Antarctica Archives - Luxury Cruise News

Adventure Cruising

Adventure cruising has gained popularity among travelers seeking immersive and active experiences in diverse and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Several cruise lines specialize in adventure cruising, offering unique itineraries that focus on exploration, wildlife encounters, and outdoor activities. Here are some notable adventure cruising brands:

Lindblad Expeditions: Lindblad Expeditions specializes in expedition cruises to remote and wild destinations around the world. Partnered with National Geographic, their ships are equipped for exploration, with expert naturalists and photographers on board to enhance the guest experience. Lindblad’s itineraries often focus on wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and adventure activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.
UnCruise Adventures: UnCruise Adventures offers small-ship cruises to adventurous destinations in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, and Central America. With a focus on active exploration and wilderness encounters, UnCruise itineraries feature activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and snorkeling, along with opportunities to interact with local communities and wildlife.
Ponant: While Ponant is known for its luxury cruises, the cruise line also offers expedition voyages to some of the world’s most remote and captivating destinations. With a fleet of small expedition ships, Ponant’s itineraries include polar expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic, as well as cruises to destinations such as the Amazon, the Kimberley region of Australia, and the islands of the South Pacific.
Aurora Expeditions: Aurora Expeditions specializes in small-group expeditions to the polar regions, as well as other remote destinations such as Papua New Guinea, the Russian Far East, and South Georgia Island. Their ships are equipped for active exploration, with Zodiac excursions, wildlife watching opportunities, and expert guides providing insight into each destination’s natural and cultural heritage.
Adventure Canada: Adventure Canada offers expedition cruises to the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Newfoundland and Labrador, and other remote regions of Canada. Their small expedition ships provide access to wilderness areas and cultural sites, with a focus on learning, discovery, and authentic experiences guided by experts in history, culture, and natural science.

Quark Expeditions: Quark Expeditions specializes in polar adventures, offering expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic. Their ice-strengthened ships are equipped for exploring remote regions, with activities such as Zodiac cruising, kayaking, and shore excursions led by experienced guides. Quark’s itineraries provide opportunities for wildlife encounters, scenic exploration, and learning about polar environments.

These adventure cruising brands cater to travelers seeking active and immersive experiences in some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. Whether you’re interested in polar exploration, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or outdoor activities, these cruise lines offer unique and unforgettable adventures.

Silversea Announces Lineup of Culinary and Wine Enriched Voyages

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.

Atlantide

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.

Indochine

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.

Antarctica Cruises, 2024

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

silversea butler use — 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

Antarctica, Le Lyrial Cruise Ship — 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

Antarctica for Quark — Credit: Quark Expeditions

Set for sail in 2024Quark 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, waterproof Read 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

Read more »

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.

Show all polar cruises.

Scenic Kicks Offers Early-Bird Fares 2024 – Scenic Eclipse

Scenic is kicking off the 2024 Wave Season with multiple offers. Guests wanting to be one of the first to experience the world’s first Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse (pictured below), enjoy early-bird fares – up to 10% off regular fares – on 13 different itineraries between September 2024 and July 2024. Including the Scenic Eclipse “Panama & Columbia Discovery” itinerary, just named by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the world’s best cruises for 2024. They also receive deposit protection at no charge, an early payment discount of up to $1,000 per couple, and free airport transfers to and from their homes on itineraries longer than 10 days. Free round-trip air is being offered on the 15-day “South America to Canary Islands” transatlantic sailing. Scenic Eclipse offers are on new bookings made by February 28, 2024 and space available.

Those wishing to explore Europe’s rivers in 2024 on one of Scenic’s luxury Space-Ships can “Choose Your Savings” – a new program that offers a choice of either free round-trip airfare, up to $1,500 per person fare savings, or a two-category balcony suite upgrade on any of many European river itineraries. Bookings on “Choose Your Savings” must be made by Feb. 15, 2024.

The Scenic Eclipse, is a “6-star” ultra-luxury mega yacht, carrying just 228 guests, (200 in the polar regions of Arctic and Antarctica). By marrying luxury, discovery and safety with world-class innovation, Scenic guests can explore above and beyond what was previously possible from a cruise ship. The itineraries in the Wave Season offer cover much of the world. From an incredible 21-day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands adventure to a relaxing away-from-the-world 14-day Transatlantic crossing to 11-day discover your roots in the British Isles to a five-day Argentina & Brazil exploration.

The ship has 10 dining options, a 5,900ft² Spa Sanctuary, staterooms that range in size from the generous 345ft² Verandah Suites to the 2,660ft² two-bedroom Penthouse Suite, eight spacious bars and lounges offering unlimited complimentary beverages, butler service, and numerous pools. A six-passenger helicopter and six-passenger submarine take guests far beyond the environs of a normal cruise.

Guests interested in seeing Europe from its many rivers get to choose both their savings offer and their itinerary: eight-day Rhine Highlights or Gems of Danube itineraries; 15-day Jewels of Europe, sailing on the Rhine, Main and Danube; 11-day Unforgettable Douro (Portugal); 11-day Normandy & Gems of the Seine, sailing from Paris to Honfleur; and 14-day Spectacular South of France Paris to Nice exploration. Each itinerary offers its own slew of included tours and Scenic Enrich events – from a concert at Palais Lichtenstein in Vienna to a French extravaganza in Lyon, that includes the can-can and other great performances – all exclusive to Scenic.

The 5-star Scenic sips offer all-inclusive luxury experiences – from private butler service and unlimited complimentary beverages and spirits including mini-bar re-stocked daily, to full-size private balcony staterooms – all making use of Scenic’s unique Sun Lounge technology – where the walkout open-air balcony can convert to an all-weather lounge with a push of a button, expanding the living area of the stateroom.

As with all Scenic river cruises, guests will never have to reach for the wallet or purse as everything (except a haircut or massage) is included: tips and gratuities, all meals in any of the multiple dining options, all drinks, expert local guides, transfers, all Scenic Freechoice activities that allow for a more personalized vacation, plus Scenic Enrich events. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the website.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, wwww.scenicusa.com