Antarctica WISE · The Ratings
Ratings
The complete WISE study fleet, one card per vessel — every vessel's three grades side by side, grouped by archetype.
Continue reading — The WISE Report → · The methodology →
Search the fleet
Archetype
Sort within group
No dimension below 90 — uncompromised on every instrument at once.
Scenic
Built / entered service: 2023 · Shipyard: 3. Maj, Croatia · Passenger capacity: 200 · IMO: 9850460 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Scenic
Luxury
A+
93.79
Exceptional
Field
A+
93.07
Exceptional
Drake
A+
90.48
Exceptional
Reported issues
None on public record.
Scenic
Built / entered service: 2019 · Shipyard: Uljanik Shipyard, Croatia · Passenger capacity: 200 · IMO: 9797371 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Scenic
Luxury
A+
93.91
Exceptional
Field
A+
93.12
Exceptional
Drake
A+
90.23
Exceptional
Reported issues
None on public record.
Elite standing on one or more instruments, with no weak dimension.
Ponant
Built / entered service: 2021 · Shipyard: VARD Søviknes (hull: VARD Tulcea, Romania), Norway · Passenger capacity: 245 · IMO: 9846249 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC2 · Owner: Ponant
Luxury
A+
93.38
Exceptional
Field
A
89.12
Very Strong
Drake
A
85.33
Very Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Silversea
Built / entered service: 2021 · Shipyard: MV Werften, Germany · Passenger capacity: 220 · IMO: 9821873 · IAATO: C2 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Silversea
Luxury
A+
94.65
Exceptional
Field
A
80.86
Very Strong
Drake
A+
90.69
Exceptional
Reported issues
- Oct 14, 2026 · Programme
Part of fly-cruise itinerary cancelled; passengers returned early to Punta Arenas
Passenger thread reports Silversea cancelling part of a Silver Endeavour fly-cruise: the voyage missed the Antarctic Peninsula and passengers were taken back to Punta Arenas (not Puerto Williams), with weather cited and 'terrible' replacement outings over two days. A related community discussion of the same period notes an early return due to weather, with mechanical issues also discussed by commenters. Community-sourced account, not a confirmed operator or investigation report.
Source: r/AntarcticaTravel (Reddit)
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Built / entered service: 2019 · Shipyard: Vard Langsten (hull: VARD Tulcea, Romania), Norway · Passenger capacity: 199 · IMO: 9817133 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Luxury
A
85.70
Very Strong
Field
A+
91.00
Exceptional
Drake
A
87.58
Very Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Built / entered service: 2019 · Shipyard: Vard Langsten (hull: VARD Tulcea, Romania), Norway · Passenger capacity: 199 · IMO: 9817145 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Luxury
A
85.63
Very Strong
Field
A+
91.05
Exceptional
Drake
A
87.58
Very Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Built / entered service: 2021 · Shipyard: Vard Langsten (hull: VARD Tulcea, Romania), Norway · Passenger capacity: 199 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Luxury
A
85.35
Very Strong
Field
A+
90.60
Exceptional
Drake
A
87.57
Very Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Lindblad Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2021 · Shipyard: Ulstein Verft (hull: CRIST, Gdynia), Norway · Passenger capacity: 138 · IMO: 9842554 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC5 · Owner: Lindblad Expeditions
Luxury
A
82.03
Very Strong
Field
A+
94.86
Exceptional
Drake
A
84.48
Very Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Lindblad Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2021 · Shipyard: Ulstein Verft (hull: CRIST, Gdynia), Norway · Passenger capacity: 138 · IMO: 9880685 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC5 · Owner: Lindblad Expeditions
Luxury
A
82.03
Very Strong
Field
A+
94.66
Exceptional
Drake
A
84.48
Very Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Balanced strength across at least two instruments.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Built / entered service: 2020 · Shipyard: West Sea Shipyard, Portugal · Passenger capacity: 176 · IMO: 9871529 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1B · Owner: Atlas Ocean Voyages
Luxury
A
82.16
Very Strong
Field
A
87.04
Very Strong
Drake
B
76.40
Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Built / entered service: 2021 · Shipyard: West Sea Shipyard, Portugal · Passenger capacity: 176 · IMO: 9871531 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1B · Owner: Atlas Ocean Voyages
Luxury
A
81.88
Very Strong
Field
A
86.44
Very Strong
Drake
B
76.40
Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Built / entered service: 2022 · Shipyard: West Sea Shipyard, Portugal · Passenger capacity: 176 · IMO: 9904807 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1B · Owner: Atlas Ocean Voyages
Luxury
A
82.18
Very Strong
Field
A
84.94
Very Strong
Drake
B
76.40
Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Seabourn
Built / entered service: 2022 · Shipyard: T. Mariotti (hull: CIMAR), Italy · Passenger capacity: 264 · IMO: 9862023 · IAATO: C2 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Seabourn
Luxury
A
89.05
Very Strong
Field
C
69.97
Solid
Drake
A
80.82
Very Strong
Reported issues
- Feb 2026 · Programme
The submarine programme was retired from both Seabourn expedition vessels at the end of the Antarctic season, cited for low engagement, maintenance complexity, and regulatory hurdles.
