It’s shaping up to be the year of Antarctica in 2023 as more and more cruise lines introduce their latest expedition ships sailing to the southernmost continent. Viking’s recently launched Viking Polaris will sail to the icy destination this month for the first time, while four other lines are celebrating their latest christenings and introductions there.
Here are the newest additions.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages just christened two Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified sister ships in Patagonia in the presence of travel advisors, shareholders, media and dignitaries from Argentina and Chile. World Traveller was named on Nov. 19, and World Navigator (which has been sailing since 2021 but was not officially inaugurated due to pandemic restrictions) was christened on Nov. 20.
“Both yacht-style vessels specialize in expeditions to some of nature’s most spectacular destinations,” said James Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas. “What a historic weekend for Atlas. It was inspiring to name these two spectacular ships surrounded by majestic glaciers.”
Theresa Scalzitti, chief sales officer of Cruise Planners, has been named godmother to World Traveller.
"This was a surreal moment for me,” Scalzitti said. “To be asked to be the godmother of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ new ship, World Traveller, is a dream come true. Thank you, Atlas, for this once-in-a-lifetime honor.”
The line has plans to sail both new ships in Antarctica next year.
Aurora Expeditions
Like Viking, Aurora Expeditions will welcome its latest ship in the region this month. On Dec. 10, the unique Ulstein X-Bow-equipped Sylvia Earle — sister to the previously launched Greg Mortimer — will carry 132 guests to Antarctica from Ushuaia, Argentina. The ship is named after renowned marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle.
Sylvia Earle is the newest ship from Aurora Expeditions.
Credit: 2022 Aurora Expeditions“We are beyond thrilled to announce our newest ship, Sylvia Earle, is in the water and on her way to Antarctica,” said Michael Heath, CEO of Aurora. “We cannot wait to introduce her to our loyal trade and consumer partners worldwide and, of course, a new generation of global expeditioners in search of adventure, discovery and extraordinary, life-changing experiences.”
Seabourn Cruise Line
Although it already introduced its new ship in Norway during the summer, Seabourn Cruise Line waited to christen Seabourn Venture until it reached Antarctica. On Nov. 20, while floating in the fast ice of the Weddell Sea, global adventurer, mountaineer and polar explorer Alison Levine named the luxury line’s first purpose-built expedition vessel as a bottle made of ice crashed onto the bow.
“We’ve eagerly awaited Seabourn Venture’s maiden voyage to Antarctica since the moment the ship debuted earlier this year,” said Josh Leibowitz, Seabourn’s president. “The extraordinary continent encapsulates exactly what we hope to bring to guests who sail onboard our new ship: adventure, discovery and awe-inspiring wonder. With the beauty of the Antarctic landscape and scenery in the background, it truly was the perfect place to name the most luxurious expedition ship, Seabourn Venture.”
Silversea Cruises
Shortly after being acquired from the original Crystal Cruises, the former Crystal Endeavor was officially renamed Silver Endeavour in Antarctica on Nov. 19. Felicity Aston MBE — who became the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica in 2012 – christened the PC6 polar-class ship. Endeavour is the line’s third vessel named in just nine months, and the 11th overall in the luxury brand’s fleet.
"We are excited to officially welcome Silver Endeavour to the Royal Caribbean Group fleet, bringing our global fleet to 64 ships," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Group. "Silver Endeavour will continue to strengthen Silversea's position as the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, allowing us to grow capacity while building upon Royal Caribbean Group's mission of delivering the best vacations in the world, responsibly.”
