"I have come to the conclusion that life in the Antarctic Regions can be very pleasant."
Robert F. Scott
EXPLORATION & ADVENTURE
QUICK FACTS
PASSENGERS: 90 to 490
GROSS TONNAGE: 2664 to 20,889
CREW: 60 to 160
CREW TO PASSENGER RATIO: 1.5-3.1
PASSENGER SPACE RATIO: 29.6-42.6
NUMBER OF SHIPS: 5
DESTINATIONS
Alaska, Antarctica, Galapagos Islands, Arctic Canada,
Northern Europe, South America, Svalbard
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WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT HURTIGRUTEN EXPEDITIONS
Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX) offers an unparalleled adventure for curious travelers seeking immersive, sustainable exploration. We love their expertly crafted itineraries that venture to remote destinations like Antarctica, the Galápagos, and the Arctic, bringing passengers closer to nature’s wonders. The knowledgeable expedition teams enhance every journey with engaging lectures on wildlife, history, and culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for each destination. HX’s purpose-built ships, such as the MS Fridtjof Nansen, combine modern comfort with eco-friendly hybrid technology, ensuring a luxurious yet responsible travel experience. Their all-inclusive packages, featuring zodiac cruises, kayaking, and complimentary amenities like Wi-Fi and jackets, add incredible value. The friendly, attentive staff cater to diverse needs, including those with mobility challenges, creating a welcoming atmosphere. With a legacy of exploration since 1896, HX delivers unforgettable, environmentally conscious adventures that inspire and educate, making every trip a journey of discovery.
QUICK FACTS
PASSENGERS: 28 to 138
GROSS TONNAGE: 1000 to 12,786
CREW: 15 to 116
CREW TO PASSENGER RATIO: 1.2-1.9
PASSENGER SPACE RATIO: 35.7-86.4
NUMBER OF SHIPS: 23
DESTINATIONS
Alaska, Asia, Arctic, Antarctica, Caribbean,
Mediterranean, Northern Europe & Iceland, Central America, South America, South Pacific
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WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS
Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, offers unparalleled adventure cruises to the world’s most remote destinations, blending exploration with comfort. We love their commitment to authentic, immersive experiences, guided by expert naturalists, scientists, and photographers who bring destinations like Antarctica, the Galápagos, and Greenland to life. Their fleet of 23 nimble, intimately-scaled expedition ships, including vessels like National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Delfina, enables access to secluded fjords, shallow rivers, and polar regions where larger ships cannot venture. This expansive fleet allows Lindblad to offer over 100 itineraries across all seven continents, from Alaska’s glaciers to Indonesia’s coral reefs. Their focus on sustainability, with initiatives like carbon neutrality and single-use plastic bans, ensures responsible exploration. With state-of-the-art tools like hydrophones and kayaks, Lindblad delivers transformative journeys that inspire curiosity and foster a deep connection to the planet’s wildest places.
QUICK FACTS
PASSENGERS: 684 to 1250
GROSS TONNAGE: 30,277 to 66,084
CREW: 400 to 800
CREW TO PASSENGER RATIO: 1.6-1.7
PASSENGER SPACE RATIO: 44.3-52.9
NUMBER OF SHIPS: 8
DESTINATIONS
Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Canada,
Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle East, Northern Europe,
South America, South Pacific & Tahiti
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WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT SILVERSEA EXPEDITIONS
Silversea Expeditions offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and adventure, making it a standout choice for travelers seeking immersive exploration. We love the intimate, all-suite ships like Silver Endeavour and Silver Origin, which provide spacious accommodations and personalized service with nearly one crew member per guest. The expert-led expeditions, guided by knowledgeable teams of biologists, geologists, and historians, bring destinations like Antarctica, the Galapagos, and the Arctic to life through Zodiac excursions, kayaking, and insightful lectures. The culinary experience is exceptional, with diverse dining options like the signature "hot rocks" steak and gourmet venues such as La Dame. Silversea’s commitment to sustainability ensures responsible travel in pristine environments. From seamless logistics, like the Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise, to the thrill of encountering wildlife up close, Silversea Expeditions delivers unforgettable, high-end adventures that cater to curious travelers.
