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Are you looking for the best expedition cruise ship? In this blog post, the team at Polar Escapes use their firsthand experience and expertise to compile a list of the world’s best expedition cruise ships.
Expedition cruises offer a journey to explore extraordinary destinations on the planet such as the Arctic, Antarctic, Galapagos Islands, and other remote regions.
This post covers:
- A list of all expedition ships, including price range and style.
- Top ship recommendations from Polar Escapes
- It will help you to compare all the ships
- It will give you all the necessary information to help you choose the right ship.
From the wilds of Antarctica to the Great Lakes, the vibrant culture of Hawaii and New Zealand, and the sea lions of the Galapagos Islands, these are the best expedition ships to take you exploring.
Remember that you can book all the ships in this article with Polar Escapes. We offer the best rates and include our helpful advice free of charge. Search the largest range of expedition cruises to the polar regions.
Let’s get started.
1.Le Commandant Charcot
Style: Luxury, Polar Exploration
Guests: 245
Price Range: $$$$$
The world’s only purpose-built luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot’s unique capability opens up a world of polar exploration. From expeditions voyages to the Geographic North Pole and East Greenland’s unexplored sea ice to Antarctica’s Wedell Sea in the springtime, Le Commandant Charcot can explore places in the remote polar regions that other ships can only dream of. The sailing experience on this vessel allows passengers to engage closely with nature and adventure, offering unique encounters with wildlife and the thrill of navigating lesser-known waters.
Polar Escapes: Top Choice
‘Its sheer capability and the range of unique voyages into the pack ice set this ship apart. We have travelled on Le Commandant Charcot, and the onboard experience is out of this world. There are plenty of places to take in the views of the sea ice, from a panoramic lounge bar to an outdoor heated lagoon.’
2. Ultramarine
Style: Comfort, Adventure
Guests: 199
Price Range: $$$$
Launched in 2021, Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition vessel equipped with two twin-engine helicopters that add another dimension to the expedition experience. The ship combines new levels of comfort with a world-class guide team. It’s ideal for travellers who want high comfort levels but don’t want to sacrifice Adventure.
Polar Escapes: Highly Recommended
‘Ultramarine stands out to us for its helicopter flightseeing, which is not offered by any other ship and is included in the fare. Imagine landing in remote locations that are otherwise inaccessible, and that is where this Ultramarine excels. The ship has an excellent range of activities, from sea kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding, and always attracts great reviews from our guests.’
3. Sylvia Earle
Style: Comfort, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 130
Price Range: $$$$
Sylvia Earle features the new X-bow, designed for improved stability and fuel efficiency in polar regions. This compact expedition vessel is purpose-built around the expedition experience, with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs so all guests can explore off-ship simultaneously.
New itineraries for 2025 explore Iceland, The Northwest Passage, Greenland and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Polar Escapes: Highly Recommended
‘Sylvia Earle is a great choice for travellers seeking an intimate experience. The ship offers one of the best selections of activities in the polar regions, from sea kayaking to polar diving and snorkelling.’
4.Sea Spirit
Style: Classic, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 114
Price Range: $$$
Sea Spirit is a classic expedition ship and a perfect option for travellers who prefer an older-style ship. At 114 guests, It is one of the smallest ships in the polar regions. Sea Spirit delivers an intimate experience that allows all guests to explore off-ship simultaneously.
Choose from small-ship voyages to explore Svalbard, East Greenland, Antarctica and South Georgia.
Polar Escapes: Highly Recommended
‘We always recommend the smallest ship size for the best experience, and Sea Spirit does that. The small group size allows for lots of flexibility. We love the classic look of this ship, and guests frequently comment on the outstanding and personal service they receive.’
5. Magellan Explorer
Style: Comfort, Small-Ship, Adventure, Fly-Cruise
Guests: 76
Price Range: $$$$
Magellan Explorer specialises in air cruises that explore the Antarctic Peninsula. Fly across the Drake Passage and join the ship on King George Island. The ship is one of the smallest ships in Antarctica for the ultimate experience that delivers high levels of comfort.
