Antarctica is not like any other destination. There are no hotels, no airports, and no towns to visit. The only way to experience it is by ship. But not all ships are the same.

Many travelers see ads for big luxury cruise liners going “to Antarctica” and think this is the way. Pools, entertainment, hundreds of cabins, fine dining. But what matters is how close you actually get to Antarctica itself.

Big Luxury Ships

Large ships carry 500+ passengers. Because of international rules (IAATO guidelines), only 100 people can go ashore at the same time. This means with a big ship, most guests will never land at all. Instead, the ship sails by the coastline, and you see Antarctica from the deck.

Onboard, the experience feels like any other cruise. The focus is on comfort and facilities: spas, gyms, restaurants, bars. Yes, you are technically “in Antarctica,” but from a distance. For many people, it is more of a scenic cruise rather than an exploration.

Small Expedition Ships

Expedition ships are built for a very different purpose. They are smaller, usually carrying 100–170 guests. This size is important because it allows everyone to land every day. Zodiac boats take you ashore for hikes, wildlife encounters, or even activities like kayaking and camping.

The atmosphere is also different. Instead of SPAs and gyms, the ship has lecture rooms, mudrooms for changing into outdoor gear, and an expedition team of guides, naturalists, and scientists.
Days are structured around landings and wildlife watching, not stage shows.

On an expedition cruise, you don’t just look at penguins from far away. You can stand among them, listen to their calls, smell the colonies, and see them waddling to the sea. You may drift quietly in a Zodiac near seals on the ice, or watch whales surface right beside you. These are the moments that make Antarctica unforgettable.

Why Nexta Expeditions Focuses on Expedition Cruises

At Nexta Expeditions, we only work with small ships.

Our belief is simple: if you travel all the way to the end of the world, you should experience it up close.

We help travelers from Asia join voyages that focus on exploration. That means daily landings, Zodiac rides, expert guides, and the chance to really feel Antarctica. Some itineraries even include adventure options like kayaking, mountaineering, or camping overnight on the ice.

We also highlight a practical fact: smaller ships are more flexible. They can navigate channels and bays that larger ships cannot. This means more chances to land, better wildlife viewing, and less waiting around.

Which Should You Choose?

Luxury ships may seem appealing if you want a floating hotel with endless amenities. But you will likely spend most of your time indoors, looking at Antarctica from a distance.

Expedition ships may be simpler, but they give you what really matters: direct access to nature, daily landings, and the chance to truly say you set foot on the 7th Continent.

Final Word

If you are going to Antarctica once in your life, make it count. Go for the option that gets you closest to wildlife and ice, not just a view from the deck. That is why we at Nexta Expeditions believe expedition cruises are the only real way to experience Antarctica.

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