Polar Expeditions

The ice-covered continent of Antarctica and the frozen seas and islands of the Arctic Ocean represent some of the true frontiers of travel. A voyage to either end of the earth offers spectacular landscapes of towering glaciers, icebergs and rugged mountains, unique wildlife interactions with huge penguin rookeries, whales and polar bears and historic landmarks as you follow in the footsteps of some of the world's great explorers.

Trips to the Arctic or Antarctic are expeditions rather than cruises - you'll travel on ships specialised for sailing in these extreme locations, with passenger numbers of about 100. The ships are equipped with zodiacs (or dinghies) allowing for frequent landings to explore on foot, as well as observing the seas, landscapes and wildlife from the deck. While on board, experts on geology, wildlife and the history of exploration provide lectures and briefings to allow you to fully appreciate the journey.

Antarctica

The 'White Continent' is a vast land around the South Pole which is one of the great travel destinations in the world. Most expeditions here travel from Ushuaia in South America to the Antarctic Peninsula and the islands of the South Atlantic - an area of dramatic landscapes teeming with fascinating wildlife. Alternative routes take in the Antarctic Far East from New Zealand or Australia.

Travel between: November and February

Expeditions Routes: Explore Antarctica on these expedition routes around the Antarctic Peninsula and in Far East (click on the maps to see expedition details).

Antarctic Peninsula The classic and popular Antarctic route which explores the fascinating wildlife and dramatic icescapes of the peninsula. Browse Expeditions	Antarctica & Weddell Sea Combine exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula with a voyage east into the rarely visited Weddell Sea. Browse Expeditions	Antarctica - Polar Circle Voyage due south in an attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle and discover a remote world few have ever seen. Browse Expeditions
Antarctica - Fly & Cruise Maximise your time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by incorporating a flight across the Drake Passage. Browse Expeditions	Antarctica & Sub-Antarctic Islands Retrace Shackleton's legendary voyage on this ultimate Antarctic voyage including the Falklands and South Georgia. Browse Expeditions	Antarctic Far East The rarely visited Ross Sea is the Antarctica that few people besides the intrepid polar explorers have ever seen. Browse Expeditions

And now there came both mist and snow,
And it grew wondrous cold:
And ice, mast-high, came floating by,
As green as emerald.

And through the drifts the snowy clifts
Did send a dismal sheen:
Nor shapes of men nor beasts we ken -
The ice was all between.

The ice was here, the ice was there,
The ice was all around:
It cracked and growled, and roared and howled,
Like noises in a swound!

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Arctic Circle

Expeditions to the ice-covered Arctic Ocean reveal dramatic landscapes of fjords, glaciers and icebergs, as well as encounters with wild polar bears, on islands such as Spitsbergen - the most popular destination in the region - or alternative routes to the remote Russian Arctic, the Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic or the ultimate polar expedition to the North Pole.

Travel between: June to August

Expeditions Routes: Explore the Arctic Circle on these expedition routes around the Antarctic Peninsula and in Far East (click on the maps to see expedition details).

Spitsbergen The classic Arctic expedition explores Spitsbergen in the Svalbard Archipelago, renowned for its polar bear viewing. Browse Expeditions	Spitsbergen and Greenland Combine Spitsbergen with Greenland's striking east coast landscapes, including the magnificent fjords of Scoresbysund. Browse Expeditions	Spitsbergen and Norwegian Fjords Voyage to Spitsbergen via the dramatic Norwegian coastline, exploring its famous fjords and medieval towns. Browse Expeditions
Russian Arctic One of the most remote regions on earth, home to the reindeer-herding Chukchi people and huge numbers of polar bears. Browse Expeditions	North Pole Expedition The ultimate polar expedition - voyage on an specialised ice-breaker vessel to the top of the world at the North Pole. Browse Expeditions

