These ultra-luxury expedition ships are the best way to explore Antarctica

Unforgettable journeys to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations – that’s the idea behind Seabourn’s ultra-luxury expeditions which open up remote destinations such as the Arctic, the Amazon and the Northwest Passage. And nowhere is more extreme than the White Continent, where the company has ventured since 2013. Now, as part of its extraordinary experiences programme, it is possible to discover Antarctica in next-level comfort, onboard Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, where intuitive service borders on the clairvoyant. The 132 spacious suites combine bespoke furniture, organic materials such as wood and stone and plush textiles, and all have verandas, as well as practical extras such as heated wardrobes for drying wet outdoor gear fast.

Each voyage is led by a global team of experts including scientists, historians and naturalists, who deliver insightful lectures in the Discovery Centre as well as guiding guests on the many shore excursions: think Zodiac landings on pristine beaches, or hiking deserted islands. Exhilarating additional activities include kayaking in the wilderness – perhaps spotting leopard seals, or getting close to feisty chinstrap penguins, known for making circular nests and feeding great distances from shore. Or how about discovering the ocean’s underwater wonders in one of the ship’s custom-built submarines? The deeper you delve, the more otherworldly the scenery becomes, from shipwrecks to glaciers.

Take the Chilean Fjords and Antarctica trip, which begins with the ship winding down the fjord-lined coast of Chile tracing deep inlets and channels, before an overnight stay in Punta Arenas, which offers guests the chance to visit the Torres del Paine National Park. This is followed by five days of full immersion in stunning landscapes of snow-capped peaks, blue-tinged icebergs and the Southern Patagonian Ice Sheet. There’s also the Wild South Atlantic and the Antarctic Peninsula voyage, where the Falkland Islands and their incredible wildlife (gentoo penguins, southern giant petrels and the world’s largest colony of black-browed albatross) are a highlight. Other stand-out Antarctica options include the 11-day Great White Continent, a round-trip from Buenos Aires. After a night in the Argentinian capital, fly to Ushuaia, where the adventure really begins as the ship crosses the 600-mile-wide Drake Passage; notorious for changeable and often rough weather, in reality it can also be meditatively peaceful and still.

The stories of the islands are fascinating – from Elephant Island, where the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance expedition scrambled ashore to begin a desperate 135-day wait to be rescued after their ship was crushed by sea ice in 1915; or King George Island, the largest of the South Shetlands, with its bleached whale bones on pebble beaches, relics of its19^th-century whaling history. Whichever itinerary you choose, daily landings, based on conditions and wildlife reports, ensure guests see as much as possible. There is also a special Caviar on the Ice party and digital photography workshops to help you capture the magic on camera.

For downtime, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit have a sleek spa with a holistic wellness concept developed by Dr Andrew Weil, which includes yoga and guided meditation sessions. The Constellation Lounge on deck nine is the highest indoor viewing point on the ship and brilliant for spotting wildlife, from sea lions to killer whales; it’s also the place for post-excursion afternoon teas and pre-dinner cocktails). In the Sky Bar you can tuck into sushi and sake, or simply relax and soak up the magical surroundings in one of a pair of whirlpools.

A vintage map of Antarctica, alongside up-to-the-minute navigational and weather charts, can be found in the Expedition Lounge, while the Bow Lounge has large screens that show live footage from mounted cameras on the ship (as well as a drone when possible). And while on board, guests can help themselves to snacks from the pantry – just one of eight flexible dining options. Complimentary premium wine and spirits are also available everywhere on the ship, including suites, which have full bar set-ups. All in all, it’s an ideal combination of proper pampering, out-of-this-world wildlife encounters and thrilling adventure on the planet’s most spectacular, unspoilt continent.

Further information visit www.seabourn.com or call 0344 338 8615