antarctica cruise guide

SHIP SIZE MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE
Each size has its positives and negatives. The right choice depends on your priorities.

Advantages of a small and midsize ship over a large one
Your guides
They will likely be more knowledgeable. And, they can spend more one-on-one time with you because the passenger-to-guide ratio will be lower.

Landings and onboard activities
You get to make Zodiac rides and landings. And shipboard activities are less regimented.

Shipmates
If you want to be with shipmates who are sophisticated travelers keen on learning about Antarctica, you are more apt to find them on a small or midsize ship.

Lecturers
The onboard lecturers generally have better credentials and teaching skills.

Service
You receive a more personalized service from the ship's staff.

Destinations
Small and midsize ships can explore less visited areas because they can go in shallow waters where big ships cannot sail.

Special interests
Small and midsized ships can better cater to special interest adventure groups (such as kayakers).

Advantages of a large ship over a small or midsize one
Sea passage
You will have a smoother sail. This is important (especially to the seasick-prone) because the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica is notorious for its turbulence. Moreover, it takes the average ship about two days to cross it. A large ship gets tossed around less and, because of its greater speed, spends less time on the Drake Passage.

Sense of safety
Larger ships give passengers a greater sense of being safe on the high seas. This is not necessarily valid, but it does provide a psychological benefit.

Public space size
Passengers feel less confined because public spaces are larger.

Cabin size
The typical cabin is larger.

Onboard entertainment
There is a wider variety of shipboard activities.

Cost
The average cost per passenger is usually lower (but this is not the same as value, which takes into account factors like the adventures you will experience).


Best Antarctica Cruise Ships
Some 50 cruise ships sail to Antarctica. These three luxury cruise ships are the best of the Antarctic cruise ships.

Silver Explorer
Overall, it is the best cruise ship sailing Antarctica. Everything is in place  - guest-pleasing staff, quality dining, comfortable accommodations and public spaces, and laudable naturalists and lecturers. What's special, too, is the camaraderie that develops among the passengers, who number just 132. All 66 cabins are ocean view, some with balconies. To visit the ship's cruise line, click Silversea.





Le Boreal
The furnishings, interior decor and exterior design of this 264-passenger French cruise ship are sleek, sophisticated, and modern. All cabins are ocean view. Most have balconies. I do not recommend Le Boreal to non-French speakers because that language is the primary one used aboard. Click Le Ponant to visit its cruise line.





National Geographic Explorer
It is jointly operated by Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic. The ship accommodates 148 passengers and has 81 cabins, all with ocean views. Some have port holes, the others, view windows. Click Lindblad Expeditions for the cruise company's website.




Other major Antarctica cruise ships include
Alphabetical
Antarctica Dream
Passengers: 78

Clelia
Passengers: 100

Clipper Adventure
Passengers: 122

Ocean Diamond
Passengers: 189

Orion
Passengers: 192

Polar Pioneer
Passengers: 154

Sea Spirit
Passengers: 112