True North & True North II: Fitness – Moderate*
True North and True North II are small expedition ships that deliver incredible access to remote, hard-to-reach destinations. These journeys are all about adventure – and you’ll be right in the heart of it.
Their excursions use specially designed aluminum ‘adventure boats’, which often require you to step in and out while they’re in the water. Once ashore, hikes can be fairly adventurous – expect rock scrambling, uneven terrain, and walking to reach Indigenous art sites, swimming holes, or scenic lookouts.
That said, True North has an onboard helicopter (available at additional cost), which gives less mobile travellers a brilliant alternative way to experience the landscape. If you’re able to climb into a helicopter, this opens up some truly spectacular options – even for those who might not be up for the full hiking experience.
If you’re unsure which vessel or route suits your comfort and fitness level, we’re always happy to help talk it through.
*Fitness Levels – What our ratings mean
We want you to feel confident and comfortable on your journey. While this isn’t extreme adventure travel, some level of physical ability is important—mostly for safety, but also so you get the most enjoyment out of each experience. Here’s a general guide to help you understand what’s involved:
- Low Fitness (Minimum Standard)
You need to be able to walk up and down stairs unaided, with one hand free to hold the rail—especially important in the case of an emergency. If this sounds like you, it’s definitely worth having a quick chat with us. We’ll walk you through which excursions are realistic for you, and where there might be some limitations. - Moderate Fitness
You should be steady on your feet and able to walk over uneven ground, including stepping into a zodiac or other expedition vessel and from into shallow water and walking across wet sand to the beach. Some walks may include rocky areas, so good balance is important. Walks are generally up to 1–2 kilometres and could be in warm or humid conditions. - Good Fitness
No need to be training for a marathon—just a solid level of steadiness and confidence on your feet. You should be comfortable walking 3+ kilometres over uneven terrain, climbing over rocks, and navigating slightly more challenging water landings or natural waterholes. It’s active, but very rewarding.
*Please note: The information above reflects the personal opinions and experiences of the Expedition Partners team. It should not be taken as official advice from the individual cruise operators. We do our best to share honest insights, but we can’t accept responsibility for how each vessel operates or what’s included. As always, please review the cruise line’s own materials carefully and proceed with bookings at your own discretion.
