Set sail on an Antarctica expedition cruise to discover the wild landscape of the ‘last continent’ in all of its glory. Discover a land of extremes, gliding by immense glaciers and icebergs, while coming across some of the rarest wildlife species on earth.
Antarctica is the ultimate bucket list destination. Hostile, remote and uninhabited, the frozen continent offers one of the most dramatic displays of nature on the planet. Largely inaccessible by land, Antarctica is best explored on a cruise.
Antarctica cruise ships are specially designed to navigate the region’s wild icy waters and access remote landing points that are otherwise unreachable.
What’s more, given that many of the continent’s most extraordinary wildlife species, such as penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds, are adept swimmers, Antarctica cruises provide a remarkable opportunity to witness some of the earth’s most magnificent creatures along the way.
Angel is a sleek Galapagos Island cruise vessel that was expertly designed in the Netherlands. It is one of the newest and most sought-after first-class yacht cruises in the archipelago. Up to 16 passengers can enjoy a plush stay on this vessel thanks to its airy suites, sleek convertible cabins and the excellent service provided by its 9-person crew.
EcoGalaxy II also offers a wonderful cruise to the Galapagos islands. This first-class catamaran boasts the lowest fuel consumption of vessels of its kind and directly supports local schools, projects and foundations. EcoGalaxy II has 8 plush staterooms, each of which showcases a chic, contemporary aesthetic.
Promising a unique and authentic experience, Sea Star is owned by a local Galapagueno family. This Galapagos cruise offers a charming and luxurious adventure for guests, with jacuzzis, a mini library, a video library and sun loungers. Snorkelling equipment and kayaks are also provided for water-based adventures.
Isabela II is great for those wanting to experience a slightly larger Galapagos cruise whilst still enjoying personalised service. It caters to up to 40 passengers across its pristine, minimalist cabins. Onboard, passengers can enjoy various amenities including a library, bar, observation decks, dining room and game room. It is also carbon neutral and directly compensates for its carbon emissions. Additionally, it provides exclusive landings, allowing guests to enjoy having the islands entirely to themselves instead of sharing them with other tourists.
One of the most advanced Galapagos Island cruise vessels of its kind, Infinity is a chic motor yacht complete with a whirlpool spa, living room and dining area. Something that particularly sets it apart is that it has one of the best guide-to-passenger ratios in the archipelago. With two dedicated naturalist guides for just 20 passengers, guests can expect in-depth geographical and ecological insights throughout their voyage.
Integrity is a glamorous Galapagos Island cruise vessel. It stands at an impressive 141 feet and boasts state-of-the-art stabilisers and engine vibration control systems, promising a smooth and relaxing trip for those on board. Integrity’s luxurious cabins boast personal climate control, a flat-screen television and satellite television, while communal areas include a jacuzzi, covered bar, library and dining area.
Cormorant II is often hailed as the best cruise line for Galapagos Island adventures. This luxurious vessel, a brand-new mega-catamaran, has 9 elegant suites, a dedicated “Hotel Manager,” and a crew of 11. Guests staying in a premium suite are even treated to a private balcony and jacuzzi. The Cormorant II prides itself on being carbon neutral, ensuring that your plush stay is guilt-free and doesn’t come at the expense of the environment and the surrounding ecosystems.
A wilderness river cruise offers the most incredible way to discover the exotic creatures and extraordinary landscapes of the Amazon. Traverse the most remote reaches of the world’s largest tropical rainforest, where encounters with pink river dolphins, monkeys, and manatees await you at every turn.
Become one of the lucky few to uncover the world’s most remote continent with a nature cruise through Antarctica. Sail the legendary Drake Passage as you venture deep into the Polar Desert, passing cathedral-sized icebergs and immense glaciers. Throughout your adventure, you’ll have the remarkable opportunity to witness incredible wildlife, including blue whales, gentoo penguins, and fur seals, welcoming you to their wild homeland.
