Explore the northernmost part of Earth on an epic voyage
to the beguiling Arctic region, following in the footsteps of the few intrepid hearts who have reached the top of the world – pioneers, polar scientists and those with insatiable wanderlust. Your once-in-a-lifetime journey on board our powerful polar-class icebreaker towards the Polestar and the midnight sun will be an adventure to join an elite group of people who have traversed these magical, remote frozen waters and ice-covered lands, similar but also different to Antarctica. This is a life goal that you will never forget with extraordinary landscapes from serrated mountain peaks, rich river valleys and narrow fjords to beautiful wildlife including walruses, polar bears and majestic whales.
Luxury cruise lines are plentiful, and all offer varying degrees of pampering, experiences and exotic voyages to the most unique and glorious destinations. Here are our picks for the brands, one new ( RITZ CARLTON) small and big, but mostly for being consistent across all areas including price, value, food, on board / off board activities and delivering on an unforgettable LUXURY experience.
RITZ CARLTON YACHT – The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an unprecedented opportunity to be untethered. Here, freedom and flexibility allow immersion in life’s exceptional experiences; exploration of earth’s exquisite and unexpected hideaways; and stirring of passions and curiosities that create new and deepened connections. All of this delivered in an intimate setting with a heightened level of care and attention
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Viking Ocean Cruises, With 250 awards to its name, “Luxury” should be its middle name. Currently operating a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades, including the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2023 Readers’ Choice .
Azamara, It’s been said that guests sail with Azamara for the destinations, but come back for the staff and crew. Luxury comes in small packages, And we couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re greeted with a cool towel, a warm smile, or a glass of sparkling wine after a rewarding day spent onshore, their staff and crew are always ready and waiting to welcome you home.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises®consistently delivers unmatched luxury cruises with the very best value for over thirty years. Unrivaled onboard space. Unforgettable shoreside excursions. Incomparable culinary experiences. Exceptional personalized service. Every lavish amenity is included when cruising aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™
Oceania Cruises, their unique itinerariesare specifically designed to showcase the most fascinating destinations across the globe. As Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, Marina, Riviera and Vista are all small and luxurious, each ship can call on the world’s most desirable ports, from historic cities to modern meccas to charming seaside villages nestled along sparkling coastlines.
Seabourn, Cruising on a Seabourn ship is unlike any other form of travel. The experience is luxurious, yet relaxed — elegant, yet casual — sumptuous, yet understated. Our intimate ships visit the most desirable destinations worldwide, sailing to the heart of landmark cities, as well as to hidden gems where larger vessels cannot follow.
The highly anticipated, 298-passenger Evrima just set sail the week of October 22nd. (updated)
The 298-passenger Evrima aspires to bring Ritz-Carlton hotel comfort and service to sea. With sleek modern design, rich materials, plenty of lounge space, personalized service, and a restaurant with menus designed by a Michelin three-star chef—and after a nearly three-year delay—the first ship of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is ready for its debut. The 298-passenger Evrima will sail seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Nice in October.
The well-regarded maritime architecture and design firm Tillberg of Sweden worked with a team from the hotel company to create a floating Ritz-Carlton hotel.
Guests stay in suites with ceilings that are higher than the cruise ship norm, with king-size beds, double-vanity bathrooms, and private outdoor “terraces” overlooking the sea. Also on offer are resort like features such as a supervised Ritz Kids program with its own playroom ($45 per three-hour session) and a Ritz-Carlton-operated spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms—as well as indulgences such as a $395 non-surgical lift facial. The 623-foot ship has more space per passenger than any other luxury cruise ship.
Guests may take in ocean views while sipping complimentary champagne on loungers around the infinity pool or get even closer to water’s edge on the Marina Terrace, where handcrafted cocktails and light bites will be served when the ship is at anchor. From the marina, there are paddleboards, windsurf boards, kayaks, sailboats, and snorkeling equipment to borrow. Four plunge pools scattered around Evrima afford more intimate opportunities to take a dip with views.
The large Evrima Room, the yacht’s main restaurant, features dishes inspired by the line’s destinations. A five-course tasting menu with wine and champagne pairings at S.E.A. (Sven Elverfeld Aboard) was created by Chef Sven Elverfeld of the three-Michelin-starred Aqua at the Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany . At the Talaat Nam restaurant, dine indoors or out on Southeast Asian dishes—or head to the sushi bar. Room service is available 24/7.
