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Take the ultimate expedition cruise of a lifetime to explore the frozen expanse, icescapes, penguins and wildlife of the great white continent.

Antarctica is the ultimate 'unforgettable' journey. The voyage of a lifetime to the coldest, driest, windiest and most remote, unspoilt place on earth. Antarctica is a land of multi-coloured ice caps, glistening glaciers and towering snow-capped mountains, who's very name conjures up thoughts of epic adventures and heroic discoveries. But thanks to a fleet of sophisticated, and comfortable, expedition cruise ships, you don't have to be a hardened explorer to get up close and personal with the icy terrain and playful penguins of the White Continent.

Depart from Tierra del Fuego in Argentina Patagonia and cross Drake Passage. The cruise ships constantly monitor the weather forecast to avoid intense storms and choose the best time to sail. The crossing takes three days each way, in which you can socialize with your fellow passengers, and watch the ocean from the comfort of the social areas of the ship. Keep your eyes peeled for giant humpback whales, before reaching Antarctica and setting foot on the world's most mysterious, uncharted and genuinely unique frontier. 

Please browse our selection of Antarctica cruise holidays and ships below.

  • Greg Mortimer Experience
  • Boat Specification
  • Ship description & deck plan
  • MS Fram Experience
  • Boat Specification
  • Boat Specification
  • Ocean Adventurer Experience
  • Boat description
  • Deck Plan
  • Ocean Nova Experience
  • Boat Specification
  • Airplane BAE-146
  • Deck Plan
  • Ushuaia Experience
  • Boat Specification
  • Deck Plan
  • Plancius Experience
  • Boat Specification
  • Deck Plan
  • Sea Spirit Experience
  • Boat Specification
  • Deck Plan
  • Silver Cloud Experience
  • Boat Specification
  • Silversea Experience
  • Boat Specification
  • Sylvia Earle Experience

Greg Mortimer Experience

Why choose a Greg Mortimer Antarctica Cruise:

  • Smaller groups and ships
  • Among the smallest ships in expedition cruising
  • Average 132 passengers per voyage
  • 30 years experience
  • Long history & heritage as a polar operator
  • Highly experienced and skilled expedition team
  • Advanced, modern expedition ships
  • First passenger ship with the unique Ulstein X-BOW®
  • Purpose-built for expeditions
  • Maximum adventure
  • More time on shore and more excursions due to lower passenger numbers
  • Most extensive activities program
  • Relaxed onboard atmosphere
  • Approachable expedition team
  • 15 zodiacs

The Greg Mortimer also leads the world in sustainable cruising to Antarctica, with :

- Industry-leading safety technology

- Ice Class 1A and Polar Code 6 compliant

- Fully-stocked medical clinic

- The lowest polluting marine engines in the world

- Virtual anchoring protects the sea floor

- Unique hydraulic viewing platforms

Boat Specification

  • Capacity: Average of 132 Passengers
  • Cabins: 79
  • Decks: 8
  • Year Built: 2019
  • Length: 104m
  • Speed: 10-12 Knots

Ship description & deck plan

Ship specifications:

  • Passengers - 170 in 80 cabins
  • Staff and crew - crew 57, guides 13, doctor 1
  • Length - 107.6 metres
  • Breadth - 17.6 metres
  • Draft - 5.3 metres
  • Ice class - Polar class 6 (Equivalent 1A-super)
  • Displacement - 5,590 tonnes
  • Propulsion - 2 x ABC main engines, total 4,200 KW
  • Speed - 15 knots

 

MS Fram Experience

Why choose a Hurtigruten Antarctica Cruise:

  • Fully refurbished in 2020, an established and proven expedition ship carrying up to 276 passengers
  • New Science Centre, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore
  • Expert lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the voyage
  • Three restaurants with a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration
  • Elegant Explorer lounge, gym and wellness centre. Outdoor decks with infinity pool and hot tubs
  • Spacious outside cabins (20 square metres) with flexible sleeping arrangements for 2 to 4 people
  • Arctic superior cabins on the higher decks have an outside balcony 
  • Stunning suites (min 30 square metres) with balcony, hot tub, free laundry and included a la carte dining
  • Included shore excursions and boat landings, plus hiking, small boat cruising, kayaking and snowshoeing
  • Choice of itineraries combining Antarctica with Patagonia, the Chilean Fjords, Cape Horn and the Falkland Islands 

Boat Specification

  • Year built 2007
  • Year of refurbishment 2020
  • Ship yard Fincantieri, Italy
  • Passenger capacity 318 (200 in Antarctica)
  • Beds 276
  • Car capacity 0
  • Gross tonnage 11 647 T
  • Length 114 m
  • Beam 20.2 m
  • Speed 13 knots

