AUSTRALIA’S POLAR EXPEDITION SPECIALISTS

Your Antarctic & Arctic Adventure Starts Here

Polar Cruise Escapes is Australia’s leading expedition cruise specialist. Our team of experts offer substantial exclusive savings guaranteed with all bookings, plus transparent and impartial advice across Aurora, Ponant, Quark, Hurtigruten HX, Seabourn and Silversea.

WHY CHOOSE US

Australia’s Only Dedicated Polar Specialists

For over two decades, our core team have guided thousands of clients with their bucket list expedition cruise decisions. Unlike general travel agents, our team live and breathe expedition cruising.

Expert-Led Polar Experience

Our specialists have sailed multiple Antarctic and Arctic expeditions aboard top ships including Aurora, Ponant, Scenic, Seabourn, and Silversea.

Tailored Ship & Itinerary Advice

We provide clear, practical guidance on Drake Passage crossings and tips to maximise your expedition experience with the right vessel.

Exclusive Savings Guaranteed

Benefit from preferred partner agreements, group rates, and wholesale contracts delivering value you won’t find booking direct.

Complete End-to-End Planning

From flights and polar gear to pre/post land experiences like Machu Picchu, Iguazú Falls, or Patagonia—we handle every detail.

Pole-to-Pole 2027 Expedition

Sail Arctic to Antarctica aboard Seabourn Venture on a 94-day exclusive voyage with prime suites and special savings.

24/7 Support

Receive dedicated assistance and emergency support throughout your journey—before, during, and after your expedition.

OUR EXPEDITION DESTINATIONS

Explore the Polar Regions

From the pristine wilderness of Antarctica to the dramatic landscapes of the Arctic, discover our range of expedition destinations.

Antarctica Expedition Cruises

SEASON: NOVEMBER – MARCH

Antarctica & Southern Ocean

Experience the world’s last untouched wilderness where penguin colonies number in millions and glaciers calve icebergs the size of buildings.

  • Classic Antarctica Peninsula (10-13 days)
  • Antarctica with South Georgia (18-21 days)
  • Antarctic Circle Expeditions (14-16 days)
  • Fly-Cruise Programs – Skip the Drake (8-10 days)
  • Ross Sea Expeditions from NZ/Tasmania (18-25 days)

From $1,400 per person per day (all inclusive)

Arctic Expedition Cruises

SEASON: MAY – SEPTEMBER

Arctic & Northern Realms

From polar bears in Svalbard to Northern Lights over Greenland, the Arctic delivers diversity—poles apart from Antarctica.

  • Svalbard Wildlife Safaris (7-14 days)
  • Greenland & Iceland (10-15 days)
  • Northwest Passage (17-30 days)
  • North Pole Ice Breaker Expeditions (14 days)
  • 2027 Pole to Pole Ultimate Voyage (94 days)

From $1,400 per person per day (all inclusive)

EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE

Pre & Post Expedition Extensions

South American specialists on our team curate and tailor your perfect pre/post cruise extensions. Make the most of your journey with unforgettable experiences before and after your polar adventure.

Ex Antarctica

  • Galápagos Islands
  • Machu Picchu
  • Iguazú Falls
  • Patagonia
  • South America Overland

Ex Arctic

  • Iceland
  • Canada
  • Norwegian Fjords
  • European Overland
  • Complete Flight Planning
Pre and Post Expedition Extensions - Machu Picchu

OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS

Preferred Partnerships Delivering Exclusive Value

We work closely with a carefully selected portfolio of trusted cruise partners, earning preferred and elite-status relationships with the world’s leading expedition operators. These benefits are offered on every booking—guaranteed.

Premium / Luxe Expedition

Seabourn

All-veranda suites (33m²), kayaking, optional submarine excursions, five dining options, 200:176 guests-to-crew.

Silversea

All-suite accommodations, kayaking, five dining venues, 200:176 guests-to-crew for personalised service.

Scenic

All-suite accommodations (33m²), kayaking, five superb dining options, 200:176 guests-to-crew ratio.

Ponant

French elegance meets expedition spirit, decades of polar expertise, intimate voyages with 200:132 guests-to-crew.

True Expedition Focus

Aurora Expeditions

Australian-owned, maximum shore time, 132:75 guests:crew – 15 expert expedition leaders.

National Geographic-Lindblad

Educational excellence, various ship capacities. Capped at 200 guests for Antarctic expeditions.

Quark Expeditions

Adventure-focused polar pioneers, various ship capacities. Capped at 200 guests for Antarctic expeditions.

