Polar Expeditions: Antarctica and the Arctic
Small expedition ships, real landings, and an itinerary that is only ever a suggestion.
Should you choose Antarctica or the Arctic?
The Antarctic season runs November to March. Penguins live in the south, and the Drake Passage crossing is part of most voyages.
The Arctic cruise season runs roughly May to September. Svalbard runs from early May to mid-September, Greenland mainly June to August, and the Canadian Arctic July to late September. Polar bears live only in the Arctic, and they are most often seen in spring and early summer. Walrus are seen on Svalbard and East Greenland voyages, and the midnight sun runs through the summer, ending in late August.
If you tell me which animals and landscapes you picture, the choice usually makes itself.
Why can only small ships land in Antarctica?
Ships carrying more than 500 passengers cannot land anyone in Antarctica, and no more than 100 people can be ashore at a site at one time. Big ships sail past and you see it from the deck. The expedition ships on this page carry roughly 130 to 265 guests, so you actually step onto the continent.
Why is a polar itinerary only a suggestion?
The itinerary on paper is a suggestion. The expedition team and the captain choose the landings, and when to cross the Drake, based on the weather and sea conditions that day. Even in perfect conditions, the captain may choose a different landing because it is a better experience for the guests that day.
Landing sites are never guaranteed, and that is part of why every voyage is different. If you need everything to go exactly to plan, a polar voyage may not be for you.
Which polar expedition line suits you?
Four lines do this well, and each one suits a different kind of traveller.
| Line | Suits you if | Ship size |
|---|---|---|
| Silversea | If you want luxury service and food, and the option to fly over the Drake | Silver Endeavour carries 200 guests |
| Seabourn | You want luxury service and an active program | Venture and Pursuit carry 264 guests each |
| Lindblad-National Geographic | You want the expedition itself to be the main event | National Geographic Endurance and Resolution carry about 130 guests |
| Ponant | You want French luxury and the farthest reach | Le Commandant Charcot carries around 245 guests |
Silversea offers a fly-cruise, a charter flight of about two hours to King George Island, so only one day of sailing across the Drake.
Seabourn has no fly-sail option, and its program includes the polar plunge and Caviar on the Ice when weather allows.
Lindblad is the expedition-first choice.
Ponant does not offer a fly-cruise and has the highest fares of the four.
For more detail, read my full comparison of the four lines.
What do clients say?
What I share here comes from the cruise lines' published details and from clients who have sailed these voyages.
A well-traveled client who sailed Antarctica with Seabourn told me it was, without question, the best trip he has taken so far.
How far ahead should you book?
Antarctica typically books 12 to 24 months ahead, and some lines already have 2028 and 2029 sailings open.
Arctic availability and itineraries change each season, so tell me the region you are drawn to and I will check which sailings are open for your dates.
Frequently asked questions
Is Antarctica or the Arctic better for a first polar trip?
It depends on what you want to see. Penguins are in Antarctica, and polar bears are in the Arctic. Antarctica usually involves crossing the Drake Passage, unless you choose Silversea's fly-cruise.
When is the best time to go?
The Antarctic season runs November to March, and the Arctic season runs roughly May to September. The right month depends on what you want to see.
Why can't big cruise ships land in Antarctica?
Ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to land anyone, and no more than 100 people can be ashore at a site at one time.
Is a polar itinerary guaranteed?
No. The itinerary is a suggestion. Weather, sea and ice conditions decide where the ship stops, and landings are never guaranteed.
How far ahead should you book a polar cruise?
Antarctica typically books 12 to 24 months ahead.
