Voyages on the high seas of yesteryear were devoted to exploration and conquest. Tara Harrison takes a look at a few ocean and river cruises that channel the historic pioneering spirit of Magellan and Mawson.

Northern Lights Astronomy

The experts: Astronomer Dr John Mason who has been studying the skies for more than 30 years and has produced several TV documentaries.

The discovery: NASA has issued a forecast that this year’s Northern Lights could be one of the best spectacles in a decade. A cruise in the northern winter with Bentours offers 11 days to see the skies trip the light fantastic. Northern Norway, where the cruise sails, is the zone for maximum activity. “I can offer an expert insight into the mysterious aurora along the way,” Mason said. The enigmatic Aurora Borealis has inspired myth and legend throughout human history. Mason will start by explaining that the phenomenon is a collision between energetic particles from the sun meeting those from the earth. An eternal battle in the heavens makes for one atmospheric cruise.

The price: Bentours’ Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage starts from $1830.

Grand French Art

The experts: A local art historian will point out the scenic sights that bear an uncanny resemblance to famous works of art, from Monet to Cezanne.

The discovery: An art themed cruise with Avalon Waterways down the Seine River allows clients to see masterpieces in Paris and then sail to the regions of rural France that inspired the landscape scenes. In Normandy, you can take a tour to Monet’s beautiful garden at Giverny. You may be surprised to find that the green bridge and the water lilies of his famous paintings are inspired by real locations. Giverny was the ultimate garden muse. Even better, once you see the garden that was Monet’s inspiration, you will visit the galleries which house the groundbreaking works. The Musee d’Orsay is one such art gallery in Paris. It also houses the work of Vincent Van Gogh, who lived and died in the town of Auvers-sur-Oise in Conflans. Van Gogh painted village life and the countryside during his time living in Auvers. During the cruise, there will be art lectures from the local expert to bring the history to life in vivid colour.

The price: Avalon Waterways’ Grand France Art cruise starts from $6573.

Antarctic adventure

The experts: Environmentalist Dr Claudia Holgate, biologist Dr Hans-Peter Reinthaler, as well as an on board marine biologist and oceanographer

The discovery: This Silversea expedition follows the likes of the great Antarctic pioneers from Mawson to Shackleton. The expedition team will whet your appetite for adventure with lectures while you sail from Argentina through to Antarctica’s southern waters. En route an onboard historian will lecture on the remnants of the seal hunting trade and the 1986 war on the Falkland Islands. An onboard geologist will also explain the volcanic forces that shaped the stunning Deception Island. Each day, passengers can take a zodiac boat trip to get up close and personal with ice floes and the wildlife on it. The zodiacs also allow for visits to penguin rookeries as well as scientific research bases. You will feel like you are on a genuine expedition, as the captain determines the route each day based on weather, ice and wildlife conditions.

The price: Silversea’s Antarctica expedition cruise starts from $10,850.

West Africa

The experts: Naturalists teach about wildlife, anthropologists teach about the birthplace of voodoo and historians trace the roots of slavery.

The discovery: Who knew you could cruise in Africa? It’s not the best-known way to see the continent, but it should be. G Adventures offers a 29-day cruise along the west coast, allowing travellers the convenience of a shipboard base with the flexibility to explore uncharted territories, such as the Bijagos Archipelego off the coast of Guinea-Bissau – one of the most unexplored areas on earth. The islanders are descendants of an ancient culture that practices an animist religion, consistent with a way of life that existed several millennia ago. Onboard, the ship is your very own sommelier versed in South Africa’s best. There will also be African film, art, music and photography workshops. “These countries are emerging destinations, little known and rarely explored by travellers,” G Adventures’ innovation vice president Jeff Russill said.

The price: G Adventures’ West Africa cruise itinerary starts from $16,999.

Forgotten Islands photography

The experts: Photographer Nick Rains and photographer-cinematographer Pieter De Vries will teach you the art of travel photography.

The discovery: This floating class in photography takes you along a remote route from Bali, through Indonesia’s forgotten islands and back to Australia. Get snap happy on Komodo, home of the prehistoric dragon that bears the same name. Maluku island is the cruise path less travelled with few foreigners ever overcoming the surrounding reefs to experience the ancient civilisations found here. Thursday Island in the Torres Strait may be part of Australia, but it is one of the last frontiers. Along the way, you will be taught the technicalities of cameras, how to maximise your photos as well as processing methods. You will leave the ship with a gallery of your own images – arguably, the ultimate souvenir.

The price: Orion’s Forgotten Islands expedition cruise starts from $7655.

Alaska, British Colombia & Haida Gwaii

The experts: National Geographic “Explorer of the Millennium” Wade Davis as well as two National Geographic photographers.

The discovery: This Lindblad cruise is a true expedition, as it changes course based on the weather and wildlife conditions. Basically, you won’t have to sail away from a pod of humpback whales, brown bears and baby seals due to schedule constraints.  You also have the rare opportunity to visit the islands of Haida Gwaii and experience their culture first hand. Here the black bears are the largest in the world, thriving in the rich, largely untouched environment. Onboard naturalists will help you spot wildlife such as whales and sea lions.

The price: A remarkable journey to Alaska, British Colombia and Haida Gwaii starts from US$9990 ($10,930).

Route of Magellan

The experts: Historian and archeologist Dr Robin Woodward and foreign policy expert ambassador Edward Peck.

The discovery: Make like a 16th century Portuguese explorer on this cruise journey. Tracing the travels of Magellan, this cruise sails from Barcelona to Brazil, via the trade ports of Gibraltar, Casablanca, the Canary Islands, Tenerife, Mindelo and Recife. With three days at sea at some points of the journey, the experts will provide lectures on history and the current affairs of the region. Ambassador Peck has stories to tell of his 32 years of foreign service, conducting assignments across the Arabian peninsula and Africa. Having served in World War II as well as the Korean War, expect to be regaled with some incredible tales.

The price: Seabourn’s Route of Magellan cruise starts from $6708.