Antarctica Expedition Ships & Onboard Life
Antarctica is sailed by small, ice-strengthened expedition ships built for landings and learning — not big-ship glitz. We match the right one to how you want to explore.
What to expect aboard
Small, ice-strengthened ships
From under 100 to about 500 guests — the smaller the ship, the more time ashore under the 100-passenger landing rule.
Zodiacs & expert guides
A fleet of zodiacs and a team of naturalists, historians and biologists lead landings and cruises among the ice.
Optional adventures
Sea kayaking, camping on the ice, snowshoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and the polar plunge, depending on the ship.
Comfort between landings
Warm cabins (many with balconies), good dining, lounges and observation decks — comfortable bases for wild days outside.
Enrichment aboard
Daily briefings, lectures and photography guidance bring the ice, wildlife and history of exploration to life.
Polar gear & prep
Ships provide expedition parkas and loan boots, and brief you fully on IAATO wildlife and biosecurity rules.
Smaller ships mean more landings and a more intimate expedition; larger ones add comfort, stabilizers and amenities but less time ashore. Luxury expedition ships now offer suites, spas and even submersibles.
Antarctica sells out a year or more ahead and the best cabins go first — we lock in the right ship, cabin and departure for your voyage.
Match a ship to your trip
Tell us your dates, whether you’d like South Georgia and how you feel about the Drake Passage, and we’ll match the expedition ship and voyage — with up to five free, no-obligation quotes.
Get up to 5 free Antarctica cruise quotes