Polar Expedition Ships & Onboard Life
Polar voyages use small, ice-strengthened expedition ships (and, for the North Pole, nuclear icebreakers) built for landings and wildlife. We match the right one to you.
What to expect aboard
Ice-strengthened ships
Purpose-built expedition vessels — from under 100 to a few hundred guests — designed to push into the ice safely.
Zodiacs & expert teams
Fleets of zodiacs and teams of naturalists, historians and biologists lead landings and cruises among wildlife and ice.
Optional adventures
Sea kayaking, camping, snowshoeing and, on some ships, submersibles and helicopters for a bird’s-eye view.
Comfort in the cold
Warm cabins (many with balconies), good dining, saunas and observation lounges — cozy bases for wild days outside.
Enrichment aboard
Daily briefings, lectures and photography guidance on polar wildlife, ice and the age of exploration.
Gear & preparation
Ships supply expedition parkas and loan boots, and brief you fully on wildlife and biosecurity rules for each region.
Smaller ships mean more landings and intimacy; larger and luxury polar ships add stability, space and amenities. For the North Pole, powerful nuclear icebreakers are in a class of their own.
Polar voyages sell out far ahead and prime cabins go first — we lock in the right ship, cabin and departure for your trip.
Match a ship to your trip
Tell us whether you’re drawn to the Arctic or Antarctica, your dates and wildlife priorities, and we’ll match the expedition ship and voyage — and get your best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation.
Get your best Polar cruise price free