Expedition Ships

Our selection of small and luxury expedition cruise ships for exploring the polar regions

What is an Expedition Ship?

An expedition ship is a purpose-built vessel that allows you to visit remote and off-the-beaten-track destinations, often in the polar regions. These ships are built for adventure and equipped to navigate through ice, rough seas, and extreme conditions.

Unlike traditional cruise ships, expedition ships are smaller, with less than 200 passengers, so you can have a more personal and immersive experience. Whether you’re heading to Antarctica or the Arctic, an expedition ship is the perfect combination of exploration and comfort.

Expedition Cruise Ships

Le Commandant Charcot

5*
245
PC2
Join the world’s first luxury icebreaker and visit the most remote places in the polar regions, including the first-ever expedition to the Geographic North Pole.

Silver Endeavour

5*
200
PC6
One of the most luxurious expedition ships ever built, Silver Endeavour combines unparalleled comfort on board with an exceptional expedition experience. It is perfect for those who want authentic exploration in 5-star luxury.

Scenic Eclipse 1

6*
200
1A Super
For those who want to explore the polar regions in ultimate comfort with multiple dining options on board, Scenic Eclipse 1 offers expeditions in 6-star luxury.

Scenic Eclipse 2

6*
200
1A Super
For those who want to explore the polar regions in luxury with multiple dining options on board, Scenic Eclipse 2 offers expeditions to the polar regions in unmatched comfort.

Ultramarine

4*
199
1A+
Ultramarine is an actual explorer ship, perfect for those who want to maximize their expedition experience with plenty of activity options. The ship’s helicopters offer unique flightseeing and heli-hiking experiences. Ultramarine’s design and expert involvement adds to the overall adventure.

World Explorer

4*
172
1B
A small expedition ship with a large fleet of Zodiacs and lots of activities wraps around the exterior deck, has an outdoor pool and hot tubs, and has a sauna and observation lounge on the top deck.

Silver Wind

5*
274
1C
Elegant and classic in style, Silver Wind offers excellent dining, butler service, door-to-door service, and luxurious cabins. It is perfect for those who want to pamper themselves with a spa, outdoor pool deck, and observation lounge.

Silver Cloud

5*
240
1C
Luxury expedition ship with pool deck, suites and fine dining options. 20 Zodiacs means Silver Wind is the perfect choice for those who want to explore in luxury.

Le Soleal

5*
200
1C
For those who want laid-back luxury, this stylish, small ship is perfect for expeditions from New Zealand to the Ross Sea in Antarctica.

Le Boreal

5*
200
1C
This ship has well-appointed cabins, an exterior pool, and a spa for guests who want laid-back comfort. It is also great for solo travellers, with no single supplement on selected cruises.

Le Lyrial

5*
200
1C
This ship has well-appointed cabins, an exterior pool, and a spa for guests who want laid-back comfort. It is also great for solo travellers, with no single supplement on selected cruises.

Le Austral

5*
200
1C
This ship has well-appointed cabins, an exterior pool, and a spa for guests who want laid-back comfort. It is also great for solo travellers, with no single supplement on selected cruises.

Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Ocean Explorer

4*
132
PC6
One of the newest additions to the fleet, Ocean Explorer features the latest X-Bow design. As one of the small expedition ships, it allows you to explore the polar regions from the Arctic to Antarctica in an intimate group with all the comforts of a larger ship.

Sylvia Earle

4*
132
PC6
Perfect for exploring the most off-the-beaten-track places and corners of the polar regions in a small group. The ship features the new X-bow design, cabins with balconies and a large observation lounge at the bow.

Greg Mortimer

4*
132
PC6
Great for travellers who want to do activities in remote places, the ship has a great activities programme, including sea kayaking, ice diving, and camping. The comfort level is high, and the added bonus is a small group size.

How To Choose Your Expedition Cruise Ship

There has never been a better time to do an expedition cruise with the greatest choice of ships available. Here is a list of things to consider to help you choose the best expedition cruise ship.

  • Number of guests. Smaller ships offer a richer experience with more shore landings and more time to explore (that’s why we only recommend ships with under 300 guests).
  • Activity options. Ships offer different activities, from kayaking, camping, and flightseeing with onboard helicopters.
  • Number of Zodiacs. We recommend travelling on a ship with enough space in the Zodiacs for all guests simultaneously.
  • Itinerary. Different ships offer different voyages, and your choice of ship will depend on your preferred cruise itinerary.
expedition cruise ship in Antarctica

Expedition Ship Design and Features

Expedition ships are designed for functionality, safety and comfort. One of the key features is an ice-strengthened hull that can withstand the polar regions. The design also considers stability and manoeuvrability with features like the Ulstein X-BOW, which reduces fuel consumption and provides a smoother ride. These ships have all the amenities you need for a comfortable journey, including Zodiacs for landing in remote areas, observation decks for wildlife watching and well-appointed staterooms to relax. Whether you’re sailing through icebergs or exploring secluded fjords, expedition ships are built to handle the most extreme conditions.

Ocean Explorer

Expedition Cruise Destinations

Polar bear in Svalbard Spitsbergen on the sea ice edge

Expedition cruise ships travel to the most remote and beautiful places on Earth: the polar regions, Antarctica, and the Arctic. These destinations offer wildlife in its natural habitat, including curious penguins, polar bears, and whales. Expedition cruises also visit remote islands, fjords, and coastlines to explore untouched landscapes and experience the thrill of discovery. Whether trekking on the icy tundra or kayaking in pristine waters, an expedition cruise is the ultimate adventure in the wildest places on Earth.

Onboard

The onboard experience on an expedition cruise ship is comfortable, informative and engaging. Passengers can enjoy fine dining, a wellness centre and a library. Expedition ships also have a team of naturalists and guides who give presentations and insights into the destinations. The onboard experience is also social, where you can meet and mingle with fellow travellers and share stories of the day’s adventures. With a focus on sustainability, many expedition cruise ships also have environmentally friendly technologies such as reduced fuel consumption and waste management systems to minimize their environmental impact. Whether in the observation lounge or attending a lecture on local wildlife, the onboard experience is designed to enhance your journey and connection to the places you visit.

indoor pool and relaxation area

Need Help Choosing the Right Ship for You?

Luxury Expedition Cruises Le Comandant Charcot in the sea ice

Our selection of luxury expedition cruise ships, icebreakers, and small ships has been hand-picked by our team of polar experts with years of firsthand experience. We only recommend the best ships with the best operators who deliver the best expeditions. We’ve done the leg work, so you don’t have to.

With so many ships to choose from, if you need help deciding which ship is suitable for you, please get in touch. We’d be happy to discuss the ship options and itineraries and find the best price for your expedition cruise.

Do you need help planning your expedition cruise?

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Your Guide To Exploring The Polar Regions

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