you swap stories with fellow explorers over a perfectly prepared dinner.

6. Savoring Butler-Served Breakfast with an Ocean View

Not every once-in-a-lifetime moment is high-adrenaline. Sometimes it's waking up slowly as your butler sets down a silver tray and opens the curtains to nothing but endless blue. Ultra-luxury ships are built around these indulgent pauses—all-suite accommodations, private balconies, personalized service, and elevated cuisine that turn every day at sea into an experience in its own right.

7. Celebrating a Milestone in a Place You'll Never Forget

Some occasions deserve more than a nice dinner in town. A milestone birthday, a big anniversary, a retirement, or a long-awaited family reunion—these are the moments that call for something truly extraordinary. Picture a private champagne toast on your balcony as glaciers glide past, a chef-prepared tasting menu under a canopy of stars at sea, or your family gathered around a firepit at a luxury safari lodge after an unforgettable day on the savanna. As your local travel experts, we can help tailor every detail—from stateroom selection and shore experiences to special touches on board—so your celebration feels effortless, personal, and completely unforgettable.


Our Elite Explorer’s Event, running July 15 – Aug 5, is the perfect opportunity to book your once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can access amazing offers during this time on luxury and expedition travel to beautiful destinations on this planet.

Check out the amazing offers available during our Elite Explorer’s Event and start planning your trip-of-a-lifetime now!

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*Expedia® Extras are in US dollars (unless otherwise stated), per stateroom based on double occupancy on select sailings & vary by cruise line, destination, departure date & stateroom category. Expedia Extras are amenities, savings & bonuses that the consumer can receive as a part of Expedia® Exclusive Staterooms, or from cruise line specific offers, & may not be exclusive to Expedia Cruises. Onboard credits are per stateroom, are not redeemable for cash & cannot be transferred or refunded. An onboard credit is issued in a specific amount & is applicable to a single voyage only. The credit may be used as a cash-equivalent for the purchase of goods & services during the applicable voyage. Onboard credits will be converted to the ships’ currency at the time of sailing. Any unused portion of the credit will expire at the end of the voyage to which it applies. Void where prohibited by law. Valid for new bookings created & deposited July 15 – August 5, 2026 (unless otherwise stated) & are subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers & may be withdrawn at any time. Free airfare offers apply to economy, roundtrip flights from select U.S & Canadian gateways. Air scheduling & air carrier is at the discretion of the cruise line & not combinable with the 3rd & 4th guests in the stateroom. Other restrictions may apply for all offers listed, please refer to the website or contact us for full terms & conditions. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed or described here. Expedia Cruises is not responsible for errors or information that may occur as a result of transfer of information from selected third parties, technical or human error

Terms & Conditions

*Expedia Extras offers are per stateroom (unless otherwise stated) on select sailings, based on double occupancy, apply to new bookings only, are not combinable with any other offer, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. For full terms and conditions, click the specific Expedia Extra offer or contact your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant.

Prices are per traveller, available within last 24 hours and valid for US and Canadian residents only. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included. Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised and Expedia Extras are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings. Availability & prices can change frequently, please continue with the booking to check latest availability & prices.

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