Source: Travel Market Report
- Apr 2023 · Mechanical
Entered dry dock for stabilizer repairs; the season's April sailings were cancelled and both stabilizer units were replaced under warranty.
Source: Seatrade Cruise News
Quark Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2021 · Shipyard: China Merchants Heavy Industry, China · Passenger capacity: 138 · IMO: 9883194 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: SunStone Ships, chartered by Quark Expeditions
Luxury
B
71.98
Strong
Field
A
85.97
Very Strong
Drake
A
81.17
Very Strong
Reported issues
- Mar 2024 · Weather
A rough Drake Passage crossing in approximately 35-foot seas was widely covered in the press; no injuries were reported.
Source: FOX 35, citing passenger footage
- Sep 11, 2023 · Grounding
Ran aground in Alpefjord, Northeast Greenland National Park; refloated with assistance several days later, with no injuries.
Source: gCaptain
Seabourn
Built / entered service: 2023 · Shipyard: T. Mariotti (hull: CIMAR), Italy · Passenger capacity: 264 · IMO: 9862035 · IAATO: C2 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Seabourn
Luxury
A
88.00
Very Strong
Field
C
69.98
Solid
Drake
A
81.12
Very Strong
Reported issues
- 2023–2026 · Mechanical
Recurring stabilizer issues reported across her service; a further stabilizer dry dock is scheduled for November 2026.
Source: Passenger reports (Cruise Critic) — passenger-reported, not covered in press
Aurora Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2025 · Shipyard: China Merchants Heavy Industry, China · Passenger capacity: 130 · IMO: 9992713 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1A (PC6) · Owner: SunStone Ships, chartered by Aurora Expeditions
Luxury
A
83.97
Very Strong
Field
A
89.53
Very Strong
Drake
C
64.48
Solid
Reported issues
None on public record.
Dependable, even profiles without an elite peak.
Swan Hellenic
Built / entered service: 2021 · Shipyard: Helsinki Shipyard, Finland · Passenger capacity: 152 · IMO: 9895240 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC5 · Owner: Swan Hellenic
Luxury
B
79.81
Strong
Field
A
87.43
Very Strong
Drake
B
77.49
Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Quark Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2021 · Shipyard: Brodosplit, Croatia · Passenger capacity: 199 · IMO: 9861017 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1A+ (PC6) · Owner: Quark Expeditions
Luxury
B
79.29
Strong
Field
A+
95.99
Exceptional
Drake
C
68.49
Solid
Reported issues
None on public record.
Swan Hellenic
Built / entered service: 2022 · Shipyard: Helsinki Shipyard, Finland · Passenger capacity: 152 · IMO: 9895252 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC5 · Owner: Swan Hellenic
Luxury
B
78.64
Strong
Field
A
87.43
Very Strong
Drake
B
77.49
Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Swan Hellenic
Built / entered service: 2023 · Shipyard: Helsinki Shipyard, Finland · Passenger capacity: 192 · IMO: 9921740 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Swan Hellenic
Luxury
B
78.28
Strong
Field
A
81.48
Very Strong
Drake
B
79.81
Strong
Reported issues
- Nov 2024 · Mechanical
A day-14 engine problem forced the Antarctica segment to be dropped from a 21-day voyage; guests were offered a 50% cash refund.
