luxury antarctica cruises 2022

ANTARCTICA LUXURY CRUISES

Antarctica. Even just saying it sounds adventurous. The surreal remoteness. The absolute beauty. The myriad of wildlife. The ice. The snow (the miles and miles of snow and ice). And yes, the Drake Passage. A rite of passage for those who really want to travel to the seventh continent; the Drake Passage proves that you need to earn the right to go to Antarctica. And for those who travel with passion, this is the only destination on the planet that will suffice. Meeting the personal challenge of reaching Earth’s last wilderness doesn’t necessarily mean roughing it. Silversea’s polished luxury offers even the most intrepid of explorers’ home comforts, whether it’s onboard or onshore. Think guided Zodiac tours with world-class experts, 10-night sailings that include expedition adventures to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands and award-winning luxury from stem to stern. With both comfort and authenticity on the map, isn’t it time you fell in love with Antarctica?

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Best Antarctic Cruises for Luxurious Adventures

Antarctica is the adventure of a lifetime: do it in style with Elite Traveler's best Antarctic cruises.

By Bea Isaacson

Little else compares to the juggernaut of adventure that is Antarctica. Just over a century ago, the aptly-named ‘white continent’ was the great unknown of Earth’s land. Today, a journey to experiencing the gloriously untamed polar desert with one’s own senses remains just as alluring, and in the age of the cruise ship , sourcing the best Antarctic cruises have never been easier.

Gone are the days of wild camping in the world’s extremities of cold. The romantic barrenness of the crystal white terrain and uninterrupted skies, and the magnificence of the various species – think whales, hourglass dolphins, Emperor penguins – are only enhanced by the luxury of the dwellings offered by these cruise experiences .

“A place where it’s possible to see the splendors and immensities of the natural world at its most dramatic,” says David Attenborough. “And, what’s more, witness them almost exactly as they were, long before humans ever arrived on the surface of this planet.” Our sentiment exactly. Here are Elite Traveler’s top Antarctic cruises.

[See also: Exploring Antarctica With White Desert’s Robyn Woodhead]

Silversea Cruises

Some travels can go on for years; for others, a simple working week will suffice. For the free-spirited on a time budget, Silversea’s King George Island to King George Island route aboard its wondrous Silver Explorer cruise ship is a flawless option for experiencing one of the best Antarctic cruises.

Encompassing King George Island – the largest of the South Shetland Islands, of which a day’s excursion is also included – as well as the Antarctic Peninsula, a spectacular introduction to the Antarctic landscape of awe-striking glaciers the size of skyscrapers and ice sculptures the width of sports pitches.

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The purpose-built ship was designed specifically for the waters of the world’s most remote destinations and boasts a fleet of 12 Zodiac boats to allow guests to explore even the most previously inaccessible routes.

Silversea didn’t skip any corners with the amenities either; expect an onboard fitness center, boutique, library, lounge and a spa. Our suite of choice? The Veranda Suite, which features floor-to-ceiling windows that open out to a private balcony.

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Making its debut voyage this November, Aurora Expedition’s latest expedition ship, the Sylvia Earle , offers a 17-day trip around the Subantarctic Islands of South George and the Falkland Islands in a route named the Subantarctic Safari.

This voyage, which begins in Santiago, Chile and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina, is one for lovers of wildlife. Guests will have the opportunity to explore islands that have long been home to a glorious spectrum of diversity, including Malvinas, a bird lovers’ paradise, and South Georgia, home to King penguin colonies and fur seals.

The Sylvia Earle is also a masterclass in combining purpose with aesthetic, practicality with high-end luxury. It will satisfy customers to know that the ship is certified 100% carbon neutral, and thrill guests to experience an Antarctic cruise in which every cabin has an ocean view, with most also boasting balconies.

Also included is a two-level glass atrium lounge, a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, two restaurants, a gym, a wellness center, various Jacuzzis, a pool, and a plethora more.

[See also: Explora Journeys CEO on Reshaping the Luxury Cruise Industry]

Beginning in Buenos Aires with the option to cruise the Drake Passage or fly over it, Scenic’s Antarctica cruise was custom designed to prioritize seamless traveling to maximize the guests’ experience.

And with an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, as well as a dedicated butler service, Scenic once again proves one never has to compromise on luxury to experience the greatest of adventures.

Passing through not only Antarctica but also South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, the Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands route is considerably long, coming in at 23 days in total, with an awe-inspiring five days spent within the Antarctic Peninsula. And with ten decks across the ship, Scenic has cut no corners ensuring the almost month-long trip exudes dwellings space and itinerary variety.

What else can be expected? Up to ten onboard dining experiences that range from casual to fine dining, complimentary beverages throughout the excursion and spacious suites that all boast individual verandahs for an overall experience that ticks off all our boxes for one of the best Antarctic cruises.

“America’s most luxurious vessel” is quite the claim, and admittedly, we don’t find ourselves disagreeing. An all-inclusive voyage that boasts the highest staff ratio of any ship of its kind, Swoop’s Highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula excursion includes 24/7 butler service and cuisine courtesy of Relais & Châteaux luxury hotels association.

Naturally, the Highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula offers much more than just luxurious dwellings and service. The 11-day or 14-day excursion – dependent upon the voyage chosen – includes cruising through the legendary Drake Passage towards the Antarctic Peninsula, before spending the eighth day exploring the South Shetland Islands.

Only offering zodiac landings and excursions, Swoop also offers one night before the cruise in a hotel for maximum relaxation before embarking on the iciest of all adventures. Luxury across all avenues of offerings is clearly the priority here, with fun and socializing appearing a close second; the Highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula voyage also offers an open bar.

swoop-antarctica.com

[See also: The Most Amazing Arctic Cruises]

Bea Isaacson

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This Epic Antarctica Cruise Offers Adventures Like Helicopter Rides, Submarine Trips, and Whale Sightings

Luxury expedition cruise Scenic Eclipse offers a stunning new perspective on Antarctica.

"You know the Drake Passage can be terrifying?" replied my motion-sickness-prone dad, speaking of the infamously rough body of water between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula , after I'd informed him that I was heading to the world's greatest wilderness on a 13-day Antarctica in Depth voyage.

That potentially wild rite of passage is the price paid for the privilege of experiencing the pristine majesty and serenity of an entirely ice-clad continent bigger than the United States and Mexico combined.

I was sanguine. I've traveled rough seas on everything from tramp steamers to a full-size replica of HMS Bounty . But never have I experienced such astonishingly smooth sailing as aboard the Scenic Eclipse , a veritable game-changer that launched in April 2019 as the world's most advanced and luxurious expedition vessel.

On our second day heading south from Ushuaia, Argentina , the "Drake Lake" briefly turned into the "Drake Shake," with swells of 20 feet that would have sent the crockery flying on other ships. But the Scenic Eclipse 's cutting-edge oversize stabilizers held her steady. The 551-foot-long, 228-passenger (200 in polar waters) Discovery Yacht sliced through the swells like a laser beam cutting through ice. I dined comfortably as I watched albatross skim the waves and a screaming wind slice streaks of foam off the whitecaps.

Next morning, I raised my stateroom's electronic blackout curtain to a thrillingly quintessential Antarctic view: Electric-blue icebergs floated in an ink-black sea framed by towering, snow-covered mountains laden with great crevassed glaciers. We were "anchored" in Marguerite Bay, some 75 miles south of the Antarctic Circle. (Well, not quite anchored. The Polar Class 6-rated vessel employs computerized GPS dynamic positioning to stay glued in place, using thrusters and its revolutionary Azipod propulsion system featuring twin electric motors housed in propeller pods — each capable of rotating independently through 360 degrees — outside the ship's hull. With no throbbing diesel engines rattling the cutlery, we were as one with Antarctica's otherworldly serenity .)

Scenic's Discovery Team of polar and naturalist experts entertained us during our passage with fascinating lectures on Antarctic glaciers, whales of the Southern Ocean, penguins, and the infamous Scott versus Amundsen race to the South Pole. For the next week, my fellow travelers and I would go ashore daily, or partake of Zodiac cruises, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and first-of-a-kind James Bond-worthy indulgences that elevate polar cruising to the level of a 007 movie.

This being the tail end of austral summer, temperatures hovered just above freezing. Scenic provides a waterproof, fleece-lined, hooded jacket for every guest. But once we were zipping in the Zodiacs across choppy waters to Horseshoe Island for our first landfall, the biting wind sent the thermometer plunging. I was glad I wore two extra fleece jackets, plus warm fleece leggings beneath waterproof pants.

Two Adélie penguins waddled the pebbly shoreline. A Weddell seal bobbed beside a neon-green-and-blue ice floe; two others snoozed atop the snow, totally uncaring of our human presence. Far out in the fjord, humpback whales exhaled steamy plumes. The next few days would deliver ever more sensational all-star wildlife encounters .

That afternoon presented a unique and unforgettable highlight as I strapped into one of Scenic Eclipse 's two remarkably quiet Airbus H130-T2 helicopters and lifted off for a 30-minute flightseeing adventure. The polar landscapes appeared even more spectacular as we swooped low over miles-wide glaciers and vast ice sheets receding into an all-white infinity. Below, our sleek eight-deck vessel seemed dwarfed.

Before Scenic Eclipse launched, heli-flightseeing in Antarctica was the preserve of private megayachts. It's also the first expedition ship with its own submersible for submarine Antarctica adventures. And each of 114 spacious staterooms is a stylishly contemporary suite with an entire wall of glass opening to a broad balcony (which made up for the limited public deck space).