Hurtigruten HX

130 years of polar expertise. Larger ships offering added stability for the Drake Crossing.

Polar Cruise Escapes Team

YOUR EXPEDITION SPECIALISTS

Decades of Polar Expertise at Your Service

For over a decade, Polar Cruise Escapes has been specialising in expedition cruises, delivering exceptional advice and personalised service for travellers planning Polar—and Kimberley—expeditions.

Many of our team members have not only inspected and experienced a wide range of expedition vessels but have also worked aboard yachts and expedition ships themselves. This firsthand expertise allows us to offer unique insight into the ships, crews, itineraries, and the details that truly matter.

With 47 Antarctic crossings and 23 Arctic expeditions since 1998, our team brings unmatched polar expertise to every client consultation.

CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES

Why 94% of Our Clients Return or Refer



Ross and team saved us $12,000 on our Antarctica cruise versus booking direct. More importantly, their cabin selection advice meant we barely felt the Drake Passage. Outstanding service from initial enquiry through welcome home.

Mark & Sarah Thompson

Sydney



After three Arctic expeditions booked through Polar Cruise Escapes, I won’t travel any other way. Their group departures create wonderful Australian communities aboard, and the savings fund my next adventure.

Dr. Jennifer Chen

Melbourne



The team’s honest comparison of ships helped us choose Aurora over luxury brands, saving money while maximising our Antarctica experience. Their pre-departure briefing was invaluable.

Robert & Patricia Williams

Perth

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your Polar Expedition Questions Answered

Considering your options 12-18 months in advance will almost always guarantee the very best pricing and ultimate value across most of our cruise partners and promotions. As cruise dates become more booked, any promotions or savings by the operator tend to scale back. Even if you’re ‘just researching’, call our team for a chat on this important point.

All expeditions include accommodation, meals, an expedition parka and boots, Zodiac excursions and landings led by expert guides, as well as enriching educational programmes. Most operators also include beverages at all times, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Specialist activities such as kayaking, camping on ice, submarine experiences, and helicopter flights vary by operator.

Moderate fitness allows participation in standard zodiac landings and 1-2 hour shore walks. You should be able to walk 2km on uneven terrain and step down 60cm from ship to zodiac. Arctic expeditions generally require less fitness than Antarctica.

The Drake Passage can take 24-36 hours each way. Choosing the right expedition ship is one of the most important decisions—ship size, design, and build year all play a significant role in how the vessel handles the famously unpredictable waters. Modern ships feature advanced stabilisation systems and ice-class certification. Our team can match you with a vessel that balances stability and comfort.

Your dedicated specialists provide expert guidance, exclusive rates (group rates, wholesale contracts, preferred-partner deals), and personalised support from first enquiry to return home. We compare all leading expedition cruise lines to match you with the right ship, date, itinerary and cabin—plus handle flights, hotels, transfers, gear advice, insurance and pre/post tours.

An Antarctic expedition explores a remote, ice-covered continent with dramatic icebergs, vast wilderness, and penguin and seal colonies. An Arctic expedition navigates the northern polar ocean, combining rugged landscapes, polar bears, and encounters with indigenous communities. Both provide unique, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife and scenic experiences.

Polar Cruise Escapes recognises the challenges solo travellers face in identifying value and avoiding supplement surcharges. We have a range of options available to secure low or no supplement Polar expeditions across several ship styles. Call the team to discuss your criteria and objectives so we can match the best suited options for you.

Antarctica’s cruise season runs from late November through March. December and January are peak season with penguin chicks and warmest temperatures (-2°C to 2°C). February delivers exceptional whale watching as humpback, minke, and orca populations peak. Australian travellers should book 12-18 months ahead for best cabin selection and early bird savings.

CURRENT EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

Limited-Time Savings on 2025/26 Departures

Antarctica 2025/26 Highlights

  • Aurora Expeditions: Save $4,200 per cabin + air credit
  • Seabourn Venture: Complimentary kayaking + $500 shipboard credit
  • Silversea: Reduced single supplement + included flights

Arctic 2025 Final Space

  • Svalbard Circumnavigation: 30% off June departure
  • Northwest Passage: Last 2 cabins at 2024 prices
  • Greenland Northern Lights: Exclusive Australian group

START YOUR POLAR JOURNEY TODAY

Ready to Begin Your Expedition?

Transform your expedition dreams into reality with personalised guidance from Australia’s polar cruise authority. Our specialists have sailed every route and ship we recommend.

Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-12pm AEDT