The top-deck Observation Room is a socializing and cocktail spot that morphs into a nightclub in the late hours.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Nightlife
The ship’s Deck 10 indoor and outdoor Observation Terrace is a social hub—a place to take in views by day and to sip cocktails and enjoy live entertainment by evening. Late at night, the space morphs into a nightclub, with an opportunity to dance under the stars. Evrima has its own resident jazz and classical musicians, and local entertainers will come aboard to perform at select ports of call.
Outside the Observation Room, enjoy views by day, dancing under the stars by night.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Ritz-Carlton service
Every suite on Evrima comes with access to a personal concierge for requests from a cup of coffee to help organizing your shore excursions, as well as a separate concierge ashore to handle requests for private experiences and reservations on land. The goal is the kind of personalized service you expect to find at a Ritz-Carlton hotel: The ship has nearly as many crew members as guests.
Before or after your treatment at the Ritz-Carlton Spa, hang out on the spa’s hot tub-equipped terrace.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Destination focus
In its first year, Evrima sails the Mediterranean and Caribbean on 7- to 10-night itineraries—following the yachting crowd to such hotspots as Ibiza, St. Tropez, Bequia, and St. Barts. Overnights afford time to play on land, and there’s a focus on beyond-the-norm shore excursions. For example, a tour of the Aruba Aloe facility is followed by an aloe-based treatment at the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, while an evening excursion in Tenerife focuses on cocktail culture. Cruise fares are from $1,000 per person, per night—though you can find some sailings for less.
At the poolside Mistral, grilled seafood and steaks will be on the menu at lunch and dinner.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
The competition
Leading luxury cruise bands such as Seabourn (Carnival Corp.) and Silversea (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd) won’t be the only competition. Late last month, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announced Four Seasons Yachts, three 190-passenger ships to be built by Italy’s Fincantieri, in partnership with Nadim Ashi, owner of Miami-based Fort Partners (Four Seasons Surf Club in Sunrise, Fla.), and Philip Levine, a former Miami Beach mayor. The first is due in late 2025.
The yacht’s main Evrima Room restaurant serves locally inspired menus based on cruising destinations.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Bonvoy points
Members of the Marriott Bonvoy program can redeem 180,000 points for $1,000 in savings on the cruise fare, with increments of 90,000 points for $500 after that, It’s possible to pay for a 10-day cruise with about 2 million points See participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels booked through the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for more information. There are elite credits, too, those with Elite status will receive perks such as an invite to a special cocktail party and, depending on your member status, free laundry.
We’ve pulled together just some of the many reasons why exploring the world with us, is so memorable. Ever since we set out on our first expedition to Svalbard in 1896, we’ve believed that exploring and learning about our beautiful planet should go hand-in-hand. That’s why our fleet of modern expedition ships is designed to travel to even the most challenging of destinations while providing a comfortable and stylish setting to absorb the wonders of nature.
Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises feature a group of hand-picked experts who make up the Expedition Team, and they’ll deliver fascinating talks and lead guests on shore landings, kayaking excursions, expedition boat adventures and much more. We believe science is key to understanding the world, and that’s why some of our team members are scientists. If our guests want to learn more, our teams are available to help them use the onboard scientific equipment and guide them on Citizen Science projects which help ongoing global research.
What’s more, our commitment to sustainable travel and our mission to help protect the places we visit means our guests help pioneer a greener way of cruising. With diverse and unique expedition cruises to 15 global destinations, and stopping at over 230 ports and landing sites from major cities to isolated islands, we help people to unleash their inner explorer.
We advise those who travel on an expedition cruise with us to expect the unexpected and to be prepared for life-changing experiences!
For a complete list of available sailings click here.
If you are looking for a very special vacation, you may want to consider an expedition cruise to Antarctica in December 2023. Only on polar class ships will you have the opportunity to experience the total solar eclipse set amid the backdrop of Antarctica. This celestial event won’t make an appearance again for another 75 years. Your journey takes you to the remote corners of the Southern Ocean in a path of total darkness created by the eclipse. This once in a lifetime occurrence will be in full view in the early morning hours of December 4, 2021, and these epic polar expedition cruises will bring you up close to this magnificent wonder.
Solar Eclipse in Antartica Cruise
The Solar Eclipse in Antartica cruise with Swoop Antarctica positions you near the South Orkney Islands in the Scotia Sea for a spectacular view of the eclipse. Aside from the eclipse, you’ll have the chance to see the seventh continent and explore the splendid wildlife of South Georgia and the Falklands on the 20-day cruise. Onboard lectures from NASA Astronomer Dr. Michelle Thaller and NASA Engineer Dr. Andrew Booth enhance the realm of your cruise, as does kayaking adventures and wildlife experiences.
