Where to stay in Antarctica
This uniquely forbidding landscape is the realm of the expedition, and as such your accommodation options will be on carefully chosen specialist vessels that are designed to navigate the icy waters. We only work with vessels that we know offer the perfect mix of stability, speed, comfort, expert leadership and safety. The cabins you will stay in offer warm beds that are much needed in the icy environment. As there are only limited departures and room numbers on the below vessels, and due to the popularity of the trips, spaces can fill quickly, so we recommend booking well in advance to secure your place on one of these voyages of discovery. In Antarctica you can navigate by luxury expedition ship, or even camp on the icy peninsula itself in some astoundingly unique camps.
Echo Camp
Inspired by the seminal age of Space exploration, Echo sits in quiet solitude encircled by pitted rock formations on the continent of Antarctcia. Echo is as close as you can get to feeling like you’re off the planet without leaving Earth. The space-age design of the ‘Sky Pods’ makes them look like they’ve been beamed down from Mars. Futuristic and luxurious, the six bedrooms are created from composite fibreglass with floor to ceiling windows allowing guests to soak in the moon-like landscape beyond. Perfect for exclusive use groups and catering for up to 12 people, Echo is an ultra-luxury experience on the 7th Continent. Echo is designed to be dismantled once used, leaving no trace on the Antarctic landscape. There is a whole range of activities and excursions for you to choose from during your stay at the Echo. Each morning after breakfast your personal guides will give you a number of options; the philosophy at this camp is that everything is entirely up to you! Whether you want to push yourself to the limits each day or take a few steps back - you decide. The expert guides are able to teach you everything you will need to become a polar explorer, from technical rock climbing to abseiling and kite-skiing to visiting the nearby 28,000 strong Emperor Penguin colony.
Whichaway Camp
Become one of only a few guests to ever stay at the most luxurious camp in the Polar Regions. The camp has a very easy and friendly feel to it and is run to strict environmental guidelines to minimise the impact on the environment. Accessible only by private charter flight, and with space for just 12 guests, Whichaway Camp is a once in a lifetime experience. There are six luxury sleeping pods, designed for two people each. They are all heated and warm and serve as the perfect retreat after a long day exploring Antarctica. At just over 6 metres (20 feet) in diameter, they are nice and spacious, with a double bed (perfect for couples), a writing desk, wash area and toilet. For guests travelling separately, the room can be partitioned to allow more privacy. The rest of the camp is made up of a shower pod, kitchen pod and two custom-made tents. These are unique in style – fusing cutting edge materials with an old-world feel and house the lounge and dining room. In these pods, you can relax, enjoy fantastic food from an award winning chef and take things easy. There is a whole range of activities and excursions for you to choose from during your stay at the Whichaway Camp. Each morning after breakfast your personal guides will give you a number of options; the philosophy at this camp is that everything is entirely up to you! Whether you want to push yourself to the limits each day or take a few steps back - you decide. The expert guides are able to teach you everything you will need to become a polar explorer, from technical rock climbing to abseiling and kite-skiing.
Magellan Explorer
The Magellan Explorer is the world’s first polar expedition ship designed for Antarctic fly-cruise operations. Custom-built to take on polar waters and navigate seamlessly through narrow Antarctic channels, the Magellan Explorer boasts state-of-the-art technology, sleek and stylish interior spaces, and boutique hospitality. This stunning ship offers a number of suites and cabins ranging from 220 ft2 to 440 ft2, with most offering a private balcony from which to enjoy the spectacular scenery. The spacious forward-facing observation lounge and bar were designed with large panoramic windows, so that the Antarctic views are never missed while briefings and presentations are conducted. Other social spaces include a gym, sauna, library, gift shop, meeting room, outdoor barbecue area and large observation deck. Although the Magellan Explorer is designed to accommodate just 100 passengers, only 73 will travel aboard fly-cruises, allowing for dedicated single cabins and even more space to explore, both on board, by zodiac and on land. With ships in the polar industry getting bigger by the year, the Magellan Explorer will provide small group luxury in the wilderness of Antarctica.
Sea Spirit
Spacious and beautiful, the M/V Sea Spirit has space for just 114 passengers during its voyages to the far south, Antarctica. All cabins are suites on-board, and you will also find a wonderful hot tub and outdoor bistro. You can expect smooth sailing; the hull is ice-strengthened and the ship also has retractable fin stabilisers. With seven different suite types to choose from; from triple classic to the owner’s suite, there is a variety to choose from when it comes to space and price. To ensure no one misses out on sightings and spectacular scenery, all suites (all cabins!) have a porthole, picture window or a private balcony. On-board you will find a gym, hot tub, indoor restaurant and an outdoor bistro. There is also a club lounge and a bar, presentation lounge and library. So there are plenty of spaces to meet and mingle with your travel companions, or spend time with a book if you so choose.
Greg Mortimer
The MS Greg Mortimer has been meticulously designed for luxury expedition cruising. Its size enables access to hard to reach areas and its modern, sleek design complete with several open-air observation areas and 270-degree views ensures the best in both comfort and wildlife sightings. This ship is also designed to consider our presence in nature, with reduced emissions and reduced light pollution alongside virtual anchoring to ensure non-intrusive voyages. This ship has a sleek and modern style, with cool natural tones to reflect the dramatic frozen landscapes which the ice-strengthened hull glides through with ease. Observation lounges with floor to ceiling windows alongside comfortably furnished bar areas ensure you can fully relax without ever missing out on top wildlife and wilderness viewing. This ship features a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, a dining room and several observation areas as well as a gym, massage room, sauna, spa and even jacuzzis and plunge pools to ensure every traveller is both relaxed and entertained.
