How the Number of Guests can Affect your Antarctic Cruise

Ocean Nova is a modern and comfortable vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, and her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. The vessel has capacity for 72 passengers accommodated in simple and comfortable outside cabins.

The Magellan Explorer is a purpose built polar expedition vessel who set out on her maiden voyage in November 2019.  She offers almost exclusively Fly-Cruise voyages from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island on the Antarctic Peninsula.  The Magellan Explorer is capable of carrying 100 guests, however she will take just 73 passengers on her fly cruise voyages. Not only does this allow all the guests for one cruise to arrive and depart on the same flight, but it also allows all guests to get off the ship for excursions quickly and efficiently.

National Geographic Orion is a modern, elegant ship with an intimate ambiance. The window-lined main lounge and library offer spectacular views while the expedition community are gathered each evening for cocktails and a recap of the day’s activities. High atop the vessel, the cozy observation lounge is ideal for taking in the 270º views, or you might choose to brave the outdoor bar (with ambient heaters) on the same deck. The 53 cabins accommodate 102 guests and all are exterior, with most featuring picture windows that connect you with the Antarctic landscape.

The Sea Spirit was built in Italy in 1991. She’s a very comfortable, ice-strengthened, small (114 guests) expedition ship. The vessel was updated in late 2010 and had additional refurbishment in April 2017. All suites have private facilities and exterior views. Some of the suites feature private balconies for enjoying fantastic landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctica.

The Ortelius was originally the Marina Svetaeva. Built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, it served as a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Later it was re-flagged and renamed after the Dutch/Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius, who in 1570 published the first modern world atlas. The Ortelius can accommodate 108 guests and has an abundance of open-deck spaces for watching wildlife and the impressive scenery as you sail past.

Launched in 2020, the National Geographic Endurance is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose built for polar navigation. The Category A vessel is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened ship designed to navigate polar-passages and uncharted waters all year round. The Endurance has a capacity of 126 guests and is designed to provide an extremely smooth ride in even the most adverse of conditions.

National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation for 128 guests. Identical to National Geographic’s first polar newbuild, the Endurance, she is a fully stabilised, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel. She is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort.

The Greg Mortimer commenced her first season in November 2019, setting a new level in luxury and expedition cruising focusing on multiple landings, flexible itineraries and environmental sensitivity. She is purpose built, polar expedition vessel designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists. Up to 132 guests are accommodated in staterooms with en-suite facilities. The ship has custom-built hydraulic platforms offering guests unobstructed views, a dedicated activity platform and an indoor observation lounge with unobstructed panoramic views. The outdoor top deck allows for 360 degree views.

This purpose built expedition vessel, honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle, and is the sister ship to the revolutionary Greg Mortimer. Accommodating on average 126 guests for each voyage, those lucky enough to experience an Antarctic journey can be assured of comfort and luxury coinciding with exploration and adventure.

The Ocean Explorer is a purpose built expedition vessel.  Accommodating on average 138 guests for each voyage, those lucky enough to experience an Antarctic journey can be assured of comfort and luxury coinciding with exploration and adventure. She has the revolutionary Ulstein X BOW hull design and features a distinctive Glass Atrium Lounge at the bow of the ship with a stunning panoramic view on both port and starboard side. The Ocean Explorer also features a lecture theatre and lounge, in addition to a swimming pool and jacuzzi where you can admire impressive scenery while watching the world go by.

The Heritage Adventurer (formerly the MS Hanseatic) is a modern, ice-strengthened Antarctic cruise ship purpose built for polar waters in Rauma Finland. She not only has the highest ice class rating (Lloyds 1AS), she also offers unmatched stability and superior speed to get you to your destination and out exploring. Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure.

National Geographic Explorer was completely redesigned and rebuilt prior to being relaunched in 2008. The ship is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions. The Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 spacious outside cabins, most with feature windows and some with balconies. Public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, fitness centre and sauna, and a choice of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine.

Seaventure can accommodate 164 guests but to enhance the experience the ship will only be carrying a maximum of 149 guests in 67 well appointed staterooms and suites. She features a 1-A Super ice class rating — the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. This enables Seaventure to explore coves, bays, and channels inaccessible to other ships. She also offers a host of facilities including a sauna, a fitness center, a custom-built citizen science lab, and heated saltwater pool.  The common areas are beautifully appointed, and the ship has two kitchens, including one on the Lido deck for al fresco dining when weather permits.

Setting sail in 2025, the Douglas Mawson is a new state-of-the-art ship and the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising. Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, this new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes on average 154 adventurers to the world’s wildest places in smooth, quiet comfort.

