Travelling by ship is often the very best way to reach fascinating corners of our planet. With a focus on immersing yourself in beautiful surroundings and discovering captivating wildlife, our expedition ships enable you to explore a wide range of destinations, from the polar waters of the Arctic and Antarctica to the warmer climes of Australia and Pacific Islands.
We offer a wide choice of vessels to suit all requirements – whether you want a smaller ship for a more intimate experience, a simple budget-conscious option or a luxury ship with unsurpassed levels of comfort.
Our collection of expedition vessels comprises superior, standard and simple ships.
Kit is king! Don't forget a waterproof pouch (with lanyard) for your camera phone and a cord for your sunnies. It's all about keeping things hands free as well as to hand!
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X-BOW ships
A distinctive new wave of custom-built expedition ships has arrived, featuring an eye-catching inverted bow and a range of cutting edge features. Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle, Ocean Albatros, Ocean Explorer and Douglas Mawson are leading the way in sustainable polar exploration.
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X-BOW ships
Their innovative Ulstein X-BOW® design allows these ships to pierce through the waves, resulting in a smoother sailing experience even in rough oceans, as well as reduced fuel consumption. These vessels are sleek, fast and energy efficient.
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X-BOW ships
Other key features include virtual anchoring technology, protecting the seabed by using GPS and high-tech steering replace the need for a traditional anchor. World class return-to-port equipment allows these ships to maintain operational systems and onboard facilities in the unlikely event of engine failure, whilst the electronically controlled engines optimise speed and fuel consumption. The cutting-edge MAGS gasification system is used to convert waste into thermal energy on board, reducing the environmental impact of waste transportation.
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X-BOW ships
With a 1A Ice Class, the new generation of expedition ships are strong, safe and stable, offering the perfect blend of luxury and adventure with around half the emissions of traditional expedition ships.
Superior ships
Standard ships
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Aranui V
French Polynesia Standard Expedition ShipAranui means ‘The Great Highway’ in the Tahitian language. This freighter to paradise carries passengers and essential cargo to the culturally diverse and fascinating Marquesas Islands, one of the most remote archipelagos in the world.
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Simple ships
Compare Polar vessels
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Douglas Mawson
Antarctica Deluxe Expedition ShipThe sister ship to the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, the Douglas Mawson sets sail in 2025. With up to 130 passengers, it features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.
- 130
- Balcony Cabins
- Sauna
- Ice-strengthened
- Pool/Hothub
- Jacket to keep
- Loan of rubber boots
- Optional Activities
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Greg Mortimer
Antarctica Deluxe Expedition ShipThis custom-built expedition ship features cutting-edge design, superior comfort for 130 passengers and environmentally friendly technology.
- 130
- Balcony Cabins
- Sauna
- Ice-strengthened
- Pool/Hothub
- Jacket to keep
- Loan of rubber boots
- Optional Activities
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Heritage Adventurer
Antarctica Superior Expedition ShipPurpose-built for authentic polar expedition cruising, the Heritage Adventurer has the highest passenger ice-class rating and has held records for the most Arctic and Antarctic navigations.
- 140
- Balcony Cabins
- Sauna
- 1A Super
- Pool/Hothub
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MS Seaventure
Antarctica Standard Expedition ShipA classic and strong Polar expedition ship, the MS Seaventure immerses passengers in their surroundings with opportunities to participate in important scientific research projects and activities including kayaking and camping.
- 139
- Balcony Cabins
- Sauna
- Ice-strengthened
- Pool/Hothub
- Jacket to keep
- Load of Rubber boots
- Optional Activities
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Ocean Albatros
Arctic Deluxe Expedition ShipPart of a brand new generation of low-energy small ships, custom built for Polar expedition cruising, Ocean Albatros is the sister ship to Ocean Victory. Boasting cutting edge and sustainable design alongside superior on-board comfort.
- 189
- Balcony Cabins
- Sauna
- Ice-strengthened
- Pool/Hothub
- Loan of rubber boots
- Optional Activities
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Ocean Endeavour
Antarctica Superior Expedition ShipThe Ocean Endeavour is a bright and spacious purpose-built expedition ship, with excellent facilities, a range of optional activities and a focus on health and wellbeing.
