Patagonia Small Cruise Ships

Designed for low-impact voyages featuring a fuel-efficient Ulstein X-Bow®, reduced air emissions and light pollution, and virtual anchoring for protection of the sea floor. The ship honors the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. This ship will channel her marine-conservation ethos into a fully immersive on-board guest experience, not only in the Polar regions but in other destinations as the ship sails between the Arctic and the Antarctic.

New in 2021, the Ultramarine is designed with an ice rating of 1A+, PC6, making it one of the most capable polar exploring vessels on the planet. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size.

New in 2021, The National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation 126-passager expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration in comfort with an extremely smooth ride even on the world's roughest, most demanding seas. National Geographic is legendary for immersive trips focusing on the ecology of the polar regions.

With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines arctic expedition cruise for the future. Robust, robust, and designed with guests in mind, this ship represents a major increase in the capability of polar sailing.

Embark on an exhilarating adventure aboard the National Geographic Endurance, a marvel of maritime engineering designed specifically for year-round expeditions into the heart of the Arctic's icy embrace. With an impressive PC5 Category A ice class rating, the highest ever achieved by a cruise ship accommodating just 126 guests, this vessel promises unparalleled access to some of the planet's most remote and pristine environments. The ship's revolutionary sloping X-bow cuts through the choppiest of seas with remarkable grace, significantly reducing onboard movement and ensuring a smoother, more comfortable voyage. This innovative design not only enhances the journey but also boosts fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, underscoring a commitment to preserving the delicate ecosystems it explores. Experience the thrill of navigating through towering icebergs and witness the untouched splendor of the Arctic, all while enjoying the intimate, luxurious setting of the National Geographic Endurance. This is more than a cruise; it's a gateway to epic landscapes and an intimate encounter with the wild, where every moment is charged with the potential for discovery and awe.

The Magellan Explorer is one of the world's newest expedition ships, specifically intended for Antarctica. The ship provides a stylish base for its guests, combining exciting expeditions and boutique hospitality.

The Ocean Nova (previously called Sarpik Ittuk) was built in 1992 at the Ørskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship was upgraded in 2000 and significantly refurbished once again in 2006.

The sleek, intimate Le Lyrial sails under the French flag and entrances her passengers with her contemporary decor, comfortable suites, and refined ambiance. Her elegant design allows her to be an ideal sailing vessel.

Embark on the brand new Stella Australis, launched in 2010 for Patagonia cruising. Part of the Australis fleet, the Stella has 100 cabins each feature picture windows, private facilities & satellite phone.

Launching in 2018, Ventus Australis (Southern Winds) is a new state-of-the-art ship carrying up to 210 passengers in 100 cabins. Join Ventus Australis on a journey through the narrow fjords and channels of Patagonia and step ashore at fabled Cape Horn. The ship features multiple options of well-appointed cabins, spacious decks, and a dining area.

The ice-strengthened vessel Ortelius is an excellent ship for Polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica, providing us with possibilities to adventure remote locations such as the Ross Sea in the Antarctic and Franz Josef Land in the Arctic.

5-star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.

The MV Ushuaia is a steel hulled, ice-strengthened vessel built originally for oceanographic research and recently converted for passenger voyages to Antarctica. Accommodating a maximum of 88 passengers in 46 comfortable cabins & suites, Ushuaia offers a dining room, bar, library, and observation lounge and inflatable watercraft to explore the ice.

The MV Skorpios II was built in 1988 and sails under the Chilean flag. Renovated in 2012, the ship is a comfortable sailing vessel. Her sleek exterior and small size makes her ideal for sailing the narrow fjords of Patagonia.

MV Skorpios III was built in 1995 at the Skorpios shipyard in Chile. Her cabins and hotel infrastructure were remodeled in 2012. The ship is 70 meters long, has a 10-meter beam, and a 3.30-meter draft, displacing 1,600 tons.

Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity. Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises.

The M/V Santa Cruz combines comfort, design, and state-of-the-art technology to offer a unique glacier cruising experience. Welcome aboard!

The creation of the National Geographic Orion in 2003 heralds a new breed of expedition ship: a state-of-the-art vessel which combines the latest advances in ship design and communication technology with all the style and comfort of a luxury cruise ship.