Albatros Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2021 · Shipyard: China Merchants Heavy Industry, China · Passenger capacity: 186 · IMO: 9868869 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: SunStone Ships, chartered by Albatros Expeditions
Luxury
B
77.32
Strong
Field
B
78.23
Strong
Drake
B
78.93
Strong
Reported issues
- Nov 9, 2023 · Damage
Rogue wave damage to stateroom windows, balcony doors, and watertight door en route to South Georgia
While navigating between the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, Ocean Victory encountered rogue waves in rough seas that damaged four starboard stateroom windows and balcony doors on deck 4, causing cabin flooding. A watertight door on deck 3 also sustained damage that compromised its watertight integrity. The captain aborted the remainder of the voyage to South Georgia and Antarctica, returning to Ushuaia on November 12, 2023 for repairs, with the operator offering partial refunds to affected passengers.
Source: CruiseMapper
Aurora Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2022 · Shipyard: China Merchants Heavy Industry, China · Passenger capacity: 130 · IMO: 9872327 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1A (PC6) · Owner: SunStone Ships, chartered by Aurora Expeditions
Luxury
C
66.65
Solid
Field
A
89.67
Very Strong
Drake
B
77.43
Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Albatros Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2023 · Shipyard: China Merchants Heavy Industry, China · Passenger capacity: 186 · IMO: 9880661 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Albatros Expeditions
Luxury
B
76.57
Strong
Field
B
77.26
Strong
Drake
B
79.01
Strong
Reported issues
- Jan 9, 2025 · Grounding
Contact with a rock near Shag Rocks on passage to South Georgia; stabilizer damage, electronics failure, and water ingress on Deck 2. The voyage was interrupted and three subsequent sailings cancelled; nearby vessels stood by.
Source: Incident report (CruiseMapper) — passenger-reported, not covered in press
Aurora Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2019 · Shipyard: China Merchants Heavy Industry, China · Passenger capacity: 130 · IMO: 9834648 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1A (PC6) · Owner: SunStone Ships, chartered by Aurora Expeditions
Luxury
C
64.99
Solid
Field
A
89.68
Very Strong
Drake
B
77.47
Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Silversea
Built / entered service: 1994 · Shipyard: Cantieri Navali Visentini (hull); T. Mariotti (outfitting), Italy · Passenger capacity: 254 · IMO: 8903923 · IAATO: C2 · Ice class: 1C · Owner: Silversea
Luxury
A
88.75
Very Strong
Field
B
76.97
Strong
Drake
C
64.42
Solid
Reported issues
- Nov 2017 · Mechanical
A fuel-pump failure disabled an engine and left the vessel adrift briefly in the Drake Passage, on her first voyage after the ice-strengthening refit; no injuries, and the voyage was cancelled for repairs.
Source: Cruise Law News; MercoPress
Lindblad Expeditions
Built / entered service: 1982 · Shipyard: Ulstein Verft, Norway · Passenger capacity: 148 · IMO: 8019356 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1A · Owner: Lindblad Expeditions
Luxury
B
75.59
Strong
Field
A
84.53
Very Strong
Drake
C
64.51
Solid
Reported issues
None on public record.
Terra Nova Expeditions
Built / entered service: 1972 · Shipyard: Helsingør Skibsværft, Denmark · Passenger capacity: 98 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1A
Luxury
B
71.73
Strong
Field
A
86.90
Very Strong
Drake
C
65.50
Solid
Reported issues
None on public record.
Ponant
Built / entered service: 2013 · Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy · Passenger capacity: 264 · IMO: 9641675 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1C · Owner: Ponant
Luxury
A
82.32
Very Strong
Field
B
73.74
Strong
Drake
C
65.19
Solid
Reported issues
- Nov 14, 2018 · Grounding
Grounding and propeller damage in Kirke Narrows, Chilean Patagonia
On November 14, 2018, Le Soléal made contact with the seabed while transiting Kirke Narrows in Chilean Patagonia under the conduct of a Chilean pilot, sustaining damage to its propulsion system/propeller. The vessel proceeded to Puerto Natales under its own power for inspection, and the active cruise and subsequent Antarctic voyage were cancelled. Following passenger disembarkation, the ship was escorted by tugboats to Punta Arenas for drydock repairs before re-entering service.
Source: CruiseMapper
- Jul 23, 2014 · Grounding
Touch-and-go grounding in the Northwest Passage near Fort Ross
While navigating through Bellot Strait in the Canadian Arctic, Le Soléal made bottom contact with an uncharted shoal at low speed. The vessel floated free shortly afterward, and dive inspections confirmed superficial abrasions to the hull with no water ingress or pollution. Canadian authorities and class surveyors cleared the vessel to continue its Arctic expedition voyage after confirming structural integrity.
