Seaventure
The Seaventure features the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels, a sauna, a fitness center, a custom-built citizen science lab, a heated saltwater pool and much more.
Guide To Antarctic Cruise Ships
Choosing the right ship is one of the most important decisions when planning your Antarctic adventure, not least because of the amount of time you will spend onboard. To help you get started, consider these key tips:
- Decide on your key decision-making criteria and prioritise them - size of ship, passenger capacity, stability, comfort level or activities on offer.
- The widest choice of ships are in the medium-sized category, from 80 to 116 passengers. They have a good balance between not being too big, while having generous public areas and a decent choice of cabins.
- If stability is high on your list, consider larger ships, or those renowned for their stability.
- Smaller ships of less than 100 passengers have many benefits, such as ease of logistics when getting on and off the ship, a more intimate overall experience, and everybody being able to land at once. These are counterbalanced by the better onboard facilities and greater stability offered by larger vessels.
- Comfort and service levels have markedly improved over the last decade on all Antarctic ships, allowing you to have an adventure, but without the hardship! Nespresso machines, balcony suites, gourmet cuisine and even butler service are now available on selected ships.
- Camping out on the ice and kayaking are offered on most vessels as optional adventure activities. A limited number of ships also offer diving, snorkelling, paddle-boarding or snowshoeing and mountaineering.
Swoop says
We know how important finding the right ship is, but with so much choice it can also be bewildering. Our first hand knowledge of the ships is unparalleled and we can help you find exactly the right one.
Listen to Molly's expert advice
Comfort and adventure
For adventure seekers who would prefer more of a floating hotel as their base. Typically a little more spacious, with more variation in cabins, you'll have more choice while on board while still getting out and about during the day.
Magellan Explorer
The smallest and newest purpose-built expedition ship. Specifically built for Antarctic fly-cruise operations, the Magellan Explorer carries a maximum of 73 guests for fly cruises,…
Greg Mortimer
With its eye-catching futuristic design and advanced onboard technology, the Greg Mortimer is unquestionably redefining the look of expedition ships in the Polar Regions. This ship…
Ultramarine
Ultra by name, ultra by nature. With its elegant lines, onboard helicopters, contemporary styling, spacious balconied cabins and the widest range of adventure activities, this ship…
Plancius
A former Dutch Navy research ship, the Plancius is a practical and highly capable expedition ship with a recent full re-fit to take 116 guests.
World Explorer
A state-of-the-art ship that launched in 2018, the World Explorer sets the bar high with a fast average cruising speed, generously appointed cabins each with a balcony, and a …
Hondius
A purpose built expedition vessel for 170 passengers. The addition of stabilizers and state-of-the-art technology make her a comfortable and safe option.
Hebridean Sky
After a multi-million renovation in 2016 including the addition of state of the art stabilizer system, the Hebridean Sky is one of the finest few small ships travelling to …
Island Sky
With spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, an ice-strengthened hull, and redundant core technology, the Island Sky represents the height of comfort and style.
Ocean Adventurer
Refurbished for her 128 guests in 2017 and with a stunning history of polar exploration this is one of the Grand Dames of Antarctica
Sylvia Earle
Launching in November 2022, this state-of-the-art ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer, Sylvia Earle. Sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, this ship…
Janssonius
A purpose built expedition vessel for 170 passengers. The addition of stabilizers and state-of-the-art technology make her a comfortable and safe option.
MS Expedition
Blessed with a huge amount of deck space this is a great ship for the 136 passengers. A well-established team makes it a great atmosphere on board.
Ocean Diamond
The stable Ocean Diamond is the largest and fastest of all the vessels, carrying up to 189 passengers.
Sea Spirit
The Sea Spirit offers elegant style and spacious cabins for her 114 guests to travel in comfort at an affordable price.
Ocean Atlantic
This sturdy and recently renovated ship offers some of the best value trips. Life onboard is comfortable, and for anyone to experience.
National Geographic Orion
One of the youngest ships in the Antarctic Fleet, this 102 passenger ship comfortably combines an adventurous spirit with state-of-the-art onboard technology.
National Geographic Explorer
A class act from the pioneers of polar travel, the Explorer carries 148 guests in great comfort.