QUICK FACTS
PASSENGERS: 378
GROSS TONNAGE: 30,150
CREW: 256
CREW TO PASSENGER RATIO: 1.5
PASSENGER SPACE RATIO: 79.8
NUMBER OF SHIPS: 2
DESTINATIONS
Antarctica, Arctic, Great Lakes, Canada, South America, Longitudinal World Cruises
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WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT VIKING EXPEDITIONS
Viking Expeditions captivates adventurers with its unparalleled blend of luxury, exploration, and innovation. These voyages offer intimate access to the world’s most remote destinations, from the icy fjords of Antarctica to the rugged coasts of the Arctic, aboard state-of-the-art expedition ships designed for comfort and discovery. Guests revel in immersive experiences, guided by expert scientists and historians who bring each destination to life. A standout feature is the fleet’s special operations boat, a nimble vessel enabling thrilling shore excursions to secluded bays and pristine beaches. Equally impressive is the submarine, offering a rare glimpse into the underwater world, allowing passengers to explore vibrant marine ecosystems in unparalleled comfort. With all-inclusive amenities, including gourmet dining and enriching lectures, Viking Expeditions redefines adventure travel, seamlessly blending luxury with the thrill of discovery in the planet’s most awe-inspiring regions.
QUICK FACTS
PASSENGERS: 264
GROSS TONNAGE: 23,615
CREW: 223
CREW TO PASSENGER RATIO: 1.2
PASSENGER SPACE RATIO: 89.5
NUMBER OF SHIPS: 2
DESTINATIONS
Amazon, Antarctic, Arctic, Northwest Passage, The Kimberly, South Pacific
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT SEABOURN EXPEDITIONS
Seabourn Expeditions redefines luxury adventure, blending unparalleled comfort with immersive exploration. Their purpose-built, PC6 ice-strengthened ships, like Seabourn Venture and Pursuit, offer intimate voyages to remote destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Amazon. What sets Seabourn apart is their elite 23-person expedition team of scientists and naturalists, curating personalized experiences like Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and optional submarine dives for up-close wildlife encounters. All ocean-front suites, most with private verandas, provide lavish retreats, while complimentary gourmet dining, premium spirits, and caviar elevate the onboard experience. Unique touches, like the Polar Plunge and Caviar on the Ice, create memorable moments amidst stunning landscapes. With nearly 30,000 square feet of open deck space and advanced technology like 4K GSS Cineflex cameras, Seabourn ensures optimal wildlife viewing, making every journey a seamless blend of adventure and ultra-luxury unmatched by other expedition cruise lines.
QUICK FACTS
PASSENGERS: 184 to 270
GROSS TONNAGE: 9976 to 31,757
CREW: 118 to 215
CREW TO PASSENGER RATIO: 1.3-1.6
PASSENGER SPACE RATIO: 54.2-117.6
NUMBER OF SHIPS: 13
DESTINATIONS
Antarctica, Arctic, Asia, Great Lakes, Canada, Central America, Caribbean, South America, Pacific Islands, Australia & New Zealand, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Africa & Indian Ocean
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT PONANT EXPEDITIONS
Ponant Expeditions stands out among cruise lines for its unparalleled blend of luxury, adventure, and environmental stewardship, particularly on its North Pole itinerary aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker. This PC2-class vessel navigates thick Arctic ice, allowing passengers to reach the elusive 90° North, a feat few achieve, while enjoying gourmet dining by Alain Ducasse, spacious suites, and wellness amenities like heated pools and a spa. Unlike other expedition lines, Ponant’s smaller ships ensure intimate, personalized experiences, with expert naturalist guides—glaciologists, biologists, and ornithologists—enhancing exploration through Zodiac landings and educational lectures. The North Pole itinerary, departing from Longyearbyen, offers wildlife sightings (polar bears, seals, whales) and unique activities like kayaking among ice floes. Ponant’s commitment to sustainability, using LNG-powered ships and supporting polar research, sets it apart, making every voyage a luxurious, eco-conscious adventure to the planet’s most remote frontiers.
