AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) regulations control the frequency, duration and number of guests visiting any Arctic site. No more than 100 guests can land at one site at the same time.
As a result of the AECO regulations some larger ships will spend less time ashore or visit fewer sites (than smaller ships with fewer than 120 guests) – largely as a result of taking longer to allow all clients to go ashore.
If your chosen ship has a larger number of guests wishing to go ashore at the same site the reality is that some guests will be waiting on-board. That said some operators run a dual operation; Zodiac cruise for some clients whilst other clients go ashore. You then swap – zodiac cruisers go ashore and vice versa.
Arctic Travel Centre is a proud member of AECO.
Whilst all ships are different in size they do have common key characteristics:
The ships and their operators are well known by us and we know they will safely deliver a high quality operation. For the safety of guests, crew and the environment, all vessels have two engines (or in the case of Ocean Nova an auxiliary engine that can bring the ship back to port). All ships are AECO members (as is the Arctic Travel Centre). All operate with a high ratio of crew to guest.
Please have a look at the ships available and contact us if you have any questions about travelling to Antarctica or would like a quote. Call 1300 784 794 or email: contact@arctictravelcentre.com.au
What do we mean by a ‘small ship’, in simple terms a ship that can land all of its passengers at one time (you do not have to wait). The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), to which all reputable Arctic operators belong, set out a number of rules, one of the most important is that there can be no more than 100 passengers ashore at anyone one time (Expedition guides are additional and there must be a ratio of at least 20:1). Most ships offer kayaking options for 16-20 guests, as they are not going ashore they are not included in the 100 passenger total; hence ships with up to 120 total guests fit into this ‘small ship’ category.
An ice-strengthened all-suite expedition ship Sea Spirit was built in 1991 in Italy. The vessel was refurbished in late 2010 and is again due for drydock in April 2017. 54 suites and a maximum of 114 passengers. All suites have private facilities and exterior views. Some suites feature private balconies.
The Ocean Nova is a small expedition ship that was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, and the ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. Refurbished in 2006, it has a capacity of just 68 passengers accommodated in comfortable has a glass-enclosed observation lounge.
The new and improved Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travellers in comfort. Originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976, she is ice-strengthened and had a major refurbishment in 2017. The Ocean Adventurer was formerly known as the Sea Adventurer and has a range of cabins and suites.
National Geographic Orion (102 passengers) is a modern, elegant ship with an intimate ambiance. The window-lined main lounge and library offer spectacular views while the expedition community are gathered each evening for cocktails and a recap of the day’s activities. High atop the vessel, the cosy observation lounge is ideal for taking in the 270º views, or you might choose to brave the outdoor bar (with ambient heaters) on the same deck. The 53 cabins accommodate 102 guests and all are exterior, with most featuring picture windows that connect you with the Antarctic landscape.
Built in Germany in 2003 and engineered for maximum safety and comfort, Orion is ice-strengthened and has the latest technology, including large retractable stabilisers, sonar and radar. Its fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures quick disembarkation and offers the ideal transport for up-close exploration.
The Hebridean Sky has the capacity for 114 guests and recently underwent a ten million dollar refit and boasts a high degree of comfort and safety. Always known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Its all suite cabins and increased adventure options make the Hebridean Sky the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration.
These ships cannot land all of their guests at one time, some of the guests will have to wait before they can go ashore. That said they only have 30-48 more guests to take ashore, including any kayakers. Often ships of this size will also offer a ‘zodiac cruise’ either as an alternative to, or prior to, going ashore. This means you don’t necessarily have to wait on the ship; you may have a choice to go ashore, to enjoy a zodiac cruise or both. Of course if all 150 guests wish to go ashore it will take more time to allow everyone to do so. This will effect either; the number of sites you visit or the total time you spend at each site.
The Greg Mortimer is a new (maiden voyage in 2019), purpose built, Polar expedition vessel designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and is the first expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for: gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption, lower air emissions and ‘virtual anchoring’ which means the ship can float anchorless while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas.
126 guests will be accommodated in staterooms all with en-suite facilities. The ship has custom-built hydraulic platforms offering guests unobstructed views, a dedicated activity platform and an indoor observation lounge with unobstructed panoramic views. The outdoor top deck allows for 360 degree views.
The Greg Mortimer will set a new level in luxury & expedition cruising; focusing on multiple landings, flexible itineraries and environmental sensitivity.
Launching in 2020, the National Geographic Endurance is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose built for polar navigation. The Category A vessel is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened ship designed to navigate polar-passages and uncharted waters all year round. Designed to provide an extremely smooth ride in even the most adverse of conditions, reduced spray on deck and wave-splicing action making for superior observation.
Made for exploration, the National Geographic Endurance is outfitted with kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing crafts, underwater cameras, video microscopes to explain elements of the surrounding environments, a hydrophone to listen to the vocalisations of marine mammals, an open bridge to constantly talk to your caption and expedition crew and snorkeling gear and wet suits for underwater excursions.
