Choosing a Luxury Antarctic Cruise
Our Antarctica cruise experts have already selected only the finest vessels with the highest level of service for the discerning traveler. Here are some of the criteria used to help travelers decide which luxury class cruise to choose. 
 
Small vs. Large Cruise Ships
One of the biggest factors when choosing an Antarctic cruise is the size of the cruise ship. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) guidelines dictate that ships with over 500 passengers cannot take passengers on shore, so larger ships spend several days cruising through scenic scapes, but without setting foot on Antarctica. Whereas with a small ship, we simply board a zodiac and land where the guide determines optimal. Other reasons we only offer cruises on small ship are because they have the ability to go further south through deeper ice, have more knowledgable, specialized guides, superior lectures, and cruisemates highly interested in the geography, natural history and wildlife of Antarctica. Here are our top choices for small luxury ships:

• National Geographic Orion: 102 passengers
• Hebridean Sky: 114 passengers
• Silver Explorer: 132 passengers
• National Geographic Explorer: 148 passengers
• Le Boreal (CDP): 260 passengers

Cruise Length and Itinerary
Our luxury Antarctic cruises vary in length from 6 to 23 days departing from Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile. Most cruises are around 12 days long, and depart from Ushuaia, pass Drake's Passage, Cape Horn and onward to the Antarctic Peninsula where travelers spend 4-7 days exploring the white continent. Longer trips of 18-23 days additionally sail to the Falkland Islands and the wildlife rich South Georgia before setting sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.    

Antarctic Fly/Cruise vs. Traditional Cruise
If you have limited time, then a flight/cruise combination where you fly from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George's Island to save a few days of sailing the high seas in transport. On King George's Island we board the Hebridean Sky where days 3-6 of the itinerary are spent sailing between South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula before returning to King George's Island for the flight back to Chile.

If you have specific departure dates in mind, these may guide your decision, as availability for Antarctica cruises can be quite limited. If not, then you will want to consider the following factors, among others:

Size of the vessel - Some travelers prefer the intimacy of small group travel that often means more time with the guide, more efficient embarkation/ disembarkation, and a cozier feel on board. Boats with fewer travelers (50 or less) also tend to offer more adventure options such as scuba diving, kayaking, and camping. Other travelers prefer the relative spaciousness (cabins still tend to be small on most boats!) and added facilities (Jacuzzi, gym, pool, etc) of the larger boats. Often, though not always, the larger boats tend to have more luxury amenities and also be more expensive for similar itineraries.

Itinerary - Many of the yachts offer a similar range of itineraries. However, some offer more diversity than others. If you have a special interest such as visiting South Georgia, crossing the circle, or traveling to the Falklands, let our trip coordinator know.

Cost - The cost of Antarctica voyages varies tremendously. If you are working within a specific budget, let our trip coordinators know so that we can match you with the very best cruise. Size of cabins, length of itinerary, facilities on the boat, etc. can all impact the cost. Once we know your priorities, we can help you find the best option!

Special interest - Some vessels offer special cruises for divers, kayakers, climbers, campers, photographers, etc. If you have a special interest, please let us know.

• 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. 
• Aurora Expeditions officially launched Sylvia Earle and Greg Mortimer, two passenger ships equipped with the ground-breaking ULSTEIN X-BOW®, which improves ship stability in rough seas, increases ship speed, and has a lower environmental effect. They also offer combined cruise/flight vacations, with one leg being a flight and the other being a cruise.