How to choose a cruise ship for Antarctica

The biggest difference between a standard cruise and an Antarctic one is that the ships in Antarctica are essentially just your accommodation and transport; the entertainment and adventures happen when you disembark. So forget about the tribute bands, casinos and dance classes, and focus instead on the Zodiac trips, whale watching and snowshoeing – with the ship as a means to get you there.

Of course, you will still have to choose an expedition vessel – and while they won’t have nightclubs and water flumes, they do vary greatly. So here are our tips on how to choose a cruise ship for Antarctica.

One of the biggest considerations is the size of your ship. We only promote cruise ships – in any destination – that carry 250 passengers or fewer, due to the reduced environmental impact of these vessels.

For ships with 100 passengers or fewer, you can disembark every time the ship stops, heading out on Zodiac trips to watch wildlife or set foot on land. Smaller vessels also offer a more intimate onboard atmosphere, with more opportunities to get to know your fellow passengers, share stories, swap photos and make friends. This is particularly good for solo travelers. Smaller ships also have a greater choice of landing sites, as they can enter smaller harbours according to International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) regulations.

There are some advantages to larger ships. They are generally more stable, reducing the chance of seasickness, especially on the lower decks. They will have a wider range of facilities on board too.

However, in Antarctica you’ll need to bear in mind that only 100 passengers are permitted to disembark at one time according to regulations set by IAATO, so for ships carrying over 200 passengers that will mean you will not be able to disembark every day.

The regulations also state that ships carrying 500-plus passengers may not land at all, so if you have a cabin on one of these, you’ll have to content yourself by watching the frozen continent pass by your porthole.

Icebreaker ships tend to be confined to Arctic waters around the North Pole. And surprisingly, not all Antarctic ships are even ice-strengthened. Those that are will be able to set sail earlier in the season and cruise further along the peninsula. It’s worth noting that few Antarctic expeditions cross the Antarctic Circle – so setting sail in an ice-strengthened ship later in the season may be the best way to do this.

Most Antarctic expedition ships will have a lecture theatre where marine biologists, zoologists, historians and geologists give fascinating talks and presentations to help you make sense of the surreal scenes around you. There may also be guest photographers on board who can offer tips on how to take better pictures in the unusual polar conditions. These lectures take place throughout the expedition, often a couple of times a day, and are a good way to pass the time as you cross the Drake Passage (if you’re feeling well enough to attend!).

If there is one particular aspect of polar exploration that appeals to you, then read up on each departure to find out if there is a specialist in this area. Some expeditions are joined by BBC wildlife camera operators or renowned photographers, for example; others will include trips led by experts in the human history of Antarctica or whale specialists. These experts will often act as your guides off the ship as well – as you ride in the Zodiacs, visit research stations or trek across the ice.

Some ships, particularly former research vessels, have large outdoor decks, while others have enclosed observation decks surrounded by panoramic windows that may be preferable while crossing the Drake Passage or watching wild polar storms. The research vessels have plenty of character and offer a more pioneering feel – though they have generally been reconditioned to offer cabins and facilities that are just as comfortable as their more modern counterparts.

Other facilities may include a sauna – a welcome treat after an icy trek – a gym and a library. This will be well-stocked with books on the polar regions, wildlife and history for you to swot up on between shore excursions.

Some of the daily activities will also be dependent on your choice of ship. Some ships are equipped with kayaks, for instance, but numbers may be limited so ask what is available. Other activities such as camping on Antarctica, snowshoeing and polar diving will also be dependent on the available equipment and itinerary, so have a good chat with our tour partners before booking.