Top 5 luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica /

For many people, visiting Antarctica is a bucket list dream trip, but accessing the White Continent has never been easier. In recent years, new ships have entered the market that make small luxury expeditions increasingly accessible.

If money is no object then a private charter to Antarctica is the way to go with prices starting at £400,000 for a 7 night trip. ships below.

Ponant Commander Charcot

Luxury cruise company Ponant has conceived and designed the cruise journey of tomorrow with its new ship, Le Commandant Charcot. The latest addition to the fleet takes guests in the footsteps of the great Arctic explorers (named after the eponymous legendary French explorer) complete with luxury services never before offered in the farthest reaches of the southern hemisphere.

In addition, the ship has been built with the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment. The communal areas, including the Indoor Pool, Conservatory, Panoramic Restaurant, Blue Lagoon Outdoor Restaurant, Main Lounge, Observation Lounge and Lobby, are all designed to exude discreet French-style luxury as well as to inspire wonder and amazement. stimulate. All common areas have large windows that let in natural light and provide the ultimate in scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities when relaxing on board.

With only 135 cabins, each with its own private balcony, the Commandant Charcot remains true to the Ponat philosophy: to provide a rare and exceptional ambiance to every passenger welcomed on board and to enhance the feel and feel of sailing on a private yacht. The highlight of this ship is the breathtaking 125 sqm Suite de l’Armateur (owner’s suite) on deck 8 with wide sliding glass doors that offer stunning panoramic views and open onto a private 122 sqm terrace with Jacuzzi, dining space and sunbeds. This cabin offers the most pristine and luxurious accommodation on the market today.

Silversea Endeavour

The Silver Endeavor is the latest addition to Silversea’s fleet of luxury ships and heralds a new class of luxury expedition travel. With a PC6 ice class rating and state-of-the-art exploration technology and equipment, the Silver Endeavor takes travelers even deeper to some of the world’s most remote Arctic destinations, all in complete luxury.

The facilities for up to 200 guests are spread over eight public decks with luxurious cabins, a range of seven different classes of suites, all with balconies and butler service, multiple leisure options and several excellent restaurants. The crew/guest ratio on the Silver Endeavor is an exceptional 1:1, meaning service is second to none.

Guests can choose from four different dining options on board the Silver Endeavor. The main restaurant offers regional specialties, depending on your destination, as well as timeless classics. The Grill serves international dishes in a casual atmosphere that is always a hit with guests. Il Terrazino brings the taste of Italy on board, with Silversea’s famous La Terrazza cuisine. The Lady is the fine dining choice on board this ship. Enjoy the best of French cuisine in this excellent restaurant. The Observation Lounge is a favorite place to enjoy the view on board. 270 degree windows ensure you are fully immersed in your destination. The pool deck is completely enclosed by glass, so you can relax in the pool while enjoying the breathtaking view. This is luxury expedition travel at its best.

Scenic solar eclipse

Inspired by the sleek contours of a sailing yacht and custom built with an unwavering commitment to safety and design excellence, Scenic Eclipse combines a wealth of world-class facilities with the opportunity for unparalleled exploration.

The handcrafted itineraries are full of rare opportunities and extraordinary experiences, from the ethereal beauty of Antarctica to the rich biodiversity of South Georgia and the majestic fjords of Chile. Intimate and luxurious, with all the amenities you could want, the Scenic Eclipse fleet is designed with you in mind.

The scenic Eclipse will thrill the avid explorer and the elegant traveler alike and is sure to exceed all your ocean cruising expectations. With a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1, your time on board will be one of unparalleled pampering. From the ultimate Spa Sanctuary to the extensive array of dining experiences, spacious lounges and bars, outdoor decks and multiple pools, the luxurious wonders on board never cease. With the helicopter and submarine on board, you can see Antarctica that few people have ever seen. This is truly the next generation of expedition cruising.

Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit

Tea Seabourn company launched in July 2022 with her sister ship, the Seabourn chase will set sail in mid-2023. The vessel is designed for diverse environments with features such as the PC6 Polar Class standard and a plethora of modern technology enabling the vessel to be deployed to destinations further afield.

The design of this vessel is pure luxury, allowing guests to experience incredible expedition voyages in the utmost comfort and style. A new and exciting offering for this ship are two custom submarines that will provide unforgettable views of the world below the ocean’s surface. The Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit both feature 132 oceanfront suites, giving you spectacular views as you sail. Divided into seven categories, from a Veranda Suite to the Grand Wintergarden Suite. The decor is classic and stylish with warm, muted colors and luxurious amenities. Each suite has a private veranda, a spacious bathroom and a separate seating area.

The luxury on board is not limited to the suites and the ship’s public areas offer unparalleled comfort and experiences. The Discovery Center offers a variety of natural history and cultural programs with space to accommodate all of the ship’s guests at once. Wellness is of course not forgotten on the Seabourn Venture or Seabourn Pursuit and guests can choose from a range of indulgent treatments in the luxury spa or relax in the sauna to ease those aching muscles after a day of activities. The Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit are exceptional vessels offering luxury expedition voyages to exciting and unique destinations.

Magellan Explorer

They say small is beautiful and the Magellan Explorer is just that. A modern expedition vessel purposely built for Antarctic air cruising. For each air cruise, the Magellan Explorer has a capacity of 73 passengers in seven different cabin categories, including special cabins for individual travelers.

All cabins, except those with portholes, have their own private balcony for guests to enjoy the great views during the voyage. All but two double cabins have twin beds that can be configured as a king size bed. All other cabins have twin beds that can be configured as a queen bed. All cabins are equipped with a wardrobe, individually adjustable heating, a seating area and a private bathroom with shower. The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, meeting room, gym, sauna and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to provide close proximity to marine life. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are great for disembarking and wildlife watching. The vessel was designed and operated by the original pioneers of the Antarctic Fly & Cruise concept and built to the latest Polar Code specifications with Polar Class 6 ice class, making it a fantastic way to explore the White Continent.

Simon Williams is a director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialized in tailor-made trips to Latin America.

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