Experience Antartica Solar Eclipse Cruise
Choose between two 116 or 176 passenger expedition ships which depart from the “End of the World” Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city on the earth. On the Experience Antarctic Solar Eclipse cruise with Swoop Antarctica, you’ll explore the Falklands and South Georgia before the ship places you as close to the center of the shadow of the moon as possible. This amazing adventure presents opportunities to expand your knowledge of this great event and Antartica’s spectacular geography through onboard lectures from expert polar guides.
Poseidon Expeditions
From November 20 to December 12, sail from Ushuaia, Argentina aboard the 114 passenger M/V Sea Spirit with Poseidon Expeditions. Here you will discover the polar region in style and comfort. Whether you’re dining on international cuisine at the open seating restaurant or eating light meals outdoors in the Bistro, you’ll have plenty of options to enjoy gourmet meals after invigorating excursions through the polar regions. The open bridge policy provides plenty of opportunities to learn about your ship and the breathtaking waters and wildlife. Continue learning about the solar eclipse from astrophysicist, author, and speaker Paul Sutter, who shares in-depth knowledge and engages in discussions to enhance your journey.
A cruise to one of the most remote places on earth is an adventure of a lifetime. Couple the exploration with the viewing of the rare solar eclipse and you get one magnificent journey.
With the importance of food in Italian culture you would expect dining to be a high priority at Silversea. And it most assuredly is. Moreover, gastronomic excellence is a given, thanks to our recipes that reflect heritage and revamp tradition. No matter where you dine, destination influence is readily apparent in the great diversity and freshness of your selections. And every ship also features an array of dining venues. The main dining room, The Restaurant, is an open-seating venue where you can dine whenever you please, and where impromptu dinners with new-found friends is a matter of course. After all, with our worldly crowd of international travellers, socialising is one of the things people love most about our luxury cruise ships. Per guest reservation fee for specialty restaurants. Please visit MySilversea to make your reservations.
Instantly recalling images of the sea in all her watery majesty, the Atlantides are the seven nymph daughters of Atlas. Creative muses, known for their wisdom and beauty, the sisters were granted immortality in the form of stars and can be seen today in the constellation of Taurus. Pivotal to Silver Muse dining experience, this elegant bar and grill incorporates the best that the sea has to offer. Created to temper your taste buds, designer dishes such as royal crab, blue lobster and Verbena infused red snapper in a sea salt crust are showcased alongside the best steaks offshore.
Evoking a sense of exotic mystery, the Asian-accented Indochine embarks you on an exquisite journey of culinary discovery. Unlock the hidden treasures of the spice markets of Mumbai, whet your appetite with the exoticism of Thailand and temper your taste buds with the cuisine of Vietnam. Elegant and exquisite dishes bursting with Asian essence awaken your gastronomic senses and immerse you in an expansive tapestry of the palate. Savour the fusion of flavours of a vast continent that defies definition — in a stylish restaurant that pays homage to its delectable cuisine.
The highly anticipated, 298-passenger Evrima just set sail the week of October 22nd. (updated)
The 298-passenger Evrima aspires to bring Ritz-Carlton hotel comfort and service to sea. With sleek modern design, rich materials, plenty of lounge space, personalized service, and a restaurant with menus designed by a Michelin three-star chef—and after a nearly three-year delay—the first ship of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is ready for its debut. The 298-passenger Evrima will sail seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Nice in October.
The well-regarded maritime architecture and design firm Tillberg of Sweden worked with a team from the hotel company to create a floating Ritz-Carlton hotel.
Guests stay in suites with ceilings that are higher than the cruise ship norm, with king-size beds, double-vanity bathrooms, and private outdoor “terraces” overlooking the sea. Also on offer are resort like features such as a supervised Ritz Kids program with its own playroom ($45 per three-hour session) and a Ritz-Carlton-operated spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms—as well as indulgences such as a $395 non-surgical lift facial. The 623-foot ship has more space per passenger than any other luxury cruise ship.
Guests may take in ocean views while sipping complimentary champagne on loungers around the infinity pool or get even closer to water’s edge on the Marina Terrace, where handcrafted cocktails and light bites will be served when the ship is at anchor. From the marina, there are paddleboards, windsurf boards, kayaks, sailboats, and snorkeling equipment to borrow. Four plunge pools scattered around Evrima afford more intimate opportunities to take a dip with views.