Boat Specification

  • Year built - 2020
  • Ship yard - Kleven Yards, Norway
  • Passenger capacity - 500 in Antarctica
  • Gross tonnage - 20 889 T
  • Length - 140 m
  • Beam - 23.6 m
  • Speed - 15 knots

Ocean Adventurer Experience

Facilities

Chef-prepared meals (all meals and daily snack included)
One dining room with unreserved seating
Bar staffed by a professional bartender
24 hour beverage service
Polar Library with a large collection of polar books and DVDs
Polar Boutique
Multi-purpose lounge and presentation room
Exercise Room
Ship-to-shore satellite communications with email, and wireless, Internet access

Activities

Zodiac Cruising (included)
Hiking & snowshoeing (included)
Optional kayaking (additional charge)
Camping using high-quality REI camping equipment (additional charge)

Boat description

Staff and Crew: 83
Guests: 117
Lifeboats: 4 partially enclosed
Length: 101.1 meters
Breadth: 16.2 meters
Draft: 4.5 meters
Propulsion: Diesel Twin Engines - 5,200 horsepower.
Ice Class: 1A
Cruising Speed: 12 knots in open water

Deck Plan

Ocean Adventurer

Ocean Nova Experience

Why chose an Ocean Nova Antarctica Adventure

  • Choose to fly over the Drake Passage, either one way or both
  • Once in Antarctica, enjoy an intimate cruise on an expedition vessel
  • Cruises limited to the 71 passenger capacity of the BAE Airplane
  • Stay in comfortable outside-facing cabins with picture windows
  • Regular zodiac outings, shore excursions and wildlife watching opportunities
  • Ice-strengthened hull for Antarctic exploration
  • Choice of itineraries, with express 5 night option

Boat Specification

PASSENGERS:72 maximum
EXPEDITION STAFF & CREW:46
LIFEBOATS:2 fully enclosed capacity of 110 (in addition to 4 life rafts, capacity 100)
LENGTH:73.0 m
BREADTH:11.0 m
PROPULSION:Diesel engines 2,000 horsepower
ICE CLASS:1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)
DRAFT:3.7 m
CRUISING SPEED:12 knots in open wate

Airplane BAE-146

The aircraft BAE-146 was manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace (which later became part of BAE Systems). It is a high-wing aircraft with very short runaway requirements which make it particularly suited for these kind of destinations. It is operated by Aerovías DAP, which has more than 20 years of experience of flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.

  • MODEL:

  • BAE 146-200

  • ENGINES:

  • 4 turbofans Honeywell ALF 502R-5

  • CAPACITY:

  • 70 passengers

  • LENGTH:

  • 93 ft 8 in (28,55 m)

  • WINGSPAN:

  • 86 ft 5 in (26,34 m)

  • CRUISE SPEED:

  • 465 mph (750 km/h)

  • SERVICE CEILING:

  • 31,200 ft (9.500 m)

Deck Plan

Ocean Nova deck plan

Ushuaia Experience

Why choose an Ortelius Antarctica Cruise:

  • A comfortable former science research vessel, now an expedition cruise vessel
  • Accommodates up to 108 passengers, making it easy and quick to get ashore
  • Range of cabins, sleeping 4 people to deluxe window cabins for couples
  • Staffed by highly experienced crew, expert naturalist guides and a doctor 
  • Open bridge policy for curious travellers
  • Informative lectures & well-stocked library
  • Ice-strengthened hull
  • Frequent shore excursions & zodiac boat outings
  • Good choice of itineraries, including the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia

Boat Specification

Registered: The Netherlands

Length: 90.95 metres

  • Breadth: 17.20 metres
  • Draft: 5.4 metres
  • Ice class: UL1 (equivalent to 1A) Displacement: 4,090 tons
  • Propulsion: 6 ZL 40/48 Sulzer
  • Average cruising speed: 10.5 knots Passengers: 108 in 52 cabins
  • 41 crew, 8 guides, 1 doctor
  • Various decks refurbished 2012-2017- 2019

Deck Plan

Plancius Experience

Why choose a Plancius Antarctica Cruise:

  • Former oceanographic research vessel for Dutch Navy, refurbished for intrepid polar exploration
  • Capacity limited to 116 passengers, for a more intimate experience
  • Excellent value for those looking for a more affordable cruise, focused on expedition, not luxury
  • Simple and comfortable cabins, all with private en-suite facilities
  • Ice strengthened hull
  • 10 zodiacs for frequent boat outings & with regular shore excursions
  • Regular informative lectures & presentations to prepare for excursions
  • Camping option available (extra cost)
  • Triple & quadruple cabins available
  • Choice of itineraries including Polar Circle, Base Camp & Falklands/South Georgia

Boat Specification

Passengers:116 in 53 cabins

Staff & crew:45

Length:89 meters (293 feet)

Breadth:14,5 meters (47 feet)

Draft:5 meters (16 feet)