Ponant
Built / entered service: 2011 · Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy · Passenger capacity: 264 · IMO: 9502518 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1C · Owner: Ponant
Luxury
A
81.57
Very Strong
Field
B
74.19
Strong
Drake
C
65.19
Solid
Reported issues
- Jan 9, 2021 · Grounding
Grounding on an uncharted shoal off North Sentinel Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
L'Austral touched an uncharted coral shoal while cruising near North Sentinel Island, sustaining minor indentations and damage to hull bottom plating. The vessel remained watertight, sustained no water ingress or injuries, and was able to proceed under its own power. Following class inspections and underwater hull surveys, temporary operating restrictions were imposed before permanent repairs were completed during scheduled maintenance.
Source: BEAmer (Bureau d'enquêtes sur les événements de mer)
Ponant
Built / entered service: 2010 · Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy · Passenger capacity: 264 · IMO: 9502506 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1C · Owner: Ponant
Luxury
A
81.82
Very Strong
Field
B
73.59
Strong
Drake
C
65.19
Solid
Reported issues
- Nov 18, 2015 · Casualty
Engine-room fire off the Falkland Islands on passage to South Georgia; the vessel was evacuated and taken under tow. The investigation attributed the fire to human error during fuel-filter maintenance, and French authorities later fined the operator and the master for endangerment.
Source: Seatrade Cruise News
Ponant
Built / entered service: 2015 · Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy · Passenger capacity: 245 · IMO: 9704130 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1C · Owner: Ponant
Luxury
A
82.53
Very Strong
Field
B
72.31
Strong
Drake
C
65.21
Solid
Reported issues
None on public record.
No failing instrument, but two soft dimensions cap the promise.
Silversea
Built / entered service: 1995 · Shipyard: Cantieri Navali Visentini (hull); T. Mariotti (outfitting), Italy · Passenger capacity: 274 · IMO: 8903935 · IAATO: C2 · Ice class: 1C · Owner: Silversea
Luxury
A
88.41
Very Strong
Field
C
66.11
Solid
Drake
C
64.43
Solid
Reported issues
None on public record.
Hurtigruten HX
Built / entered service: 2019 · Shipyard: Kleven Verft, Norway · Passenger capacity: 500 · IMO: 9813072 · IAATO: C2 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Hurtigruten HX
Luxury
C
64.76
Solid
Field
C
61.28
Solid
Drake
A
86.46
Very Strong
Reported issues
- May 10, 2024 · Mechanical
Technical issue in Panama leads to Alaskan voyage cancellation
During a scheduled maintenance stop at the Panama Canal anchorage on May 10, 2024, an unexpected technical issue was identified aboard the vessel. Hurtigruten/HX Expeditions notified passengers that required technical repairs would prevent the ship from reaching Seward on schedule. Consequently, the planned May 16, 2024 voyage from Vancouver to Anchorage was cancelled.
Source: CruiseMapper
Hurtigruten HX
Built / entered service: 2020 · Shipyard: Kleven Verft, Norway · Passenger capacity: 500 · IMO: 9813084 · IAATO: C2 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Hurtigruten HX
Luxury
C
63.15
Solid
Field
C
61.78
Solid
Drake
A
86.46
Very Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
At least one instrument rated D or below — every promise is kept at a cost.
Secret Atlas
Built / entered service: 1970 · Passenger capacity: 36 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1C
Luxury
B
74.52
Strong
Field
A+
93.17
Exceptional
Drake
D
56.24
Moderate
Reported issues
None on public record.
Viking Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2022 · Shipyard: VARD Søviknes (hull: VARD Tulcea, Romania), Norway · Passenger capacity: 378 · IMO: 9863209 · IAATO: C2 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Viking Expeditions
Luxury
A
83.87
Very Strong
Field
D
54.53
Moderate
Drake
B
74.47
Strong
Reported issues
- Jun 2023 · Investigation
The investigation report addressed stateroom window strength for polar operations — a class-design finding that also applies to Viking Octantis.
- Nov 29, 2022 · Casualty
A wave strike during the Drake Passage crossing broke seven stateroom windows; one passenger died and eight were injured.
Source: The Guardian; NSIA
- Nov 28, 2022 · Operational
Zodiac incident in Antarctic waters in which one passenger was injured and another ended up in the water.
