An expedition ship cruises along the Lemaire Channel, Antarctica.

The Ships

Compare the Best 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.

Luxury Expedition Ships

Magellan Explorer

Named after the famous explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, the Magellan Explorer was custom built for Antarctic fly-cruising. Though she has a capacity of 100 passengers, guests are limited to 71 to ensure the ultimate small ship experience. The ship features a variety of comfortable accommodations, including dedicated single cabins.

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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 windows or portholes, walk-in-closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, and satellite telephone access.

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Greg Mortimer

One of the most advanced expedition ships in the world, the 132-passenger Greg Mortimer (named after the well-known Australian mountaineer and explorer) was built to world-class polar standards with the most up-to-date safety and nautical technology. Her unique, inverted bow allows for more gentle sea crossings, improved comfort, and reduced emissions.

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Sylvia Earle

With an average of 130-140 expeditioners, Sylvia Earle is a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet. Paying tribute to Dr. Sylvia Earle and six pioneering conservationists, she is certified 100% Climate Neutral, with a fully equipped Citizen Science Center, expert lecturers, and participative citizen science programs that enrich your knowledge and connection to the places we travel to.

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Heritage Adventurer

Purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard, the 140-guest Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) is 406 feet long, boasts the highest passenger ship ice-class rating (1A Super), and has an impressive history of remote region exploration. On board, enjoy stylish, sophisticated accommodations spanning four decks.

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Vega

Although large enough to accommodate more than 250 passengers, the Vega carries just 158 in spacious outside-facing staterooms and balcony suites, resulting in one of the most generous space-to-guest ratios among cruise ships. Her PC5 Category A ice-strengthened hull and other technical and mechanical attributes allow the ship to cruise the world’s remote regions in safety and utmost comfort.

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Diana

The Diana carries 192 passengers in spacious outside-facing staterooms and balcony suites, with a PC5 Category A ice-strengthened hull. Public areas include a restaurant that accommodates all guests at one seating; an outdoor café/bar that surrounds the heated swimming pool; and a wellness facility with a gym, spa, and sauna that includes an adjoining outdoor Jacuzzi.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Hondius

As the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 passenger vessel, the 170-guest Hondius ranks among the most structurally fortified and technologically advanced polar cruise vessels sailing the seas. Her stabilizers make her highly suitable for swift and safe exploration of Arctic and Antarctic waters, and she carries a fleet of Zodiacs to enable exciting shore excursions.

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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!

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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!

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