Polar Escapes: Highly Recommended
‘Magellan Explorer is our go-to ship for Antarctica fly and cruise expeditions. Its compact size and intimate group numbers ensure guests spend more time off the ship exploring.’
6. Heritage Adventurer
Style: Classic, Adventure
Guests: 140
Price Range: $$$$
Heritage Adventurer is a classic expedition cruise ship with the highest ice class rating (1A Super), one of the few ships exploring East Antarctica. The ship carries 140 guests per voyage and includes a deep exploration of the Ross Sea region, famous for the historic huts of Shackleton and Scott.
Polar Escapes: Highly Recommended
‘Heritage Adventurer is the perfect-sized ship to explore the lesser-visited east side of Antarctica. The expedition guide team’s experience and the ship’s capabilities make this our top choice for exploring the Ross Sea.’
7. Scenic Eclipse 1 + 2
Style: Luxury, Adventure
Guests: 228
Price Range: $$$$$
Scenic Eclipse 1 and 2 are almost identical sisterships. These 6-star discovery-style yachts bring a new level of luxury to the polar regions. With 10 different dining experiences, all-balcony suites, and a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1, they ensure exploring with luxury at its finest. Equipped with two helicopters and a submersible, these ships are game-changers for small-ship luxury expedition cruises.
Polar Escapes: Highly Recommended
‘Scenic Eclipse 1 & 2 are our go-to options for the most luxurious experience in the polar regions. With exciting itineraries to Antarctica and the Arctic, we highly recommend these expedition vessels for top-end luxury.’
8. Ocean Explorer
Style: Comfort, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 138
Price Range: $$$$
One of the newest expedition cruise ships, Ocean Explorer, offers an intimate experience with a maximum of 138 guests. The majority of cabins have private balconies. There is a choice of 2 dining options.
The ship has a fleet of 15 Zodiacs and four loading docks to ensure minimal waiting times when joining Zodiac rides and shore landings. New fuel-efficient engines and waste management systems give this ship great environmental credentials.
Polar Escapes: Highly Recommended
‘Ocean Explorer is highly rated by the team at Polar Escapes for its compact size and elegant Scandinavian interior. The on-deck jacuzzis and the sauna with a panoramic view are perfect for taking in your surroundings.’
9. Le Boreal, Le Soleal, L’ Austral, & Le Lyrial
Style: Luxury, Adventure
Guests: 200 (Antarctica)
Price Range: $$$$
These four sisterships were built for luxury expedition cruising in the polar regions. Each ship has its own distinct French flair and colour scheme. Onboard, there are two dining options, including fine dining in the gastronomic restaurant. All staterooms are well-proportioned and have a private balcony to take in the views. The ships all feature an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness centre.
Polar Escapes: Highly Recommended
‘The sisterships offer luxury expedition cruising at great value. Many cruises have cabins available for single travellers at no extra cost, making these ships our top choice for solo travellers.’
See Le Boreal, Le Soleal, L’Austral and Le Lyrial
10. Silver Endeavour
Style: Luxury, Adventure
Guests: 144
Price Range: $$$$$
One of the most expensive expedition cruise ships ever built, Silver Endeavour is designed around the luxury experience. From opulent suites to gourmet dining, this ship caters to the discerning traveller. Each suite has butler service, and there is a choice of five restaurants onboard. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the large indoor pool covered by a glass atrium.
Polar Escapes: Highly Recommended
‘Silver Endeavour offers previously unseen levels of luxury in the polar regions. We highly recommend this ship to guests looking to indulge during their expedition.’
11. Douglas Mawson
Style: Comfort, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 154
Price Range: $$$$
New for 2025, Douglas Mawson is a slightly larger version of Sylvia Earle and Greg Mortimer with more solo cabins and exciting itineraries to explore the remote Ross Sea region in Antarctica.
For those seeking warmer waters and remote excursions, Papua New Guinea is a must-visit destination offering unique opportunities for exploration in largely untouched regions.