Expedition Ships

M/S Expedition gets the best of both worlds: large enough to offer stability, spacious cabins and generous public areas, but small enough to manoeuvre easily and get you close to the action. With a maximum of only 132 guests and a high ratio of expedition staff to passengers, there's a relaxed, informal atmosphere on-board. The ship was fully refurbished in 2009 so you can expect modern features, fixtures and fittings throughout. Year refurbished: 2009 Capacity: 134 passengers (69 crew) Cruising speed: 13 knots Ship Dimensions: 105.0m (length), 18.6m (beam) Expeditions on M/S Expedition Ship Features Spacious cabins all en-suite and ocean facing Stabilisers and bow thrusters for manoeuvrability and comfort High ratio of expedition staff to passengers Experienced and approachable expedition crew Open bridge policy so you can see how an expedition voyage is run 360 degree views from the observation deck 14 Zodiacs - plenty of individual space for photography Purpose built mud room (for wet gear) On board gym, sauna, library, gift shop, lounge and bar Deck & Cabin Plans M/S Expedition	Polar Pioneer is a Finnish ex-research vessel, refurbished to provide an adventurous journey in the polar regions; its ice class means it has excellent manoeuvrability. The vessel accommodates only 54 passengers, meaning more time with the experts and a friendly on-board experience. Informed crew and experts will ensure you learn about how a polar expedition runs, your unique surroundings and the wildlife; Zodiacs will take you to shore for close encounters. Year built: 1985 (refurbished in 2000) Capacity: 54 passengers (32 crew) Cruising speed: 12 knots Ship Dimensions: 71.6m (length), 12.8m (beam) Expeditions on M/V Polar Pioneer Ship Features All cabins ocean facing Open-bridge policy; a fantastic vantage point for wildlife-watching, and you can also learn how the crew navigate the ice European chefs for tasty meals on-board Small ship so more time with the experts Good ice class for polar navigation Small fleet of Zodiacs so more time with the wildlife on shore landings Deck & Cabin Plans Triple - Two lower berths and one upper berth; one porthole; washbasin; shared shower and toilet Twin Public - Two lower berths; porthole; washbasin; shared shower and toilet Twin Private - Two lower berths (or one upper and one lower berth and a couch); two windows; en-suite facilities Mini Suite - One double bed plus foldout couch; windows; desk and table area; TV; DVD player; fridge; en-suite facilities Captain's Suite - One double bed plus foldout couch; windows; lounge and table area; TV; DVD player; fridge; en-suite facilities M/V Polar Pioneer	The Spirit of Enderby is a fully ice-strengthened expedition vessel, built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research and is perfect for Expedition Travel. She carries just 50 passengers and was refurbished in March 2013 to provide comfortable accommodation in twin share cabins approximately half of which have private facilities. All cabins have outside windows or portholes and ample storage space. The name Spirit of Enderby honours the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Subantarctic Island in the world. Year built: 1984 (refurbished in 2004) Capacity: 50 passengers (43 crew) Cruising speed: 12 knots Ship Dimensions: 72.0m (length), 13.0m (beam) Expeditions on Spirit of Enderby Deck & Cabin Plans Main Deck Triple - Has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and wash basin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins. Main Deck Twin - Have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin and porthole. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins. Superior - Have bunks (an upper and lower berth), wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows. Superior Plus - Have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows. Mini Suite - Have a separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or a sofa in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. The Mini Suites have windows. Heritage Suite - Has a large lounge area, a separate bedroom with double bed, a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. There are large forward and side facing windows to allow great views. Spirit of Enderby	Originally built in 1975, she underwent a USD13 million conversion in 1998. She has a proud reputation as a well-appointed and elegant expedition ship. Sea Adventurer (formerly Clipper Adventurer) is equipped with Zodiacs for shore landings and ocean level cruising, yet offers fine dining, and cabins with exterior views and facilities en suite. Year built: 1975 (refurbished in 1998) Capacity: 122 passengers (72 crew) Cruising speed: 12 knots Ship Dimensions: 100.0m (length), 16.3m (beam) Expeditions on Sea Adventurer Ship Features Expert naturalists and historians 61 cabins, all with exterior views All cabins have en suite facilities and individual temperature controls Captain’s Deck and Bridge have exterior access with outside seating Multipurpose lounge and presentation room Window-lined dining room with unreserved seating 2 bars Polar library Ship-to-shore communication via satellite Email and wireless Internet access Clinic with licensed doctor Exercise room Massage therapist Deck & Cabin Plans Sea Adventurer
