How to Choose a Polar Expedition Cruise Vessel
With cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica expeditions becoming ever more accessible, the number of operators and expedition ships available has also increased. So, although this will bring you more options, it can make it harder to know which polar expedition cruise vessel is right for you and your personal aspirations for your once-in-a-lifetime trip.
In fact, we currently offer polar cruises aboard around 30 Antarctica expedition ships and 28 Arctic expedition ships, with that number likely to increase as the demand for polar travel grows!
With so many options available for your epic adventure, it may seem like a quest, in itself, simply to choose which ship to opt for. But, that’s why we are here, to help you navigate those options and choose the perfect vessel for your Antarctica or Arctic marine exploration.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Polar Expedition Cruise Vessel
We find that for most customers, the choice usually boils down to one of three factors… size, facilities, and activities.
Let’s go through some of these factors together to try and establish exactly what matters to you when venturing on an Arctic or Antarctica cruise.
Does Size Matter on a Polar Expedition Vessel?
In brief, yes, size generally does matter! Arctic and Antarctica expedition cruise ships can come in all shapes and sizes, from huge first-class vessels such as MS Maud which can carry up to 500 passengers comfortably, to intimate small-ship vessels such as M/S Sjøveien and M/S Balto which bring just 12 passengers up-close to the action in the Arctic regions.
Although the larger vessels which carry more passengers can tend to offer a more affordable (and sometimes more comfortable) option, as a general rule of thumb…the larger the vessel, the less time you will get to spend on the ice, and the less time you will get to spend with the experts onboard. Land activities in both Antarctica and the Arctic are dictated by strict protocols put in place for protecting these fragile and incredibly important environments. Therefore, only a certain number of visitors are permitted at any location at any time. Consequently, if you’re travelling with a larger number of fellow passengers, you may spend quite a bit of time “waiting your turn”. Conversely, on smaller group expeditions, that allotted time on the ice is all yours! Another thing to note is that the smaller vessels will inevitably have greater access to some of the more remote landings sites that are simply inaccessible to the bigger ships.
That’s not to say that you should rule out the bigger boats. Although the smaller ships will usually offer at least two landings per day (with only one on the bigger ships), the larger vessels tend to supplement this shortfall by offering small boat or Zodiac cruises along the coastlines which, despite not offering “on land” excursions, can give you another, unique perspective of the incredible destinations you will be visiting.
Many of our customers tend to opt for a “middle ground” by choosing mid-sized vessels such as the MS Expedition, the Magellan Explorer and the Greg Mortimer which offer that balance between comfort and adventure.
What Facilities Are Available Aboard a Polar Cruise Ship?
When choosing an Arctic or Antarctica expedition cruise vessel it’s important to remember that unlike regular cruise liners, these ships are not solely built for entertainment. They are, for the most part, functioning scientific ships that have been built or modernised to transport customers to the far-flung poles in a conscientious, comfortable and, most importantly, safe manner. So, leave behind any thoughts of cabaret acts, singers and partying into the night!
Although some of the more luxurious vessels such as the L’Austral and the Silver Endeavour will offer a surprising number of facilities, including onboard gyms, spas, saunas, round-the-clock butler service and even swimming pools (although the weather in the polar regions doesn’t quite lend itself to lounging by the pool!), the facilities that most of our customers will be focused on are a little more low-key. By that we mostly mean the onboard lecture theatres, polar libraries and observation areas. These are the facilities that can really set one ship apart from the other when it comes to their suitability for polar exploration.
What Activities Can I Expect on an Arctic or Antarctica Cruise?
The last consideration (and perhaps the most important to some) to take into account will be the activities that are offered by each vessel. An increasing range of activities are offered by many vessels and operators, including kayaking, paddleboarding, camping on ice, snorkelling and even helicopter flights. Although these activities will often incur an additional charge, they are an incredibly worthwhile addition to what will already be an unforgettable adventure. If you have a particular activity in mind for your own adventure, make sure to get in touch with us and we can steer you in the right direction towards the ship (and trip) that will satisfy ALL of your requirements.
Any Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Polar Expedition Cruise Vessel?
Well, for some, fulfilling that dream of exploring the wild realms of the Arctic or Antarctica will come down to the bottom line. And by bottom line, of course, we mean the cost. We constantly work with our partners to bring you the best and most up-to-date Antarctica Expedition Special Offers and Arctic Cruise Deals.
Watch Our Video About Choosing a Polar Expedition Cruise Vessel
Before you plan your trip, take a few minutes to listen to Wildfoot Travel’s Dave Cheetham as he explains what you need to consider in order to choose the right Expedition Cruise Vessel to ensure you get the most out of your time in the polar regions.
For more help on finding the perfect expedition vessel for your trip to the Arctic or Antarctica, speak to our expert team by calling 0800 195 3385, using our enquiry form, or by emailing info@wildfoottravel.websitepro.hosting. From fully bespoke itineraries and adventure cruises aboard the world’s best expeditions ships, to small-group tours to the edge of the earth; creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for you is at the heart of everything we do.