Ocean Endeavour
Most often found in Antarctica and South Georgia during the Austral summer and in the Canadian Arctic and West Greenland during the boreal summer, she offers a spacious and …
Ocean Victory
As an X-BOW® - Infinity Class, Ocean Victory provides improved stability in rough weather and high waves. Generously-sized cabins and communal spaces along with a comprehensive …
MS Adventurer
Spacious cabins, panoramic public areas, high ice-rating and outstanding expedition staff make this 140 guest ship a fabulous base for exploration.
Alex says
The first thing to think about is what's important to you - adventure, wildlife, comfort, the ship's stability, food or activities? Once established, we can then help guide you to the most well matched ships for you.
Alex Mudd Polar Specialist
Authentic expedition ships
Adventure runs right through these ships. These are often the ex-research vessels with stories to tell and expeditionary hearts. They're capable of getting almost anywhere, a perfect quality on voyages which are all about the landings, and getting you into the heart of Antarctica.
Ocean Nova
Built to ply the ice-choked waters of Western Greenland, the very popular Ocean Nova is a capable and comfortable ship carrying just 67 passengers.
Ortelius
An outstanding expedition ship with a hard-won reputation for navigating some of the Polar region's most challenging waters, carrying just 116 guests.
Akademik Shokalskiy
One of the original expeditionary ships, her small size (just 48 passengers) hides her immense strength to combat the ice.
Spirit of Enderby
This plucky little 50 passenger ship spends her time in the icy Ross Sea and Russian Arctic where she is very much at home.
MV Ushuaia
The Ushuaia is renowned for its friendly South American staff, consistently high customer feedback, good value and for holding only 88 passengers.
What our customers think of Antarctic Cruise Ships
Antarctic Cruise Ships trips scored 4.3/5 from 195 reviews
There were 98 passengers on board the Island Sky and we were surprised by the age range, 22 to 78 with an average of 62. It made for a wonderful atmosphere with people mixing to chat and eat together. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
David Irwin - United Kingdom
Good choice for the size of the expedition cruise ship. Excellent throughout the whole progress. Thank you very much, John. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Mei Mei Mai - United States Of America
The expedition team went out of their way to make it the best experience possible for us. They were very personal in their approach and always willing to spend time individually with passengers.
Travelled: February 2018
Sue - Australia
Glad we were on a smaller ship with only around 120 guests so we never felt overcrowded on any of the shore landings. You could feel close to nature all the time.
Travelled: January 2018
Zoltan & Stephen Nemeth - Florida
The crew on Plancius were fantastic, very knowledgeable, exceptionally professional and very accommodating. I met some great and very interesting people among both divers and passengers. Surprises included the quality of the service, expedition staff on Plancius, and restaurant quality meals!
Travelled: March 2017
Erika - Australia
Julie and I have just returned from our Swoop adventure. In a word, it was sensational. Everything was terrific: the ship, the hotel and the expedition team; thank you for making this trip possible. We will recommend you to all who want to share this incredible journey.
Travelled: February 2017
Larry - California
Luxury ships
These vessels rival a luxury hotel in their service and facilities. Akin to a super-yacht cruise ship, you'll be surrounded by grandeur whilst onboard, with some of the highest standards in the industry. Landings are still a key part of the voyage, so expect to be out and about each day.
Silver Explorer
Intimate luxury at the highest of standards is to be found on this 132 passenger super-yacht. 5* service with all the excursions of an expedition ship.
Le Boreal, L'Austral, Le Soleal & Le Lyrial
Purpose built expedition ships with state of the art luxury. These ships offer 5* service for their 200 guests travelling in serious comfort.
Silver Cloud
After a multi-million dollar refit in 2017 this luxury vessel has become the last word in luxury for adventurers, with fine dining and butler service to boot.
Our best voyages to Antarctica
How We Can Help You
We understand the importance of this long anticipated trip and how crucial it is to get it just right. We'll guide you throughout your Antarctic journey - from making the right choices when booking, to packing the correct clothing and equipment - offering sound, impartial advice and support at every stage.
Find your perfect expedition
We work with all the Antarctic expedition operators, offering 25 different vessels and over 80 Antarctic voyages and land-based expeditions.
Help you decide when to take your trip of a lifetime
We can help you decide which month will suit you best and advise when to start planning ahead for the best choice of cabins and voyages.
Arrange your pre and post-Antarctic travel
Our Patagonia experts would love to help you discover Patagonia before or after your Antarctic expedition. We'd also be pleased to help advise you on flights.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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