When it comes to the best wildlife cruises, it’s hard to beat one of the most biodiverse places on earth: The Galapagos Islands. This unspoiled archipelago boasts some of the highest levels of endemism on the planet. Step aboard an eco-cruise and soar from island to island, encountering the likes of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and colourful sally-foot crabs.
The Polar Desert of Antarctica is nature at its wildest and most unspoiled, boasting frozen expanses, towering glaciers, and dramatic mountainscapes that remain largely untouched by humans. As you embark on Antarctic cruises to explore these spectacular landscapes, get ready for encounters with some of the Earth’s most remarkable wildlife species.
Few destinations rival the splendour of Deception Island. Nestled in the South Shetland Islands, this active volcano has steaming beaches, ash-covered glaciers, and breathtaking volcanic slopes and is a fantastic place to visit on a cruise to Antarctica.
King George Island is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Antarctic” as it is one of the more accessible destinations in the region. However, the landmass is much more than that. It has the only airport in the South Shetland Islands, numerous research stations and villages where scientists live with their families. In terms of wildlife, Weddell and leopard seals all reside on King George Island, along with colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins.
Port Lockroy lies on the small island of Goudier, off the Antarctic Peninsula. It once served as a British research base but has since been converted into a living museum where those on Antarctic cruises can see artefacts from historic bases.
The Lemaire Channel is always eagerly anticipated by travellers on Antarctica expedition cruises. This narrow passage spans just 1.6 kilometres at its narrowest point and is surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. The experience of navigating through this famous channel is made all the more exciting by the abundant local wildlife which includes penguins, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, Elephant seals, and various seabird species.
Paradise Bay is a frozen wonderland where immense glaciers stretch out from the deep blue waters of the Antarctic Peninsula’s west coast. The harbour is situated near Lemaire and Bryde Islands and is home to many of Antarctica’s most popular animal residents such as whales, gentoo penguins and crabeater seals. Paradise Bay makes for an excellent spot to explore on a zodiac expedition during your Antarctic cruise.
A deep, rocky inlet of the Antarctic Peninsula, Neko Harbour is renowned for its hefty penguin colony and huge active glacier. Its magnificent wildlife residents and striking scenery make it a sensational place to explore on foot during your Antarctic cruise. You can set off on a hike across the frozen island, pausing intermittently to allow posses of penguins to pass by and to soak up unforgettable views of the glorious glacier.
Often hailed “the Galapagos of the Poles”, South Georgia is a wildlife lover’s paradise. The landmass boasts huge numbers of breeding seal and penguin populations, along with one of the densest examples of biodiversity on the planet.
The Falkland Islands is one of the most wild and unspoilt corners on Earth. The archipelago is blessed with a glorious landscape adorned with flawless white-sand beaches and azure waters. Alongside its dramatic natural scenery, the Falkland Islands are renowned for their bustling penguin population, which includes king penguins, rockhoppers, and gentoos.
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You can rest assured that the thrilling adventure of your Antarctic expedition cruise will not come at the cost of the wildlife and landscapes you have come so far to explore when booking with Travel Differently. We offset our trips at 150% of their estimated emissions to provide net positive trips. We also exclusively partner with providers that share our commitment to sustainability.
Slow down and immerse yourself in this wild corner of the world on your Antarctic cruise. you’ll have the opportunity to leisurely soak up the dramatic scenery and uncover some of the continent’s least-visited spots, rarely seen by tourists.
Take a fairer approach to Antarctica expedition cruises. We carefully plan each itinerary to ensure each partner shares our commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment and ecosystems within this destination that you have come so far to explore.
We understand that travelling in a greener, slower and fairer way is not only more environmentally responsible but offers a more enriching experience, allowing you to establish deeper connections with the landscapes and creatures you encounter during your trip. Each of our Antarctica cruises is carefully planned and tailored to provide a bespoke journey that perfectly suits your preferences.