The next morning, I used my balcony rail like a tripod to photograph kayakers paddling among the ice floes of Holtedahl Bay. A snow flurry had cleared and the waters, dead calm beneath a slate-gray sky, were punctuated by cyan icebergs and yellow and red kayaks. Suddenly, a humpback whale emerged, exhaled, then dove, trailing its flukes in the air.

The interior of Antarctica is a desolate, lifeless environment. But marine life is astonishingly abundant thanks to the Antarctic Convergence, a circumpolar strip of merging oceans marked by an upwelling of deep, nutrient-rich waters that nourish a phenomenal profusion of phytoplankton and, in turn, krill. Resembling tiny shrimp, these small invertebrates travel in massive swarms that can stretch for miles — both wide and deep — forming the prime food source for whales, seals, penguins , and other birds.

Later that morning, I bundled up for my first Zodiac cruise and, in the afternoon, donned a dry suit and slipped into a kayak to paddle the slushy sea off Prospect Point. Icebergs as phantasmagorical as Henry Moore's abstract sculptures floated out of the mist. Their haunting beauty held me spellbound. Both crabeater and Weddell seals — cream-colored and gray, respectively — snoozed atop flatter ice floes, while a few lone Adélie penguins had also hauled out, perhaps to escape hungry leopard seals. I captured a penguin for posterity as it dove, wings spread, into its own reflection.

I loved photographing during gloomy, moody afternoons such as this. The soft, subdued, even light allowed for perfect exposure without extreme contrast and ugly shadows.

In late afternoon, the weather cleared for a bluebird day ideal for a polar plunge off the ship's stern. Amazingly, almost half of the 165 guests opted to dive into the 32-degree water. They emerged shivering, exhilarated, and craving the ship's top-deck hot tubs or Senses Spa steam room and sauna.

Notwithstanding the 5,920-square-foot spa, the plush lounges, and my stateroom's boutique hotel comforts (and butler service), I'd been somewhat skeptical about Scenic's claim of "setting the benchmark for ultra-luxury cruising ." But dining that night in the 10-guests-only Night Market, I grasped Scenic Eclipse 's defining distinction. Where other upscale expedition ships offer only one or two restaurants, the Scenic Eclipse boasts eight. Six are gourmet, including Sushi @ Koko's, Lumière for contemporary French cuisine, and Elements for Italian fusion. At Night Market, a young Filipina chef named Strawberry conjured a mouthwatering panegyric to Middle East cuisine. And at the invitation-only Chef's Table dégustation, I savored 14 creative dishes curated by executive chef Alexander Parahovnik, including a cigar-themed Mexican-style flauta served from a smoke-filled humidor into an ashtray with a crumbled gray veggie for ash.

"We're different because we've learned how to marry extra luxury with expedition," operations manager Jason Flesher told Travel + Leisure . "For example, we're the first ship to offer commercial submarine dives south of the Antarctic Circle."

The vessel's futuristic, seven-person U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub seemed like something MI6's Q had a hand in designing. I sure felt like James Bond as I settled into my seat within one of the submersible's twin 18-inch-thick acrylic spheres. Hovering above the seabed at almost 200 feet down, I marveled at giant sponges, otherworldly jellyfish, ghostly looking icefish (glycerol in their clear, hemoglobin-free blood acts as an antifreeze), and starfish as colorful as those on a coral reef. All were illuminated by our sub's spotlights. (Scenic cruises are all-inclusive except the submersible and helicopter rides, and spa services. Even the gratuities are included for wallet-free cruising.)

During the next two days, we disinfected our boots and scrubbed our outer leggings before wet landings ashore to visit gentoo penguin rookeries at Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, and Orne Harbor. The adorable birds seemed oblivious to our presence (we were briefed not to approach the wildlife, but this wasn't explained to the penguins) as they waddled along well-worn lanes in the snow, fed their young chicks, and tended to their pebble nests. As we gradually moved north along the Antarctic Peninsula, we encountered fur seals, Antarctic shags, snow petrels, and chinstrap penguin colonies — including atop the wind-blasted black spire of 938-foot-high Spigot Peak (which we hiked to, plodding uphill through deep snow with the aid of poles).

In Antarctica , the weather can change on a dime. On day nine, after a sunny morning ashore at the old, bone-strewn whaling station of Mikkelsen Harbor, a storm system socked in as we repositioned to Cierva Cove for our last Zodiac outing. We were blitzed by snowflakes as we zipped between honeycombed brash ice and Instagram-worthy icebergs that had calved off the glaciers, stirring up nutrients, bringing an abundance of seals, penguins, and whales.

It seemed like humpbacks were foraging all around us. Individuals would emerge for an instant to gulp a mouthful of krill, or breathe, then dive and appear minutes later somewhere else. Just as I'd aim my camera in anticipation of that hoped-for perfect tail shot, another whale would pop up nearby. On one occasion, three whales emerged together just 20 yards from our Zodiac. It's difficult to conceive of how enormous these behemoth mammals are until one appears next to your relatively tiny inflatable.

After two hours, with numb fingers and the light fading, we headed back to the luxurious comforts of the Scenic Eclipse . As we arrived, we encountered one last humpback whale circling the vessel as the clouds broke, bathing the scene in evanescent early evening sunlight. I clicked the shutter one last time as the whale exhaled, then submerged and disappeared, leaving me with an indelible memory of Antarctica's unimaginably impactful enchantment.

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Best Antarctica Luxury Cruise Lines for 2024-2025

• Ponant - boasts over 30 years of French expertise and marine tradition, taking guests to Antarctica while giving an authentic, 5-star vacation experience. Le Commandant Charcot , the world's first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas and the company's newest vessel, features exceptional suites and staterooms, each with its own private balcony or terrace, reinforcing the sensation and sense of sailing on a private yacht.
• Silversea - features small luxury ships for individuals seeking adventures in the most opulent surroundings possible. All cabins on an all-inclusive cruise ship are huge ocean-view suites with butler service and, in most cases, private verandas.  Silver Explorer , Silver Wind , and Silver Cloud  are remarkable.
• Lindblad Expeditions   are renowned for their luxury adventure cruises focused on wildlife and natural history.  National Geographic Endurance 's X-bow®, which debuts in 2021, features a powerful wave-slicing motion that provides a smooth ride even in the most challenging Antarctic conditions.
• Scenic Cruises - Each of the 114 lavishly appointed suites includes a private verandah, a separate lounge space, and Butler Service. Similar to the finest hotels in the world, staying in a Scenic Eclipse suite provides one of the most incredible luxury 6-star ocean cruises in Antarctica you'll ever have, along with state-of-the-art technology and the highest ice class rating of Polar Class 6, the highest of any luxury vessel. 

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10 of the best luxury cruises to Antarctica

Visiting the white continent doesn’t mean having to endure shackleton-esque deprivations. these are the sleek superyachts and expedition vessels that take things up a notch.

J ust over a century ago, a journey to the White Continent was strictly for “frozen beard” explorers carrying patriotic flags. Now we can travel to this immense polar wilderness in astonishing comfort, accompanied by adventure-loving guides and experts to educate us about its captivating wildlife, landscapes and history. Weather conditions dictate that most visits take place from December to March, with the majority of departures sailing or flying from the southern tip of South America to the claw-like Antarctic peninsula.

The atmosphere on board these expedition-style voyages is keen, co-operative and attentive because both passengers and crew appreciate what a privilege it is to visit this pristine world. While the choice and quality of ships improves each season, the latest hi-tech gizmos and pampering treats are of secondary importance to the natural world beyond. In this elemental land of glistening icebergs, bustling penguins and blizzard-lashed research stations, every cruise to Antarctica is going to be unfailingly wonderful.

Main photo: Scenic Eclipse in the waters around Lemaire Channel in Antarctica (Mindaugas Oginskas)

1. Silversea Expeditions

Best for short voyages Silversea usually operates three ships in Antarctica that offer all the facilities of a five-star cruise, including a spa and beauty salon so guests can look their best for the penguins. Silver Cloud and Silver Wind are generously sized, with four dining venues each, while Silver Explorer is a smaller, expedition-style ship. Voyages can be as short as six days, flying in and out of King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, while passengers who prefer an epic journey can take a 29-day odyssey from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires that adds in South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Number of passengers 144 to 240 Destinations Antarctic peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia Family-friendly N Price £££

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2. Seabourn

Best for epicureans Cruises to Antarctica are available aboard Seabourn Quest and the “ultra-luxury” expedition ship Seabourn Venture, which launched in 2022. The latter has lavish suites with a private veranda and such thoughtful touches as a heated wardrobe for drying expedition gear. With a 24-strong team of scientists, naturalists and expert guides, plus 24 Zodiacs and two custom-built submarines, adventures are guaranteed. These can then be discussed in a choice of eight dining venues including the Colonnade restaurant, serving dishes created by the star chef Thomas Keller. Some voyages explore the Chilean coast, with only six days visiting the Antarctic peninsula; others add in South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Number of passengers 200 Destinations Antarctic peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia Family-friendly N Price £££

3. Hurtigruten Expeditions

Best for sustainability Norwegian-owned Hurtigruten Expeditions has considerable experience of cruising the polar regions and has three purpose-built ships operating in Antarctic waters. MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen both carry 500 passengers, with private balconies in half of the cabins. The vessels use a hybrid power system and the company claims to have the lowest possible carbon footprint of all expedition cruises to Antarctica. MS Fram is smaller, with only 200 passengers, and was refurbished in 2020. Voyages run from 12 to 23 days with an emphasis on learning and adventure; the ships are equipped with a science centre and underwater drones, and activities range from lectures on the region’s unique wildlife to photography lessons.

