Choosing the perfect ship for your Antarctic adventure is crucial. Size, price and general feel are incredibly important. But what are our personal favorites?
Whether you're on a budget or looking to splurge, we’ve gathered some of our favorite cruise ships across different price ranges.
I’ve personally sailed on four of the six ships in this list. The other two have been sailed on by other members of the Antarctica Guide team here.
Our Low Budget favorites
1. Hondius
There are a few reasons why I love Hondius. For those seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on experience, the Hondius is a fantastic choice.
I really can’t think of a more well equipped and modern ship at the same budget price point in Antarctica.
This ship is designed to offer an adventurous, comfortable journey at an affordable price. Hondius is an ice-strengthened vessel, perfect for polar exploration, and it accommodates 170 passengers, keeping the experience personal and immersive.
What we love about Hondius is that it focuses on active expeditions, offering zodiac landings, kayaking, and even mountaineering options. On top of this you get a stunning observation lounge and dedicated zodiac boarding area.
The ship may not be the most luxurious, but it’s modern, eco-friendly, and provides a great platform for exploring the Antarctic wilderness while keeping costs manageable.
Another excellent budget option is the MS Expedition. I sailed on this ship in 2019 and absolutely loved the vibe on board.
With a capacity of 134 passengers, this ship offers an intimate experience for those who want to balance affordability with a solid Antarctic adventure. The feel onboard is relaxed and social, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers.
Because it is one of the cheapest options on the market, it is a great option for solo travelers wanting to meet like-minded people.
There is nothing luxurious about the MS Expedition, but it gets the job done. The ship offers all the essentials for a comfortable journey, including spacious cabins, cozy lounges, and a friendly expedition team that leads activities like zodiac landings, wildlife watching, and educational lectures.
The MS Expedition is certainly not about fancy extras, but it’s reliable and affordable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to focus on the incredible landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica.
Our Mid-Budget Favorites
3. Greg Mortimer (and Slyvia Earle)
The Greg Mortimer, and its sister ship, Sylvia Earl, are possibly my favorite ships operating in Antarctica.
This is largely due to how much you get for your money. The cabins are excellently sized, the observation lounges offer floor to ceiling windows and you get two jacuzzis and a sauna and two restaurant options!
These ships offer ultramodern designs, featuring theX-Bow, which slices through waves for a smoother and more fuel-efficient ride. With space for just 132 passengers, you get a personal, immersive Antarctic experience without the crowds.
The onboard cabins are high quality, as is the fine dining, and excellent expedition team. Zodiac cruising, kayaking, and hiking are regularly offered, and you can expect knowledgeable lectures and briefings from the expert crew.
For a ship with all the modern amenities and a clear focus on exploration, Greg Mortimer (and Sylvia Earle) is hard to beat.
I have not personally sailed on the Ocean Explorer, but my colleague has and he absolutely loved it!
In his own words, he said:
“The Ocean Explorer is a superb expedition vessel that has all the modern comfort you could need, plus incredibly advanced technology.
Specifically designed for polar expeditions, it features a reinforced, ice-class hull that navigates safely through Antarctic waters. With a capacity for around 170 passengers, the ship offers an intimate atmosphere, allowing for more personal interaction with expert guides and a flexible itinerary that maximizes landing opportunities.
Onboard, we really enjoyed the panoramic lounges, spacious cabins, and fine dining options. We also loved the vessel’s dedicated science center which, with the help of the expedition team, gave us the opportunity to try some hands-on science!
The Ocean Explorer really does a great job at balancing safety, luxury, and adventure”.
5. Seaventure
For me, the Seaventure is one of the more luxurious ships in the mid-range price point. Although not a modern vessel, the Seaventure definitely packs a punch compared to many of its competitors in the same price bracket.
Accommodating 139 passengers, Seaventure features an elegant atmosphere with spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and excellent service.
The staff and expedition team onboard are always incredibly friendly and this is probably the ship with the best atmosphere that I have sailed on.
For those looking for a bit more comfort in the mid-range category, the Seaventure offers a five-star experience in the heart of Antarctica.
The Seaventure has a high expedition staff-to-passenger ratio, and with only 139 guests, you get a lot of time ashore.
Our Top Budget Favorites
For those looking to experience the ultimate luxury while exploring the frozen continent, the Silver Endeavour offers an unparalleled level of opulence and is the most luxurious ship I have sailed on.
Designed for the discerning traveler, this ultra-luxury ship accommodates only 200 guests, ensuring an exclusive experience.
From gourmet dining crafted by world-class chefs to butler service in every suite, the onboard experience is nothing short of five-star!
The cabins are lavishly appointed, and the ship offers exceptional amenities, including a spa, gym, library, and multiple fine-dining options.
But the Silver Endeavour doesn’t skimp on adventure either. Guests can enjoy helicopter flights, zodiac excursions, and kayaking amid Antarctica’s dramatic landscapes.
Plus, the highly qualified expedition team is always on hand to provide fascinating lectures and insights into the polar environment.
For those willing to invest in a luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic expedition, I can’t recommend the Silver Endeavour enough!
Conclusion
Whether you're a budget traveler looking for a thrilling Antarctic adventure or seeking the ultimate luxury, there’s a cruise ship to match your needs.
I have certainly not sailed on every ship in Antarctica, and there are plenty of great ones. My advice is to speak to our expert partner using the form on this page.
Our Antarctic partner works with every single operator and ship in the Polar regions and can give you clear and unbiased information to get you the right trip.