Viking Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2022 · Shipyard: VARD Søviknes (hull: VARD Tulcea, Romania), Norway · Passenger capacity: 378 · IMO: 9863194 · IAATO: C2 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Viking Expeditions
Luxury
A
83.87
Very Strong
Field
D
54.53
Moderate
Drake
B
74.46
Strong
Reported issues
None on public record.
Antarctica21
Built / entered service: 2026 · Shipyard: ASENAV, Chile · Passenger capacity: 76 · IMO: 1037488 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Antarctica21
Luxury
C
69.29
Solid
Field
A
89.36
Very Strong
Drake
E
48.76
Limited
Reported issues
None on public record.
Antarctica21
Built / entered service: 2019 · Shipyard: ASENAV, Chile · Passenger capacity: 76 · IMO: 9822516 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Antarctica21
Luxury
C
66.10
Solid
Field
A
84.47
Very Strong
Drake
E
43.82
Limited
Reported issues
None on public record.
Oceanwide Expeditions
Built / entered service: 2019 · Shipyard: Brodosplit, Croatia · Passenger capacity: 170 · IMO: 9818709 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: PC6 · Owner: Oceanwide Expeditions
Luxury
D
52.30
Moderate
Field
A
87.17
Very Strong
Drake
D
54.52
Moderate
Reported issues
- May 4, 2026 · Casualty
Suspected hantavirus outbreak claims three passenger lives aboard MV Hondius
Three passengers died and three others became seriously ill following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the polar expedition ship MV Hondius. The vessel, which had departed Argentina on an Antarctic itinerary, was anchored off Cape Verde awaiting assistance as health authorities investigated. The World Health Organization confirmed at least one case via laboratory testing alongside five additional suspected cases.
Source: Forbes
Oceanwide Expeditions
Built / entered service: 1989 · Shipyard: Gdynia Shipyard, Poland · Passenger capacity: 108 · IMO: 8509181 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1A (UL1) · Owner: Oceanwide Expeditions
Luxury
E
45.50
Limited
Field
A+
94.92
Exceptional
Drake
D
51.72
Moderate
Reported issues
None on public record.
Poseidon Expeditions
Built / entered service: 1991 · Shipyard: Nuovi Cantieri Apuania, Italy · Passenger capacity: 114 · IMO: 8802868 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1D · Owner: SunStone Ships, chartered by Poseidon Expeditions
Luxury
B
79.66
Strong
Field
B
78.26
Strong
Drake
F
22.49
Poor
Reported issues
- Jul 2, 2013 · Casualty
Zodiac craft swamped by rolling waves near shore causing passenger injuries and one fatality
During an Arctic itinerary, a Zodiac expedition boat deployed from the Sea Spirit was operating near shore when rolling waves swamped the craft. The swamping resulted in several passenger injuries and one fatality. The accident was subject to a formal marine safety investigation published by the Bahamas Maritime Authority.
Source: Bahamas Maritime Authority
Oceanwide Expeditions
Built / entered service: 1976 · Shipyard: Scheepswerf De Merwede, Netherlands · Passenger capacity: 108 · IMO: 7432044 · IAATO: C1 · Ice class: 1D · Owner: Oceanwide Expeditions
Luxury
E
44.57
Limited
Field
A+
93.21
Exceptional
Drake
E
40.48
Limited
Reported issues
- Dec 2025 · Mechanical
Engine issues reported by passengers aboard a South Georgia departure; passengers reported the preceding voyage had also been cancelled for engine problems.
Source: Passenger reports (Reddit) — passenger-reported, not covered in press
- Dec 2012 · Mechanical
Propulsion failure reduced speed to 4–5 knots on passage to South Georgia; passengers were evacuated at South Georgia and the vessel towed for repairs.
Source: MV Dirona
How to read a card — all three grades share one letter scale (A+ to F); the figure under each grade is the vessel's weighted score out of 100. Search, filter by archetype, and sort by discipline with the controls above. Archetype assignment is algorithmic, derived from the distribution of a vessel's three WISE scores — not a subjective editorial ranking. The IAATO category is an operational classification assigned by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators from the vessel's certified passenger capacity — it is not a rating, and it is not a WISE input; the ice class is likewise a published hull classification, not a grade. Reported issues are a public-record compilation — official investigation reports and trade press, with passenger, reader-submitted, and auto-identified reports flagged and reviewed as such — and are informational only: they are not an input to any WISE score, and absence of a report is not a finding. Specification data last verified: September 2026.