The polar regions are pure magic. The lure of terra incognita, the vastness of so much unknown land, the feel of a place that’s somehow bigger than your imagination. All these things combine to cast a spell. One that entranced explorers from Roald Amundsen to Ernest Shackleton to Ann Bancroft.
Plus, of course, penguins, when you sail all the way down to the ultimate south. Add to that: beautifully breaching whales, wandering albatross, and big, lumbering elephant seals that look like something you’d find in outer space. Wild, natural encounters, creating stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life.
But inside, each of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ three polar-class yachts softens the harsh elements of these low latitudes. There’s so much comfort and service and, really, everything you could want when navigating an untamed environment.
Shackleton and Amundsen didn’t have intimate aprés expedition experiences with small, steaming plates of high-end appetizers paired with craft cocktails. Or a full menu of SeaSpa treatments by L’Occitane. And a cushy stateroom with marble bathroom and rainfall shower and body jets, the perfect way to end the day.
The Antarctic summer season is just a few months away. This year, trade tinsel for tabular icebergs. Sailings down to the bottom of the world begin in November, and continue into March. So now’s really the best time to book.
Experiences
Above and beyond all the many onboard luxuries, the heart and soul of any expedition cruise remains the destination and experiences. And Atlas equips guests to encounter Antarctica in truly special ways.
Their staple, round-trip voyage departs from Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina — one of the world’s southernmost cities. Crossing the legendary Drake Passage, infamous as the world’s most tumultuous stretch of sea, is an essential part of the experience. Atlas’s purpose-built polar yachts welcome the roiling seas with twin Rolls-Royce stabilizers, making the journey as comfortable as possible.
Or, skip it altogether. Atlas also offers itineraries where you simply fly over the Drake. These trips land and take off from a Chilean research station on King George Island, an interesting experience, in itself.
Either way, once you’re sailing along the Antarctica Peninsula, you will feel like you’ve landed on some stunning, foreign planet. Soaring peaks are heavy with white snow and blue glaciers. Icebergs floating by, each one, thousands of years old.
Your first zodiac safari and shore landing is always super special. Climbing aboard a tough inflatable boat, you’ll cruise past crab-eater seals and weave through all that ice. If you’re lucky, a humpback whale might show you her fluke, just nearby.
And shore landings take you to rookeries with stone nests — the land of penguins. Marvel at gentoos, Adelies, kings, chinstraps, maybe even a rare emperor. Often hundreds or even thousands of these charming flightless birds, all around you. Just going about their polar day, sliding down a snowy slope on their chests, porpoising through the water, or even walking just in front of you, along the “penguin highway” footpath that you’re also traversing.
But it’s not just the zodiacs. Sea kayaking excursions allow you to appreciate the grandeur and scale, and silence, of this grand land. Sometimes the only sound is your paddle slicing through the subzero water. And for the brave: you can even spend the night on land with a White Continent camping trip.
And back on board, spot wildlife from Water’s Edge, an open-air space on the bow, just 30 feet above the water. Plus, hang out with the crew in the bridge, which is usually open for visitors.
Discover Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences
Culinary
One of the best parts of an Atlas Ocean Voyage: returning from your expedition excursion to the yacht for a beautiful meal and lovely drinks. Which will be shared with fewer than 200 of your new best friends — all Atlas vessels are small and intimate.
After a day of exploration, Atlas’ Après Expedition Experiences come to life—a cherished evening ritual of reflection and connection. Guests gather in The Dome observation lounge, where 270-degree views set the stage for cocktails, conversation, and the retelling of the day’s discoveries. Here, the spirit of camaraderie builds as explorers swap stories over custom drinks (or afternoon tea if you prefer), before moving on to a multi-course meal, prepared à la minute and every bit as memorable as the journey itself.
At the heart of Atlas Expeditions’ culinary philosophy is The Explorer’s Table — an intimate dining concept that transforms each Antarctic voyage into a global tasting journey. Guests gather around a communal table to savor regionally inspired menus, paired with curated wines and stories that celebrate the flavors, culture, and traditions of each destination.
On World Navigator, that ship’s main dining room, Porto, won the prestigious Best Restaurant award at the 2025 F&B@Sea Awards. And together with Lisboa on World Traveller, and Madeira on World Voyager, they serve lovely, gourmet fare. The menu includes both standard, always-available fare like salmon and steaks, and a rotating international menu. (And on one night, the Alma menu, with Portuguese specialities.)
And when you’re looking for something a little less formal, there’s 24-hour room service, which you can enjoy out on your balcony. Or just pick up something quick, coffee, pastry, or a sandwich, from Paula’s Pantry, a handy grab-and-go.
Indulge in Award-Winning Dining
Spa and Fitness
There’s nothing quite like unwinding in a hot tub — and spotting an iceberg, perhaps with just one single penguin atop it, at the same time. Fire and ice. All three of Atlas’s polar yachts feature a pool and hot tubs up on the sun deck. Plus a full fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, and an airy running track on the top deck.
When it’s time to unwind, pick from the menu of SeaSpa by L’Occitane treatments. Whether you choose a massage or facial, all use organic products from French luxury brand, L’Occitane. And should be followed by a visit to the on-board sauna, where bright, panoramic windows bring the enchanting polar scenery right inside.
Suites and Staterooms
Whether you choose an entry-level Oceanview Adventure Stateroom or the ship’s top suite, all rooms on board the line’s three polar yachts feature a good measure of luxury. Every room includes a sitting area, stocked mini bar, Nespresso coffee maker, terry cloth robes, and a marble bathroom with L’Occitane amenities. A full 90 percent of staterooms and suites feature balconies, with huge sliding doors.
The Navigator Suite is the largest and most luxurious accommodation on board. It just might be worth the splurge. Think: 465 square feet of space. Which includes a full living room with two televisions, a walk-in closet, and luxurious bathroom with big double sinks and a deep-soaker tub. Plus, an expansive balcony, where you can stride outside and enjoy the view, anytime a whale happens to wander by.
Secure Your Spot to Antarctica
In partnership with Atlas Ocean Voyages.
