Photography Cruises
Changing scenery every day, light worth waiting for and, on some ships, an instructor at your side.
Find My Niche CruisePhotography cruises put you in front of extraordinary subjects — glaciers, wildlife, harbor towns at golden hour — and some put an instructor beside you. Here is where to find the best teaching and scenery.
Expedition Ships With Photo Instructors
Lindblad Expeditions, which sails in partnership with National Geographic, describes certified photo instructors as part of its expedition teams, helping guests with camera settings and composition in the field, and carries National Geographic photographers on select departures. Expedition voyages land in small groups by Zodiac, which puts you close to wildlife and landscapes at times chosen for the conditions, not for a port schedule. Our sister site Explorer Cruising compares expedition lines in more detail.
Polar regions
Ice, wildlife and long summer light in the Arctic and Antarctica.
Alaska and the fjords
Glaciers, whales and dramatic coastlines from small ships and large.
Mediterranean harbors
Colorful towns, markets and evening light on port-intensive itineraries.
Wildlife islands
Galápagos and other protected islands where animals show little fear of people.
Photography Cruises on Mainstream Ships
You do not need an expedition ship to make photography the point of your trip. Scenic cruising days in Alaska, the Norwegian fjords or through narrow channels give hours of subject matter from your own balcony. Some lines offer photography workshops or enrichment talks, and hosted photography groups book cabins on regular sailings with an instructor who runs critique sessions on sea days.
For wildlife viewing tips by region, see Natural Cruises.
Choosing the Right Photography Cruise
Start with the subject you care about most. Wildlife photographers do best on small expedition ships that land often and linger when animals appear; landscape photographers want scenic cruising days and late summer light; street and travel photographers thrive on itineraries with long port calls and overnights in cities. Then look at the teaching: an instructor who reviews your images on sea days will improve your work more than any new lens. Finally, check how many guests share each landing or tender — fewer people means more time to compose without someone stepping into the frame. Ask our advisors to compare two or three ships on those points before you choose.
Gear and Habits That Help
- A zoom lens covers most shipboard situations; a wide lens is worth carrying for landscapes and towns.
- A rain cover and lens cloths for spray and mist.
- Spare batteries and cards — charging points in cabins are limited.
- Check the sunrise and sunset times for each port day and plan around them.
- Back up images every evening.
Photography Cruises: FAQ
What makes a cruise good for photography?
Scenery that changes every day, time in places at good light, and, ideally, someone to teach you. Expedition ships score highly because they land in remote places in small groups and often carry photo instructors.
Can I bring a drone on a cruise?
Many lines ban or restrict drone use on board and in some ports, and national parks often prohibit them. Check your line’s policy and local rules before packing one.
Planning a Photography Cruise?
Tell us what you most want to shoot. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest itineraries and ships with the right program.
Plan My Photography Cruise