Sail aboard the Ocean Diamond a modern, stable super-yacht and experience Antarctica. Carrying a maximum of 189 passengers this outstanding vessel, features onboard amenities such as a massage and wellness program and a well-stocked polar library. The Ocean Diamond is staffed with Quark’s legendary captains, officers, expedition leaders, and guides. Capacity: 189 passengers (144 crew) Cruising speed: 15 knots Ship Dimensions: 124.0m (length) Expeditions on Ocean Diamond Ship Features All cabins have exterior views and facilities en suite Single has one double bed with window Twin cabins have one double bed or two twin beds Triple cabins are identical to twin cabins, with a third pull-down berth All cabins have flat-screen TV, DVD player Passenger elevator Bar staffed by a professional bartender Theatre-style auditorium Ship-to-shore communication via satellite Clinic with licensed doctor Photography program includes the services of a resident photography instructor Polar Library contains the largest collection of polar books & DVDs Massage & Wellness program offers yoga classes, aromatherapy treatments & massage therapy. Deck & Cabin Plans Ocean Diamond	The Sea Spirit offers all the excitement of an intrepid polar expedition combined with extreme comfort and fine dining. From the cosy club lounge, complete with bar, piano and library, to the top-notch dining room, every part of the interior oozes with opulent style. Capacity: 112 passengers (94 crew) Cruising speed: 14 knots Ship Dimensions: 90.0m (length), 15.3m (beam) Expeditions on Sea Spirit Ship Features Expert naturalists and historians 53 cabins, all with exterior views; cabins on the Sun & Sport Decks all have private balconies All cabins have en suite facilities and individual temperature controls Sports Deck has exterior access with outside seating Multipurpose lounge and presentation room 1 dining room with unreserved seating 1 bar Polar library Ship-to-shore communication via satellite Email and wireless Internet access Licensed doctor Gym Deck & Cabin Plans Sea Spirit	The M/S Fram is a comfortable vessel for your polar exploration with modern amenities such as fitness room, Jacuzzi and sauna. The ample indoor and outdoor public spaces are designed to ensure you enjoy the passing scenery and wildlife sightings; each table in the restaurant has scenic views and the observation lounge has panoramic windows. There’s also a selection of shore excursions to choose from, allowing you to experience as much of the polar wilderness as possible Capacity: 318 passengers (77 crew) Cruising speed: 13 knots Ship Dimensions: 114.0m (length), 20.2m (beam) Expeditions on M/S Fram Ship Features All cabins have en-suite facilities and TV or fridge/minibar Observation lounge with large panoramic windows and binoculars Modern and tastefully-decorated interior Spacious front deck, which is great for wildlife-viewing Fitness room, Jacuzzi, sauna plus restaurant with scenic views from every table Polarcirkel boats for efficient shore landings Deck & Cabin Plans Twin Cabin without porthole - Two lower berths (one bed and one sofa bed); inside cabin (no porthole); TV; fridge; en-suite facilities. Twin Cabin Double without porthole - Double bed; inside cabin (no porthole); seating area; TV; fridge; en-suite facilities Twin Cabin with porthole - Two lower berths (one bed and one sofa bed); porthole; TV; fridge; en-suite facilities. Superior Cabin - Double bed; window; seating area; TV; fridge; en-suite facilities. Suite - Double bed; window; seating area; TV; minibar; en-suite facilities. Suite with balcony - Double bed; balcony; seating area; TV; minibar; en-suite facilities. M/S Fram	M/V Ocean Nova is a modern vessel that offers the exclusive Fly and Cruise combination. Built in Denmark in 1992 and completely rebuilt, the boat has an ice-strengthened hull ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. Capacity is limited to 68 passengers accommodated in cabins with en-suite facilities. On-board is a panoramic observation lounge and presentation room, spacious dining room, bar and library. Year built: 1992 Capacity: 68 passengers (38 crew) Cruising speed: 12 knots Ship Dimensions: 73.0m (length), 11.0m (beam) Expeditions on M/V Ocean Nova Ship Features Exclusive Fly and Cruise format avoids sailing the Drake Passage Small number of travellers increases speed and flexibility of operation Very high expedition staff to customer ratio Panoramic lounge and bridge for observation Modern style and decor Deck & Cabin Plans Single Cabin - Lower berth; window; en-suite facilities. Twin Cabin - Two lower berths; window; en-suite facilities. Triple Cabin - Two lower and one upper berth; window; en-suite facilities. M/V Ocean Nova