Number of passengers 200 to 500 Destinations Antarctic peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands Family-friendly Y Price £££

4. Aurora Expeditions

Best for families The Australian-owned Aurora Expeditions has been voyaging to Antarctica since 1992 and loves to pioneer. It was the first operator to introduce ice camping and kayaking and has mounted expeditions to climb mountains and retrace Shackleton’s footsteps. Its two state-of-the-art vessels, Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, use an innovative X-Bow design to create a smoother and more fuel-efficient cruise, while sea-level platforms allow a speedy launch of the Zodiacs essential to shore excursions. Add-on adventures include diving and ski touring, while some itineraries include crossings of the Antarctic Circle. Children over eight are “more than welcome” but there are no special facilities, although Sylvia Earle does have a swimming pool, science centre and library.

Number of passengers 132 Destinations Antarctic peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, Weddell Sea Family-friendly Y Price £££

Best for style and comfort James Bond would feel at home on the superlative Scenic Eclipse, which launched in 2019 and carries two helicopters and a submarine, all with a six-passenger capacity. Confidently marrying the glamour of a superyacht with the grandeur of a six-star hotel, the small ship has suites with a private balcony and butler service, and facilities such as a spa, yoga studio, top-deck plunge pools and ten dining venues. An expert team of Discovery Leaders is on hand during voyages, which last 16 days and more, to share with guests the vast icebergs and prolific wildlife of the Weddell Sea that includes whales, seals and penguins.

Number of passengers 200 Destinations Antarctic peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Weddell Sea Family-friendly N Price £££

scenic.co.uk

6. Eyos Expeditions

Best for bespoke experiences Eyos Expeditions specialises in cruises by superyacht to some of the world’s most remote destinations with safety and luxury assured. The focus is immersive and intimate, using chartered vessels such as the 47m, ice-classed Hanse Explorer and the 74m Legend. Formerly a Russian ice-breaking tug, the latter now has 11 staterooms, a gym, Balinese spa, heli-deck and three-person submarine. Voyages are to wherever guests please, with flexibility to the fore — a valuable asset given the fickle and at times severe weather conditions this far south.

Number of passengers 12 to 22 Destinations Antarctic peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia Price £££ Family-friendly Y

eyos-expeditions.com

7. Lindblad Expeditions

Best for epic voyages Lindblad Expeditions has indisputable pedigree. In 1966 Swedish-American explorer Lars-Eric Lindblad organised the first non-scientific cruise to Antarctica and his son Sven-Olof has grown the company into a formidable global operation that works in association with National Geographic. Voyages are available on National Geographic Explorer, Resolution, Orion and Endurance. The last is the most modern with cool Scandinavian interiors and an on-deck “igloo” in which guests can sleep beneath the polar stars. A National Geographic photographer accompanies every trip, which include an epic 35-day voyage from the Argentinian port of Ushuaia to Dunedin, in New Zealand, that crosses the rarely visited Ross Sea with a prospect of seeing emperor penguins.

Number of passengers 102 to 162 Destinations Antarctic peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Ross Sea Family-friendly N Price £££

world.expeditions.com

Best for Francophiles The French-owned Ponant line brings some Gallic flair to an Antarctica cruise. Some voyages focus on the heroic explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, who led two expeditions to the region between 1904 and 1910, others take in far-flung regions: to look for emperor penguins in the Bellingshausen Sea, and south from Dunedin, in New Zealand, to explore the Ross Sea. There is a choice of five luxury ships, Le Lyrial, L’Austral, Le Boreal, Le Soléal and the newest, Le Commandant Charcot, which is hybrid-powered to ensure a quiet and eco-friendly voyage. Alain Ducasse-overseen cuisine features dishes such as cep and chestnut velouté and langoustines with sauce Périgueux.

Number of passengers 244 to 264 Destinations Antarctic peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Sandwich Islands, Weddell Sea, Ross Sea Family-friendly Y Price £££

uk.ponant.com

9. Quark Expeditions

Best for heli adventures Quark Expeditions only operates cruises in the polar regions and has 30 years of experience; adventures have included a circumnavigation of Antarctica in 1997. Its staff are trained at a dedicated Quark Academy and there is a strong emphasis on sustainability. Voyages are offered aboard Ocean Adventurer, Ocean Diamond, World Explorer and its own purpose-built Ultramarine, which is equipped with two helicopters and 20 Zodiacs. All are similar in size; on World Explorer, all cabins are suites with private balconies. Voyages range from eight to 23 days and include a “Fly the Drake” itinerary that cuts out the sea crossing between South America and the Antarctic peninsula.

Number of passengers 128 to 199 Destinations Antarctic peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Falkland Islands, South Georgia Family-friendly N Price £££

quarkexpeditions.com

10. Antarctica 21

Best for small ship cruising The Chilean-owned Antarctica 21 pioneered air-cruise expeditions, which allow travellers to avoid the sea crossing the Drake Passage between the tip of South America and the Antarctic peninsula. While these icy waters can be rough, the two-hour flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island can also be disrupted by adverse weather. Voyages from seven to 17 days are offered aboard Ocean Nova, Hebridean Sky and Magellan Explorer — on the latter most cabins have a private balcony. These are small, unpretentious ships with five or six decks that come with an intimate atmosphere and an expert international team that has been leading adventures here since 2003.

Number of passengers 67 to 73 Destinations Antarctic peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Falkland Islands, South Georgia Price £££ Family-friendly N

antarctica21.com

Take me there

Inspired to book a cruise to the Antarctic? Here are the best options from Imagine Cruising and Princess Cruises .

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Home > Cruise > Antarctica

Expedition cruising to the polar regions is a fascinating and formidable journey from start to finish, the farthest you will likely ever get from home. And on a luxury cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will speed across icy bays on skiff boats, hike glacial hills on shore excursions, kayak through quiet inlets – or just plain penguin-watch. With an ace expedition team to guide you, a sojourn to the White Continent is the perfect bucket-list adventure.

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A luxury Antarctica cruise is a fascinating and formidable journey from start to finish. You will speed across calm bays on Zodiac cruises, hike glacial hills on shore excursions, kayak through quiet inlets – or just plain penguin-watch. With an ace expedition team to guide you, a sojourn to the White Continent is the perfect bucket-list adventure, the trip of

a lifetime. Your expedition cruise will begin at the very bottom of South America, where you will set sail across the Drake Passage or fly over it, whatever your time or inclination affords. Itineraries vary in size and scope, but award-winning cruise lines such as Silversea, Seabourn, and Scenic have a travel plan for every adventurer. In the South Atlantic, the Islas Malvinas (Falkland Islands) is home

to abundant bird life and a few farms, along with the tiny capital of Stanley. Further east in the archipelago of South Georgia, albatrosses and petrels will guide your cruise ship to beaches teeming with king penguins, elephant seals, and incredible birdlife. On the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands, there are glistening glaciers, penguin rookeries, and abandoned whaling stations to explore, on foot or by kayak, in places like Port Lockroy and Deception Island. Your Antarctica expedition cruise may even take you across the Arctic Circle – something few travelers can say.

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Meet Our Antarctica Travel Designers

What is the most memorable vacation you have planned for a client? So many to choose from! One of the most memorable experience I have planned is an expedition to Antarctica including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and Patagonia.

Halina Melerowicz

Senior Travel Designer

What is your approach to planning a luxury cruise? With new clients, I like to get to know them and really listen to their needs or wishlist. This helps me to provide appropriate advice and guidance so that they will be happy and enjoy a most memorable experience.

Jackie Grittani

What is the most memorable cruise you have planned for a client? I arranged a Regent cruise and customized pre-cruise tour in Beijing for a 50th wedding anniversary. They visited highlights including the Great Wall. After 21 days of being on the road, they were not yet ready to return home!

Cheri Ozimac

If you’re considering bespoke private travel to Antarctica, let our expert Travel Designers customize your vacation from start to finish. Having spent the last three decades traveling and experiencing the best luxury offerings first-hand, Tully Luxury Travel has an exceptional understanding of Antarctica. We have the contacts and the relationships in place to ensure your travel needs are met – milestone celebrations, romantic dinners, private tours, dietary requirements, special room-service requests – all the details curated in step with your every wish. In Antarctica, our Private Travel Designers have the insider information that will elevate your experience much more. We can find the best small-ship luxury cruise for custom-designed travel to Antarctica and determine the route that works well with your schedule. The time to start planning your next luxury vacation is now. Our private luxury travel service also allows us to secure the best amenities and VIP extras at no additional cost. That’s the Tully Difference. Talk with a Travel Designer and start planning your bespoke luxury Antarctica vacation today.

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6 ways to travel to Antarctica in style and luxury

There was a time when traveling to Antarctica meant roughing it a bit. Many of the adventure travel companies that pioneered tourist trips to the White Continent initially used relatively spartan, sometimes repurposed ships to get people there.

But those days are long gone.

Now you can travel to the world's most remote destination in luxury and style — assuming you're willing to pay the often steep prices for the privilege.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Luxury travel companies such as Silversea Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent in recent years have carved out a niche offering high-end voyages to Antarctica on upscale vessels, where you'll sleep in cabins and dine in onboard eateries that are every bit as spectacular as the Antarctic scenery out the window of your ship. And a rapidly growing list of other high-end travel companies are in the process of joining them.

The newcomers include luxury purveyor Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, which just launched its first Antarctica cruises in late 2019 with a very upscale, yacht-like expedition ship — a type of cruise ship specifically designed for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places.

Also new to upscale cruising to Antarctica are start-up "luxe adventure" line Atlas Ocean Voyages, which began Antarctica sailings in late 2021 with a purpose-built expedition vessel, and Viking , which launched voyages to the continent with a new expedition ship in early 2022.

Related: The 11 best expedition ships for Antarctica cruises

Luxury line Seabourn is also about to get into Antarctica cruising in a big way in late 2022 with it first luxury expedition ship.