12. Greg Mortimer
Style: Comfort, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 130
Price Range: $$$$
An excellent choice for activities, Greg Mortimer has one of the most comprehensive activity programs in the polar regions, including skiing, climbing, sea kayaking, and polar diving.
13. Ocean Albatross
Style: Comfort, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 169
Price Range: $$$$
Launched in 2023, Ocean Albatross offers many amenities, including an outdoor pool and hot tubs, a panoramic sauna, and a gym. Its X-bow design reduces emissions by up to 50%, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious travellers.
14. Ocean Victory
Style: Comfort, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 193
Price Range: $$$$
Ocean Victory, launched in 2021, features a modern Scandinavian design. Like its sistership, Ocean Albatross, it features an X-bow design. Most suites have balconies with ocean views, and a selection of solo cabins are available with no single supplement.
15. World Explorer
Style: Comfort, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 170
Price Range: $$$$
Launched in 2019, World Explorer is a purpose-built expedition ship offering excellent comfort and exciting activities. Standout features include a domed observation lounge with outstanding views, an outdoor pool, and balconies or Juliette balconies in all suites.
16. SH Diana
Style: Luxury, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 192
Price Range: $$$$
Launched in 2023, SH Diana is a 5-star expedition vessel offering unbeatable luxury. The ship features multiple dining options with outstanding cuisine. It is an excellent option for cost-conscious travellers seeking a luxury expedition cruise.
17. SH Vega
Style: Luxury, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 158
Price Range: $$$$
Sh Vega is a great choice for luxury travellers looking for a small ship experience. At 158 guests, it is one of the smallest 5-star luxury expedition cruise ships exploring the Arctic and Antarctica.
18. Hondius
Style: Classic, Adventure
Guests: 170
Price Range: $$$
Launched in 2019, MV Hondius is a great choice for travellers looking for a modern expedition cruise ship with a classic feel. The ship is centred around exploration rather than luxury, and it has quad cabins and sharing options for solo travellers, making it one of the most cost-effective options in the polar regions.
19. Plancius
Style: Classic, Small ship, Adventure
Guests: 108
Price Range: $$$
A former research vessel, Plancius is only one of a handful of classic expedition ships exploring Antarctica. Built in 1976, the vessel underwent a complete refit in 2009 and offers some of the most cost-effective small-ship cruises to Antarctica.
20. Ortelius
Style: Classic, Small ship, Adventure
Guests: 108
Price Range: $$$
This is an excellent choice for travellers looking for a small, classic ship. Although the boat is essential, it delivers outstanding expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica. It offers some of the lowest fares available on a small ship in Antarctica and provides solo travellers options.
21. MV Roald Amundsen
Style: Large ship, Adventure
Guests: 530
Price Range: $$$ – $$$$
Named after the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, it is one of the largest expedition cruise ships to explore the polar regions. It has a great choice of cabins and over half feature balconies. It is an excellent choice for travellers who prefer the comfort of a larger ship.
22. MV Fridtjof Nansen
Style: Large ship, Adventure
Guests: 530
Price Range: $$$ – $$$$
Named after the first man to cross Greenland, the Fridtjof Nansen pays homage to early Arctic explorers. With a modern Scandinavian design, hybrid engines to reduce fuel emissions, and outstanding onboard comfort, this is an ideal choice for guests looking to explore on a large ship.
23.Seabourn Venture & Seabourn Pursuit
Style: Mid-sized ship, Luxury, Adventure
Guests: 264
Price Range: $$$$
Two sistership ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, set a high benchmark in luxury expedition cruising. Featuring eight lounges and bars, 8 unique dining experiences, an outdoor infinity pool, and a fleet of 24 Zodaics, they first took to the high seas in 2022. These ships are an excellent choice for travellers looking for a luxury experience on a medium-sized ship.
24. MV Quest
Style: Classic, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 50
Price Range: $$$
One of the smallest ships exploring the Arctic, MV Quest offers intimate expeditions to explore Svalbard in a small group. While the ship is basic and provides few thrills compared to other expedition cruise ships, it delivers an outstanding experience due to its intimate group size and seasoned expedition team.
