For the traveler looking for an all-round exceptional Antarctica experience, luxury Antarctic cruise ships are the obvious choice. Choosing between them, however, is what proves difficult. In this article, we have handpicked the very best luxury Antarctic cruise ships at sea and provided objective insight into each so that you can confidently choose the one you want to sail with to the White Continent. Read on to find out which ones can take you below the ocean’s surface in their very own submarines, which ones have the most knowledgeable specialist guides, and which ones ensure that everything from the meals to the entertainment is just as epic as seeing Antarctica itself.
Seabourn Pursuit / Venture – 264 pax
© Seabourn
Seabourn has long been among the most highly regarded luxury cruise companies which probably has a lot to do with its appealing mix of taste (in both design and destination) and five-star service. Having been sailing to Antarctica for over 10 years, Seabourn has established itself among the seasoned expedition cruises and honed its Antarctic itineraries to perfection. In 2023, the company celebrated the launch of Seabourn Pursuit, its second expedition cruise ship after the Venture launched in 2022. Somehow, whilst being impeccably equipped for expeditions, they still exceed their sister ships in style and luxury.
Seabourn Pursuit Highlights
© Seabourn
– Submarine exploration: get the rare and exciting opportunity to observe whales, penguins, seals, and other creatures living below the Antarctic Ocean’s surface
– All-veranda suites: every suite has a private veranda and floor-to-ceiling windows for the best in-suite views offered by any cruise ship
– Complimentary premium drinks: including spirits, fine wines, and cocktails throughout the cruise
– Seabourn Conversations: fascinating informal talks and lectures by expedition team members about their specialist subjects and all things Antarctica
– Seabourn moments: sometimes spontaneous and sometimes thoughtfully curated moments created by crew to celebrate guests and make them feel special
The Itinerary
– Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula via Falklands and South Georgia
– Antarctica to Africa including Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, Falklands, South Georgia, Saint Helena, Cape Verde, Senegal, Morocco
Favorite Onboard facilities
- Eight extraordinary dining options
- Custom-built submarines
- Four jacuzzis
- A spa with sea-view saunas
Ultramarine (Quark Expeditions) – 199 pax
© Quark Expeditions
Ultramarine by Quark is a purpose-built expedition ship that has everything an Antarctic cruiser could ask for, plus a little more. Granted its exterior wouldn’t win it any beauty pageants, but the interior exudes modern elegance from its restaurants and lounges to its balconied suites. Since Quark are specialist in expedition travel, the ship lives up to the company’s name and exceeds expectations with ready rooms, a Polar Boutique, and its very own pair of exploration helicopters. Ultramarine’s spa, library, and Panorama Bar provide space to relax and unwind between adventures.
Ultramarine Highlights
© Quark Expeditions
– Twin-engine H145 helicopters: take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly above Antarctica for a viewpoint very few visitors have the privilege of having
– The Library: this cozy and quiet nook filled with books about everything from Antarctic wildlife to Antarctic history is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring
– Antarctic camping: brave the White Continent’s harsh elements on an overnight camping trip beneath the stars (with all necessary gear and a few luxuries provided of course!)
– Keep a photographic journal: after your cruise is complete, you’ll receive a photographic journal created by the Quark photographer as a heart-warming keepsake
The Itinerary
Ushuaia – Antarctic Peninsula (via the South Shetland Islands)
Favorite Onboard facilities
- Exploration Helicopters
- Polar Boutique
- Spa and sea view sauna
- A library filled with books on nature and exploration
- Ready rooms to keep outdoor gear in
Silversea Wind – 274 pax
© Silversea
With three expedition ships all bound for Antarctica come summer, including the Endeavour, Cloud, and Wind, Silversea is a staple on the luxury Antarctica cruise ships scene. Although the 220-passenger ship Endeavour is the newest addition to the fleet, the slightly larger Silversea Wind remains our favorite thanks to its unique facilities (see the Silversea Highlights) and its unbeatable dining and bar options. Seasonal cuisine-restaurant Le Dame is as chic as its name suggests while the Dolce Vita bar is as sultry as its name suggests. While each of the ship’s spaces is given its own charming personality, there are nods to classic nautical themes throughout the vessel making it all the more attractive.
