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The ship can accommodate only 48 guests, all of whom get to play an active role in sailing to and from Antarctica. Unlike most other Antarctic expedition companies, Heritage doesn’t regularly offer voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula. Rather, all of the organization’s month-long voyages sail from New Zealand and stop over at the Subantarctic Islands and the historic Ross Sea region. The New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions is one of the few companies that specializes in voyages to the Ross Sea and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands. Heritage was founded in 1985 by a family of biologists and the company is still family-run out of its offices in Christchurch. With Silversea, you can opt to sail the Drake Passage from Ushuaia or you can hop on a quick 2-hour flight from Punta Arenas and meet your ship in Antarctica.
When is the Best Time to Go on an Antarctica Cruise
Infusing German precision with a zest for adventure, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brings a touch of luxury to the wild Antarctic terrain. They strike a delicate balance between amenity and thrill, providing passengers with plush accommodations and heart-racing Zodiac excursions. What distinguishes Lindblad is its pioneering spirit, commitment to conservation, and emphasis on providing immersive educational experiences. They boast expert guides, undersea specialists, and a robust program of guest lecturers that transform your expedition into a deep dive into Antarctic ecology and preservation efforts. Over 50 years ago, pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first band of “citizen” explorers to Antarctica.
Small is beautiful: benefits of a small expedition ship
Below, we’ll share more detailed explanations about each operator and why they are unique. Expect the onboard experience to be more modern, sustainable and luxurious compared to most ships aside from Hurtigruten. Antarctica can have wild weather and huge swings in temperature, which means the best way to prepare is similar to how you would to hike a snow covered mountain.
A symphony of ice and sky
Ships feature exceptional onboard expedition teams, well-equipped science centers, expansive observation decks, spacious staterooms and suites with balconies, restaurants, an explorer lounge and bar, a fitness room, saunas, and hot tubs. All passengers receive complimentary parkas and a water bottle, and polar boots to borrow. Flights between Buenos Aires or Montevideo and Ushuaia, and airport transfers are included. Cruises range from 12 to 22 days, with the longest cruises adding destinations like the Chilean fjords, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands to the itinerary.
Most sail 13-to-19 days from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina; these cruises allow time to experience the colorful South American city. Passengers visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, sail the Drake Passage and then spend six days fully exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. When Scenic Eclipse launched in 2019, cruisers were abuzz over this posh custom-built, all-inclusive superyacht. The company, long a top player in the luxury river cruising arena, was taking its first plunge into the expedition world.
The Weddell Sea and Snow Hill
Choosing the perfect Antarctica cruise involves considering various factors, from onboard amenities and educational opportunities to environmental stewardship. For first-time cruisers, it’s essential to select a voyage that balances adventure with comfort, ensuring a memorable and manageable experience. Here’s a more detailed look at the first three of our top picks, integrating all the crucial information to guide your decision. View our full selection of partner small ship cruise companies and our full list of small expedition ships. Ponant is the world’s only French cruise ship operator specializing in intimately sized luxurious small ships all flying under the French flag.
“We pride ourselves on innovation and pushing the boundaries of discovery to provide unique, immersive experiences for our expeditioners while maintaining a light footprint. Canadian company Quark Expeditions is one of the true pioneers in polar adventures. Heritage Expeditions is one such operator that runs two trips a year to the Ross Sea, via the Subantarctic Islands. Our own group tour on the trio includes the most amount of days in each location available. Considered to be the pinnacle of best Antarctic tours is a trip that includes the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, often referred to as the ‘trio’.
Why Cruise with Aurora Expeditions
In fact, their 11-day Antarctica Explorer trip is the highest-rated out of all the tours to Antarctica on leading booking site Tour Radar. One of the biggest names in the Antarctic cruising industry, Hurtigruten currently offers 12 cruises to Antarctica that provide different itineraries and cater to different budgets and timeframes. What makes Hurtigruten stand out from other cruise operators is their commitment to sustainable travel. Their Highlights of Antarctica trip uses the hybrid-powered MS Roald Amundsen ship, which cuts emissions by sailing with electrical propulsion and reduces the ship’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 percent compared to other ships. Founded in 1990, by Bruce Poon Tip, the Canada-based G Adventures offers small-group excursions to some of the world’s most fascinating places. Albatros Expeditions is a family-owned company that specializes in Arctic and Antarctic exploration.
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Antarctica is at its most beautiful, but it also brings challenges for expedition teams due to weather, sea ice and snow density, meaning some landings might not be possible. Plus, anyone fearful of embarking and disembarking exploration boats can take comfort in the sheltered Hangar where passengers easily get in and out of Special Operations Boats from inside the ship, well protected by elements. And for kayaking couples, Viking makes it easy to snap wildlife photos while in hands-free two-seater kayaks powered by pedaling.
Choosing an Antarctica cruise offers unparalleled access to some of the most remote locations on Earth, far beyond the usual routes. These expeditions provide an in-depth educational experience, as experts and researchers on board bring the fragile ecosystem closer to you through comprehensive lectures and discussions. The cruises by Oceanwide Expeditions are tailored to those who prefer an educational journey over traditional entertainment, ensuring that each day is filled with learning and discovery.
A five-time winner of the World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator award, Oceanwide is passionate about polar expedition cruising. The company distinguishes itself from other operators with an emphasis on educational lectures by experienced guides and by delivering an active shore program. More important than finding the best Antarctic cruise is finding the right operator, ship and trip for you. Our experts know the differences between cruise lines, ships and polar regions. See our list below then contact us to find the best small ship Antarctica cruise for you. During an Antarctica cruise, you’ll have the chance to look out for some of the world’s most incredible marine mammals.
Our state-of-the-art expedition vessels feature hybrid propulsion technology, ice-class hulls and advanced onboard waste-reduction systems. Large enough to offer excellent stability and a spacious onboard experience, yet small enough to get off the beaten track, you'll discover that HX ships are the perfect balance for the ultimate Antarctic adventure. You’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage and set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula. By traveling with us, you'll experience this incredible part of the world in a way that builds human connection and gets closer to nature while respecting the environment.
Cruise through the Schollaert Channel to spot penguin colonies on the ice, and witness dazzling views of Rojas Peak as you sail through Paradise Bay. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica on a luxury cruise with Celebrity and discover a world like no other. Cruisers are provided with a parka, rain jacket, exploration hat, neck gaiter and water bottle.
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Also, they can get 100 guests off the ship via an impressive fleet of 22 Zodiacs. Antarctica 21, an Antarctica only cruise line based in Punta Arenas, Chile, pioneered the concept of air cruises to Antarctica. This innovative concept of combining flights from Chile to the Antarctic Peninsula gave birth to an entire industry. In 2019 they applied their cumulative experience to design, build and launch the Magellan Explorer, custom built their Antarctic Air Cruise. From your ship, you’ll see some of Antarctica’s most dramatic mountain peaks, including Rojas Peak and Bryde Peak, cloaked in snow and ice. An Antarctica cruise will also take you in view of the mighty, blue-white Petzval Glacier.
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