The SH Vega is a 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offering you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage. She made her maiden voyage in July 2022, and carries a maximum of 152 guest in 76 cabins. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible.  For the comfort of guests, suites have a separate living room and bedroom. All staterooms are equipped with spacious wardrobes and bathrooms.

Launched in 2019, the World Explorer is fully equipped to venture south to Antarctica. Taking 176 guests every cabin has either a private walk-out balcony or a Juliet balcony for direct ocean views as well as en-suite bathroom. There are plenty of public areas to relax after a day filled with excursions including the glass domed observation lounge, the explorer lounge and a dedicated lecture theatre where the educational program is conducted. There are health and wellness facilities featuring an outdoor running track, small gym, sauna and spa.

The Hondius (176 guests) launched in June 2019. She has an Ice class rating of 6, the most advanced to date. The Hondius offers deluxe accommodation for a total 176 guests. One deck has been entirely reserved for lectures and presentations in one large observation lounge. The ship’s main focus remains discovery, taking advantage of wildlife opportunities and the related shore activities. Efficient zodiac embarkation is guaranteed with two separate gangways and in addition a zodiac embarkation indoor-platform which can also be used for special activities such as kayaking.

The Ocean Albatros, made her maiden voyage in 2022, she has the revolutionary X-bow design for more stability and comfort along with being environmentally considerate in all aspects. A total of 93 cabins can accommodate up to 189 guests, all featuring ocean views, 90% with their own balconies. Two restaurants serve up high-quality cuisine along with a Nordic inspired bar to spend your nights enjoying the incredible Antarctic scenery passing you by. Fill in your time at sea with visits to the wellness area (with a gym and a spa), listen to lectures in the modern lecture lounge and soak up the sun (with your coat on) on the open deck dining facility.

The Ocean Victory, completed in 2020, has a revolutionary X-bow design for more stability and comfort along with being environmentally considerate in all aspects. A total of 93 cabins can accommodate up to 189 guests, all featuring ocean views, 90% with their own balconies. Two restaurants serve up high-quality cuisine along with a Nordic inspired bar to spend your nights enjoying the incredible Antarctic scenery passing you by. Fill in your time at sea with visits to the wellness area (with a gym and a spa), listen to lectures in the modern lecture lounge and soak up the sun (with your coat on) on the open deck dining facility.

The newest addition to the Swan Hellenic fleet, SH Diana, combines cutting-edge technology with stylish, sophisticated design. The ship’s special ice-resistant PC6 hull means it’s able to visit some of the world’s most inaccessible regions. With a capacity of 192 guests, this new generation polar class ship features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views, a spectacular grand staircase, and dedicated expedition facilities, so you can explore the world in style and comfort. Whether you’re taking in remarkable scenery from the panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, this outstanding 5-star ship has you covered.

The Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Ultramarine accommodates 199 guests and is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters to offer 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. With two dining areas, four bars, a panoramic lounge, theatre, library, spa and fitness centre, Polar boutique and an ocean-view sauna, your days at sea can be as busy or relaxing as you decide.

Purpose-built (2007) as an expedition cruise ship, MS Fram is an exceptional base camp for explorers. On board, comfort is a top priority (she was fully upgraded in 2022), so after a day of exploration you can relax in a hot tub, dine in your choice of two restaurants or at the outdoor BBQ and catch up with your fellow guests with a cocktail in hand as you watch the scenery glide past in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. In the Science Centre, at the heart of the ship, you’ll discover more about the places you sail to and listen to talks by the Expedition Team.

The Le Boreal (200 guests) was launched in May, 2010. She features elegant design and innovative state-of-the-art marine technology. The vessel boasts a convenient layout, aided by three passenger elevators. She offers a single seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theatre, as well as an ample and comfortable gathering area and library.

L’Austral (200 guests) was launched in May, 2011 and is a sister ship to Le Boreal.  She features 132 staterooms offering elegant design as well innovative state-of-the-art marine technology. The vessel boasts a convenient layout, aided by three passenger elevators. She offers a single seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theatre, as well as an ample and comfortable gathering area and library.

Following the signature Ponant style, the Le Lyrial is an elegant way to travel throughout the Antarctic region, effortlessly combining luxury and intimacy whilst focusing on guest’s well being. Exterior and interior lines combine to ensure that all of the 200 guests on board enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable journey, with no necessity spared. Guests can enjoy the perfect balance between shore excursions and excitement on board to make your journey to the Southern most Continent simply unforgettable.