Silversea Wind Highlights
© Silversea
– The Zagara Beauty Salon: while many Antarctic ships feature spas, few feature a beauty salon where you can get your hair and nails done after an adventure in the snow
– Endless entertainment: as well as informative talks and presentations from the expedition crew, the Show Lounge puts on everything from solo performances to full-scale productions
– The Photo Studio: another unique feature for Antarctic cruises, this studio allows budding photographers to retouch, print, and display their photos
– Sail from pole to pole: that’s right, Silversea Wind’s itinerary continues from Antarctica to Longyearbyen in the Arctic Circle, allowing guests to scale the Earth’s length in one epic trip
The Itinerary
– Puerto Williams (Chile) 10-15 day round trip featuring Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Sound, and Shetland Islands
– Puerto Williams to Longyearbyen, Norway, 125 days via Argentina, Brazil (including the Amazon), Northwestern Africa, Atlantic Europe, United Kingdom, and Scandinavia
Favorite Onboard facilities
- Kayaks and zodiacs
- Terrace dining
- Outdoor jacuzzi and pool
- Coinnoisseur’s Corner (for cigars and cognac)
Scenic Eclipse – 200 pax
© Scenic Eclipse
The Scenic Eclipse is an ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship that takes voyagers deeper into the Antarctic experience. While most ships sail only as far as the Antarctic Peninsula, the Eclipse’s itineraries take it into the Antarctic Circle, along the east coast, and into the Weddel Sea. With opportunities to fly above Antarctica and delve beneath it, the cruise doesn’t hold back when it comes to excursions and experiences either. And if that wasn’t enough to give this incredible vessel due credit, it also features 10 dining experiences and 9 bars, which could just award it the ‘Most Well Catered’ award for luxury Antarctica cruise ships.
Scenic Eclipse Highlights
© Scenic Eclipse
– Helicopters and submarines: the Eclipse is endowed with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure guests have a truly immersive Antarctic experience
– Alternative itineraries: choose to set sail to Antarctica from New Zealand and follow a more intrepid path than most cruise itineraries take
– An extensive spa facility: Covering 550m2, the Senses Spa features saunas, steam rooms, yoga studios, a plunge pool, and a gym for maximum relaxation on board
– The choice of Asian cuisine: With 10 dining spaces onboard, there’s something to curb your cravings at any time of day, but Sushi @ Koko’s, the Night Market teriyaki grill and Koko’s Asian Fusion restaurant give Eclipse guests a special taste of excitement
The Itinerary
– Antarctica to Buenos Aires, including the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Shetland Islands, Ushuaia
– Antarctica to Buenos Aires, including the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Ushuaia
– Antarctica to Valparaiso, including the Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Chilean Fjords, Castro, Puerto Montt
– Antarctica to New Zealand, including Queenstown, Milford Sound, Ballery Islands, Macquarie Island, Hobart
Favorite Onboard facilities
- Submarine
- 10 dining and 9 bar spaces
- The steam room and plunge pool
- Extra-large stabilizers
Our top picks
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VIEW TRIP >>Viking Octantis – 378 pax
© Viking Cruises
Launched in January 2022, the Octantis is Viking’s first expedition ship, making it a relative newcomer to the Antarctic Cruise Club. Yet, Viking’s signature Scandi design has once again allowed it to set itself apart from competing luxury vessels and become a quick favorite. While most Antarctic cruise vessels don’t exceed 250 guests, the Octantis distinguishes itself as one of the bigger, more lively Antarctic ships with a 378 pax capacity. Granted, suite sizes are narrower, but without compromising their luxury amenities. Besides, stunning public spaces on this ship like the Explorer’s Lounge with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows suggest you’ll be rarely home.
Viking Octantis Highlights
© Viking Cruises
– The Explorer’s Lounge: a refined double-decker lounge taking the prime position at the fore of the ship with angled windows wrapped around it for exceptional sea views to accompany the live music
– A larger capacity: with more guests per cruise than most Antarctic ships, the Octantis is praised for its refined social atmosphere that few Antarctic cruises afford
– Scandinavian style: the Octantis is a shining example of Viking’s Scandinavian design consisting of light wood finishes, simplistic lines, and the occasional Nordic pattern
– The Science Lab: a lab developed with the University of Cambridge for the onboard scientists to do research alongside guests during the expedition
The Itinerary
– Antarctica including the Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia, and South Georgia (on selected itineraries)
– Antarctica to Greenland including Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, USA, Canada
Favorite Onboard facilities
- Outdoor lounge area with fire
- Aula and Finse Terrane panoramic auditorium
- The Nordic Spa
- The science lab microscopes
Secure your place on the best luxury Antarctica cruise ships
While each of the five cruise ships we have chosen as our top picks for a luxury Antarctica tour are special in their own way, they all guarantee an experience of a lifetime. Hopefully one stands out to you like a pearl in the ocean, but if one is yet to sway your vote, TLA’s Antarctica travel specialists can teach you more about the experience they offer. Only accessible during the southern hemisphere’s spring and summer, these seasonal luxury Antarctica cruises sell out fast. Get in touch to secure yours now by contacting us HERE, or picking up the phone and calling toll-free on +1 855 217 9045.
