Oceanwide Expeditions
Dutch-owned polar specialist operating since 1993, with a three-ship fleet, entry to mid-range pricing, and one of the broadest itinerary ranges in the fleet including Weddell Sea and Ross Sea.
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Polar Latitudes Expeditions
US-headquartered operator running polar-only expeditions since 2010, with a citizen science focus, English-language operations, and a four-ship fleet spanning mid-range to premium price points.
Ponant
French luxury expedition operator with Antarctica roots to 1988, running bilingual French/English voyages across a five-ship fleet from premium to ultra-luxury.
Poseidon Expeditions
Cyprus-registered polar specialist operating since 1999, with a single 114-guest ship.
Quark Expeditions
One of the original polar specialists, operating since 1991, with a four-ship fleet and a strong adventure positioning. Dual-helicopter capability on the Ultramarine.
Scenic Ocean Cruises
Australian-owned ultra-luxury expedition operator entering Antarctica in 2019, with two 200-guest ships featuring butler service in all suites, dual helicopters, a custom submarine, and nine dining venues.
Seabourn Cruises
US-based ultra-luxury expedition operator entering Antarctica in 2022, with two 264-guest ships each carrying twin submarines, butler service, and all-inclusive pricing.
Silversea Expeditions
Monaco-based ultra-luxury expedition operator since 1994, with butler service in all suites, a near 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, and a dedicated fly-cruise terminal in Puerto Williams.
Swan Hellenic
Cyprus-registered boutique operator relaunched in 2020, with a three-ship fleet, strong cultural and scientific programming, premium all-inclusive pricing.
Terra Nova Expeditions
Australian-registered new entrant launching its inaugural Antarctica season in December 2026, targeting the mid-market with an all-inclusive activity model and slow travel ethos.
Viking Expeditions
Switzerland-based publicly traded operator entering Antarctica in 2022, with two 374-guest adults-only ships, Scandinavian design aesthetic, no casinos, children, or formal nights.
Magellan Discoverer
New-build traditional hull expedition ship launched in 2026, carrying up to 76 passengers in Antarctica. Purpose-built, with 100% balcony cabins, 8 single cabins, 2 family suites, hybrid-electric propulsion, and Polar Class 6 ice rating.
Magellan Explorer
Traditional hull expedition ship built in 2019, carrying up to 76 passengers in Antarctica. Antarctica 21's original vessel and sister to Magellan Discoverer, with 84% balcony cabins, hybrid-electric propulsion, and Polar Class 6 ice rating.
MV Ushuaia
1970-built expedition ship refitted three times, carrying up to 88 passengers in Antarctica. The oldest active expedition ship in the Antarctic fleet, bilingual Spanish/English programming, and Starlink WiFi.
World Navigator
Traditional hull expedition ship built in 2021, carrying up to 196 passengers in Antarctica. 100% balcony cabins, 8 single cabins, in-room dining, water-level Zodiac boarding, and Ice Class 1B rating.
World Traveller
Sister ship to World Navigator, built in 2022, carrying up to 196 passengers in Antarctica. Atlas Ocean Voyages' second vessel, with 100% balcony cabins, 8 single cabins, in-room dining, water-level Zodiac boarding, and Ice Class 1B rating.
Douglas Mawson
X-Bow expedition ship built in 2025, carrying up to 130 passengers in Antarctica. Aurora Expeditions' newest vessel, with Starlink WiFi, 80% balcony cabins, water-level Zodiac boarding, and Polar Class 6 ice rating.
Greg Mortimer
X-Bow expedition ship built in 2019, carrying up to 130 passengers in Antarctica. Aurora Expeditions' flagship, with 84% balcony cabins, Starlink WiFi, triple share options, and Polar Class 6 ice rating.
Sylvia Earle
X-Bow expedition ship built in 2022, carrying up to 130 passengers in Antarctica. Aurora Expeditions' second vessel, with 92% balcony cabins, Starlink WiFi, and Polar Class 6 ice rating.
G Expedition
1975-built expedition ship refitted three times (most recently 2025), carrying up to 128 passengers in Antarctica. G Adventures' sole vessel, with 7 triple cabins, no balconies, stairs/gangway Zodiac loading, and Polar Class 6 ice rating.
Hanseatic Inspiration
Luxury expedition ship built in 2019, self-imposing a 199-passenger limit in Antarctica. bilingual English/German, with 100% balcony and veranda cabins, in-room dining, water-level Zodiac boarding, and Polar Class 6 rating.
Hanseatic Nature
Luxury expedition ship built in 2019, self-imposing a 199-passenger limit in Antarctica. Sister to Hanseatic Inspiration, with 100% balcony and veranda cabins, in-room dining, special operations boats, and Polar Class 6 rating.
Hanseatic Spirit
Luxury expedition ship built in 2021, self-imposing a 199-passenger limit in Antarctica. Sister to Hanseatic Nature and Inspiration, with 100% balcony and veranda cabins, in-room dining, and Polar Class 6 rating.
Heritage Adventurer
1991-built expedition ship refitted in 2022 and 2025, operating at a 100-passengers.8 single cabins, triple share options, Starlink WiFi, and Ice Class 1A Super rating.