Here, we take a look at six companies that are leading the way in luxury trips to Antarctica.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises has been the leader among the major luxury cruise lines in expanding into expedition cruises to remote, hard-to-reach destinations, and it's a big player in luxury expeditions to Antarctica.

The Miami-based line's 13-year-old expedition cruise division currently operates high-end sailings to the White Continent on two vessels — the 144-passenger Silver Explorer and 254-passenger Silver Cloud. And it'll soon have a third vessel in the destination, the 254-passenger Silver Wind.

All of the ships offer traditional expeditions to Antarctica that begin and end in South America and include crossings of the sometimes rough Drake Passage. But just this winter, Silversea also began offering "fly-cruise" trips to Antarctica on the Silver Explorer that include a direct flight to the continent. The relatively rare trips let passengers skip the waves of the Drake.

Related: This new luxury tour gets you to Antarctica faster than most

While older than many of the luxury ships sailing to Antarctica, Silver Explorer, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind offer a luxury experience with all-suite accommodations, upscale cuisine and such luxury touches as butler service for every passenger.

The details: Fares for 10-night Antarctica trips start at $9,950 per person, based on double occupancy.

Abercrombie & Kent

A specialist in high-end tours around the world, Abercrombie & Kent has been a major player in luxury Antarctica voyages for more than two decades.

While the company doesn't own its own luxury vessel to take well-heeled travelers to the continent, it charters one of the finest upscale expedition ships around for such voyages: Ponant 's Le Lyrial.

Unveiled in 2015, the 264-passenger vessel is sleek and stylish, with contemporary decor, large rooms with balconies and multiple restaurants. But it's also tough, which you want in Antarctica. It has a strengthened hull and other features that allow it to bump through Antarctic ice with relative ease (it has a 1C ice class ratings from Lloyd's Register).

While Ponant, a French line, normally draws a large number of French speakers (its trips are bilingual with announcements in both French and English), that changes when Abercrombie & Kent charters Le Lyrial. The Illinois-based tour company brings on its own English-speaking expedition guides and lecturers to lead the sailings and offers English-only programming that draws mostly English speaking passengers.

Related: The ultimate Antarctica packing list

When sailing for Abercrombie & Kent in Antarctica, Le Lyrial also operates with a maximum of 199 passengers on board — 65 fewer than it can normally hold.

The details: Fares for 12-night Antarctica trips start at $12,995 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, two-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires, but not round-trip flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, which are an extra $895.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Long known for high-end river cruises, luxury purveyor Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours made a big move into high-end expedition trips to Antarctica in late 2019 with its first-ever expedition vessel, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse.

Billed as a "discovery yacht," the super-swanky ship offers all-suite accommodations (and we're talking real suites with separate living rooms), butler service for all and a wide range of onboard dining options including a sushi restaurant. It has a whiskey bar stocked with more than 110 whiskies and other high-end liquors, plus a spa and a yoga studio.

Scenic Eclipse also was the first Antarctica-bound cruise vessel to boast helicopters to take passengers on epic (and pricey) Antarctica excursions. It has a submarine for underwater exploring, too. Having experienced a helicopter excursion from the vessel, I can say that it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

On the downside, the helicopter pad and hangars on Scenic Eclipse eat up a lot of space on the vessel's top deck, as do the suites along the vessel's sharply sloping front. The combination leaves less available room for observation areas. The result is a ship with less outdoor space for viewing scenery than is typical for small vessels operating polar trips.

The details: Fares for 12-night Antarctica trips start at $15,655 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires; round-trip flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia; drinks, including spirits and fine wines; and prepaid gratuities.

Related: These 8 books are must reads before an Antarctica trip

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Just launched in August 2021, Atlas Ocean Voyages is an all-new, small-ship cruise line that plans to focus on "luxe adventure" trips to places like Antarctica and the Arctic while also offering some sailings in Europe and other warm-weather locales.

For now, Atlas is operating just one vessel, a 184-passenger expedition ship called World Navigator, but the Miami-based brand has already ordered four more nearly identical vessels for delivery by 2024. Many of those will sail regularly to Antarctica, too.

Built tough for polar exploring (it has a PC 6 ice class rating), World Navigator is also designed to be upscale with elegant, 1940s-influenced decor, such pampering touches as a L'Occitane spa (the first at sea) and butler service in the top cabins.

The vessel, on which I recently sailed, giving it high marks , is also loaded with indoor and outdoor observation areas including an innovative, close-to-the-waterline outside deck area with heated seating called The Water's Edge. High-tech touches include a GPS that lets it hover in sensitive areas without dropping anchor.

Related: I just spent the night in an 'igloo' in Antarctica — here's how you can, too

The details: Nine-night voyages to Antarctica start at $10,499 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares cover drinks, including spirits and fine wines; shipboard Wi-Fi; prepaid gratuities; and emergency medical evacuation insurance for every passenger (the latter being a rare offering among companies cruising to Antarctica).

Viking is a newcomer to expedition cruising to Antarctica — as of the date of this story's posting, it's only been offering Antarctica trips for a few weeks. But it's already getting attention from cruise-industry watchers.

That's because the new expedition ship the line has built for Antarctica sailings — the 378-passenger Viking Octantis — has several new and unusual features. Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to the ship's Zodiac landing craft while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it's something that could significantly improve the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica landings.

In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on Viking Octantis has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

The public areas and cabins on Viking Octantis boast an elegant Scandinavian design. Its restaurants include a version of Viking's signature Italian spot, Manfredi's, and the Scandinavian-inspired Mamsen's outlet. Also familiar is a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers' Lounge promising stunning views of passing scenery.

Related: Discovering the wild dreamscape of Antarctica

As is typical for expedition ships, Viking Octantis is a tough vessel, with a reinforced bow that lets it bump through ice in polar regions and extra tanks for fuel and food. In addition to landing craft on board to bring people ashore, it carries kayaks and even submarines for exploring (the latter being something that is relatively rare on cruise vessels of any type).

The details: Fares for 12-night Antarctica trips start at $14,995 per person, not including taxes and fees. Great Lakes sailings start at $6,495 per person, not including taxes and fees. For more information, call 855-338-4546 or visit viking.com .

Like Viking, Seabourn is just getting into expedition cruising to Antarctica this year with its first-ever expedition ship, the 264-passenger Seabourn Venture.

Scheduled to begin sailing in Antarctica in November, the ice-rated vessel will offer all the luxury touches that Seabourn fans have come to know, including restaurants serving elegant cuisine crafted in part by leading American chef Thomas Keller.

Every room on Seabourn Venture will be a suite and have its own balcony — something that isn't often the case with expedition ships.

In addition, the ship will offer a lot of high-end adventure. Outdoor equipment for off-ship exploring will include kayaks and bikes. But perhaps Seabourn Venture's standout adventure feature will be its two, six-person submarines. As on Viking Octantis, passengers on Seabourn Venture will be able to explore the world under the water in polar regions as well as what's above the waterline.

Related: I just went kayaking in Antarctica — if I can do it, so can you

The vessel will also have a high-definition Cineplex camera that can pick up wildlife like a polar bear up to 4 miles away, streaming the footage into an onboard "discovery center" while leaving the wildlife undisturbed. And it will sail with 26 expedition guides including scientists, historians and naturalists who will lecture regularly on board and lead guided tours on land.

The details: Fares for Antarctic sailings start at $11,999 per person. For more information, call 206-626-8351 or visit seabourn.com .

Planning an Antarctica cruise expedition? Start with these stories:

• Dreaming of Antarctica: How to book the trip of a lifetime
• Skip the Drake Passage: What it's like flying to Antarctica on a chartered plane
• 7 tips for visiting Antarctica before it's too late
• The ultimate packing list for an Antarctica trip

Antarctica Ocean Cruises 

Explore the wonders of Antarctica and the captivating regions of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, on an unforgettable Scenic Eclipse Expedition Voyage in true all-inclusive ultra-luxury.

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Redefining   polar exploration

Experience the voyage of a lifetime in Antarctica, with awe-inspiring natural beauty and moments. Indulge in 6-star ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse, The World's First Discovery Yachts™, built to operate in Earth’s most extreme environments.

Learn more about what to expect on an Antarctica, Arctic or Fjords ocean voyage and our ultra-luxury experience—or find your perfect itinerary.

Discover one of Earth’s most inspiring destinations.

When cruising through Antarctica, the difference is in the details. Innovative world-class ship design and low guest numbers allow multiple landings led by an expert Discovery Team of up to 20 specialists.  Let us take you further than others.

Discover Antarctica

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Why choose Scenic Eclipse? 

Scenic Eclipse sets the benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising. Designed to be the ultimate 6-star experience of a lifetime for only up to 200 guests in Antarctica, enjoy a smooth voyage to the most remarkable and remote polar locations that few will ever visit.

World-Class Design & Technology

Scenic Eclipse is purpose-built for Antarctica with a Polar Class 6 rating, oversized stabilizers, strengthened hull, and state-of-the-art technology that ensures safe and comfortable navigation through icy waters. Just 200 guests onboard allows for multiple daily Zodiac landings within IAATO regulations, promising the ultimate in Antarctic immersion.

Find out more

6-Star Ultra-Luxury

Gaze out at the expansive Antarctic landscapes from your spacious, luxurious verandah suite, and enjoy the personalized butler service with our close to 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. Enjoy an abundance of indoor and outdoor spaces, up to 10 dining experiences, up to nine bars and lounges, the expansive 5,920 sq ft Senses Spa # , and entertainment in the state-of-the-art theater.

Unrivaled Viewing & Relaxation

Scenic Eclipse has an abundance of spaces providing a relaxing vantage point to ensure you make every moment count.

