Cruise ships
Expedition cruising means Zodiac landings, a small ship and a nature/knowledge focus – often in polar or remote regions. For German-speaking guests, the HANSEATIC trio is the clearest premium address; Hurtigruten, PONANT and Silversea cover active to ultra-luxurious alternatives.
As of August 2026. Routes, ice conditions and teams can vary by sailing.
HANSEATIC
German-speaking, PC6, Zodiacs
Hurtigruten
Hybrid, active, often DE teams
PONANT / Silversea
Yacht luxury to deep polar
Hybrid expedition ships and a citizen-science focus – often the more accessible entry into polar and nature travel; German-speaking teams depending on sailing.
Hurtigruten Expeditions · Hybrid expedition · since 2020 · approx. 500 passengers
Ideal for: Active polar trips with a sustainability focus
Language International; DE teams by sailing
Modern hybrid expedition ship: science station, outdoor activities and often German-speaking expedition teams on selected sailings.
Hurtigruten Expeditions · Hybrid expedition · since 2019 · approx. 500 passengers
Ideal for: Like Nansen – sister ship with hybrid propulsion
Language International; DE teams by sailing
The brand’s first hybrid expedition ship – focus on nature experience, landings and citizen science rather than classic onboard luxury.
Small yachts, high-end dining and exclusive itineraries (including deeper polar regions with the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot). Onboard languages French/English.
PONANT · Luxury icebreaker · Ice class PC2 · since 2021 · approx. 245 passengers
Ideal for: Deep polar regions with maximum comfort
Language French & English
Hybrid-electric icebreaker for expeditions far beyond classic peninsula routes – French expedition luxury with Ducasse dining.
PONANT · Explorer yacht · since 2020 · approx. 184 passengers
Ideal for: Small yacht expeditions worldwide
Language French & English
PONANT Explorer-class yacht – intimate, elegant and built for remote island and coastal itineraries.
Expedition with suite/butler comfort – for guests who want polar or remote itineraries without giving up ultra-luxury.
Silversea Cruises · Ultra-luxury expedition · Ice class PC6 · since 2022 · approx. 200 passengers
Ideal for: Polar expedition without giving up ultra-luxury
Language English / international
One of the most luxurious expedition ships: PC6, Zodiacs and Silversea suite comfort – christened in Antarctica.
Silversea Cruises · Ultra-luxury expedition · since 2017 · approx. 200 passengers
Ideal for: Classic Silversea expedition on a converted format
Language English / international
Silversea ship converted for expedition – butler service and a small guest format for demanding nature trips.
Editorial selection. Ice class, Zodiac programmes and language focus depend on cruise line, ship and itinerary.
