Small Ships Antarctica & Arctic Cruises

Our selection of the best polar expeditions on board small ships

Why choose a small ship for your cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic?

Small ships provide a more personal experience. You will get to know the crew and your fellow travelers. In addition, small expedition ships are specifically designed to allow for many small groups of passengers to board and disembark zodiacs quickly. This is a HUGE advantage small ships have over larger expedition vessels as it allows more time for exploration, and less time spent on embarking and disembarking. Moreover, IAATO regulations do not allow more than 100 guests to land at one site in Antarctica at the same time. Therefore, choosing a smaller ship gives you more time to explore on land.

How to choose the right ship?

Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. With more than 30 vessels, there is one that is perfect for you. Learn more about how to choose the right ship.

Aurora Expeditions Silver Earle _ Across the Antarctic Circle

Still have questions?

Contact our Polar specialists for personalized advice

Sustainable Tourism in the Polar Regions

With over 30 dedicated expedition cruise vessels regularly sailing their waters, the polar regions have become an increasingly popular destination for Arctic and Antarctic exploration cruise ships. However, these pristine and far-flung regions are far from being tourist hotspots, and expedition vessel owners and operators are united in keeping the places they visit unspoiled. We only recommend Arctic and Antarctic cruise operators who are members of IAATO - the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Their code of conduct and practices ensure that every care is taken to ensure the pristine landscapes you will encounter remain that way.