Antarctica’s Best Expedition Cruises

Aurora Expeditions

Embarking on an expedition cruise to Antarctica offers an extraordinary and unforgettable journey to a pristine realm of ice and snow. This untouched land is home to an impressive array of penguins, seals, and whales, creating an all-star spectacle. To assist you in making the ideal choice amidst the growing number of cruise lines venturing to this "white continent", we recognise the significance of this decision due to the considerable expense involved in travelling to Antarctica. While some travellers prioritise luxury and comfort, others focus on the expertise of the onboard expedition team or the availability of advanced tools and gadgets for in-depth exploration. Bearing these considerations in mind, we have curated a guide highlighting the finest expedition cruise lines that visit Antarctica.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

In a nutshell: Large adventure line offering sustainable ships

Hurtigruten is doing its bit for a greener future by setting sustainability standards in remote locations. In 2023, there are new itineraries in Antarctica and the Arctic, the Galapagos Islands and West Africa.

With the addition of Maud to the Arctic in the summer, the line will have five ships in the region. For its 130-year  anniversary, Hurtigruten’s Norwegian coastal arm is launching two new voyages – The Svalbard Express and The North Cape Express.

Aurora Expeditions

In a nutshell: Carbon-neutral voyages

Sylvia Earle, the small sustainable ship from Aurora Expeditions, set sail in December 2022. Equipped with the unique Ulstein X-Bow, the vessel offers better stability in rough seas, increased speed, and a reduced environmental footprint.

Taking place from May to September, the Arctic season presents an ideal time to explore this destination, with extended daylight hours and abundant wildlife. The voyages encompass captivating locations such as Iceland, Jan Mayen, Svalbard, the Northwest Passage, and an Iceland Circumnavigation.

Ponant

In a nutshell: Luxurious, compact ships combining style and authenticity

Ponant stands out by organizing responsible expeditions that leave a lasting impression on guests long after their cruise ends, thanks to their knowledgeable onboard experts. The fleet consists of 13 small ships, each equipped with cutting-edge and environmentally conscious facilities. Ponant introduces exciting new itineraries, including 21 departures in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys, three captivating routes in Japan, and two remarkable sailings from Fiji to Bali.

Silversea Cruises

In a nutshell: Ultra-luxury and all-inclusive

Silversea's expedition fleet has expanded to a total of five vessels with the recent addition of Silver Endeavour.

As part of its commitment to the local community, Silversea has generously sponsored a school in Puerto Williams, a Chilean town serving as the departure point for its Antarctica expeditions. This school is dedicated to supporting children with disabilities, exemplifying the cruise line's admirable efforts to make a positive impact in the regions they visit.

Swan Hellenic

In a nutshell: Upscale boutique voyages across all continents

Swan Hellenic is expanding its collection of custom-made vessels to a total of three this year. With the addition of the brand-new ship SH Diana, this trailblazing expedition company provides extensive explorations in various regions.

Emphasizing the fusion of gastronomy and sustainability, Swan Hellenic offers a refined and laid-back atmosphere for passengers to enjoy an onboard experience like no other.

Seabourn

In a nutshell: Luxurious purpose-built ships

Seabourn Pursuit, the second meticulously designed ultra-luxury expedition vessel by Seabourn, is set to make its debut this year, offering an array of remarkable features. Equipped with two submarines, 24 Zodiacs, kayaks, and a knowledgeable 26-person expedition team, their primary objective is to actively engage guests throughout each captivating journey.

The ship's exciting itineraries encompass captivating destinations such as Alaska, Canada, New England, Central America, and Hawaii, presenting travellers with an opportunity for unparalleled exploration.

Quark Expeditions

In a nutshell: Trendsetter in polar adventures

Embarking on a journey with Quark Expeditions means venturing alongside the most seasoned polar specialists on the planet. By stepping foot in places that are rarely visited, you are embarking on an adventure that goes beyond the imagination of most. Enthusiastic photography enthusiasts will have the opportunity to refine their skills on an exciting voyage centred around photography in November 2023. The cruise line will fulfil the anticipation of many by organising two highly anticipated departures to the seldom-explored emperor penguin colony located on Snow Hill Island in Antarctica.

Scenic

In a nutshell: Voyages to unspoilt wildernesses in six-star luxury

Scenic is introducing a second 'discovery yacht,' known as Scenic Eclipse II, to its fleet this year, enhancing its already exceptional ultra-luxurious onboard experience. The company will embark on a series of remarkable voyages that are certain to fulfill the desires of every traveller.

The itineraries are filled with captivating highlights, such as the awe-inspiring 24-day expedition to Antarctica. This voyage offers an abundance of wildlife encounters as you traverse the Antarctic Peninsula.

Viking

In a nutshell: Elegant ships with Scandi styling

Viking's pair of expedition ships embark on immersive voyages that prioritize the destinations and offer enriching cultural experiences across all seven continents. These vessels accommodate fewer passengers compared to the line's ocean-going ships, resulting in an exceptional passenger-to-space ratio and a more spacious onboard environment.

This year, Viking's itineraries feature two longitudinal world cruises, allowing travelers to explore a vast array of captivating destinations spanning the globe.

If you would like to do an expedition cruise to Antarctica, please contact us today on 1800 672 988.

All images on this blog page are courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, Ponant, Swan Hellenic, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, Quark Expeditions, Scenic and Viking.

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