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.
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Guide To Antarctic Cruise Ships
Choosing the right Antarctica cruise company is one of the most important decisions when planning your Antarctic adventure, not least because of the amount of time you will spend onboard. Consider these key tips to help you find the best expedition cruise company for you:
- 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 100 to 199 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
Specifically built for Antarctic fly-cruise operations, the Magellan Explorer carries a maximum of 76 guests. Many of the spacious suites have outside balconies.
Discover MoreGreg Mortimer
With its eye-catching X-Bow design and state-of-the-art onboard technology, the Greg Mortimer is unquestionably redefining the future look of polar expedition ships.
Discover MoreUltramarine
Ultra by name, ultra by nature. With elegant lines, onboard helicopters and the widest range of adventure activities, this ship is designed to impress.
Discover MoreWorld Explorer
This ship sets the bar high with a sleek design, fast average cruising speed of 16 knots, spacious cabins and a unique glass-domed observation lounge.
Discover MoreHondius
A purpose built expedition vessel for 170 passengers. The addition of stabilisers and state-of-the-art technology make her a comfortable and safe option.
Discover MoreSylvia Earle
Launched in Autumn 2022, this state-of-the-art ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer, Sylvia Earle.
Discover MoreDouglas Mawson
Launched in November 2025, this powerful ice-strengthened vessel is equipped with the latest nautical technology. It offers a range of creative Antarctic itineraries.
Discover MoreSea Spirit
The Sea Spirit offers elegant style and spacious cabins for her 114 guests to travel in comfort at an affordable price.
Discover MoreNational Geographic Explorer
A class act from the pioneers of polar travel, the Explorer carries 148 guests in great comfort.
Discover MoreOcean Victory
As an X-Bow ship, Ocean Victory provides improved stability in high waves. Generously sized cabins and communal spaces promise a comfortable base.
Discover MoreHeritage Adventurer
Spacious cabins, panoramic public areas, high ice-rating and outstanding expedition staff make this 140-guest ship a fabulous base for exploration.
Discover MoreOcean Albatros
The Ocean Albatros boasts generously sized cabins and communal spaces. Coupled with a comprehensive wellness area, it creates a comfortable base for Antarctic exploration.
Discover MoreSH Diana
SH Diana offers relaxed elegance with a contemporary feel, for those desiring style and comfort without pretension.
Discover MoreSH Vega
SH Vega offers laidback Scandi elegance with a contemporary boutique feel, for those wanting style and comfort without ostentation.
Discover MoreOcean Explorer
Custom-engineered for polar voyages, this sleek 138 passenger ship benefits from cutting edge design and advanced nautical technology.
Discover MoreNational Geographic Orion
This 102-passenger ship comfortably combines an adventurous spirit with modern onboard technology.
Discover MoreRoald Amundsen
The world’s first fully hybrid expedition ship, Roald Amundsen focuses on sustainable Antarctic travel practices, with fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions reduced by up to 20%.
Discover MoreFridtjof Nansen
A fully hybrid expedition ship with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions cut by 20%, Fridtjof Nansen is a leader in sustainable Antarctic travel.
Discover MoreMS Fram
Extensively renovated in 2022, this comfortable ice-strengthened ship’s revamped facilities include a high-tech science center.
Discover MoreWorld Voyager
Sleek and swift, World Voyager is a purpose-built polar powerhouse. The glass-domed observation lounge offers front row seats to Antarctica, while the dedicated science centre …
Discover MoreExpedition
Built in 1976 and renovated in 2017, this compact and traditionally styled 128-passenger ship offers a cosy home-from-home feel for your Antarctic expedition.
Discover MoreSH Minerva
SH Vega blends relaxed Scandinavian elegance with a modern boutique aesthetic. Perfect for travellers who value style and comfort without the fuss.
Discover MoreSwoop 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.
Heather Moult Antarctica Specialist
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 Endeavour
With luxury, comfort and exceptional service as the foundations of its onboard experience, Silver Endeavour is one of the most expensive expedition ships ever built.
Discover MoreLe 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.
Discover MoreSilver 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.
Discover MoreSilver Wind
An elegant option for those looking to explore in comfort, this 274 passenger ship was thoughtfully refitted for polar travel in 2021.
Discover MoreLe Commandant Charcot
A uniquely versatile ship combining the incredible power of an icebreaker with the ultra comfort of a luxury cruise vessel.
Discover MoreSeabourn Venture
Offering a luxury expedition cruising experience, Seabourn Venture allows you to explore without compromising on comfort.
Discover MoreSeabourn Pursuit
This elegant and very capable 264 guest ship boasts innovative design throughout and the unique opportunity to explore Antarctica throug the use of its submarines.
Discover MoreNational Geographic Resolution
This stylish European-built ship was specifically designed for polar expeditions. It's packed full of unique features to enhance your Antarctic experience.
Discover MoreNational Geographic Endurance
With its cutting edge stabilising X-Bow design and ice-strengthened hull, this stylish European-built ship was specifically designed for polar expeditions.
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What our customers think of Antarctic Cruise Ships
Antarctic Cruise Ships trips scored 4.5/5 from 1027 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
Review:
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.
Discover MoreOrtelius
An outstanding expedition ship with a hard-won reputation for navigating some of the polar region's most challenging waters, carrying just 108 guests.
Discover MoreOcean Tramp
A 66ft swift sailboat with plenty of live aboard space and storage for expedition equipment.
Discover MorePlancius
A former Dutch Navy research ship, the Plancius is a practical and highly capable expedition ship with a recent full re-fit to take 108 guests.
Discover MoreOur best voyages to Antarctica
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
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Explore the Antarctic industry's biggest and best offers
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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 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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