Ocean Nova
The Ocean Nova is a sister ship to the Sea Endurance (formerly M/S Quest) and was originally built in Denmark in 1992 to serve the west coast of Greenland. Successfully refurbished between 1994 and 1995 and again in 2006, the Ocean Nova now cruises around Svalbard and Antarctica. By taking a trip to the latter, you'll be able to sail through the stark yet beautiful seas of the Great White Continent, spot gigantic floating icebergs and keep your eyes peeled for penguins, seals and more! The Ocean Nova can accommodate up to 73 guests at a time, in either single, double or triple cabins. The triples and some of the twins are double berth and all of the guest accommodation has windows for an ever-changing ocean view. As well as beds, each room comes with a desk with a chair, lots of storage space and private facilities. The shared areas of the boat consist of a dining room, panorama lounge and a library with a selection of polar books and DVDs for guests to enjoy. All of the shared spaces have windows, and there is always something to see. Guests are welcome on the bridge, where the ship is commanded, at any time and there are plenty of spacious observation decks.
Seaventure
M/S Seaventure is a world-class small ship, with the highest ice class awarded to a passenger ship, meaning it can explore coves, bays and channels not typically accessible. Refurbished in 2020, this ship has a custom-built citizen science lab, heated saltwater pool, sauna, and fitness centre. The extra storage space on the ship also means more equipment can be carried so guests can participate in activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, and camping. With room for only 139 passengers, the Seaventure offers a small ship experience with a more close-up engagement with the land and wildlife around. All cabins feature an exterior view, with a sitting area in each room. There is a complimentary minibar in each cabin, along with a flat-screen TV, telephone and safe. There are also independent temperature controls in each room. The ship has two lifts serving all passenger decks. a library with computers, and fitness centre, sauna, and a citizen science laboratory. The ship also offers a host of new activities. There’s a sauna, a fitness centre, and a custom-built citizen science lab. There is more storage space, which is important because more equipment can be carried and so that more of the guests can participate in activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, and camping.
Expedition
The M/S Expedition features comfortable, spacious cabins throughout which each include a window or porthole with exterior views. Sleeping up to 134 passengers on board, this is a relatively small ship for Antarctic travel, yet it still boasts plenty of communal areas and large decks to allow ample space for you to relax. The ship was built in Denmark in 1972 but has since been refurbished to ensure modern furnishings and comfortable surroundings as well as ship stabilisers to assist with safety when manoeuvering through the ice. The M/S Expedition comprises a range of cabin options including twins, triples, quads and doubles. Despite the range in size, every cabin features a window or porthole to ensure each guest has constant outside views as well as private en-suite facilities and plenty of space for you to sit back and relax. As well as comfortable cabins, there are a number of communal areas perfect for relaxing or socialising, with windows throughout to ensure you never miss a sight. From the 360 degree deck and well-stocked library to the cosy pub and interesting gift shop there is plenty to keep you entertained. There is also an on-board gym, medical clinic, large dining area (seating all guests at once) and computer room with access to the internet (location permitting).
Ortelieus
Now accommodating up to about 100 guests, M/V Ortelius was originally built in Gdyma, Poland in 1989 to be used as a special purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. The ship was rebuilt and re-named after Abraham Ortelius, who published the first modern world Atlas,Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (or Theatre of the World to you and me) and is now to a comfortable hotel standard. Although cabins provide all your essentials, tours on this vessel are mainly about outdoor exploration and you won’t spend too much time on-board. However, if you do have some spare time there is a nice sauna to keep you entertained. There are 5 quadruples and 14 twin cabins with shared facilities if you are looking for a more attractive price range. Then there are 9 twins with portholes and 10 with windows, each with private shower and toilet facilities. The 6 superior cabins have added day rooms and there is 1 suite, all with private en-suite facilities. There is a large observation deck so you can make the most of and absorb your surroundings whilst onboard. You will also find 2 restaurants, a bar/lecture room and a sauna to warm your cockles after a day out in the Arctic wilderness.
Union Glacier Camp
Become one of few people to have lived on the white continent with a stay at Union Glacier Camp, the only temporary facility of its kind in Antarctica. This is a full-service camp located off the beaten track in the Heritage Range, below the spectacular Ellsworth Mountains. Accessible only by air, this camp provides a unique experience afforded to few. Union Glacier Camp operates during the Antarctic summer (November through January) and can accommodate up to 70 guests. The accommodation in the camp is basic, but the experience is as real as it will get! The double-walled dual Clam tents are designed to combat the sometimes harsh conditions of Antarctica and provides a comfortable home away from home. The warm and cosy dining tent serves as a gathering place for all the guests, and you will have plenty of opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a hot drink of tea or coffee. Union Glacier Camp has facilities to accommodate 70 guests at once. The double-walled tents featuring high-tech nylon covers and wooden floors are designed to withstand the Antarctic conditions and will be naturally heated by the 24-hour sunlight. The sun usually brings the temperature in the tent up to 60°-70°F (15°-21°C). The tall interiors (16ft x 8ft or 5m x 2.4m) allow guests to move around the tent with ease. Each guest is provided with a cot, mattress, linens, pillow, towels and wash basin.