Ice class:1D (Plancius has a Lloyds class notation 100A1 Passenger ship, Ice Class 1D at a draught of 5 meters)

Displacement:3434 tonnes

Propulsion:3x Diesel-Electric

Speed:10 - 12 knots maximum

Deck Plan

Plancius Antarctica deck plans

Sea Spirit Experience

Why choose a Sea Spirit Antarctica Cruise:

  • 114 passenger Expedition Ship, perfect for a more intimate Antarctic experience
  • Spacious suites all with private en-suite facilities and exterior views
  • Some suites have private balconies, all are minimum of 20m2
  • State of the art presentation lounge for informative lectures & discussions
  • Frequent shore excursions & zodiac boat outings
  • Welcoming open bridge policy
  • Major refurbishment in 2017
  • Ice-strengthened hull & retractable fin stabilizers for superior performance
  • Wide range of itineraries, including Falklands & South Georgia and departure from Puerto Madryn

Boat Specification

Length: 90.6 meters (297 ft.)

Beam: 15.3 meters (50 ft.)

Speed: 15 knots

Passengers: 114 maximum

Crew: 72

Two Engines

Deck Plan

Silver Cloud Experience

Why choose a Silver Cloud Antarctica cruise: 

  • Cruise aboard a luxury expedition vessel to the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Extensive refurbishment for 2018 to improve comfort and design
  • 200 passenger capacity, one of the smallest of the luxury Antarctica vessels
  • Choice of spacious and stylish suites, most with private verandas
  • A choice of dining includes a renowned Relais & Châteaux restaurant
  • Spa facilities and pool in which to relax and unwind
  • Outstanding explorer lounge for presentations & lectures
  • Photography space to print, retouch & display your images
  • Regular shore excursions & zodiac boat trips
  • Choice of itineraries, including combination of Falklands & Antarctica

Boat Specification

  • Crew: 217/223
  • Officers: European
  • Guests: 200/254
  • Tonnage: 16,800
  • Length: 514.14 Feet/156.7 Metres
  • Width: 70.62 Feet/21.5 Metres
  • Speed: 18 Knots
  • Passenger Decks: 7
  • Built: 1994
  • Registry: Bahamas

Full Deck Plans for Silver Cloud

Silversea Experience

Why choose a Silver Explorer Antarctica cruise:

  • Explore Antarctica aboard a luxury yacht-style ship, refurbished to a high standard in 2017
  • Stay in refined and relaxed suites, with space to unwind, with private teak veranda
  • Enjoy exquisite à la carte dining and complimentary champagne, fine wines and spirits
  • Relax at the renowned Zagara spa and on-board beauty salon
  • Attend fascinating presentations & lectures to learn about Antarctica & its wildlife
  • Ice-strengthened hull & large zodiac boat fleet
  • Regular excursions with experienced & insightful expedition team
  • Choice of itineraries, including cruise to Falklands & South Georgia en route

Boat Specification

  • Lloyd’s register
  • Ice-class rating: 1A
  • Crew: 118
  • Officers: International
  • Guests: 144
  • Tonnage: 6,072
  • Length: 354 Feet/107.9 Metres
  • Width: 52 Feet/15.8 Metres
  • Speed: 14 Knots
  • Passenger Decks: 5
  • Refurbished: 2017
  • Registry: Bahamas

Full Deck Plans for Silver Explorer

Sylvia Earle Experience

Why choose a Sylvia Earle Antarctica Cruise:

  • Brand new ship, built in 2022
  • Smaller groups and ships
  • Among the smallest ships in expedition cruising
  • Average 132 passengers per voyage
  • 30 years experience
  • Long history & heritage as a polar operator
  • Highly experienced and skilled expedition team
  • Advanced, modern expedition ships
  • Second passenger ship with the unique Ulstein X-BOW®
  • Purpose-built for expeditions
  • Maximum adventure
  • More time on shore and more excursions due to lower passenger numbers
  • Most extensive activities program
  • Relaxed onboard atmosphere
  • Approachable expedition team
  • 15 zodiacs

What's included:

  •  All airport transfers. 
  • Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.  
  • All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.  
  • Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.  
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell receptions including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.  
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.  
  • Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.  
  • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).  
  • One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.  
  • Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.  
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information.  
  • Port surcharges, permits and landing fees. 
  • Gratuities for ship’s crew. 

The Silvia Earle also leads the world in sustainable cruising to Antarctica, with:

- Industry-leading safety technology

- Ice Class 1A and Polar Code 6 compliant

- Fully-stocked medical clinic

- The lowest polluting marine engines in the world

- Virtual anchoring protects the sea floor

- Unique hydraulic viewing platforms

Specialist Advice & Ideas

Since 1999, we focus on carefully crafting unique and authentic travel experiences in Latin America and beyond.

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The Best Local Guides

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Travel with Confidence

Our local guides are your hosts providing support, information and so you visit the main sites and experience life like a local.

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