National Geographic Endurance: Arctic and Antarctic Cruises

National Geographic Explorer

The flagship of the National Geographic fleet, the Explorer travels from pole to pole each year, spending winters in Antarctica and summers in the Arctic. The National Geographic Explorer is arguably the finest expedition vessel on the seas. A state-of-the-art, ice-class expedition ship, the Explorer comfortably accommodates 148 guests in 81 spacious cabins, each with outside views, private en-suite bathrooms, and a sleek, modern style. The ship carries kayaks and a fleet of zodiacs, as well as sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. Public areas include a lounge and bar, a library, a spa, a fitness center, and a sauna. Services include a full-time doctor, a wellness specialist, and an Internet café.

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.

Greg Mortimer

Welcome aboard the Greg Mortimer, a cruise ship built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth. The first passenger cruise ship to feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, allowing the ship to cross polar oceans more comfortably and efficiently. A Greg Mortimer polar cruise is designed for rugged remote areas. The ship accommodates roughly 126 passengers per voyage, and with an expansive observation deck, the ship brings you closer to the incredible secluded environment the Arctic and Antarctic have to offer. With unsurpassed environmental credentials and a perfect base camp for faraway adventures, the Greg Mortimer has redefined polar expedition cruising for the future. The Greg Mortimer offers passengers a wide array of cabin choices to suit any comfort level. Whether you are embarking on a solo polar adventure or bringing along the entire family, the Greg Mortimer cruise ship will happily accommodate your needs. Each en suite cabin features great amenities like a room-controlled thermostat, a safe, plenty of closet space, a 42’’ flat-screen TV, and much more. You won’t need to compromise comfort on your Arctic or Antarctic cruise. Preserving and protecting the fragile Arctic and Antarctic environments is one of the most important values aboard a Greg Mortimer polar cruise and is reflected in many features aboard the ship. The Greg Mortimer is proud to be one of the lowest polluting ships in the world due to its high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design delivering an 80% reduction in emissions. The Greg Mortimer also uses a virtual anchor thanks to GPS and steering technology. This significantly minimizes damage to the sea floor usually caused by regular anchors. The Greg Mortimer was built for expedition cruising. With its fleet of 15 zodiacs, you’ll venture through small riverbeds inaccessible by larger ships, and you’ll get a closer look at the impressive Arctic and Antarctic flora and fauna. A Greg Mortimer polar cruise also offers a range of optional activities lead by expert guides from kayaking, diving, climbing, and ski touring. The Greg Mortimer is an adventure ship constructed to support all expedition experiences so each passenger can maximize their time on board. The Greg Mortimer is also equipped with a Mudroom- the launchpad for all polar cruise expeditions. Guests will have access to locker rooms with drying areas to hang up your gear in between each polar excursion. During your free time, make sure to visit one of the Greg Mortimer’s one of a kind hydraulic viewing platforms, which give you unobstructed viewing of passing wildlife. The Greg Mortimer expedition team is eager to educate all of its guests about the history, culture, biology, and climate change of the polar regions. On your Arctic or Antarctic cruise, you’ll meet naturalists, and local specialists in the state-of-the-art lecture theater for educational and highly entertaining presentations. The Greg Mortimer cruise ship library is also a great place to relax, pick up a good book, play board games, view and organize your trip photos, or just stare out the floor-to-ceiling windows. For even more relaxation, visit the wellness center aboard the cruise ship, equipped with a gym, sauna and professional massage therapists. There are also two outdoor jacuzzis on the top deck with incredible views of the polar horizons.

Sylvia Earle

Welcome aboard the Sylvia Earle, a brand-new cruise ship named after the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National and Atmospheric Administration. Sylvia Earle was also named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998. Set to sail in November 2022, this powerful new ship honors Sylvia’s long-standing marine conservation efforts. Built for intense weather conditions, the Sylvia Earle is a pioneer in nautical technology. Sail the Arctic or the Antarctic like never before aboard one of the most modern and elegant cruise ships. The Sylvia Earle was created for the most rugged and remote trips. It features the Ulstein X-BOW®, which cuts through swell so passengers feel fewer vibrations during ocean crossings. If you are prone to seasickness, this cruise ship will make your polar voyage much more comfortable. The Ulstein X-BOW® also reduces fuel consumption by up to 60%. A Sylvia Earle polar cruise offers passengers a wide array of cabin choices to suit any comfort level. Whether you are embarking on a solo polar adventure or bringing along the entire family, the Sylvia Earle cruise ship will happily accommodate your needs. Each en suite cabin features great amenities like a room-controlled thermostat, a safe, plenty of closet space, a 42’’ flat-screen TV, and much more. You won’t need to compromise comfort on your Arctic or Antarctic cruise. Just like Sylvia Earle herself, preserving and protecting the fragile Arctic and Antarctic environments is one of the most important values aboard a Sylvia Earle polar cruise and is reflected in many features aboard the ship. The Sylvia Earle is proud to be one of the lowest polluting ships in the world due to its high fuel efficiency and streamlined design delivering an 80% reduction in emissions. The Sylvia Earle also uses a virtual anchor thanks to GPS and steering technology. This significantly minimizes damage to the sea floor usually caused by regular anchors. The Sylvia Earle was built for adventure cruising. The brand new ship carries many zodiacs, which you can board via 4 different platforms. These platforms make boarding quick and easy so passengers can enjoy more time on their polar expeditions. On the zodiacs, you’ll venture through small riverbeds inaccessible by larger ships, and you’ll get a closer look at the impressive Arctic and Antarctic flora and fauna. A Sylvia Earle polar cruise also offers a range of optional activities lead by expert guides from kayaking, diving, climbing, and ski touring. The Sylvia Ealer is an expedition ship constructed to support all outdoor experiences so each passenger can maximize their time on board. The Sylvia Earle is also equipped with a Mudroom- the launchpad for all polar cruise expeditions. Guests will have access to locker rooms with drying areas to hang up their gear in between each polar excursion. The Sylvia Earle expedition team is eager to educate all of its guests about the history, culture, biology, and climate change of the polar regions. On your Arctic or Antarctic cruise, you’ll meet naturalists and local specialists in the state-of-the-art lecture theater for educational and highly entertaining presentations. The Sylvia Earle cruise ship library is also a great place to relax, pick up a good book, play board games, view and organize your trip photos, or just stare out the floor-to-ceiling windows. In between expeditions, make sure to enjoy the heated saltwater open-air swimming pool and jacuzzis on board the Sylvia Earle, where the Arctic and Antarctic views will leave you in awe. For even more relaxation, visit the wellness center aboard the cruise ship, equipped with a gym, sauna, and professional massage therapists.