- 199
- Sauna
- Ice-strengthened
- Pool/Hothub
- Jacket to keep
- Loan of boots
- Optional Activities
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Ocean Explorer
Antarctica Superior Expedition ShipA purpose-built expedition ship offering ample deck space and generously sized cabins, the Ocean Explorer’s innovative design has been meticulously crafted specifically for polar exploration.
- 138
- Balcony Cabins
- Sauna
- Ice-strengthened
- Pool/Hothub
- Jacket to keep
- Loan of rubber boots
- Optional Activities
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Ocean Victory
Antarctica Deluxe Expedition ShipPart of a brand new generation of low-energy small ships, specifically designed for Polar expedition cruising, Ocean Victory is the sister ship to Ocean Albatros. Combining cutting-edge, sustainable design with exceptional stability, efficiency, and superior on-board comfort.
- 185
- Balcony Cabins
- Sauna
- Ice-strengthened
- Pool/Hothub
- Loan of rubber boots
- Optional Activities
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Sylvia Earle
Antarctica Deluxe Expedition ShipThe sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology for 130 passengers.
- 130
- Balcony Cabins
- Sauna
- Ice-strengthened
- Pool/Hothub
- Jacket to keep
- Loan of rubber boots
- Optional Activities
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Ultramarine
Antarctica Deluxe Expedition ShipThe spacious Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition ship, offering a choice of adventure activities as well as the chance to explore by helicopter.
- 199
- Balcony Cabins
- Helicopter on board
- Sauna
- Ice-strengthened
- Jacket to keep
- Loan of rubber boots
- Optional Activities
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World Explorer
Antarctica Deluxe Expedition ShipThe World Explorer is a new state of the art, purpose-built expedition vessel, among the fastest and most luxurious in our fleet of small ships.
- 176
- Balcony Cabins
- Sauna
- Ice-strengthened
- Pool/Hothub
- Jacket to keep
- Loan of rubber boots
- Optional Activities
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Compare
Trip ideas
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Offer Applies
Around Spitsbergen
Arctic Small Ship CruiseVoyage along the Spitsbergen coast in search of polar bears and explorer history.
From £6773 Excluding Flights
7-13 Nights
Jun-Aug
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Offer Applies
Classic Antarctica
Antarctica Small Ship CruiseEncounter curious penguins and laid-back seals on a classic Antarctic cruise.
From £6680 Excluding Flights
8-14 Nights
Jan-Mar & Oct-Dec
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Cruise the Marquesas Islands
French Polynesia Small Ship CruiseDiscover the intoxicating beauty of the luxuriant Marquesas Islands aboard the Aranui V on a Polynesian adventure.
From £4301 Excluding Flights
11 Nights
Feb-Nov
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Inside Passage: Glacier Bay Cruise
Alaska Small Ship CruiseTravel on a small ship expedition-style cruise to discover the dramatic icy wilderness of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
From £3357 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
Apr-Sep
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Offer Applies
Peninsula, Falklands and South Georgia
Antarctica Small Ship CruiseDiscover many of Antarctica's top wildlife hotspots on this expedition cruise.
From £12400 Excluding Flights
16-23 Nights
Jan-Mar & Oct-Dec
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Greenland Disko Bay Voyage
Arctic Small Ship CruiseSail along the remote and dramatic Arctic coastline of West Greenland, with its high mountains, narrow fjords, giant glaciers and small Inuit settlements.
From £6636 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
Aug
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Sailing the Great Bear Rainforest
Canada Small Ship CruiseCruise remote islands and inlets in search of wolves, orcas and grizzly bears.
From £5308 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
Aug-Oct
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Offer Applies
Northwest Passage
Arctic Small Ship CruiseFollow in Franklin and Amundsen's footsteps exploring these legendary waters.
From £12650 Excluding Flights
15-28 Nights
Aug-Sep
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Ross Sea Voyage
Antarctica Small Ship CruiseJoin an expedition voyage to one of the most remote places on earth, the Ross Sea - the gateway to the South Pole.
From £24995 Excluding Flights
27 Nights
Jan-Feb