“Ortelius” was built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, was named “Marina Svetaeva”, and served as a special purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Ortelius was a Dutch / Flemish cartographer. Abraham Ortelius (1527 – 1598) published the first modern world atlas, theTheatrum Orbis Terrarum or Theatre of the World in 1570. At that time, the atlas was the most expensive book ever printed. The vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1 equivalent to 1A) and is therefore very suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice and loose multi-year pack ice. “Ortelius” is a great expedition vessel for 116 passengers with lots of open-deck spaces. Year built: 1989 Capacity: 100 passengers (47 crew) Cruising speed: 12 knots Ship Dimensions: 91.3m (length), 5.8m (beam) Expeditions on M/V Ortelius Deck & Cabin Plans Quadruple - The cabin provides you with; a porthole, 2 upper / lower berths, private shower & toilet, desk & chair, hair dryer and ample storage space. - See more at: http://www.oceanwide-expeditions.com/our-fleet/ship/m-v-ortelius/cabins/#sthash.D9vO5FeX.dpuf Twin Private with Porthole - The cabin provides you with; a porthole, 2 lower berths, private shower & toilet, desk & chair, hair dryer and ample storage space. - See more at: http://www.oceanwide-expeditions.com/our-fleet/ship/m-v-ortelius/cabins/#sthash.D9vO5FeX.dpuf Twin Private with Window - This is a sample image. The cabin provides you with; a window, 2 lower berths, private shower & toilet, desk & chair, hair dryer and ample storage space. - See more at: http://www.oceanwide-expeditions.com/our-fleet/ship/m-v-ortelius/cabins/#sthash.D9vO5FeX.dpuf Superior - This is a sample image. The cabin provides you with; window(s), 1 double bed, 1 single (sofa) bed, private shower & toilet, desk & chair, flatscreen TV, refrigerator, hair dryer and ample storage space. - See more at: http://www.oceanwide-expeditions.com/our-fleet/ship/m-v-ortelius/cabins/#sthash.D9vO5FeX.dpuf M/V Ortelius	The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/v “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 3), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. M/v “Plancius” is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Year built: 1976 (refurbished in 2009) Capacity: 114 passengers (45 crew) Cruising speed: 11 knots Ship Dimensions: 89.0m (length), 14.5m (beam) Expeditions on M/V Plancius Deck & Cabin Plans M/V Plancius	Built for the US agency NOAA (National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration), the Ushuaia has been constantly modernised and refurbished in its eight years operating in Antarctica. The Ushuaia is an ice-strengthened small ship, accommodating just 84 passengers; making it a comfortable and steadfast choice. Knowledgeable staff will ensure you get the most out of your visit and there’s an openbridge policy plus ample deck space for wildlife-viewing. Year built: 1970 (refurbished in 2000) Capacity: 84 passengers (38 crew) Cruising speed: 12 knots Ship Dimensions: 84.7m (length), 15.5m (beam) Expeditions on M/V Ushuaia Ship Features Open-bridge policy; talk to the captain and learn how the ship navigates Observation lounge for watching the passing scenery Good social areas - restaurant, bar and library Ample deck space for wildlife-viewing Knowledgeable naturalists, historians and geologists on-board Built for the US agency NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) Deck & Cabin Plans Twin inside semi-private - One upper and one lower berth; washbasin; shared shower and toilet facilities between two cabins. Twin outside semi-private - One upper and one lower berth; porthole; washbasin; shared shower and toilet facilities between two cabins. Twin private - One upper and one lower berth; porthole; ensuite facilities. Superior - Two lower berths; window; en-suite facilities. Suite - Two lower berths (sometimes double and sometimes single beds); window; lounge; ensuite facilities; TV; DVD