What to Expect On a Luxury Antarctic Cruise

A luxury Antarctic cruise is ideal for travellers keen to visit the Great White Continent in comfort and style. However, if you’re new to the idea of luxury cruising, what can you expect on a luxury Antarctic or Arctic cruise? And what sets it apart from other types of Polar expeditions?

There’s a perfect Antarctic cruise for every type of explorer, but if you’re someone who loves the idea of combining Antarctic exploration with five-star comfort, a luxury expedition might be just what you’re looking for.

If your budget allows and you’re seeking a premium Polar journey, here’s what to expect from a luxury cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic. 

Modern and luxurious cabins and suites

On your luxury Antarctic expedition, your cabin will be a comfortable oasis to come home to after a big day of exploring the continent. Many cabins or suites offer private balconies, ideal for savouring those special mornings in Antarctica as you watch ice floes pass with a cup of coffee.

Tastefully designed staterooms will also offer useful amenities, such as a plush bathrobe, slippers, quality bath products, and Nespresso machines. Some vessels may also include Wi-Fi, lounges, and stocked minibars, with alcoholic and soft drinks included.

While some Polar expedition ships offer smaller staterooms, designed with function over form in mind, luxury ships ensure that you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a four or five-star hotel as you cruise.  

Personalised service

One feature beloved by luxury cruisers is the bespoke and personalised service you receive onboard. On your luxury Antarctic expedition, you can enjoy exceptional attention to detail, ensuring your experience is the best it can be.

Some vessels offer a personalised butler service. They are there to assist with any special dining room or coffee requests, stocking the minibar to your liking, or other special tasks that will make your voyage more special. Or, if you’re not feeling up to the main dining room that evening, they can arrange for room service to be delivered to you. 

Most ships will also offer a mud room, or ready room, where you’ll put on your expedition gear. You’ll find that your boots and outerwear have been placed, in your size, ready for you in your assigned locker. These comfortable and spacious mud rooms offer plenty of storage for your wet or cold gear so, you don’t have to carry it up to your stateroom.

Gourmet dining, paired with fine wine

While all Antarctic expeditions offer hearty and delicious meals, luxury ships elevate the dining experience even higher. Each ship has its own executive chef to craft bespoke menus, using only the highest quality of meat, seafood, and produce.

Some vessels may include paired wines or extra delicacies like champagne, caviar, or specialty cuisine such as French or Japanese.

You may start the day with a premium coffee and made-to-order eggs Benedict and a fresh fruit platter, followed by an abundant lunch buffet, with a variety of options. Dinner is usually a multi-course affair, with canapes and an afternoon cocktail hour beforehand. Thoughtful snacks and afternoon teas will also be served each day.

However, special dietary requirements can be catered for by all of Chimu’s operating partners, so you’ll dine well no matter which ship you travel on.

Unique Antarctic experiences

One of the best things about luxury Polar cruising is the completely awe-inspiring and special experiences that some ships offer onboard.

Your vessel may offer a helicopter, with a sightseeing flight included for all guests. Soaring over geometric ice formations and sparkling Antarctic seas creates a completely new perspective of the Great White Continent and this experience quickly becomes a favourite of many guests.

Other ships may offer unbelievable excursions such as submersible dives, taking guests into the Antarctic waters. Or, enjoy classic Antarctic experiences like kayaking, zodiac cruises, or photography.

However, there are also plenty of unique experiences on board as well. Depending on the ship, this could include caviar tastings, cigar lounges, or special gastronomy evenings or degustation dinners.

Stylish spas and wellness facilities

Luxury hotels often offer amazing spa facilities, and luxury Polar ships are no exception! Many offer high-end spa facilities onboard, ideal for travellers who love the idea of a hot stone massage or restorative facial after an invigorating Antarctic zodiac cruise.

What sets luxury ship spas apart from other cruise spas? You can expect state-of-the-art facilities, premium beauty products like Clarins and Biologique, and highly experienced therapists.

Or, relax and unwind on the ship’s hot tub, sauna, or Turkish bath, a serene escape where you can reflect on your incredible voyage so far.

Five-star hotels before or after your Antarctic cruise

On your luxury expedition, you can enjoy premium accommodation not just on your ship, but also in your hotel stays before or after your cruise.

For example, before your Antarctica cruise, guests usually spend a night in the town of Ushuaia. There are many comfortable hotels here, but luxury cruise passengers may stay in the five-star Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, an architecturally stunning lodge located within the pristine Natural Reserve Cerro Alarkén. 

It’s the ideal place to soak in the premium outdoor hot tubs after a long flight, taking in the views of the Beagle Channel, or book an indulgent spa treatment.

If you’d like to extend your holiday with more time in South America, Chimu’s Signature itineraries offer the option of upgrading to deluxe accommodation. You’ll stay in handpicked hotels known for their impeccable service and amenities, always in premium locations, and there are many luxury hotels in South America that we love.

Modern ships are built with both aesthetics and sustainability in mind

Most of the luxury Polar vessels sailing currently are modern, purpose-built ships designed in recent years. This means that you’ll be wowed by their design and style from the minute you board!

Imagine comfortable lounges, restaurants with floor-to-ceiling windows for viewing Polar landscapes as you dine, and high-tech citizen science laboratories where you can help contribute to research. The ship’s common areas and staterooms will also be tastefully furnished with artwork, plush carpets, and the highest quality furniture.

However, another benefit of cruising on a modern luxury ship is that many were designed to incorporate the latest in sustainable ship practices. These may include X-Bow technology, which optimises the ship’s hull design to reduce fuel consumption in rough waters, advanced food and water waste management systems, LED lighting, and other energy saving measures.

If you’re searching for the best luxury Antarctica cruise, or just have questions about the options, please reach out to our experienced team to get started.