Expedition Equipment

You will be supplied with everything you’ll need to fully immerse yourself in the journeys that await. On Antarctic Expedition Voyages, a Scenic Eclipse parka and water bottle will be in your suite on arrival, which is yours to take home. Plus, the use of specialized polar boots, trekking poles, and any kayaking equipment is included for your convenience.

Discovery Experiences with an Expert Team

Keeping our guest numbers to 200 allows for multiple landings each day for more in-depth exploration by Zodiac, kayak, and stand-up paddle board at these magnificent, restricted landing sites. Be led by your Discovery Team of up to 20 experts, who will provide enduring insights and guide you in creating life-changing memories in Antarctica.

Two Helicopters^

Soar above some of the most breathtaking landscapes and gain a birds’ eye view of locations inaccessible from shore on one of two helicopters^ on board Scenic Eclipse. The quietest helicopters^ in the skies, the H130 sets the standards for tourism operations worldwide. Each helicopter^ features Bose ® noise cancelling headsets and an air-conditioned interior.

Find out more

Scenic Neptune Submersible^

Dive below the ocean for a new multi-sensory underwater adventure^. Witness the unexplored waters of Antarctica and South Georgia on board the custom-built Scenic Neptune submersible, taking you to depths of up to 328 ft.

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Learn more about the Discovery Yacht experience as well as the many spacious suites, dining experiences, health and wellbeing amenities, and entertainment options.

Experience everyday a parade of wildlife, deep exploration, and extraordinary moments

Featured Itineraries

Antarctica in Depth

Great White Wonder

Beyond the Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Legendary Antarctic Circle

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

Extraordinary landscapes

Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast

In the footsteps of explorers (and penguins) around the icy southern continent

Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife

Where we travel in

Your guide to cruising Antarctica, the Arctic & Fjords

Start planning your Scenic journey of a lifetime to the polar regions. See details about voyages and frequently asked questions.

^Flights onboard our two helicopters, helicopter experiences, and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval, and weather and ice conditions. Helicopters unable to operate in South Georgia.  #Spa treatments at additional cost.

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Ross Sea and East Antarctica 

Iceland and Greenland

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• 9-Night Ushuaia Roundtrip 10.30.24
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• All Destinations Antarctica  (70) Arctic  (20) Caribbean  (0) Holy Land and Egypt  (0) Iceland and Greenland  (19) Mediterranean  (50) Northern Europe  (20) Patagonia and The Falklands  (5) South America  (5) Transoceanic  (4) Select
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• All Ports Cruising Greenland Sea  (1) Otranto (Puglia), Italy  (2) Bastia (Corsica), France  (2) Koper, Slovenia  (1) Rijeka, Croatia  (1) Navigating the Strait of Messina  (1) Ajaccio (Corsica), France  (1) Rønne (Bornholm), Denmark  (1) Binz (Rügen), Germany  (1) Sandnes, Norway  (3) Santa Maria Island (Azores), Portugal  (1) São Jorge Island (Azores), Portugal  (1) Palmeira (Sal), Cape Verde  (1) Exploring South Georgia – Captain’s Choice  (3) Positano, Italy  (2) Amalfi/Salerno, Italy  (1) Piraeus (Athens), Greece  (9) Barcelona, Spain  (12) Búzios, Brazil  (2) Cartagena, Spain  (4) Chania/Souda, Crete, Greece  (2) Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy  (13) Capri, Italy  (8) Ravello, Italy  (2) Giardini Naxos (Taormina/Mt. Etna), Italy  (2) Syracuse (Sicily), Italy  (3) Gozo, Malta  (2) Valletta, Malta  (8) Lisbon, Portugal  (18) Gibraltar, UK  (7) Malaga, Spain  (8) Palma de Mallorca, Spain  (6) Mahon (Menorca), Spain  (5) Portofino, Italy  (6) Giardini Naxos (Taormina/Mt. Etna)  (1) Zakynthos, Greece  (2) Katakolon (Olympia), Greece  (3) Puerto Banus (Marbella), Spain  (2) Trapani (Sicily), Italy  (3) Patmos, Greece  (1) Corinth Canal Transit  (4) Itea (Delphi), Greece  (3) Naples (Pompeii), Italy  (2) Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy  (9) Marseilles (Aix-en-Provence), France  (5) Valencia, Spain  (1) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  (2) Funchal (Madeira), Portugal  (3) Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands  (4) Recife, Brazil  (1) Ilhabela, Brazil  (1) Punta del Este, Uruguay  (3) Montevideo, Uruguay  (4) Ushuaia, Argentina  (69) Buenos Aires, Argentina  (4) Port Stanley, Falkland Islands - Captain’s Choice  (9) Puerto Madryn, Argentina  (1) Exploring the South Sandwich Islands – Captain’s Choice  (8) Exploring the South Shetland Islands - Captain’s Choice, Antarctica  (65) Bridgetown, Barbados  (1) Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey  (1) Itajai/Florianopolis, Brazil  (1) Drake Passage Navigation  (65) Crossing the Antarctic Circle — Captain’s Choice  (32) Santorini, Greece  (2) Motril (Alhambra), Spain  (1) Praia (Santiago), Cape Verde  (2) Arrecife (Lanzarote), Canary Islands  (5) Casablanca, Morocco  (8) Portimão, Portugal  (10) Sagres, Portugal  (2) Seville, Spain  (6) Ibiza, Spain  (4) Saint Tropez, France  (1) Monte Carlo, Monaco  (3) Sorrento (Pompeii), Italy  (1) Porto-Vecchio (Corsica), France  (2) Cannes, France  (1) Sete (Montpellier), France  (2) Cadiz, Spain  (3) Leixoes (Porto), Portugal  (8) La Coruña, Spain  (6) Bordeaux, France  (10) St. Peter Port,( Guernsey) Channel Islands  (8) London (Tower Bridge), England  (8) St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly), England  (3) Cork (Cobh), Ireland  (4) Galway, Ireland  (2) Killybegs, Ireland  (2) Londonderry, Northern Ireland  (2) Bangor (Belfast), Northern Ireland  (7) Dublin, Ireland  (12) Lerwick (Shetland Islands), Scotland  (3) Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland  (3) Fort William (Loch Ness), Scotland  (2) Stornoway (Isles of Lewis), Scotland  (5) Bergen, Norway  (8) Flåm, Norway  (8) Olden, Norway  (1) Geiranger, Norway  (7) Kristiansund, Norway  (1) Trondheim, Norway  (5) Leknes (Lofoten Islands), Norway  (4) Arctic Circle Crossing  (2) Tromsø, Norway  (8) Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Norway  (14) Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard), Norway  (10) Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland  (3) Isafjörður, Iceland  (9) Reykjavik, Iceland  (9) Heimaey (Vestmannaeyjar), Iceland  (7) Tórshavn (Faroe Islands), Denmark  (6) Kirkwall (Orkney Islands), Scotland  (2) Invergordon (Loch Ness), Scotland  (2) Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland  (5) Douglas, Isle of Man  (6) Liverpool, England  (1) Riga, Latvia  (1) Tallinn, Estonia  (1) Helsinki, Finland  (1) Stockholm, Sweden  (1) Gdansk, Poland  (1) Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), The Netherlands  (5) Honfleur (Paris/Normandy), France  (6) St. Malo, France  (6) Punta Arenas, Chile — Captain’s Choice  (1) Hydra, Greece  (1) Nafplion (Mycenae/Epidaurus), Greece  (3) Cassis (Aix-En-Provence), France  (1) Nice, France  (12) Corfu, Greece  (3) Dubrovnik (Old Town), Croatia  (7) Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Canary Islands, Spain  (8) Hvar Island, Croatia  (4) Kotor, Montenegro  (10) Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal  (2) Portoferraio (Tuscany), Italy  (3) Porto Venere, (Cinque Terre), Italy  (4) Sanary-Sur-Mer (Bandol), France  (1) Saranda (Butrint), Albania  (3) Stromboli Volcano Circumnavigation  (2) Tangier, Morocco  (9) Trogir, Croatia  (2) Venice, Italy  (8) Rabat (Casablanca), Morocco  (1) Glacier Alley - Captain’s Choice  (1) Magdalena Island, Chile — Captain’s Choice  (2) New Island, Falkland Islands — Captain’s Choice  (5) West Point Island, Falkland Islands — Captain’s Choice  (3) Lipari Island (Sicily), Italy  (5) Fiskardo (Kefalonia), Greece  (3) Sibenik, Croatia  (1) Monopoli, Italy  (1) San Remo, Italy  (1) Saint-Tropez, France  (3) Port Vendres, France  (3) Roses, Spain  (1) Alicante, Spain  (3) Almeria (Granada), Spain  (3) Puerto del Rosario(Fuerteventura), Canary Islands, Spain  (3) Safi, Morocco  (7) San Sebastian (La Gomera), Canary Islands, Spain  (4) Santa Cruz (La Palma), Canary Islands, Spain  (5) Santander, Spain  (2) Port Medoc (Bordeaux), France  (1) Akureyri, Iceland  (8) Grundarfjörður, Iceland  (6) Kangerlussuaq, Greenland  (6) Nuuk, Greenland  (6) Narsarsuaq, Greenland  (3) Ilulissat (Disko Bay), Greenland  (4) Sisimiut, Greenland  (1) Kangaamiut, Greenland  (1) Arsuk, Greenland  (3) Nanortalik, Greenland  (1) Itilleq, Greenland  (1) Crossing N80 Moffen,Captain’s Choice  (8) Patreksfjörður, Iceland  (1) Seyðisfjörður, Iceland  (7) Gudvangen, Norway  (7) Kristiansand, Norway  (2) Arendal, Norway  (2) Porto Cervo (Sardinia), Italy  (4) Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium  (2) Oslo, Norway  (3) Ilheus, Brazil  (1) Ålesund, Norway  (8) Exploring Greenland-Captain’s Choice  (3) Exploring Svalbard - Captain’s Choice  (14) Fjords of Greenland — Captain’s Choice  (3) Eskifjordur, Iceland  (2) Grimsey, Iceland  (2) Hammerfest, Norway  (3) Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula – Captain’s Choice  (69) Gijon, Spain  (5) Agadir, Morocco  (5) Palamos, Spain  (2) Propriano, Corsica, France  (1) Ile-Rousse, Corsica, France  (1) Parga, Greece  (2) Split, Croatia  (1) Saint-Raphael , France  (2) Toulon, France  (2) Garibaldi Glacier, Chile — Captain’s Choice  (4) Skagen, Denmark  (2) Stavanger, Norway  (4) Sisimiut, Greenland  (2) Ponta Delgada (Azores) Portugal  (1) Praia da Vitoria (Azores), Portugal  (2) Bilbao, Spain  (6) Holyhead, Wales  (2) Surtsey Island Scenic Navigation  (2) Eqi Glacier (Disko Bay), Greenland  (4) Prince Christian Sound – Captain’s Choice  (6) Reykjavik, Iceland  (13) Copenhagen, Denmark  (3) La Goulette, Tunisia  (1) Mindelo (Sao Vicente), Cape Verde  (1) Menton, France  (1) Mykonos, Greece  (3) Igoumenitsa, Greece  (2) King George Island, South Shetland Islands  (8) Ilha Grande, Brazil  (1) Lajes do Pico (Azores), Portugal  (1) Newcastle upon Tyne, England  (2) Molde, Norway  (2) Reine, Norway  (2) Lofoten & Vaerøy Islands Cruising  (2) Skarsvåg (North Cape), Norway  (3) Qaqortoq, Greenland  (2) Paamiut, Greenland  (2) Akulleq Island, Greenland  (2) Waterford, Ireland  (2) Bantry, Ireland  (3) Falmouth, England  (1) Poole, England  (1) Ancona, Italy  (3) Durres (Tirana), Albania  (3) Sao Francisco do Sul, Brazil  (1) Isla de los Estados, Argentina  (3) Magdalena, Chile - Captain’s Choice  (1) Exploring the South Orkney Islands - Captain’s Choice, Antarctica  (8) At Sea  (77) Spetses, Greece  (1) Messina (Sicily), Italy  (1) Aberdeen, Scotland  (3) Scrabster, Scotland  (3) Måløy, Norway  (3) Crotone (Calabria), Italy  (1) Porto Santo Stefano, Italy  (1) Kongsbreen Glacier Cruising — Captain’s Choice  (2) Caen (Normandy), France  (2) Dunkirk, France  (2) La Rochelle, France  (1) Rouen (Paris), France  (2) Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France  (4) Bodø, Norway  (2) Alta, Norway  (2) Höfn, Iceland  (3) Siglufjörður, Iceland  (1) Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland  (1) Tobermory, Scotland  (3) Ullapool, Scotland, UK  (1) Tilbury (London), England  (1) Klaipeda, Lithuania  (1) Vilagarcía (Santiago de Compostela), Spain  (2) Zadar, Croatia  (1) Select
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Experience A World Of Adventure With Seabourn’s New Fall/Winter/Spring 2023-2024 Expedition Itineraries To Antarctica, South Pacific, South America And More

