How to choose your luxury Antarctica cruise

It doesn’t get more exotic or remote than Antarctica; land of icebergs and penguins and the modern world’s final frontier. The first (and most important) step of planning a luxury Antarctica cruise is deciding on a ship. We’ve done your homework for you and whittled it down to our four favorites…

Make no mistake, any expedition cruise to Antarctica – with its vast landscapes and mesmerizing wildlife – will blow your mind, and you will definitely see icebergs, glaciers, and plenty of wildlife. But, at the same time, your choice of vessel will have a major impact on where you go, what you see, who your guides are and how comfortable your experience is.

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Mesmerizing Antarctic beauty

St. Helena - Classic character with a mission-led spirit

A voyage to Antarctica aboard the St. Helena offers exceptional value without compromising on character or capability. Originally built to serve one of the most remote communities on Earth, the former RMS St. Helena is a British-built and flagged vessel with a remarkable legacy of resilience and global connection. Following an extensive £8 million refurbishment in 2022, she now sails as a uniquely capable small expedition ship in the Terra Nova Expeditions fleet—rich in history and truly one of a kind. Designed for immersive exploration, the St. Helena combines comfortable accommodations with a welcoming onboard atmosphere and a full suite of adventure options to enhance your time in the Polar Regions. From dramatic glaciers and towering icebergs to unforgettable wildlife encounters, sailing aboard the St. Helena is not only an adventure of a lifetime, but also a chance to be part of something bigger.

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The St. Helena. (Courtesy Photo)

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The St. Helena features many inviting social spaces with great panoramic views. (Courtesy Photo)

Magellan Explorer – For the modern adventurer

The Magellan Explorer is a modern expedition vessel that offers seven types of cabins and suites, most of which offer private balconies. Custom-built to the latest Polar Code specifications in 2019, not only is the Magellan Explorer the ideal adventure vessel, this also means that each and every cabin includes heated floors - a true Antarctic luxury! 

This ship, with a total intimate capacity of just 73 guests, features an enclosed lounge boasting spectacular views of the surroundings, a library, a spacious and stylish dining room and bar, a well-equipped gym, a sauna, and a unique forward-facing observation deck. The Magellan Explorer was specifically designed for Antarctic air-cruises, meaning guests fly over the Drake passage both ways, and the 73-passenger limit means all guests can arrive and depart on just one flight, effectively streamlining the boarding process and reducing wait times sometimes experienced with other, larger vessels.

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The impressive Magellan Explorer. (Courtesy Photo)

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One of the inviting cabins aboard the Magellan Explorer. (Courtesy Photo)

Plancius – Educational and adventurous

Cruises on the Plancius (and her sister ship the Ortelius) start from Ushuaia in Argentina before crossing the Beagle Channel and the Drake Passage. From there you can explore a combination of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Polar Circle and the sub-Antarctic islands (South Georgia, Elephant & Falkland Islands). All cruises are at least 10 days long and, due to the distance covered, you can expect to see an array of marine and avian life during your trip. Constructed in 1976, the Plancius was used by the Dutch Navy until it was rebuilt as a passenger ship in 2009. The ship offers room for 116 guests and it upholds high levels of safety, including an ice-strengthened exterior. The 53 comfortable cabins are each equipped with private bathrooms and showers, and the ship boasts a pleasant restaurant, spacious decks, and an observation lounge. While the Plancius offers guests an enjoyable stay, it is not a luxury vessel and visitors should try to spend as much time as possible ashore exploring the region’s spectacular landscape. Camping and kayaking are optional activities when you book a cruise on the Plancius.

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The Plancius. (Courtesy Photo)

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A porthole cabin aboard the Plancius. (Courtesy Photo)

Ocean Explorer - Innovative and comfort-forward

Sailing to the polar regions aboard the Ocean Explorer is a refined and forward-thinking way to experience Antarctica or the Arctic. Modern, elegant, and purpose-built for expedition travel, this 138-passenger vessel incorporates the latest advancements in polar ship design. At the front of the ship, a dramatic two-story glass library floods the space with natural light, offering panoramic views and a serene place to reflect between excursions.

Cabins are spacious and styled with bespoke Scandinavian design, and nearly all include private verandas so you can take in icy landscapes from the comfort of your own room. Onboard amenities elevate the experience further, with a well-equipped gym, a sauna framed by expansive windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis perfect for soaking while surrounded by glaciers and sea ice. Multiple outdoor decks and generous viewing platforms make wildlife spotting and photography effortless, while a fleet of 15 Zodiacs ensures quick, efficient disembarkation for landings and off-ship exploration. With advanced sustainability systems and fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines, Ocean Explorer pairs comfort and innovation with responsible expedition travel—allowing you to explore the world’s most remote frontiers with confidence and style.

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The modern Ocean Explorer. (Courtesy Photo)

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A spacious and luxurious cabin aboard the Ocean Explorer. (Courtesy Photo)

Greg Mortimer - Intimate and expedition-focused

Expedition travel reaches new heights aboard the Greg Mortimer, a purpose-built vessel designed specifically for voyages to Antarctica and the most remote corners of the planet. The Greg Mortimer is a true floating base camp—combining cutting-edge marine technology with thoughtful expedition design. This ship delivers a smooth, efficient ocean crossing, even in challenging polar conditions. Expansive observation decks bring you closer to towering ice cliffs and wildlife-rich shorelines, while welcoming communal spaces foster connection among fellow travelers and expert guides.

With a maximum of just 130 guests per voyage, the experience remains intimate and immersive. The ship’s 76 comfortable staterooms all offer ocean views, and 85% include private balconies, which is perfect for taking in passing glaciers or spotting whales from your own space. Onboard, you’ll find inviting lounges, modern lecture facilities, and impressive environmental credentials that reflect Aurora’s deep commitment to responsible exploration. The Greg Mortimer has helped redefine contemporary expedition cruising, blending innovation, sustainability, and adventure into one remarkable polar experience.

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The Greg Mortimer. (Courtesy Photo)

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Take a dip in one of the jacuzzis onboard the Greg Mortimer. (Courtesy Photo)