National Geographic Endurance

Seaventure

Welcome aboard the Seaventure! Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice class rating, the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. This means that we will be able to explore coves, bays, and channels that would previously have been forbidden to us. The ship also offers a host of new activities. There’s a sauna, a fitness center, a custom-built citizen science lab, and a heated saltwater pool. There is extra storage space so we can carry more equipment. This allows more of our guests to participate in activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, and camping.

Ocean Atlantic

Ocean Atlantic is the perfect vessel for expedition cruising in Antarctic and Arctic waters! Newly renovated in 2016 and with an international ice class rating of 1B, she is one of the strongest ships operating in Antarctica. Her high maneuverability, shallow draft and strong engines allow for extended voyages into isolated fjords, creating exciting adventures for any Antarctica and Arctic traveler. Ocean Atlantic is newly renovated (2016) with elegant common areas and accommodation for 198 passengers. The ship was built in 1985 and underwent an extensive rebuild in 2010. With a length of 140m, she has ample space on the multiple decks for several lecture halls, a relaxed restaurant serving 4-star international cuisine, professionally staffed bars, and observation platforms – and even a pool. All common areas on the Erickson Deck feature large panel windows, enabling passengers to quickly spot passing whales and photographic sights from the comfort of indoor lounges. All private cabins are stylishly appointed and feature individual bathroom facilities, phone for internal calls, individual temperature controls, and TV. Ideal for relaxation, the vessels’ accommodation ranges in size from 11 - 35 m2 and are designed with either portholes or windows. Daily shore landings at penguin rookeries, research stations, and other Antarctic wonders are made possible by her fleet of 20 Zodiacs.

Discoverer

We recommend the Discoverer to travellers who want the polar regions to feel like a real expedition, but who do not want the time between landings and Zodiac cruises to feel basic. With 140 guests, she sits in a useful middle ground: small enough for a personal atmosphere and flexible expedition operations, yet large enough for proper public spaces, an elevator and a choice of outward-facing cabins. For us, that balance makes sense on both Arctic and Antarctic itineraries, especially for travellers who value access, good viewing space and a comfortable place to recover after a long day outside. The ship was refurbished in 2018 and 2023, and that matters more here than a list of facilities. Cabins and public spaces feel more considered than on many classic expedition vessels of a similar generation. The panoramic Observation Lounge, Lecture Theater and wrap-around Deck 6 give you several good places to watch for wildlife, listen to the expedition team or simply stay with the view as conditions change. A sauna, steam room, fitness centre and outdoor jacuzzis are bonuses after cold, wind-exposed polar field days, not the reason to choose the ship. Discoverer remains expedition-first: Ice Class 1A, Polar Code compliance and a fleet of Zodiacs support landings and wildlife cruising in remote polar landscapes. We would put her on the shortlist for travellers who like active days ashore and want greater comfort back on board. If your priority is the smallest possible guest count, a more intimate ship may suit you better; if you want a broad cabin range, strong viewing spaces and a relaxed boutique atmosphere, Discoverer is a compelling fit.

Douglas Mawson

Adventure has a new name. Setting sail in 2025, our new state-of-the-art ship, the Douglas Mawson, is the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising. Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, our new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes on average 154 adventurers to the world’s wildest places in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of cabins yet, including a range of single cabins. The Douglas Mawson features a host of amenities to help you connect with like-minded travellers and elevate your time onboard our floating base camp for adventure. After a long day of exploring, head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool, find a sun bed to read on, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. Work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new in the Citizen Science Centre, then enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in one of two restaurants. Or, with multiple observation areas throughout the ship, simply relax in comfort while you keep watch for wildlife or incredible landscapes unfold before you. While enjoying the luxurious amenities onboard, you can rest assured that our aim to get you off the ship to explore the natural environment as much as possible through our unique activities program remains unchanged. The Douglas Mawson’s inaugural season marks our return to East Antarctica for the first time in 13 years, with new itineraries to include a Mawson’s Antarctica voyage to East Antarctica in honour of the ship’s namesake, departing from Hobart, a semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica, and immersive explorations of the Subantarctic Islands. We invite you to join us on the Douglas Mawson.