An expedition ship cruises along the Lemaire Channel, Antarctica.

The Ships

Antarctica Cruise Ships

Operating in Antarctic waters responsively and comfortably requires an expedition ship specifically outfitted with an ice-strengthened hull, state-of-the-art navigation technology, a fleet of go-anywhere Zodiac landing craft, and a crew of officers and naturalist guides who are experts in this ecosystem and conscious of the fact Antarctica is a fragile ecosystem. We feel confident we have selected the finest expedition ships exploring Antarctica. Our Expedition Cruise staff here in our office can help you find the itinerary that best fits your interests and schedule.

The majority of our offerings are aboard Luxury Expedition Ships that offer all-suite outside-facing cabins, many with private balconies, and fine dining. Each of these offers a wonderful program of hiking and natural history activities that bring delightful variety to your experience of Terra Australis Incognita.

For active travelers interested in options such as kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, overnight camping, and even scuba diving, we offer several Expedition Ships. These are not luxury vessels, yet are still comfortable, well-appointed, and specialize in these more adventurous activities.

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

I was unprepared that our Antarctica cruise was going to be so luxurious! The entire staff was unbelievable, and the cabins were bigger than many hotel rooms I have stayed in. By the second day, the dining and front desk staff addressed you by name—even without you wearing an ID badge. The hotel staff actually liked their job and were great at interacting with the guests. The small size of the ship—80 guests and expedition leaders—made for an enjoyable use of all the facilities. I cannot think of one negative experience on the trip!

Luxury Expedition Ships

Hebridean Sky

The all-suite and newly renovated, 112-guest Hebridean Sky has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore, an experienced complement of officers and crew, and retractable fin stabilizers, making it an ideal ship for cruising in comfort in polar waters.

Island Sky

The beautiful Island Sky features 57 spacious, outside-facing suites with marble-appointed bathrooms.

Magellan Explorer

The Magellan Explorer, scheduled to start service in 2019, has been custom built for Antarctic cruising.

View Full Description & Photos

Sea Spirit

One of the most spacious and luxurious expedition vessels in operation, the Sea Spirit carries a maximum of 114 guests in all outside-facing suites with marble-appointed bath facilities, picture window or portholes, walk-in-closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, and satellite telephone access.

View Full Description & Photos

Seaventure

You’ll voyage aboard the MS Seaventure, an ice-strengthened expedition ship with all outward-facing staterooms, a library, fitness center, sauna, small clinic, two elevators, and a dining room with picture windows

View Full Description & Photos

Expedition Ships

Ocean Nova

The Ocean Nova is an expedition-style ship carrying just 68 to 86 guests, depending on the destination. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, and her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for travel in polar regions

Ortelius

The 108-guest, ice-strengthened Ortelius is an excellent vessel for expedition cruising in the Arctic and Antarctica. Built in 1989, she has the highest ice-class notation (UL1 equivalent to 1A) and is very suitable for navigating in solid one-year sea ice and loose multi-year pack ice.

Plancius

The ice-strengthened vessel Plancius was originally built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy, and was completely rebuilt as a 108-passenger vessel in 2009.

Learn More

Talk to an Expert

Our Polar Specialists know every detail about our Antarctica trips. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Choose a Trip