player; fridge. M/V Ushuaia	The ‘Noorderlicht’ now has a well-balanced two-masted schooner rig and is capable of sailing the seven seas, and is therefor well suited for expedition cruising among small islands and offer good open deck viewing areas, also when under sail. The 2 inflatable rubber crafts (zodiacs) enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. The qualified captains have a great experience of the oceans. Together with the rest of the crew, they will do everything possible to ensure that you have a wonderful and unforgettable journey. Year built: 1910 (refurbished in 1991) Capacity: 20 passengers Cruising speed: 7 knots Ship Dimensions: 46.0m (length), 6.5m (beam) Expeditions on Noorderlicht Deck & Cabin Plans Noorderlicht
Silversea’s purpose-built Silver Explorer expedition cruise ship has been designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations, including both of earth’s polar regions. A strengthened hull with a Lloyd’s Register ice-class notation (1A) for passenger vessels enables Silver Explorer to safely push through ice floes with ease. A fleet of Zodiac boats allows Silversea Expedition guests to visit even the most off-the-beaten path locations and an expert Expedition Team provides insight and understanding to each unforgettable Silver Explorer luxury cruise adventure. Year refurbished: 2008 Capacity: 132 passengers (117 crew) Cruising speed: 14 knots Ship Dimensions: 107.9m (length), 15.8m (beam) Expeditions on Silver Explorer Deck & Cabin Plans Silver Explorer	Twenty years in the making, 50 Years of Victory is the first Arktika-class icebreaker to have a spoon-shaped bow, capable of breaking through ice up to 2.5 meters (9.2 feet) thick! This is the world’s largest, most-powerful nuclear icebreaker. Complete with a helicopter for shore excursions, Victory is a ship unlike any other, with the ability to go where other ships cannot. Capacity: 128 passengers (140 crew) Cruising speed: 21 knots Ship Dimensions: 159.0m (length), 30.0m (beam) Expeditions on 50 Years of Victory Ship Features All cabins have exterior views and private facilities TV and DVD Player Some cabins come with coffee maker and safe Arkitka Suite has a single bed in the bedroom and a sofa bed in the sitting room All-inclusive bar and beverages Chef prepared meals (all included) One dining room with unreserved seating Aft Saloon for presentations and socializing Victory Bar with exterior views, open from afternoon to late evening Polar library Gym, two saunas, and small swimming pool Passenger elevator Onboard helicopter landing pad Clinic with licensed doctor Helicopter and Zodiacs for sightseeing Champagne toast at 90 degrees north Hot Air Balloon (optional) Deck & Cabin Plans 50 Years of Victory	Finnish-built for the Russian Academy of Science, this ship was designed to travel quietly, during hydro-acoustic research, making it perfect for Holidays to the Arctic and Antarctic. The ship is stable yet manoeuverable. External stabilizers and a built-in trimming system provide exceptional stability. Akademik Ioffe has an ice-strengthened hull and a cruising speed in open water of 14.5 knots. Capacity: 96 passengers (63 crew) Cruising speed: 14 knots Ship Dimensions: 117.0m (length), 18.3m (beam) Expeditions on Ioffe Ship Features Expert naturalists and historians Access to bridge available 48 cabins, all with exterior views Cabins have either shared, semi-private or private facilities Theatre style presentation room One dining room with unreserved seating Lounge and bar Polar library Ship-to-shore communication via satellite Clinic with licensed doctor Exercise room, sauna and plunge pool One elevator between passenger deck and the Bridge level Deck & Cabin Plans Ioffe	Finnish-built for the Russian Academy of Science, this ship was designed to travel quietly, during hydro-acoustic research. The ship is stable yet manoeuverable. External stabilizers and a built-in trimming system provide exceptional stability. Akademik Sergey Vavilov has an ice-strengthened hull and a cruising speed in open water of 14.5 knots. Capacity: 100 passengers (63 crew) Cruising speed: 14 knots Ship Dimensions: 117.0m (length), 18.3m (beam) Expeditions on Vavilov Ship Features Expert naturalists and historians Access to Bridge available 50 cabins, all with exterior views Cabins have either shared, semi-private or private facilities Theatre style presentation room One dining room with unreserved seating Exercise room, sauna and plunge pool Panoramic lounge and bar Polar library Ship-to-shore communication via satellite Clinic with licensed doctor One elevator between passenger decks and the Bridge level Deck & Cabin Plans Vavilov