The large Evrima Room, the yacht’s main restaurant, features dishes inspired by the line’s destinations. A five-course tasting menu with wine and champagne pairings at S.E.A. (Sven Elverfeld Aboard) was created by Chef Sven Elverfeld of the three-Michelin-starred Aqua at the Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany . At the Talaat Nam restaurant, dine indoors or out on Southeast Asian dishes—or head to the sushi bar. Room service is available 24/7.
The top-deck Observation Room is a socializing and cocktail spot that morphs into a nightclub in the late hours.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Nightlife
The ship’s Deck 10 indoor and outdoor Observation Terrace is a social hub—a place to take in views by day and to sip cocktails and enjoy live entertainment by evening. Late at night, the space morphs into a nightclub, with an opportunity to dance under the stars. Evrima has its own resident jazz and classical musicians, and local entertainers will come aboard to perform at select ports of call.
Outside the Observation Room, enjoy views by day, dancing under the stars by night.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Ritz-Carlton service
Every suite on Evrima comes with access to a personal concierge for requests from a cup of coffee to help organizing your shore excursions, as well as a separate concierge ashore to handle requests for private experiences and reservations on land. The goal is the kind of personalized service you expect to find at a Ritz-Carlton hotel: The ship has nearly as many crew members as guests.
Before or after your treatment at the Ritz-Carlton Spa, hang out on the spa’s hot tub-equipped terrace.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Destination focus
In its first year, Evrima sails the Mediterranean and Caribbean on 7- to 10-night itineraries—following the yachting crowd to such hotspots as Ibiza, St. Tropez, Bequia, and St. Barts. Overnights afford time to play on land, and there’s a focus on beyond-the-norm shore excursions. For example, a tour of the Aruba Aloe facility is followed by an aloe-based treatment at the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, while an evening excursion in Tenerife focuses on cocktail culture. Cruise fares are from $1,000 per person, per night—though you can find some sailings for less.
At the poolside Mistral, grilled seafood and steaks will be on the menu at lunch and dinner.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
The competition
Leading luxury cruise bands such as Seabourn (Carnival Corp.) and Silversea (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd) won’t be the only competition. Late last month, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announced Four Seasons Yachts, three 190-passenger ships to be built by Italy’s Fincantieri, in partnership with Nadim Ashi, owner of Miami-based Fort Partners (Four Seasons Surf Club in Sunrise, Fla.), and Philip Levine, a former Miami Beach mayor. The first is due in late 2025.
The yacht’s main Evrima Room restaurant serves locally inspired menus based on cruising destinations.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Bonvoy points
Members of the Marriott Bonvoy program can redeem 180,000 points for $1,000 in savings on the cruise fare, with increments of 90,000 points for $500 after that, It’s possible to pay for a 10-day cruise with about 2 million points See participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels booked through the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for more information. There are elite credits, too, those with Elite status will receive perks such as an invite to a special cocktail party and, depending on your member status, free laundry.
Trade in your sunscreen and sandals for icebergs and adventures when you head for the untouched beauty of the White Continent. With less crowded ports, unprecedented expeditions, and the natural beauty of icy waters and wildlife, Antarctica is quickly becoming a top cruise destination. Check out the top three luxury liners that will sail you to the South Pole.
Silversea Cruises: Silver Cloud
Credit: Silversea
With the highest space-to-guest and crew-to-guest ratios in expedition cruising, Silver Cloud offers unprecedented comfort to travelers looking to explore Antarctica and beyond. Upon arrival, guests are met by Silversea’s attentive staff and a flute of champagne as they are escorted to their suite by their butler. Onboard, guests enjoy four world-class restaurants. At The Grill, guests dine under the moonlit sky and have the opportunity to cook their food on sourced volcanic rock right at the table. Aside from adventure and aperitifs, the ship boasts the serene Zagara Spa, industry-leading service (be met with a towel as you emerge from the pool), and – unique to Silver Cloud – a state-of-the-art photo studio where budding photographers can transform prints from their cameras.
Abercrombie & Kent’s Le Lyrial
Credit: Ambercrombie & Kent
Abercrombie & Kent’s newest charter ship from Ponant is an expeditioner’s dream. Aside from the sleek style and sophistication of the ship itself, and of course the balcony staterooms and suites, the real distinction of traveling on an A&K charter of Le Lyrial is the award-winning team of experts. Akin to an education at sea, A&K’s expeditions are led by the most experienced marine biologists, ornithologists and geologists, along with a shipboard historian who shares tales from Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. When you’re done exploring, your private butler will tend to your every need, from cocktails on your balcony to arranging for your personal hairstylist.
