As the demand for high-end expedition cruises continues to grow, high-end lines are jockeying for that business. They’re introducing ambitious new itineraries to the Arctic and Antarctica and launching upgraded ships. One cruise company will soon open a stylish hotel in the far south of Chile, and conversely, a luxury hotel brand is getting its feet wet. All the options below are open for booking (contact the Andrew Harper Travel Office for assistance).

Uniquely Ambitious Itineraries

Why settle for just one pole when you can see both? Seabourn’s epic 94-day “Grand Expedition: Pole to Pole” starts in the high Arctic and ends 20,500 nautical miles later in Antarctica. Spend 60 days in port and 33 days at sea, sailing from August 17 to November 19, 2027, on the Polar Class 6 Seabourn Venture, which hosts up to 264 guests. The route sails through the Northwest Passage and encompasses 14 countries and territories. In the Arctic, if the conditions allow, visit the Inuit village of Pangnirtung, where artisans produce exquisite tapestries. An off-road Falkland Islands trek takes you to Bluff Cove Lagoon, home to more than 3,000 Gentoo penguins. One complimentary submersible dive is included. From $105,000 per person

Join Ponant on a first for a passenger ship: a 62-day circumnavigation of Antarctica aboard the Polar Class 2 Le Commandant Charcot. The voyage, from January 11 to March 12, 2028, covers nearly 14,000 miles of remote coastline. Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, the 245-passenger ship first explores the western shore of Antarctica. After a stopover in Hobart, Tasmania, the journey continues along the White Continent’s eastern coast and heads back to Ushuaia. Experiences could include discovering the huts of early explorers and getting up-close views of some of the world’s most inaccessible shores. From $158,000 per person (half segments also available)

Notable New Ships

Antarctica21, a specialist in cruise itineraries that bypass the Drake Passage by air, ups its game come December with the launch of the Magellan Discoverer. It’s similar to its sister ship, the Magellan Explorer — both are Polar Class 6 vessels that carry 76 passengers, and most cabins have balconies — but enhancements will make the Discoverer the fleet leader. The vessel has innovative sustainable features that reduce underwater noise, increasing opportunities to observe wildlife. Cabins and suites are larger (ranging from 280 to 560 square feet) and have higher ceilings. Plus, a new wraparound deck offers 360-degree views. The ship will explore Antarctica from late November though early March each season, then southern South America in September, October and April. Antarctica cruises rom $6,000 per person

In April 2028, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours debuts the Scenic Ikon, a new class of ship in its fleet of Discovery Yachts. It’s 121 feet longer (672 feet) than the company’s two Eclipse yachts and can carry 42 more guests (270). This Polar Class 6 vessel will appeal to those wanting to mix expedition destinations with onboard amenities that are more synonymous with traditional luxury cruising. The Ikon will boast 13 dining options, eight bars and lounges, nine pools and an 18,300-square-foot spa — plus two helicopters and a submersible. The all-veranda suites range from 365 to 2,691 square feet. Inaugural-season sailings begin in the Mediterranean, with cruises in Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and the Chilean fjords going from November to March 2029. From $21,500 per person

Hotel Firsts

Silversea enhances its “Antarctica Fly Cruise” expeditions with its first hotel, opening in October. The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams, Chile, overlooks the Beagle Channel and promises panoramic views of subpolar forests and snowcapped Patagonian mountains. Charter flights will transport guests from Santiago to Puerto Williams for a complimentary overnight stay before they fly across the Drake Passage and embark on a Silversea cruise. While at the 150-room Cormorant, guests can explore the scenic Fuegian Archipelago via guided excursions and activities — from bird-watching, kayaking and hiking to museum visits and wine tastings. A cocktail lounge, a restaurant specializing in Chilean seafood and a wellness center are among the hotel’s amenities.

Last year, Como Hotels and Resorts was the first hospitality brand to offer Arctic cruises with two Svalbard itineraries and two more are on tap this year, conducted in partnership with Natural World Safaris. They sail on MS Polarfront, a former Norwegian weather ship converted into a luxury expedition vessel accommodating just 12 guests in seven suites ranging from (an admittedly compact) 180 to 288 square feet. Amenities include a sauna with a large window, an outdoor hot tub, a gym and a dining room featuring Como’s health-conscious cuisine. An onboard therapist provides the brand’s signature Shambhala massages. Only the second cruise is available as of this writing. It sails round-trip from Longyearbyen, Norway, September 13-24, 2026. From $29,000 per person