Atlas Ocean Voyages has launched its 2026-27 Antarctic season, offering camping on ice and intimate dining experiences amid icebergs. Olivia Palamountain reports

Atlas Ocean Voyages has opened bookings for its fifth Antarctic season, featuring 23 departures between November 2026 and March 2027 aboard expedition yachts carrying fewer than 200 guests to the world's most remote continent.

The luxury cruise line offers six expedition itinerary options ranging from nine to 18 nights, including a "Drake Express" service that flies passengers over the notoriously rough Drake Passage to begin their Antarctic adventure on King George Island.

"Over the past five seasons, Atlas Ocean Voyage's talented expedition team has had the privilege of connecting travellers to one of the most sought-after 'bucket list' destinations in the world - Antarctica," says James Rodriguez, president and chief executive. "We look forward to exploring the region, providing a variety of itinerary and activity options, and discovering Antarctica with under 200 guests onboard."The company's expedition yachts World Navigator and World Traveller feature the Water's Edge, an open deck positioned just 30 feet above sea level where passengers can spot whales and marine life from heated seating. For adventurous travellers, the cruise line offers polar plunges into Antarctic waters and camping experiences on the ice when conditions permit.

A standout offering is The Explorer's Table, a specialty dining experience serving just 10 guests in the domed Observation Lounge. The multi-course tasting menu, featuring culinary highlights from Spain, Korea, France, Argentina and North America, is served amid views of glaciers and icebergs with premium wine pairings. Reservations cost £137 per guest and open 60 days before departure.

The season includes several expedition options, from nine-night "Antarctic Discovery" roundtrips from Ushuaia with four days at the Antarctic Peninsula, to the comprehensive 18-night "Grand Antarctica & Beyond" voyage exploring Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.The "Crossing the Antarctic Circle" expeditions offer 11 nights with up to six days at the Antarctic Peninsula, whilst "Exploring the Last Continent" voyages frame the summer season with opportunities to witness nesting penguins and feeding whales against snow-covered mountains.

Atlas Ocean Voyages includes extensive amenities in its pricing, covering fine wines, spirits, craft beers, specialty coffees, gratuities for staff and shore excursions, plus Zodiac safari experiences. Most expeditions include pre-expedition hotel stays in Buenos Aires or Punta Arenas, with charter flights included for Drake Express voyages.

The expedition cruising market has expanded significantly as travellers seek authentic experiences in remote destinations, with smaller vessels offering more intimate encounters with wildlife and landscapes than traditional cruise ships. Atlas's under-200 passenger capacity allows access to locations unavailable to larger vessels whilst maintaining luxury amenities.Antarctica expeditions typically operate during the continent's summer months from November to March, when temperatures are most moderate and wildlife is most active. The region offers encounters with multiple penguin species, whales, seals and seabirds against dramatic ice formations and mountainous landscapes.

The cruise line's approach combines expedition adventure with yacht-style luxury, targeting affluent travellers seeking exclusive access to one of Earth's most pristine environments. With climate change concerns growing, Antarctica tourism continues attracting visitors eager to experience the continent's wilderness before potential environmental changes.

All Atlas expeditions feature experienced naturalists and expedition leaders who guide shore landings and wildlife observation, whilst Zodiac inflatable boats provide close-up access to ice formations and wildlife viewing opportunities in areas inaccessible to the main vessels.