SEATTLE, May 3, 2022 — Seabourn , the ultra-luxury ocean and expedition cruise line, is offering adventurous travelers an opportunity to reach the far corners of the globe with its new fall, winter and spring 2023-2024 expedition itineraries aboard its purpose-built, ultra-luxury ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit . These unforgettable journeys will set sail to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations in Antarctica, South America, the South Pacific, Indonesia, and more, offering travelers a chance to marvel at natural beauty, wildlife, remote locales, and places few have ever seen — in a style all its own.

Between September 2023 and April 2024, Seabourn Venture will operate 11 voyages, ranging from 14 to 24 days in length. Seabourn Venture will sail from Japan in September 2023 to provide in-depth expedition experiences throughout the South Pacific over the course of three months. These expeditions will highlight little-known but highly satisfying cultures, atolls, island chains and create once-in-a-lifetime and unforgettable Seabourn Moments. Seabourn Venture will reach New Zealand in December 2023, where the ship will make the rare trek south to Antarctica and spend two months exploring the “White Continent.” The ship will then continue to explore New Zealand and Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef before arriving in Bali at the end of March 2024.

On the other side of the globe, Seabourn Pursuit will offer 14 voyages ranging from 11 to 27 days. Beginning in late September 2023 after making the iconic trip across the Northwest Passage, Seabourn Pursuit will continue its inaugural year sailing along the West Coast of the Americas before making its debut in Antarctica for the holiday and winter season. In February 2024, the ship will sail a unique crossing from Argentina to Africa, which will include the Falkland Islands, a three-day South Georgia Experience, and a rare appearance at Tristan da Cunha & Ascension Islands before arriving in Cape Verde. Seabourn Pursuit will then make its way up the northwest coast of Africa and Europe to Greenwich (London) in April 2024.

"It is our privilege to open up the world to those who desire adventurous experiences, and we’re excited to unveil another round of expedition itineraries that reach into the more remote corners of the globe,” said Seabourn President Josh Leibowitz. “ Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit are setting a new bar for luxury expedition travel.”

Once-in-a-Lifetime Expeditions on Seabourn Venture Seabourn Venture will offer a myriad of unique experiences as it sails to Asia, the South Pacific and Antarctica. Itinerary highlights from its 2023-2024 fall/winter/spring season include:

• 22-Day from Kobe to Brisbane (Honiara): Seabourn Venture sails along the coast of Japan, visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki, on the way to Okinawa. The ship will then explore the beauty of Micronesia, where guests can enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, discover small and isolated villages, and learn about Micronesian and Polynesia cultures, traditions, arts and lifestyles. September 18 – October 10, 2023
• 14-Day from Brisbane (Honiara) to Guam: See a cross section of the South Pacific’s most beautiful islands, as the ship sails through the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, The Federated States of Micronesia, and Guam. Guests can explore the spectacular coral reefs of the region while snorkeling, scuba diving or partaking in an optional submersible dive. This voyage will visit some of the most remote and spectacular atolls that Micronesia has to offer. October 8-22, 2023
• Round-trip voyages from Christchurch (Lyttelton): Adventurers seeking a polar exploration can choose from two 24-day round-trip voyages departing Christchurch to visit the most remote and isolated part of Antarctica. Sailing around the area that was once the theater of the most glorious and infamous episodes of the golden age of early Antarctic exploration, guests can enjoy the vast wildness of the region in search of killer whales, seals and other magnificent marine mammals. December 17, 2023 – January 10, 2024 and January 10-February 3, 2024
• 14-Day from Christchurch (Lyttelton) to Melbourne: A voyage full of opportunities to encounter native wildlife, sail around the Solander Islands of southern New Zealand, home to 6,000 breeding pairs of Buller’s albatrosses, enjoy world-class whale watching in Kaikoura and go below the ocean’s surface in optional submersibles to visit with marine mammals, cold water reefs and the rocky seafloor of the South Pacific and the Tasman Sea. February 3-17, 2024
• 14-Day from Darwin to Benoa: Head from Australia into the reaches of Indonesia on this spectacular voyage full of natural beauty. See the elusive birds of paradise at dawn in Yenwaupnor, see the Komodo dragon in all its glory in Komodo National Park, and gaze upon the wonders of Pulau Wajag, which are sure to leave you speechless. Dive into the depths at Raja Ampat, one of the most spectacular areas in the world to scuba dive, where you can explore an underwater paradise of coral and rare marine species. March 16-30, 2024

Epic Adventures on Seabourn Pursuit Seabourn Pursuit will sail the waters of North and South America, head south to Antarctica and then east to Africa and Europe. Highlights include:

• 14-Day from Puntarenas to San Antonio: Discover the coastlines of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile aboard this enchanting voyage, where guests will cruise the Humboldt Current, home of the most productive maritime ecosystem on the planet. Zodiac cruises around the coast of Peru and Chile will uncover hundreds of thousands of birds that live there, and cultural attractions include the ruins of Chan Chan Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the “White City” of Arequipa in Peru, and Peru's capital city of Lima, amongst many more. October 15-31, 2023
• 18-Day from San Antonio to Buenos Aires (Ushuaia): Sailing the incredible maze of the Chilean Fjords, Seabourn Pursuit will navigate several of the largest and most scenic glaciers in South America before sailing 600 miles between South America and Antarctica across the famous Drake Passage in the company of hardy seabirds. Admire jagged glacier-covered mountains, watch gentoo penguins on shore going about their busy summer schedule, and kayak in Antarctica with a qualified guide paddling amongst curious swimming seals. Arrive in the southernmost part of Argentina, the perfect way to wrap an adventure with hiking, scenery, and history in Tierra del Fuego. October 31-November 18, 2023
• Round-trip voyages from Buenos Aires (Ushuaia): From November through February 2024, guests can select one — or more! — of eight round-trip voyages traveling between the tips of Argentina and Antarctica across the Drake Passage. A birdwatcher’s paradise, travelers will be awed by majestic albatrosses, whizzing prions, diverse petrels and many other seabirds that forage in the rich waters of the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean. Once in Antarctica, the ship will navigate past mazes and myriads of icebergs in search of seals resting on ice floes, whales foraging in the water, and thousands of penguins nesting for the summer season. Voyages range from 11 to 21 days. Departure dates: November 17, November 27, December 9, December 19, 2023, January 8, January 20, January 30, February 11, 2024.
• 27-Day from Buenos Aires (Ushuaia) to Cape Verde (Praia): Beginning in picturesque Tierra del Fuego in southernmost Argentina, this adventure begins in the main town of Ushuaia, great for hiking, scenery and history. The ship will then sail across the Atlantic Ocean, from the subantarctic waters of South Georgia across the Equator into the tropical seas surrounding Cape Verde. It will visit a series of islands including the Falklands, full of rich wildlife; Tristan da Cunha, one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world; and Ascension Island, a dormant volcanic island with fascinating geological formations. February 21-March 19, 2024
• 12-Day from Málaga to Greenwich (London): Embark on a culture-rich journey through picturesque European ports for a firsthand look at historic regions like Normandy, a storied WWII destination; Porto, the birthplace of Port wine; Paris, the City of Lights with no shortage of artistic treasures; Isle of Wight, famous for its rich maritime history; and charming Bruges, with its cobblestone squares and picturesque canals. April 2-14, 2024