25. Viking Octantis & Viking Polaris
Style: Luxury, Adventure
Guests: 378
Price Range: $$$$
Two sister ships, Viking Octantis and Polaris, offer luxury expeditions. The ships have large, roomy suites, promenade decks, and large observation lounges to take in the outstanding polar scenery. They are a good choice for guests looking for a larger luxury expedition cruise ship.
26. National Geographic Resolution
Style: Comfort, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 148
Price Range: $$$$
Launched in 2021, the Resolution takes its name from the James Cook ship of the same name. The X-bow design offers improved stability and performance in rough seas. On board, guests can enjoy an intimate setting with an outstanding team of expedition leaders and guides. National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions offers an exiting range of trips from South America to Antarctica.
27. National Geographic Endurance
Style: Comfort, Small-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 138
Price Range: $$$$
Named after Ernest Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance set sail in 2021. The ship features a modern interior, private balconies, on-deck jacuzzis with an infinite edge and a large fleet of kayaks, making it a good option for adventurers.
28. Silver wind
Style: Luxury, Adventure
Guests: 240
Price Range: $$$$$
A luxurious classic expedition ship benefitting from an extensive refit in 2021, Silver Wind offers a premium 5-star experience. Each cabin has a dedicated butler, and a range of fine dining options are onboard. There is also an outdoor pool deck with jacuzzis where you can relax after exploring the polar regions.
29. Silver Cloud
Style: Luxury, Adventure
Guests: 254
Price Range: $$$$$
Silver Cloud specialises in 5-star luxury with expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica. With a pool deck, beauty saloon and a choice of restaurants, this ship is excellent for travellers looking for that extra luxury.
30. Ocean Endeavour
Style: Classic, Adventure
Guests: 198
Price Range: $$$
Ocean Endeavour is an older-style expedition ship built in 1982. it is an excellent option for solo travellers and offers many voyages with no single supplement. It offers unique itineraries in the Canadian Arctic and the Northwest Passage.
31. Ushuaia
Style: Classic, small-ship, Adventure
Guests: 90
Price Range: $$
One of the few ships offering budget expeditions to Antarctica, MV Ushuaia is a classic expedition ship with a long history of Antarctic expeditions. Although the ship is basic, a recent refurbishment makes it comfortable and the ideal platform for exploring the southernmost continent. It is a great choice for travellers looking for an authentic, older ship.
32. MS Spitzbergen
Style: Classic, Adventure
Guests: 243
Price Range: $$$
A mid-sized expedition ship specialising in Arctic expeditions, MS Spitsbergen, offers winter cruises to circumnavigate Svalbard and northern lights cruises. The vessel features comfortable cabins, a lounge and bar, and a scientific discovery centre.
33. Ms Fram
Style: Classic, Adventure
Guests: 240
Price Range: $$$
Taking its name from Nansen’s ship, The Fram, this ship offers expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica. Onboard, the ship has a modern, Scandinavian interior with on-deck jacuzzis and many cabins.
34. MV Kinfish
Style: Classic, Micro-Ship, Adventure
Guests: 12
Price Range: $$$$
Taking just 12 guests, MV Kinfish specialises in micro cruises in Svalbard and Greenland. Whilst the ship may lack the amenities of larger ships, the tiny group size will ensure maximum experience. This ship is ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers and people who dislike travelling on larger ships.
35. Magellan Discoverer
Style: Comfort, Small Ship, Adventure, Fly-cruise
Guests: 76
Price Range: $$$$
New for 2026, the Magellan Discover is a small ship built for Antarctica air cruises. Following the Magellan Explorer, this new ship promises an intimate small-group experience with outstanding comfort.
Summary
We hope you enjoyed this article on the best expedition cruise ships.
With so many expedition cruise ships to choose from, why not get expert advice from the team at Polar Escapes, who have first-hand knowledge of cruising in the polar regions?
Still undecided about which ship is a good fit for you? Check out our guide on How to choose your expedition cruise ship.
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