Here at KE, we've made a conscious choice to exclusively offer small ship expeditions for our polar expeditions. These smaller ships provide an unmatched intimate connection with the Arctic and Antarctic environments and put simply, deliver a superior experience. Here's why...

The Antarctic Treaty and Arctic regulations strictly limit the number of passengers who can land at any given site – typically to 100 people at a time. Large cruise ships carrying 500+ passengers face significant logistical challenges in rotating groups ashore, often resulting in shortened landing times or missed opportunities entirely.

Our small expedition ships carry between 30 and 170 passengers, meaning they can get everyone ashore quickly and efficiently, giving you more time to explore and less time waiting to disembark.

When it comes to wildlife observation, smaller ships offer huge advantages. Their lower profiles and quieter operations allow for closer encounters with everything - from walruses to whales! The reduced number of passengers also means less crowding at the rails when that polar bear comes into view or a penguin colony appears on the horizon.

The intimate atmosphere aboard small ships allows for more meaningful interactions with the expedition team's wildlife experts. Rather than straining to hear lectures in a crowded auditorium, you can engage in casual conversations about the day's sightings over dinner or on deck. You'll have ample opportunities to learn from marine biologists, geologists, historians and other experts transforming your cruise from a sightseeing trip into a genuine expedition of discovery.

Sharing meals, zodiac excursions and the day's experiences with a smaller group creates a wonderful camaraderie amongst passengers and crew. You'll find yourself sharing the excitiment of spotting wildlife and later, reminiscing over the photos you took.

The polar regions' most spectacular sights often lie in narrow fjords, shallow bays and ice-choked passages that large ships simply cannot navigate. Our small expedition vessels, with their superior maneuverability and shallower drafts, can safely venture into these hidden corners of the Arctic and Antarctic and allow you to explore less visted areas.

Tap below to explore each of our small ships in greater detail and find your perfect polar expedition.