How to choose the ship for your expedition.
The single most important decision of the whole trip. Size, operator, the seal you need to verify before you pay, and the only ship with a crew that speaks Spanish.
Choosing the right ship has a bigger impact on your Antarctica experience than almost any other decision in the trip. Size determines how flexible your movement is, what landing options you get, and how much real time you'll spend on land. Nearly 30 ships operate each season, split across three clearly distinct styles.
By Matias Puga · 20 years organizing expeditions to the white continent · Updated August 2026
Land everyone at once. More landings, more time on land.
More stable in the Drake. Landings in multiple shifts.
Stabilization + panoramic cabins + shallow draft.
The only ship with a Spanish-speaking crew.
What size ship should you choose for an Antarctica trip?
It depends on what you're prioritizing. Small ships (up to 100 passengers) can land everyone at once — the limit is 100 people per landing site — get closer to shore, and navigate narrow bays better, which means more real time on land. Large ships (up to 500 passengers) are more stable crossing the Drake and offer more onboard comfort, but run landings in multiple shifts, cutting into each passenger's time ashore. A 200-passenger ship lands in two groups; a 500-passenger ship, in five.
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 100 pax) | Lands everyone at once, gets closer to shore, navigates narrow bays better, more landings | Generally older ships, originally built for oceanographic research |
| Large (up to 500 pax) | More stable in the Drake, more comfort and common spaces | Landings in multiple shifts, less time on land per person, more ice restrictions |
| Post-COVID (new generation) | Good stabilization + panoramic cabins + shallow draft for bays | Usually among the pricier options in their category |
The key parameter: no more than 100 people can go ashore at the same time. A 200-passenger ship runs its landings in two groups; a 500-passenger ship, in five.
Sailboats and yachts are another option, but for specialized sailors — very versatile for landings, far more exposed to rough seas, and running around 1,000 USD per day.
One detail that confuses a lot of people: the same ship can be run by different companies. Operators charter ships or own their own, then design the itinerary, hire guides, and organize the activities. The four biggest operators are Quark Expeditions, National Geographic Expeditions, GAP Adventures, and Oceanwide Expeditions. The best way to compare: once you have a ship in mind, google "ship name + Antarctica" (or "ship name + Antarctica + prices") to see which operators run it and compare prices.
What is IAATO and why does it matter when choosing an operator?
IAATO is the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, the body that regulates commercial expeditions and makes sure operators follow the rules set out in the Antarctic Treaty. Before booking, verify that your operator is an IAATO member — an operator without that certification is a red flag, not a coincidence.
Is there a ship with a Spanish-speaking crew?
Yes, one: the MV Ushuaia, operated by the Argentine company Antarpply Expeditions. It's the only ship with a Spanish-speaking captain and crew — Argentine and Chilean — with bilingual onboard talks. It's also one of the smallest and most affordable ships in the entire fleet, which makes it a genuinely interesting option for travelers who aren't fluent in English.
Most passengers on Antarctic ships speak English — the safety briefings, the lecture series, all of it is in English. The MV Ushuaia, run by the Argentine company Antarpply, is the exception: Spanish-speaking captain and first officers, bilingual talks. When the ship is crossing the Drake and everything's moving, it's not nothing to have someone explain the situation in your own language and invite you up to the bridge for a mate. I say this from experience — I've put most of my ~50 passengers on this ship. It's also one of the smallest and most affordable in the entire fleet, which makes it an interesting option in more than one sense.
On connectivity: until a few years ago, connectivity on Antarctic ships was very limited — slow, expensive satellite links. Starlink changed everything, and today many ships offer working WiFi onboard. Check what connectivity yours has before booking — some travelers value total disconnection as part of the experience, and some just want to share the penguin photo in the moment.
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Is it worth paying more for a cabin with a big window?
Not necessarily. The cheapest cabins are usually on the lower decks, with small windows or none at all — but they move less during the Drake Passage. And once you're in Antarctica, you'll spend most of your time outside, on deck or on landings, not shut in your cabin. My advice: book the best ship you can afford, in the cheapest cabin available.
The paradox is that the cheapest cabins — usually on the lower decks, with no window or small windows — move less in the Drake than the ones up top with big panoramic windows. The "I want a big window" argument makes sense while you're crossing the Drake and want to watch the horizon for the seasickness, but once you're in Antarctica you'll be outside most of the time, on deck or on landings — not shut in staring out your cabin window.
The ships operating today, by category
Almost 30 ships run Antarctica expeditions every season. This is a representative selection across the three categories — always check a ship's current status before booking, by googling the name + Antarctica, because some change operators or get replaced post-COVID.
Luxury cruises
| Ship | Operator | Capacity | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Boreal | Ponant | 199 pax | Elevator, two restaurants, spa |
| National Geographic Explorer | Lindblad / Nat Geo | 148 pax | Submarine ROV, kayaks, snorkeling |
| Silver Explorer | Silversea | 130 pax | Maneuverable, an ice favorite |
| The Fram | Hurtigruten | 318 pax | Panoramic cabins, sauna |
| Midnatsol | Hurtigruten | 500 pax | Kayaks and Polarcirkel boats in addition to Zodiacs |
Standard expedition
| Ship | Operator | Capacity | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Mortimer | Aurora Expeditions | 132 pax | X-Bow, reduces motion in the Drake |
| Hondius | Oceanwide Expeditions | 174 pax | Polar Class 6, pushes into icier zones |
| Magellan Explorer | Antarctica21 | 72 pax | The fly-cruise ship |
| Ocean Endeavour | Quark Expeditions | 198 pax | Indoor pool, full spa |
| Sea Spirit | Poseidon Expeditions | 114 pax | Boutique, roomy cabins |
Research style — my favorite for the experience
| Ship | Operator | Capacity | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV Ushuaia | Antarpply Expeditions | 84 pax | Spanish-speaking crew, the most affordable |
| Polar Pioneer | — | 54 pax | The most intimate feel on the whole list |
| Plancius | Oceanwide Expeditions | 114 pax | Favorite for low season (Nov and Mar) |
| Ortelius | Oceanwide Expeditions | 116 pax | High ice class, Ross Sea and South Georgia |
| Ultramarine | Quark Expeditions | 199 pax | Two helicopters onboard |
For me, this type of ship gives the best experience: more landings, shorter lines, more contact with guides and the science team.
30 ships is a lot of options. Narrow it down to yours.
Budget, dates, language, comfort level — pick the level of support you need.
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Plan with Matias →20 years organizing expeditions · ~50 Spanish-speaking travelers advised
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More from the Antarctica guide
- How to travel to Antarctica →The complete planning guide, on a single page.
- How much does a trip to Antarctica cost →Real ranges and the 4 strategies for paying less.
- The 13 itineraries →From the classic 10-day trip to the Antarctic Circle.
- The Drake Passage →What to expect and the cabin tip nobody tells you.