Please Note: As the National Geographic Endurance is still being built, all images featured are rendered and actual images may vary.
National Geographic Explorer (148 guests) was completely redesigned and rebuilt prior to being relaunched in 2008. The ship is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions, and offers a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions explored.
Embark on a luxurious cruise aboard the Silver Explorer (formerly the Prince Albert II) — a purpose-built expedition ship with 144 guests and the intimate on-board ambience of a private yacht. Designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations.
Whilst in ‘cruising’ terms a ship with less than 240 guests would normally be considered small, in the Arctic those with 150-240 are considered large as they cannot land all of their guests at one time. If all guests wish to go ashore then it is likely that compared to a 100 passenger ship these vessels will either visit fewer sites in a day, or spend less time ashore at any sites visited. Some Expedition/Luxury category ships may run simultaneous zodiac cruises and landings and then offer clients the chance to swap. Many Luxury ships with 200 or more guests make one landing per day. It is in part why the onboard part of a luxury Arctic cruise is of greater importance; as you spend more time on the ship.
The World Explorer is a brand new ship, built 2018, and is fully equipped to venture into the waters of Antarctica. Taking 176 guests every cabin has either a private walk-out balcony or a Juliet balcony for direct ocean views as well as en-suite bathroom. There are plenty of public areas to relax after a day filled with excursions including the glass domed observation lounge, the explorer lounge and a dedicated lecture theatre where the educational program is conducted. There are health and wellness facilities featuring an outdoor running track, small gym, sauna and spa.
The Hondius (176 guests) is scheduled to launch in 2019. She will have an Ice class rating of 6, the most advanced to date. The Hondius will offer deluxe accommodations for a total 176 guests. One deck has been entirely reserved for lectures and presentations in one large observation lounge. The ship’s main focus remains discovery, taking advantage of wildlife opportunities and the related shore activities. Efficient zodiac embarkation is guaranteed with two separate gangways and in addition a zodiac embarkation indoor-platform which can also be used for special activities such as kayaking.
The Le Boreal was launched in May, 2010. She features elegant design and innovative state-of-the-art marine technology. The vessel boasts a convenient layout, aided by three passenger elevators. She offers a single seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theatre, as well as an ample and comfortable gathering area and library for her 200 guests.
The Le Soléal provides a luxurious and comfortable experience to the final frontier – Antarctica. Carrying a maximum of 200 passengers she creates a welcoming and intimate atmosphere for you to take in the awe of this majestic continent. This ship offers excellent facilities including a spa, fine dining restaurants and exquisite décor throughout. The fleet of Zodiacs take you off the ship on excursions to explore the wonders of Antarctica.
Spacious yet intimate, the yacht-like Silver Cloud carries 240 guests in incomparable comfort and style. Combining spacious ocean-view suites and private verandas with excellent dining and entertainment options. Silver Cloud epitomizes a vision of worldclass cruise accommodations, cuisine, service and amenities.
Spacious yet intimate, the yacht-like Silver Cloud carries 240 guests in incomparable comfort and style. Combining spacious ocean-view suites and private verandas with excellent dining and entertainment options. Silver Cloud epitomizes a vision of worldclass cruise accommodations, cuisine, service and amenities.
The Ocean Diamond is a modern and stable expedition ship. She carries a maximum of 189 passengers in Antarctica and 210 passengers in Iceland and Greenland, and with two stabilizers and an ice-strengthened hull, this outstanding vessel is ideal for Polar expeditions. The Ocean Diamond has 101 elegantly designed cabins and suites, all with exterior views, and expansive common spaces, a club lounge, and a spacious restaurant. The ship offers numerous adventure options, e.g. Camping, Kayaking & Paddle-boarding. After a full day of exploration, a seat in the panoramic observation lounge offers the chance to reflect on the day’s experiences.
All other ships on this site have ‘ice-strengthened hulls, Icebreakers are another thing all together. There are only a small number of Icebreaker ships capable of making it to the North Pole. They need significant power as well as a specially designed hull to literally smash there way through multi-year sea ice. The 50 Years of Victory has been designed with a double hull and a spoon-shaped bow. The icebreaking is assisted by the air bubbling system and water ballast located in between the inner and outer hulls. The air bubbling system can deliver 24m³/s of water from jets to 9m under the surface. The vessel can break ice while sailing forward or backward.
The 50 Years of Victory is the largest and most modern and powerful nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world. The “Victory” is a new (launched in 1993) generation ship, an upgrade of the Arktika-class. She offers voyages to the North Pole and Franz Josef Land. She is very safe and has been taking guests to the top of the world since 2008.
Antarctica is a fascinating, remote place. Our brochure is intended to be a starting point to help you decide which cruise would suit you.
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