Sylvia Earle Antarctic and Arctic Cruises

National Geographic Endurance

The *National Geographic Endurance* was launched in 2020 and is one of the newest arctic and antarctic exploration vessels currently operating. She was named in honor of the ship of the famous polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. Built from the ground up to navigate remote polar regions year-round, she was also designed to provide exceptional comfort for her passengers. The *National Geographic Endurance* can safely explore notoriously difficult waters with ease, including passages off Northeast Greenland, journeying to the remote Jan Mayen island, navigating the infamous Northeast Passage, and more. The *National Geographic Endurance* offers accommodation for only 126 guests in 69 spacious cabins, all of which are outside facing and enjoy large windows or balconies, private bathrooms, individual climate control, Wi-Fi, and a state-of-the-art expedition command center with tablets and USB/mobile device docking. As well as a fleet of robust zodiacs, she’s also equipped with kayaks, snowshoes, and cross-country skis, allowing guests to explore areas on foot that can’t be experienced on other vessels. In addition, she is equipped with specialized equipment that allows the onboard naturalist guides unique access and ability to share the underwater world with guests. Public areas include a lounge with a relaxed bar, a gym, a yoga studio, an infinity-edge outdoor hot tub, saunas with ocean views, a well-stocked library, a spa, a state-of-the-art lecture room, and a photo workshop area. Services aboard the ship include a full-time doctor, a National Geographic photographer, a certified photo instructor, a video chronicler, a wellness specialist, a laundry service, and an internet café.

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.

Greg Mortimer

The Greg Mortimer is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel designed to navigate the world's most remote and pristine environments. As the first passenger ship to feature the revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW®, it offers smoother and more efficient sailing, even through challenging polar waters. Accommodating up to 132 passengers, the ship provides an intimate and comfortable setting for exploration. Its advanced design includes hydraulic viewing platforms and expansive observation decks, bringing you closer to the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctic. Choose from a variety of staterooms and suites, many with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Each cabin is thoughtfully appointed with en suite bathrooms, ample storage, and modern amenities, ensuring a restful retreat after a day of adventure. With a fleet of 15 Zodiacs, the Greg Mortimer facilitates frequent and flexible landings, allowing guests to explore secluded sites up close. The ship offers a range of optional activities led by expert guides, including kayaking, diving, climbing, and ski touring. Educational lectures and a well-stocked library enrich the journey, providing deeper insights into the regions visited.

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.