Michelle Sole

Silversea

Expedition Guide: 2025/26 Antarctic Expedition Ship and Point of Difference Comparison Chart

Compare Antarctica Expedition Operators and Ships for the 2025/2026 season

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By ExplorEarth Editor

DECEMBER 01, 2025

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Antarctica Awaits: A side-by-side look at key operators, ships, styles and ideal traveller types for the 2025/2026 season

Passengers On Deck Michelle Sole 4027 — There has never been more choice in the Antarctic: Photo credit Michelle Sole

Antarctica has never been more exciting or more accessible than in the 2025/2026 season. From classic ice-strengthened expedition ships to ultra-luxury small vessels with butler service, there’s now an Antarctic voyage for almost every style of traveller. Whether you dream of camping on the ice, flying over the Drake Passage, meeting emperor penguins or simply watching the world’s most dramatic landscapes drift past from your balcony, the choices can feel overwhelming.

To make things easier, we’ve curated a side-by-side comparison of key Antarctica expedition operators and ships sailing in 2025/2026. This chart highlights each line’s style, ship capacity, itinerary focus and the type of traveller they suit best, from rugged, boots-on-the-ground adventurers to comfort-loving luxury seekers and value-driven explorers.

Use this overview as your quick “at a glance” guide to narrow down the right kind of voyage for you, then dive deeper into specific itineraries and dates. And of course, if you’d like personalised advice, our expedition specialists are here to help match you with the perfect Antarctica 2025/2026 journey.

Michelle Sole Quark Expeditions

Emperors on Snow Hill Island

You can visit the emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill Island with Quark Expeditions

G Adventures

Camping on Ice

Overnight camping in Antarctica is offered by several ExplorEarth partners including G Adventures

Dan Stavert

Polar Photography

Many professionals believe Antarctica is the ultimate location for photography, both amateur and pro

4M9A6974 Michelle Sole Quark Expeditions 4810

Helicopter Supported Trips

To see certain parts of Antarctica, helicopter support may be necessary

Piet Van Den Bemd Poseidon Expeditions

Piet Van Den Bemd Kayaking Poseidon 3788

Kayaking in Antarctica

Many of our operators offer kayaking and paddling programmes for groups of around 20 guests

Sergey Dolya

Expert Lectures

Operators often travel with experts who will enhance your trip with learning and insights

James Lafferty

Zodiac Tours

The best way to get close to nature and marine life is via Zodiac tours where you will see cetaceans, leopard seals and penguins at sea

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (Widgety)

Deck with a View

Some ships have glass balconies to give exceptional vision and spacial awareness

Snorkelling Brown Station Paradise Bay Antarctica Grant Thomas AE 4828

Snorkelling in Antarctica

Several ExplorEarth partners in Antarctica offer snorkelling

Dan Stavert

Polar Hiking

Offered by most operators, hiking in Antarctica is otherworldly

Antarctica Expedition Cruise Comparison – 2025/2026 Season

A side-by-side look at key operators, ships, styles and ideal traveller types.

Operator & Ships	Style & Capacity	2025/26 Highlights	Typical Trip Length	Best For
Oceanwide Expeditions Ships Hondius, Plancius, Ortelius Classic Expedition	Rugged, true expedition ships Approx. 108–174 guests	Ice-strengthened fleet, frequent Zodiac landings, camping, kayaking and hiking. Access to Weddell Sea and Deep South routes.	10–33 days	Wildlife lovers and adventure-first travellers.
Swan Hellenic Ships SH Vega, SH Diana Boutique	Boutique cultural-expedition Approx. 152–192 guests	Elegant ships with curated lectures, strong enrichment and expert-led landings in the Antarctic Peninsula and beyond.	9–20 nights	Cultural travellers wanting comfort and exploration combined.
AE Expeditions (Aurora Expeditions) Ships Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle, Douglas Mawson Adventure	Australian-led small ships Approx. 130 guests	New Ross Sea & East Antarctica itineraries, Subantarctic islands, and a strong focus on active off-ship experiences.	9–30 days	Active explorers who want maximum time in nature.
Atlas Ocean Voyages Ships World Navigator, World Traveller, World Voyager Premium Yacht	Modern yacht-style polar ships Approx. 196 guests	37 departures in 2025/26, stylish design, classic Peninsula plus South Georgia/Falklands and fly-the-Drake options.	7–18 nights	Guests wanting modern style and comfort with strong expedition content.
Quark Expeditions Ships Ultramarine, Ocean Adventurer, World Explorer Polar Specialist	Dedicated polar fleet Approx. 128–199 guests	Helicopter-supported adventures, Snow Hill emperor penguin trips and an Antarctica circumnavigation itinerary.	8–40 days	Serious polar enthusiasts and photographers.
Albatros / Polar Latitudes Ships Ocean Victory, Ocean Albatros Modern Expedition	Scandinavian-designed expedition ships Approx. 174 guests	Modern vessels, strong activity programme and thoughtful inclusions such as wellness and cultural touches.	10–19 days	Travellers wanting comfort and a contemporary expedition feel.
G Adventures Ship G Expedition Value / Social	Casual, friendly small ship Approx. 134 guests	Upgraded ship for 2025/26, strong solo and small-group community, excellent value for money.	11–14 days	Young-minded and budget-conscious adventurers.
Silversea Expeditions Ships Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Endeavour Ultra-Luxury	All-suite luxury ships Approx. 220–274 guests (often capped lower)	Fly-cruise options, very high inclusions and some of the most luxurious accommodation in Antarctica.	6–18 days	Luxury guests who still want genuine expedition experiences.
Poseidon Expeditions Ship Sea Spirit Classic Intimate	Classic expedition vessel Approx. 114 guests	Long landings, strong educational focus, and optional camping and kayaking programmes.	11–23 days	Travellers seeking an intimate, traditional expedition experience.
Ponant Ships L’Austral, Le Boréal, Le Lyrial, Le Soléal French Luxury	French-flag luxury expedition Approx. 200–264 guests	“Emblematic Antarctica” and longer Austral itineraries with refined French cuisine and eco-conscious design.	10–18 nights	Design lovers and eco-conscious luxury travellers.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Ships Hanseatic Nature, Hanseatic Inspiration, Hanseatic Spirit In-Depth	German 5-star expedition fleet Approx. 199–230 guests	Long, in-depth itineraries including semi-circumnavigation and extensive Zodiac operations, with excellent observation decks.	20–31 days	Experienced travellers wanting deep immersion in Antarctica.