12 Sep New Antarctic & Arctic Ships
New Antarctic & Arctic Ships
Alex Burridge – Managing Director – Antarctica Travel Centre
For many years the choice of ship in Antarctica & the High Arctic was largely limited to soviet owned expedition ships built in the 1970s and 80s. They worked well and offered access to the ends of the world with experienced captains and crew.
Approximately ten years ago several cruise ships were converted to enable them to travel to the Polar regions and not long after several more luxury cruise operators entered the market. In the last few years several purpose-built expedition ships have also launched.
With the growth in tourism to Antarctica, in particular, there has recently been a boom in the building of new ships, both luxury and expedition.
There are several benefits to these new builds:
-They are all purpose built for travel to Antarctica and the High Arctic
-They offer better and easier access to zodiacs
-They have purpose built mud rooms (where you can get ready for the elements)
-Comfortable cabins built for international travellers (not scientists or crew)
-More efficient engines using less fuel and producing lower emissions
-Better on-board waste management facilities
-Utilise up-to date technology
Here is a brief summary of the new ships that will start (or may have already commenced) operating cruises in Antarctica or the High Arctic over the next two seasons.
*Denotes the level of emphasis on Expedition or Luxury
Greg Mortimer
Launched: 2019 Number of Guests: 132 Style: Expedition***/Luxury**
Magellan Explorer (Fly Cruise)
Launched: 2019 Number of Guests: 73 Style: Expedition**/Luxury**
Hanseatic Inspiration
Launching: 2020 Number of Guests: 199 Style: Expedition**/Luxury***
HONDIUS
Launched: 2019 Number of Guests: 176 Style: Expedition***/Luxury*
World Explorer
Launched: 2019 Number of Guests: 176 Style: Expedition***/Luxury*
National Geographic Resolution
Launching: 2021 Number of Guests: 126 Style: Expedition**/Luxury**
Le Commandant Charcot (Icebreaker)
Launching: 2021 Number of Guests: 180 Style: Expedition*/Luxury***
National Geographic Endurance
Launching: 2020 Number of Guests: 126 Style: Expedition**/Luxury**
Ocean Victory
Launching: 2020 Number of Guests: 189 Style: Expedition**/Luxury*
Le Bellot
Launching: 2020 Number of Guests: 200 Style: Expedition*/Luxury***
Sylvia Earle
Launching: 2021 Number of Guests: 132 Style: Expedition***/Luxury**
Many of these ships have Early Booking Offers . Click on the buttons below to see all the Early Booking Offers currently available for Antarctica and the Arctic
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