Quark Expeditions
Credit: Quark Expeditions
Set for sail in 2023 Quark Expeditions unveiled its newest ship in polar explorations. Cutting edge technology, advanced safety measures and a vastly experienced expedition team are just a few reasons to set your sights on this ship. Think of it as a 5-star hotel on the sea. Leaving no stone unturned, guests will have access to dual helicopters, indoor / outdoor dining, spa and fitness, and a rapid Zodiac.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an ice-strengthened ship and an icebreaker ship?
An ice-strengthened ship is a ship made of steel. These ships are made to get through the ice at Antarctica and the Arctic. Nowadays, most of the ships that cruise to Antarctica and the Arctic are ice-strengthened ships. Ortelius and Plancius Read more »
What kind of clothing should I take during my expedition cruise?
We require you to bring a waterproof jacket and pants (minimum 15,000mm rating) for Zodiac cruises to shore. You will also need high rubber boots for trips on Rembrandt van Rijn. Apart from that, our advice is to take warm, windproof, waterproofRead more »
You must be in good general health, and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible on shore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship i
21 photos of Oceanwide Expeditions About Oceanwide Expeditions
Passionate
Taking you closer to the heart of the polar regions has been our driving passion at Oceanwide Expeditions for over twenty years. Our knowledgeable cruise leaders, committed staff, and thoroughly outfitted vessels are our way of expressing what we care about most: making your cruise to the Arctic and Antarctic truly unforgettable. When you sail with us, you experience a part of the world that is unlike any other. Mountainous glaciers, snow-swept shores, whales and polar bears and vast colonies of penguins make up this world, and they are all part of the surreal ecosystem you can watch unfold before you on your future Oceanwide expedition.
Adventurous
Providing you a travel experience that inspires (and is inspired by) you, that’s what taking you closer to the heart of the polar regions means to us. We get you away from the vessel and into the action as fast as possible: up to two landings per day in the morning and afternoon, with a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs ready to shuttle you past the ice floes and onto the shore. We keep our programs flexible so that you get the most out of whatever surprises nature has in mind. When you sail with us, the cruise is just the tip of the iceberg.
Pioneering
So what exactly is beneath the tip of that iceberg? The pioneering spirit, which all travelers to the polar regions (regardless of age and background) have in common. Guiding our expeditions with passion, tapping into the desire for inspiration and beauty, and always taking you closer to the heart of the Arctic and Antarctic – at Oceanwide Expeditions, that is our promise to you.
We recently shared information on Quark Expeditions latest build, and now we are bringing you more exciting news on what is slated to be one of the world’s most technologically advanced vessels. Quark Expeditions recently unveiled the name of its newest ship and it only seems fitting that the moniker speaks to the very core of which it operates: bringing people to the most remote corners of the world.
The highly anticipated new ship will be named Ultramarine. Taking its name from the color of the same name: ultramarine, meaning “beyond the sea.” For more than three decades, the leader in polar expedition has been bringing travelers beyond the thrones of polar exploration, making dreams a reality.
Credit: Quark Expeditions
“We picked the name Ultramarine because it links us directly to the sea, which of course is integral to our identity,” said Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. “But the word ‘ultra,’ especially by its modern-day definition, ‘beyond what is ordinary,’ reflects our signature approach to polar exploration. We create expedition experiences that go beyond what others in the industry can offer – especially in terms of off-ship experiences. Ultramarine has been designed in a way that will continue to allow us to go beyond and take people to places no one else can.”
The Ultramarine will combine leading-edge technology and advanced safety systems that will allow passengers to get off the ship and deeper into the polar wilderness faster than ever before. The unique features of this advanced polar vessel will allow Quark Expeditions to continue to redefine what’s possible in the polar regions:
The new vessel boasts two twin-engine helicopters and two helidecks, the industry’s largest selection of adventure options, 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs, a best-in-class 70-day operational range, advanced sustainability features, and a high-end, modern contemporary décor.
Credit: Quark Expeditions
“Ultramarine will be an unrivaled operational base for polar adventures,” said White. “This new vessel – in the hands of the most experienced team in the expedition industry – will allow our guests to go further into the polar regions than ever before while maintaining the same respect for nature that has always been paramount to us. Ultramarine will allow our guests to spend their days embracing the off-ship adventures that have made Quark Expeditions so popular. And once back on the ship after a day of polar exploration, they will be able to rest, relax and rejuvenate in a high-end, modern contemporary space.”
The inaugural season for Ultramarine is expected to go on sale this summer. The first voyages will set sail in the Antarctic 2020-21 season.
