Exploring Antarctica: Your Guide to Polar Expedition Cruise Ships from Ushuaia

If you’re planning an unforgettable journey to Antarctica departing from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina, you’re in for a treat. Antarctica’s pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife await, and the choice of the right expedition cruise ship is key to making the most of your adventure. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some remarkable vessels that will take you on an unforgettable journey to the frozen continent. Plus, keep an eye out for a special offer from our company to enhance your experience with seamless transportation services in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.

• HONDIUS is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Surpassing the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica.
• Ultramarine Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.
• NAT. GEO. EXPLORER the National Geographic Explorer, travels from pole to pole each year, spending winters in Antarctica and summers in the Arctic. As it voyages the length of the Atlantic, the ship explores the Baltic Sea, Norway, the Northwest Passage, the Canadian Maritimes and the coast of South America. The National Geographic Explorer is an ice-class expedition ship that accommodates 148 guests in 81 spacious cabins. Each cabin offers outside views, private bathrooms, and sleek, modern furnishings. The ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft, as well as sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world.
• VENTUS AUSTRALIS The name – Latin for “Southern Wind” – reflects Tierra del Fuego’s distinctive weather, a factor that has long determined the region’s socio-cultural development and that so impressed the early mariners who endeavored to explore Patagonia’s southernmost waterways.  Tailor-made for exploring the remote southern tip of South America, all aspects of the 210-passenger ship — including size, length, draft and engine power — are designed to give Ventus Australis the extreme maneuverability necessary to navigate narrow fjords and channels where no other cruise ships can venture. 
• OCEAN ENDEAVOUR spacious, ice-strengthened vessel features twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, and stabilizers. A doctor, paramedic, medical clinic, and enhanced health regime offer peace of mind. Roomy facilities offer comfortable travel with plenty of breathing room for all.
• USHUAIA The M/V Ushuaia is a small, ice-strengthened expedition ship originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration). She has now been refurbished to accommodate a maximum of just 84 passengers in comfortable cabins and suites. The Ushuaia offers great value cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as occasional cruises to South Georgia and Weddell Sea. The polar vessel USHUAIA is very well appointed and provides ample deck space and an open-bridge policy. The full complement of inflatable landing crafts ensures superb landings and wildlife viewing opportunities on otherwise inaccessible coastlines.
• SEAAVENTURE features a 1-A Super ice class rating — the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. This means that we will be able to explore coves, bays, and channels that would previously have been forbidden to us. The ship also offers a host of new activities. There’s a sauna, a fitness center, and a custom-built citizen science lab. There is more storage space, which is important because it means we can carry more equipment, so that more of our guests can participate in activities like kayaking and camping.
• PLANCIUS M/v “Plancius” is a former Dutch Navy research vessel rebuilt as a passenger ship in 2009, accommodating 108 passengers. It offers various cabin types, an observation lounge, open decks, and zodiacs for exploring Arctic and Antarctic regions. The ship prioritizes educational and exploratory travel, not luxury, with reduced noise from a diesel-electric system. It has an international crew of 40, including expedition staff and a doctor.
• SEA SPIRIT Like some of the birds we see in the Arctic and Antarctica, our m/v Sea Spirit is migratory and follows the sun, northbound in the summer and southbound in the winter, always ready for spontaneous discoveries — a pod of whales, a family of polar bears or a glaciated mountain vista. She is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating the narrow fjords of East Greenland and entering the small bays of Spitsbergen. In 2017, she was renovated to offer a unique mixture of adventure and comfort for our sophisticated travelers. Onboard, we create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all our guests. They are united by one goal — to have a memorable wilderness experience and to become real polar adventurers. We believe that first-hand travel to such places makes one an ambassador for conservation, and helps strengthen our resolve to protect these natural environments for future generations.
• ORTELIUS originally the Marina Svetaeva, is a robust expedition vessel built in 1989 in Poland for the Russian Academy of Science. It’s ice-strengthened (UL1), accommodating up to 108 passengers and features open-deck spaces. With a crew of 24 nautical staff, 20 hotel staff, eight expedition experts, and one doctor, Ortelius offers comfort along with wildlife exploration. Some cabins may have partially obstructed views, but the ship has a bar, lecture room, and 10 Zodiacs with 60hp Yamaha engines for flexible wildlife encounters.
• SYLVIA EARLE connect with like-minded travellers in a meaningful way on perspective-altering voyages to some of the most remote, unique and spectacular places on the planet. The Sylvia Earle is a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet. Paying tribute to Dr. Sylvia Earle and six pioneering conservationists with public decks honouring their contributions and shining a light on their important conservation causes. Certified 100% Climate Neutral, with a fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, expert lectures and participative Citizen science programs, to enrich your knowledge and connection to the places we travel to. The Sylvia Earle is a comfortable base camp for adventure. With a maximum of 132 expeditioners, our aim is to get you off ship experiencing the natural environment as much as possible and our smaller groups also mean we can tread lightly, making a positive impact to the environment. Each of the vessel’s public decks bear the names of six pioneering female conservationists – Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Joanna Ruxton, Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Dr. Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo – along with a deck dedicated to Dr. Earle herself. The scientists are inspiring leaders in their fields, and as part of the deck theming, will educate our expeditioners on the impressive and important conservation work they continue to do.
• OCEAN ADVENTURER has long been a fleet favorite among guests and crew who’ve appreciated the charm and intimacy of this 128-passenger vessel, its ample outdoor deck space, numerous cozy spots to socialize onboard—and the outdoor jacuzzi. A few years ago, Ocean Adventurer underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation involving a talented team of marine architects, engineers, interior designers and polar expedition specialists. Quark Expeditions is proud of the enhancements to the much-loved polar vessel—which subsequently won the Travel Weekly Magellan Award for Overall Small Cruise Ship (500 passengers or under).
• LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT is a remarkable addition to the PONANT fleet, being the world’s first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). This vessel enables unique polar expedition cruises and prioritizes safety and low-impact navigation in extreme environments. It incorporates cutting-edge technologies and solutions, making it one of the most advanced polar vessels in operation. With 123 suites and staterooms, each with a private balcony or terrace, Le Commandant Charcot embodies PONANT’s commitment to providing an exceptional and exclusive experience for every passenger. This vessel combines luxury with sustainability, creating a unique and responsible polar exploration experience.
• MS EXPEDITION was built in 1972 in Denmark by the ship builders Helsingor Skipbsverft. She was previously a ferry named Alandsfarjan working in the Baltic Sea and was extensively refitted and refurbished in Rauma, Finland from June 2008 to March 2009. With her ice-strengthened hull and shallow draft she can go to adventurous places. The Expedition provides an intimate small-ship cruising experience. She boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the world’s most remote regions. The Expedition can accommodate up to 134 passengers and it offers space, comfort and good prices.
• NAT. GEO. RESOLUTION the National Geographic Resolution launched in November 2021. It accommodates 138 guests in 71 spacious cabins—including 2 newly added solo cabins. All accommodations face outside and have large windows or balconies, private bathrooms, individual climate control, Wi-Fi, and an expedition command center with tablets and USB/mobile device docking. The ship carries a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft, kayaks, snowshoes, and cross-country skis; as well as sophisticated equipment that allows our undersea specialist unique access and the ability to share the underwater world. Public areas include a lounge with bar; a gym; a yoga studio; infinity-style outdoor hot tubs; saunas with ocean views; a library; a spa; state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; a photo workshop area; and two restaurants featuring local, sustainable cuisine—plus a chef’s table for intimate, small group dining. Services include a full-time doctor, a National Geographic photographer, a Lindblad-National Geographic-certified photo instructor and video chronicler, a wellness specialist, laundry service and an internet café.
• FRIDTJOF NANSEN the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen’s Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole – Roald Amundsen.
• STELLA AUSTRALIS offers tourists a relaxed stay, while providing breathtaking sights from the decks. For the best in Chile travel choose Australis to reach all of Patagonia’s fabulous venues, attractions, and expeditions. Indulge in first class Chile travel onboard the Stella Australis. When you book our Patagonia cruise tours you have to opportunity to relax on a spacious cruise ship to Patagonia, with a beautiful atmosphere, and fine dining. Before you embark on your Patagonia adventure enjoy the comfort of cabins that provide you with incredible ocean views and lavish decor. Wine and dine, mix and mingle, and enjoy our fabulous entertainment on your Patagonia vacation. Use Australis when you visit Patagonia for amazing customer service, excitement, beautiful scenery, and exceptional cuisine.
• OCEAN ALBATROS is a highly versatile expedition cruise ship that operates in various exciting destinations, including Antarctica, the Arctic, and many places in between. It boasts a total of 94 comfortable staterooms and suites, all featuring unobstructed sea views, with most including private balconies. This has made the Ocean Albatros one of the most sought-after expedition cruise vessels globally. The Ocean Albatros offers two restaurants, a wellness area, the Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and state-of-the-art amenities for the comfort of its guests. Notably, the vessel boasts an impressive 50% lower carbon footprint compared to traditional expedition vessels, thanks to its commitment to sustainability through the Green Initiative Program. It also includes a unique panorama sauna and offers dedicated solo travel cabins without a single supplement. In terms of technical details, the Ocean Albatros holds the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A ratings, making it well-suited for small-ship cruising in challenging polar environments. Its sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class contribute to high stability in rough seas, ensuring smooth sailing even in adverse conditions. Additionally, it adheres to Solas 2012 safety standards, ensuring a safe return to port in case of emergencies. This vessel represents a new generation of low-energy ships, featuring four diesel engines and two electro engines, all electronically controlled to optimize speed and fuel consumption, further enhancing its eco-friendly profile.
• VIKING POLARIS This expedition ship, built in 2022, is designed to explore remote destinations with comfort and elegance. It accommodates 378 guests and boasts a dedicated crew of 256 members. With impressive dimensions, including a length of 665 feet and a beam of 77 feet, it offers stability and ample space. It holds a Polar Class 6 classification, making it suitable for challenging polar regions.
• ROALD AMUNDSEN Named after the first man to cross Antarctica and to reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters. It serves as a comfortable base camp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.
• GREG MORTIMER We drew on centuries of collective experience to map out the Greg Mortimer: purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth. The first passenger ship to feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, this allows the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently, and with expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the environment, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, the Greg Mortimer offers the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration. Accommodating an average of 132 expeditioners per voyage within 76 cosy, comfortable cabins – all cabins have a view of the ocean and 85% of cabins have their own balcony. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym, sauna, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities. The Greg Mortimer has redefined expedition cruising for the future.
• HANSEATIC INSPIRATION Searching for the unknown and finding your inner self in the process. Respectfully encountering nature and perceiving yourself as part of it. Appreciating foreign cultures and gaining profound insights. For more than 30 years, we have been offering expedition cruises that touch your soul. Whether you’re heading to the Hebrides or the Azores, to Antarctica or the South Seas, intensive adventures on spectacular routes both near and far await you with the HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit – and you’ll share your personal expedition with a small group of no more than 230 passionate explorers. Welcome on board!

Stay tuned for more information about additional polar expedition cruise ships in our next blog post. Plus, don’t forget to check out our exclusive transportation services to enhance your journey in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. Your unforgettable polar adventure begins here!