New to the Seabourn fleet, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit will provide the same luxury small-ship experience with the addition of world-class equipment that allows the line to offer its widest range of expedition activities led by an expert 26-person team of scientists, scholars, naturalists, and more. The ships will offer complimentary Seabourn Expedition offerings such as Zodiac cruises, hikes, nature walks, scuba diving, and snorkeling, as well as additional curated complimentary excursions. In addition, the ships will offer optional shore excursions and optional Seabourn Expeditions with kayaking and two custom-built submersibles at select destinations. These experiences will provide close-up views of wildlife and natural scenery, as well as unforgettable intimacy with the underwater wonders of the ocean.

For reservations or more details, please contact a professional travel advisor; call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com . A dedicated shore excursion call center is available for guests at 1-800-984-3225.

About Seabourn: Ultra-luxury Seabourn currently operates a fleet of five modern ships with two under construction and is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, AIDA, P&O Cruises UK, and P&O Cruises Australia. Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK). Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage under a multi-year agreement to help promote sustainable tourism at World Heritage sites around the world. Our highest responsibility and top priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, team members, and the people and communities our ships visit.

Find Seabourn on  Twitter ,  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube  and  Pinterest .

Notes to Editors: Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world's top travel choices by professional critics and the discerning readers of prestigious travel publications such as  Departures, Travel + Leisure  and  Condé Nast Traveler . Its stylish, distinctive expedition cruising vacations are known for:

• Purpose-built expedition ships, PC6 ice-strengthened hull, with advanced maneuvering technology for superior stability, safety, and comfort
• World-class Expedition Team, delivering immersive experiences
• All veranda, all ocean-front suites luxuriously appointed
• Handcrafted itineraries developed for the expedition traveler to the most coveted and familiar remote destinations in the world
• Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere
• Intuitive, personalized service provided by staff passionate about exceeding guests expectations
• Inclusive expedition experiences with Zodiacs, scuba diving and snorkeling
• Optional expedition experiences with kayaks and custom-built, 6-guest submersibles giving the option to extend your expedition further for greater ocean exploration**
• Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
• Open bridge policy*, hosted by members of the Expedition Team providing firsthand access to the ship’s command center and officers navigating your journey
• World-class dining venues are all complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish
• Tipping is neither required, nor expected
• Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times
• Meticulous and purposeful adventurers’ resort at sea designed for the luxury traveler with unique attributes and spaces to enhance your experience
• Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program*
• Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability  

* At the Captain’s discretion ** Optional programs, for additional charge

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The Antarctic Peninsula is home to all the wonders of the White Continent. Majestic icebergs, immaculate ice floes, islands, and peaks whose names remind us of the expeditions of great explorers , penguins, seals, whales, and sea birds: treat yourself to a cruise on the Antarctic peninsula and explore this legendary territory alongside our passionate naturalist guides.

All about cruises Antarctic Peninsula

The Southern Adventure

The great adventure

• Last staterooms

Expedition to Southern Lands

Emblematic Antarctica

The Great Austral Loop

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The 5 highlights of a cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula

Approaching the deep South and the Antarctic Circle, sailing on the Southern Ocean to discover an iconic array of wildlife and enormous icebergs... Going on a cruise in Antarctica means embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. An adventure full of magical moments. Here are five highlights that add to the charm of a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula.

L'Essentiel de la péninsule Antarctique

Explore Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctica: the journey of a lifetime

Auks VS Penguins: the showdown

Postman in Port Lockroy

Sail through legendary waters

Located in the Furious Fifties, under the 50th parallel south, Drake Passage is one of the most turbulent navigation areas on the planet, as the maritime saying confirms: " Below 40 degrees south there is no law; below 50 degrees south there is no God ". Travelling through it in sometimes critical conditions, early 20th century explorers such as Sir Ernest Shackleton wrote the most incredible pages in Antarctic history . Upon reaching the end of the crossing, the White Continent is without doubt the most beautiful reward.

See diverse wildlife

An Antarctic cruise is full of by other-worldy moments. Spying a humpback or killer whale is the pinnacle of a journey through the waters of the ends of the Earth. When the Cape petrels and cormorants come from above to join their aquatic ballet, it's a true spectacle . Fur seals, leopard seals, Weddell seals, and elephant seals add an extra touch of magic to the scene. And it's far from over... the huge colonies of chinstrap penguins that nest on some islands are waiting to be discovered. .

Admire the majestic icebergs

Encountering the impressive icebergs of the Southern Ocean is among the memorable moments of an Antarctic cruise. In the Weddell Sea, tabular icebergs, which are perfectly square or rectangular in shape, can be a shock to the system. Like mirages, they drift in total silence, rousing a surrealist atmosphere. They may sometimes have jagged shapes, and may be tinted with exceptional shades of blue and green. Pushed by the currents, these giants of the seas seem to float there, tirelessly. Some twist, form powerful arches or peaks, and rise to dizzying heights. All emerge from the turquoise waters, are reflected on the calm sea, glisten in the sun, and offer a most poetic panorama.

Arrive at the most unusual place on the peninsula..

On the tiny Goudier Island, Port Lockroy is the most curious place on the Antarctic Peninsula. A former British base built during the Second World War, it has since become a museum and... the southernmost post office on the planet, surrounded by penguins. Four adventurers manage the post sent by visitors during their visits to the island.

A passion for Antarctic history

On some islands, the volcanic beaches of black sand are dotted with old and run down huts . They once welcomed men lured by the fruits of the whaling industry. In South Georgia, the remains of whaling stations serve as a reminder of a past in which hunting decimated populations of large cetaceans, leading to their near extinction. They cry out to us to ensure their preservation even today.

Dans notre imaginaire, les Grands Lacs américains ouvrent à des espaces infinis. De fait, les vastes forêts de conifères se patinent de teintes dorées lors de l’été indien, les immenses lacs se découpent en îles verdoyantes et en baies aux eaux turquoise, les rivières se décuplent en cascades… Avant de partir sur ces terres de légendes, voici quelques informations utiles .

• Amundsen Sea (Antarctica)
• Antarctic Peninsula (Antarctica)
• At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
• Balleny Islands (Antarctica)
• Bellingshausen Sea (Antarctica)
• Buenos Aires (Argentina)
• Crossing the Antarctic Circle
• Crossing the Drake Passage
• Crossing the International Date Line
• Expedition to Charcot Island (Antarctica)
• Grave Cove (Falkland Islands)
• Hobart, Tasmania (Australia)
• Macquarie Island (Australia)
• Marguerite Bay (Antarctica)
• Marie Byrd Land exploration (Antarctica)
• New Island (Falkland Islands)
• North Antarctic Peninsula (Antarctica)
• Port Stanley (Falkland Islands)
• Pourquoi Pas Island (Antarctica)
• Puerto Madryn (Argentina)
• Sailing on the Weddell Sea (Antarctica)
• South Georgia (South Georgia)
• South Orkney Islands (Antarctica)
• The Gullet (Antarctica)
• The Ross Sea exploration (Antarctica)
• The Weddell Sea exploration (Antarctica)
• Ushuaia (Argentina)
• Volunteer Point (Falkland Islands)

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Top 5 Luxury Expeditions to Antarctica 2024

Posted: March 11, 2024 | Last updated: March 11, 2024

Though most people don’t think of Antarctica as the destination for their next vacation, it is still pristine, remote, and filled with almost otherworldly beauty. Whether it’s untouched ice landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, or the surreal experience of visiting the Earth’s southernmost continent, there is far more to visiting Antarctica than you might initially expect.

There is an excellent opportunity for those looking for more luxury expeditions in this harsh and remote environment. These expeditions provide unparalleled comfort and style, making the inaccessible accessible without compromising the spirit of adventure. Today, we will journey with the top luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica to learn more about their unique offerings and features that often focus on sustainable travel practices to preserve Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem.

1. Seabourn Antarctica Cruises

For our journey’s first leg, we will be cruising the Antarctic Peninsula with 132 ocean-front suites, luxurious amenities, and custom-built submarines for underwater exploration. The Seabourn Antarctica Cruises represent the evolution of luxury expedition cruising, offering the perfect blend of adventure and opulence.

On this cruise, you will also find spectacular views of icebergs, glaciers, and marine wildlife. The best time to set out on this particular cruise is the austral summer months (November to March) for wildlife viewing and milder temperatures. Just ensure you don’t miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore beneath the ocean’s surface in one of their state-of-the-art submarines.

2. Magellan Explorer

Next, we’re off to the Magellan Explorer, which specializes in Antarctic air cruises, departing primarily from Punta Arenas, Chile. The Magellan Explorer is a modern expedition vessel with private balconies, a range of cabin categories, and state-of-the-art facilities. Explicitly designed for Antarctic air cruises, this experience provides a faster and more direct route to the continent than most of its competitors.