The Scenic Eclipse I (200 guests) was launched in 2018 she is a purpose built luxury ship designed with very high standards to explore the Polar regions.  She is Polar Class 6-rated, the Discovery Yachts feature a strengthened hull, forward bow thrusters, and a cutting-edge electronic Azipod propulsion system for comfortable and secure navigation. She also has customised stabilisers which are 50% larger than many other ships, ensuring greater stability on the open sea.

Designed as a sister ship to Scenic Eclipse I, Scenic Eclipse II features enhanced wellness experiences in the Senses Spa and a new Sky Bar and Vitality pool on Deck 10. Scenic Eclipse II will sail the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere in 2024 and 2025, including the next frontier of East Antarctica, Australia, the South Pacific and Asia. Scenic Eclipse II has a capacity of 200 guests and offers spacious and elegant suites, an impressive selection of cuisines, and an almost 1:1 crew to guest ratio.

The Silver Endeavour brings new meaning to luxury in the Antarctic. Featuring 100 breathtaking suites to accompany up to 200 guests, you may never want your time on board to end. The ships sleek design fits all the specifications of Polar Class 6 enabling the Silver Endeavour to reach the farthest corners of the Earth. Choose to dine from one of the six Michelin-level restaurants on board or spend sea days in one of the many other on board lavish public places. The ship is set to have a whole fleet of expedition toys including a fleet of 18 zodiacs, a submersible and two helicopters ready to take you on an adventure.

Spacious yet intimate, the yacht-like Silver Cloud carries 240 guests in incomparable comfort and style combining spacious ocean-view suites and private verandas with excellent dining and entertainment options. Silver Cloud epitomizes a vision of world-class cruise accommodations, cuisine, service and amenities. The Silver Cloud is equipped with a fleet of zodiacs and expert guides to escort you on excursions from the ship.

The Silver Wind is a modern and luxurious ship providing cosy ambiance for the 240 passengers on board (she has capacity for 254 passengers but only takes 240 to Antarctica). Originally built in 1995 a major upgrade in December 2018 saw Silver Wind looking better than ever. A second refurbishment in November 2021 saw her benefitting from a strengthened ice-class hull. She is timelessly elegant and full of opulence throughout all of her 6 passenger decks. Her new and improved strengthened ice-class hull makes for ease and adaptable sailing through the Polar Regions for whatever the conditions may bring.

Seabourn Pursuit (264 guests) is designed and built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards and includes modern hardware and technology that will extend the ships’ global deployment and capabilities. It carries two custom-built submarines, 24 Zodiacs, kayaks, and a 24-person expert Expedition Team enabling guests to engage in up-close wildlife encounters, off-the-beaten path excursions, and enriching cultural experiences. A fully-inclusive “yacht” like experience, Seabourn Pursuit blends state-of-the art capability with world-class service and luxury. Seabourn Pursuit proudly entered service on August 12, 2023.

Seabourn Venture was launched in July of 2022, designed and built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards. She includes a plethora of modern hardware and technology that will extend the ship’s global deployment and capabilities. This ship features an innovative design, created specifically for the ultra-luxury expedition traveller. She is also designed to carry a complement of double sea kayaks as well as 24 Zodiacs that can accommodate all onboard guests at once, which will allow for a truly immersive experience. Venture accommodates 264 guests in her 132 all veranda, all ocean-front suites.

The Le Commandant Charcot combines the top tier of luxury with sustainable development at the heart of the design. Equipped with 135 luxury staterooms, the Le Commandant Charcot is setting a new level for opulence in the polar regions. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to relax and unwind on-board with an abundance of social areas to choose from ranging from two pools (indoor and outdoor), a beauty corner, theater, three different lounges, multiple reception areas and different restaurants to choose from. What makes the Le Commandant Charcot so special is her ice-breaking capabilities allowing her to travel to the furthermost, remote reaches of the globe whilst still experiencing unprecedented luxury.

Ocean Nova is a modern and comfortable vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, and her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. The vessel has capacity for 72 passengers accommodated in simple and comfortable outside cabins.

The Magellan Explorer is a purpose built polar expedition vessel who set out on her maiden voyage in November 2019.  She offers almost exclusively Fly-Cruise voyages from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island on the Antarctic Peninsula.  The Magellan Explorer is capable of carrying 100 guests, however she will take just 73 passengers on her fly cruise voyages. Not only does this allow all the guests for one cruise to arrive and depart on the same flight, but it also allows all guests to get off the ship for excursions quickly and efficiently.