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Best Antarctica Small Ships

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Your experience in Antarctica will be largely influenced by the ship that you choose since you will be spending most of your time onboard. Also, the quality of guides, cooks and crew members can vary significantly, which will have a major impact on your cruise. Adventure Life has been sending satisfied travelers to the Antarctic for years, and has selected only the best ships which provide superior experiences. We only use small ships instead of large cruise ships that can carry thousands of passengers. Small ships provide a much more intimate experience for all, enabling travelers to access small bays in zodiacs and sea kayaks in addition to hiking and even camping on the Antarctic peninsula. Contact one of our Antarctic cruise experts for help choosing the right ship for you.
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Sylvia Earle
$13,395
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Sylvia Earle

Designed for low-impact voyages featuring a fuel-efficient Ulstein X-Bow®, reduced air emissions and light pollution, and virtual anchoring for protection of the sea floor. The ship honors the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. This ship will channel her marine-conservation ethos into a fully immersive on-board guest experience, not only in the Polar regions but in other destinations as the ship sails between the Arctic and the Antarctic.
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Greg Mortimer
$12,795
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Greg Mortimer

With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines arctic expedition cruise for the future. Robust, robust, and designed with guests in mind, this ship represents a major increase in the capability of polar sailing.
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Ultramarine
$15,395
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Ultramarine

New in 2021, the Ultramarine is designed with an ice rating of 1A+, PC6, making it one of the most capable polar exploring vessels on the planet. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size.
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National Geographic Resolution ship
$15,020
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National Geographic Resolution

New in 2021, The National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation 126-passager expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration in comfort with an extremely smooth ride even on the world's roughest, most demanding seas. National Geographic is legendary for immersive trips focusing on the ecology of the polar regions.
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$8,445
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MS Seaventure

Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice class rating ? the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. This means that she will be able to explore Antarctic coves, bays, and channels that would previously have been forbidden.
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Magellan Explorer
$5,995
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Magellan Explorer

The Magellan Explorer is one of the world's newest expedition ships, specifically intended for Antarctica. The ship provides a stylish base for its guests, combining exciting expeditions and boutique hospitality.
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Ocean Albatros
$8,295
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Ocean Albatros

Featuring a capacity of 175 passengers, the Ocean Albatros offers a unique adventure sailing to exciting destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and more. Experience shore landings, excursions, lectures, and whale safaris on every expedition.
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Ocean Victory ship
$6,995
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Ocean Victory

Accommodating 174 passengers as it sails along Antarctica, the Ocean Victory offers a unique adventure. Experience shore landings, excursions, lectures and whale safaris for every expedition.
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Ocean Nova
$4,995
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Ocean Nova

The Ocean Nova (previously called Sarpik Ittuk) was built in 1992 at the Ørskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship was upgraded in 2000 and significantly refurbished once again in 2006.
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National Geographic Endurance
$17,140
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National Geographic Endurance

National Geographic Endurance, a purpose-built cruise ship capable of year-round operations in the arctic regions, with the highest ice class rating (PC5 Category A) ever achieved by a cruise ship of its size (126 guests). The sloping X-bow is designed to decrease movement in the roughest of seas and also results in higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions for less environmental impact.
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Sea Spirit (PO)
$10,095
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Sea Spirit

Explore polar regions in style and comfort aboard the all-suite Sea Spirit. Providing spacious accommodations for a maximum of 114 passengers, the Sea Spirit also provides the maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of a small ship.
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M/V Hondius
$6,300
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MV Hondius

The MV Hondius ship is designed to sail to the polar regions as much as possible while impacting them as little as possible accommodating 174 passengers cruising to Antarctica.
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L'Austral
$12,930
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L'Austral

The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral links tradition and innovation, cruising to worldwide destinations in luxury.
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World Explorer
$11,195
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World Explorer

The World Explorer is a polar expedition cruise ship designed to accommodate 176 passengers. The ship offers an extraordinary level of service, including abundant space for guests and multiple public areas to relax based on passengers’ individual travel styles.
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M/V Ortelius with Helicopter
$7,700
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Ortelius

The ice-strengthened vessel Ortelius is an excellent ship for Polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica, providing us with possibilities to adventure remote locations such as the Ross Sea in the Antarctic and Franz Josef Land in the Arctic.
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SH Vega
$15,894
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SH Vega

5-star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.
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$12,970
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Le Lyrial

The sleek, intimate Le Lyrial sails under the French flag and entrances her passengers with her contemporary decor, comfortable suites, and refined ambiance. Her elegant design allows her to be an ideal sailing vessel.
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$6,700
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MV Plancius

Built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2008, the MV Plancius is fully equipped for polar expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica, and accommodates 112 passengers in 54 comfortable cabins.
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