The Magellan Explorer offers an aerial view of the Arctic and a unique lens for Antarctic wildlife and dramatic landscapes. The peak season is during the austral summer months, especially December and January, for the 24-hour daylight provided. For the ultimate experience, opt for a cabin with a private balcony for unparalleled views of the Antarctic scenery.

3. National Geographic Explorer

We’re off to National Geographic Explorer for their expedition cruises along the Antarctic Peninsula. Part of the National Geographic fleet, known for its focus on exploration and education for travelers looking to balance their arctic adventure with a proper understanding of this wild tundra. These expeditions offer a range of activities like kayaking, hiking, photography workshops, and expert-led educational programs.

The surroundings of your expedition will be rich in wildlife encounters, including whales and penguins and stunning ice formations. The best time to visit is from November to March, with each month offering different experiences, from icebergs in November to wildlife in December to January. Just don’t forget to participate in the photography workshops by National Geographic experts to capture stunning Antarctic images.

4. Greg Mortimer

Named after a renowned Australian mountaineer, our next ship embodies the spirit of adventure. The Greg Mortimer cruises the Antarctic Peninsula and beyond with a variety of activities like kayaking, camping, and even stand-up paddle boarding. On the journey, diverse experiences range from crossing South Georgia to observing glaciers and icebergs.

For the best experience, go in the Antarctic summer, with different wildlife sightings possible each month. Make sure to try the unique experience of camping on the Antarctic ice for an unforgettable night in one of the least explored regions of the Earth.

5. Sea Spirit

For our last destination, we’re headed to the Sea Spirit for its expeditions along the Antarctic Peninsula. The Sea Spirit is known for its intimate and luxurious atmosphere focused on providing a more personal and immersive Antarctic experience. With kayaking, camping, and wildlife photography facilities, you’ll experience close-up encounters with penguins, whales, and dramatic ice landscapes.

The best time to embark on this journey is from November to March, with the late season (February to March) being less crowded and offering unique wildlife sightings. For this trip, use the ship’s smaller size for more intimate and less crowded landings.

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The post Top 5 Luxury Expeditions to Antarctica 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Piotrek Golemo.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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HX CEO urges greater sustainability transparency from expedition players

Hurtigruten expeditions publishes latest esg report and results.

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HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) has published its latest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, showcasing remarkable achievements in emissions reduction, environmental conservation, community engagement, and advancements in the people sector; all of which underscore HX’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices.

The results from the ESG report emphasise HX’s transparent, proactive and innovative approach to sustainability, aiming to set a benchmark for the industry to follow. HX also calls upon other players in the expedition cruise category to be transparent in their ESG efforts to help drive the positive change forward.

In 2023 HX, as part of Hurtigruten Group, received the best ESG Ranking of a Cruise Company from Morningstar Sustainalytics, and was the only cruise company to be awarded a Low ESG Risk Rating. Sustainalytics is one of the most reputable independent arbiters of ESG credentials and action.

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“Adventure travel serves as a catalyst for advocating on behalf of communities, environments, and wildlife impacted by climate change,” stated Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of HX . “Our responsibility lies in ensuring that these experiences are conducted responsibly.

“Recognising the carbon footprint inherent in our industry, our focus is on proactive measures to prevent emissions”.

“As we celebrate the milestones outlined in our ESG results, we call upon our industry peers to join us in prioritising transparency and accountability in our sustainability efforts. By openly sharing our progress and challenges, we can collectively drive meaningful change and ensure a more sustainable future for all.”

Highlights of the ESG report include:

• Emissions reductions : Reduced Scope 1 emissions per available guest night by 18% since 2022 (despite an accompanying 10% increase in distance travelled); 51% reduction of NOx emissions and 47% reduction of SOx emissions.
• Waste reductions: 20% reduction in total waste which, given increased sailings in 2023, translates to a more than 30% reduction in waste per available guest night. Additionally, water consumption on board has been reduced by 16% per guest, while food waste was reduced by 22%.
• Science achievements : Record year for the HX Science program, as more than 1,800 cruise nights were donated to scientists working on more than 30 different projects – from whale population health to microplastic measurements.
• Women in senior leadership : An increase from 29% to 41%** on-land
• Cadet program graduates : First Cadets graduating into ship leadership positions, just over one year after establishing the program.

Reducing Emissions and Protecting Nature

HX has made significant strides in cutting emissions and reducing waste throughout the past year. Despite a 10% increase in distance sailed, emissions per available guest night have been reduced by 18% compared to 2022. This achievement is attributed to HX’s investment in hybrid technology and energy optimization strategies. These include the implementation of optimized sailing routes, reduced sailing speeds, and the utilization of shore power in the port of Reykjavik.

HX has reduced waste by 20% overall through a combination of initiatives such as banning single-use plastic, reformulation of menus to reduce food waste and the provision of water bottles and refill stations for all our guests.

“The ESG report underscores our enduring commitment to environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and responsible tourism. We steadfastly pursue our mission to establish pioneering standards for expedition cruising while ensuring unforgettable experiences for our guests,” Skjeldam stated. Through 2023, HX has contributed significantly to science, donating more than 1800 cruise nights to scientists from institutions such as the University of Tasmania and the Friedlander Lab at University of Santa Cruz.

Additionally, guests demonstrated their support for HX’s sustainability efforts by actively engaging in citizen science initiatives. Through contributions such as uploading data on whale sightings and cloud formations to global monitoring efforts, they play a crucial role in environmental conservation. Furthermore, their participation in beach clean-ups has resulted in the removal of over three tonnes of waste from some of the world’s most remote areas.”

Maximising Community Benefits

All HX ships provide Green Stays*, a program where cabins are not serviced, and HX donates to the Hurtigruten Foundation in exchange. This initiative yields significant benefits, reducing water, electricity, and cleaning product usage by up to 43% per guest. In 2023, 26% of guest nights were green stays, up from 20% in 2022.

HX continues to prioritise community well-being and engagement, focusing on supporting the people and partners in the destinations they visit. The Hurtigruten Foundation has had a record year in guest contributions – raising over 800,000 euros in donations to distribute to over 71 different causes in the places to which they travel including:

• Investigating Humpback Whale population health in Antarctica
• Protecting Coral Reefs in Panama Through Local Stewardship
• Removing Hazardous Waste from Abandoned Whaling Stations on South Georgia

Skjeldam continued: “We consistently highlight responsible travel as a force for good, prioritising meaningful exploration and value creation over mass tourism. Initiatives such as supporting local schools, employing local talent, and engaging in charitable endeavours underscore HX’s holistic approach to community engagement,”

For HX highlights from the 2023 ESG report, click here .

For the full Group Report, click here .

For more information on HX’s sustainability efforts, go to the Hurtigruten Group website .

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India to Formally Announce Plans for New Antarctica Research Station at ATCM

India will inform the antarctic treaty consultative meeting of its plans to redevelop its maitri research station. the 46th atcm, held in kochi, will also discuss tourism regulation in antarctica, with 32,000 visitors reported in 2022-23. the meeting aims to address climate change impacts, biodiversity, and sustainable resource management in the icy continent. india has proposed pankaj saran for the role of chair of the 46th atcm, with over 350 delegates expected to attend..

India will formally convey to the governing authority of Antarctica its plans to develop a new research station in the icy continent when the body meets for its annual meeting in Kochi later this month.

The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environment Protection will be held in Kochi from May 20-30 where countries engaged in research in the southern polar region will share the outcome of their scientific pursuits and also their future plans.

''This year, we are going to inform the ATCM that we are planning to go for a revamp of our research station Maitri. Revamp means, Maitri is very old, we have to re-construct,'' M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, said in an interaction with PTI Editors here.

India has two active research stations – Maitri and Bharti - in Antarctica. The first research station, Dakshin Gangotri, set up in 1983, had to be abandoned after it sank in the snow.

Among the scientific community, Maitri, which was built about 35 years ago, is called a village, while the 12-year-old Bharti is a state-of-the-art facility with all the trappings of a luxury hotel, but without the elaborate staff.

''Our Maitri station was built more than 30 years back. So, it is now an old building. We have to rebuild the Maitri station. We are planning to rebuild the new Maitri station very near to the existing station. We will inform the ATCM about our plans,'' said Vijay Kumar, senior scientist in the Ministry of Earth Sciences and Head of the Host Country Secretariat of the ATCM.

He said the approval of the ATCM is required for any big activity in the Antarctic region.

Once the Maitri-2 research station is built, the Maitri station is expected to be turned into a summer camp and designated as a monument Also on the agenda of the ATCM are plans to regulate tourism in Antarctica, which is the Earth's only continent without an indigenous population and is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) which was signed in 1961.

For the 2022-23 season, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) reported 32,730 cruise-only visitors, 71,346 landed visitors and 821 deep-field visitors.

''The problem is that tourism in Antarctica is not properly regulated, so this year there is a discussion of the regulation of that,'' he said.

The last major decision on tourism was a measure passed in 2009 that prohibited cruise ships carrying more than 500 passengers from making landings in Antarctica.

Key items on the ATCM agenda include strategic planning for sustainable management of Antarctica and its resources; policy, legal, and institutional operations; biodiversity prospecting; inspections and exchange of information and data; research, collaboration, capacity building and cooperation; addressing climate change impacts; development of tourism framework; and promoting awareness.

India has proposed the name of senior diplomat and former Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Saran as the Chair of the 46th ATCM.

Over 350 delegates from more than 60 countries are expected to attend the ATCM and CEP meetings this year hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Oceanic Research (NCPOR) at Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre (LBICC) in Kochi.

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