Things to Consider

  • For those who like their creature comforts, the good news is that there’s an increasing choice of luxury ships
  • Dated cabins with bunked beds have been replaced by stylish suites, optional balconies and Nespresso machines
  • In place of refectory-style eating, these new luxury ships have sophisticated restaurants offering a true fine dining
  • Luxury on Antarctic ships comes in different shades, from 24/7 butler service to the best guides in the business
  • While comparing cabin sizes and complimentary add-ons is straightforward, calibre of staff and food quality is more subjective
Customer review background image

What our customers think of South Georgia Luxury Cruises

South Georgia Luxury Cruises trips scored 4.6/5 from 81 reviews

This was a floating 5-star luxury hotel and it made the experience that much more memorable. Really enjoyed the premium service and it felt like their team was the best at their game. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Roy McKenzie - Hong Kong

The wildlife in South Georgia was really overwhelming! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2019

Günter Csebits - Austria

Highlights: The multitude of wildlife on South Georgia, the icescapes and around the Antarctic Peninsula. The knowledge and infectious enthusiasm of the expedition leaders. The gourmet wining and dining and the luxury of the cruise ship. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2018

Richard & Anne Abrahall - United Kingdom

Review:

Cabins

What is a luxury Antarctica cruise like? Hebridean Sky Ship

The spacious Owners Suite

The arrival of more luxurious ships to Antarctica has transformed the humble cabin from being primarily just a place to sleep into a comfortable space in which to relax, and watch icebergs and wildlife sliding past. These ‘Suites’ have adopted many of the trappings of boutique hotels, with towelling dressing gowns, fine linen, a coffee machine, mini bar and LCD screen.

All ships offer a range of cabin categories with prices rising accordingly with increasing square footage/ metres, and typically the higher the location on the ship. Dual aspect windows or balconies don’t always carry the hefty supplement you might imagine and for the relatively modest additional investment can be well worth considering, particularly on these longer trips.

Fine Dining & Wines

Luxury Antarctica cruise ships - everything you need to know

When it comes to the food side of the voyage, the style is as much a part of the experience as the quality and choice. The more luxurious ships offer a radically different proposition to the refectory-style tables where eating is largely functional at a preset time, being much more akin to a top-class restaurant. Dining is an integral part of the overall experience.

Firstly, there’s a choice of table sizes - for 2, 4 or +6 people - allowing you to be as private or inclusive with new acquaintances as you want to be. Lunch tends to be a less formal meal - quite often with a buffet as well as a daily menu, while Dinner is a full blown affair. Given the array of mouthwatering food, the real challenge is burning enough calories between meals!

The kitchens on all ships are very well versed in all types of food requirements, whether vegetarian, gluten free, lactose intolerant, kosher or any individual food allergies.

A decent wine list is the other key differentiator of a luxury ship. All of Swoop’s preferred luxury ships offer an extensive list and the sommelier can help advise.

Calibre of Staff

South Georgia Luxury Cruises

It may seem unfamiliar to talk about the calibre of staff onboard your ship as a ‘luxury’, however, anyone who’s benefitted from an outstanding guide(s) in the past will already recognise their inestimable value.

The influence of the expedition staff on board ship - their deep knowledge, erudition, insights and general bonhomie - can’t be underestimated. These luxury ships recognise this and the importance of the educational side and court the best guides.

The size of the expedition staff is also an important factor, as the larger the team the (a) wider the pool of expertise, and (b) the more one-on-one time you’ll be able to get. When looking at the voyage’s sticker price, bear in mind that good staff cost money and that this isn’t an area in which to cut corners.

Swoop Says background image

Swoop says

It's not all about creature comforts and fine dining on a luxury cruise, being accompanied by the very best guides - which these ships have - is also a crucial element.

Best South Georgia Luxury Cruises

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer

Looking for an Antarctic adventure without compromising on comfort and service? This stylish 139-passenger ship, with its cavernous suites, fine dining and compelling itinerary, offers a polished Southern Ocean adventure at a fair…

  • 21 Days
  • $16,236
Luxury Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

For a truly 5 star Southern Ocean experience, this is the voyage to consider. Cosseted aboard the most luxurious, all-inclusive expedition ships currently in Antarctica, enjoy outstanding cuisine, impeccable service and daily guided…

  • 20 Days
  • $20,027
Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia in Comfort

Travelling aboard a modern, custom-built expedition ship with luxury amenities, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the adventure as you speed through the Southern Ocean. The all-inclusive price – with outstanding food – is excellent value…

  • 18-19 Days
  • $15,856
Swoop Says background image

Alex says

Don’t underestimate the value of a cabin with a balcony for the panoramic views and immediate outside access when wildlife are sighted.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

South Georgia Luxury Cruises: FAQs

  • Can you fly to South Georgia?

    No, there’s no airport on the island. The closest airport to South Georgia is on The Falkland Islands. The only way to reach the island is by boat.

  • When is the best time to visit?

    The visitor season runs from late October to the end of March. There isn’t a ‘best time’ to visit as such, there’s always huge amounts of wildlife and the weather is changeable. November and March are chillier, but the softer light is favourable for photographers. Keen birders should be aware that Prion Island is only accessible from 7th January each year.

  • How close do you get to wildlife?

    Very close is the short answer! The combination of densities of South Georgia’s wildlife and their lack of fear of man means getting close to wildlife isn’t the challenge, it's giving them enough space which is. Finding a curious penguin pecking your rubber boot is common.

  • Which boats have the best naturalists onboard?

    This is a tough one, not last because it’s very subjective, but one of Swoop’s Polar Specialists can help here as we know many of the expedition staff.

  • How rough are the seas around South Georgia?

    Surrounded by the Southern Ocean, the seas around South Georgia can certainly be challenging, which is why choosing the right ship is important. Anyone concerned about potential seasickness are advised to choose a ship with good stabilisers.

More about South Georgia

South Georgia Island

South Georgia Island

With spectacular mountains and pristine beaches dense with king penguins and fur seals, South Georgia is like stepping into a real-life nature film. 

Discover More

South Georgia Cruises

​For sheer density of wildlife, majestic scenery and riveting history, South Georgia is a truly world-beating destination. Known as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean, it’s one of the least visited places on earth – and offers great rewards for those who make their way to its shores.

DISCOVER MORE

Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.

1-888-970-4570