Sail beyond the icy frontier to cross the Antarctic Circle in late summer, where pristine landscapes burst to life with an extraordinary array of wildlife—and join the select few to experience this untouched wilderness firsthand.
Crossing the legendary Antarctic Circle at 66°33’ South — a latitude reached by only a small fraction of Antarctic visitors — you’ll enter a world where the sun can stay above the horizon for 24 hours, sea ice lingers in sweeping bays, and vast tabular icebergs drift silently past. 
First navigated by Captain James Cook in 1773, this far-south route is still only attempted by a small number of vessels, and on our small-ship expedition, your access is rare and intimate. 
We’ll celebrate the moment aboard the ship before venturing into seldom-seen areas like The Gullet, Lallemand Fjord, and Detaille Island, where Adelie penguins tend chicks, elusive Ross seals may appear, and humpback whales bubble-net feed in krill-rich waters. 
Enter a realm few have reached and join an elite circle of Antarctic explorers.

  • Exclusive Antarctica Fly-Cruise via Puerto Natales—skip the Drake Passage with round-trip flights from and back to Puerto Natales, Chile, the gateway to Torres del Paine, where jagged peaks and vast glaciers form Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes—the perfect prelude or finale to your trip.
  • Sail beyond the Antarctic Circle—join the small club of travellers who have crossed 66°33′ South, venturing into a world of fast ice, towering tabular icebergs, and wildlife-rich bays rarely seen by visitors.
  • Witness peak wildlife activity — watch penguin chicks, small and fluffy in their nests, while skuas and giant petrels stage daring raids. Seals lounge on ice floes, and whales gather in large numbers nearby.
  • Explore iconic Antarctic sites — including the South Shetland Islands, Deception Island, The Gullet, Lallemand Fjord, Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island, and the Gerlache Strait.
  • White, Pristine Landscapes – Experience the brilliance of late summer light on snow-covered islands, shimmering glaciers, and icebergs in every imaginable shape.
  • Exceptional photographic opportunities — dramatic lighting, active wildlife, and vivid icescapes await your lens.
  • Expert-led exploration — learn from seasoned expedition guides through enriching lectures, workshops, and shore landings.

Polar Athena

Vessel Type: Small Expedition Ship
Length: 71 meters
Passenger Capacity: 42
Built for true polar exploration, MV Polar Athena combines the rugged power of an icebreaker with the intimacy of small-group travel. With the highest 1A Super ice-class rating and space for just 42 guests, she offers one of the most personal Antarctic experiences available. Born as a research vessel and reimagined for modern-day adventurers, Polar Athena slices through heavy sea ice with ease, offering unmatched agility, comfort, and access to remote destinations. Her small size ensures that all guests can disembark together for Zodiac excursions, maximising time ashore and embracing the spontaneity of wildlife encounters and shifting weather.
On board, guests enjoy Scandinavian-style comfort with thoughtfully designed cabins, panoramic observation lounges, and a warm, family-like atmosphere. Whether you're spotting whales from the elevated bow deck, relaxing in the wellness area’s hot tub, or enjoying freshly prepared meals in the cosy dining room, Polar Athena offers immersive exploration without the crowds. Her bridge lounges welcome guests throughout the voyage, offering behind-the-scenes insight and a shared sense of purpose with the crew, making each journey feel like a genuine expedition into the unknown.


ship image

Pricing

Depart: 15 January, 2027 Return: 24 January, 2027

Classic Twin

Classic Twin

The Classic Twin cabin offers a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired space featuring two lower twin beds and a porthole window. Recently refurbished, it includes a wardrobe and an en-suite shower and toilet, providing a stylish yet homely retreat. The perfect place to unwind after exploring the remote corners of the planet.

Price: $27495 AUD

Signature Twin

Signature Twin

The Signature Twin cabin combines comfort and charm with its Scandinavian-inspired design. This welcoming space offers two lower twin beds, and natural light gently brightens the room through thoughtfully placed windows. Enjoy the convenience of an ensuite shower and toilet, ample wardrobe space, and a dedicated desk area. A homely setting on your polar journey.

Price: $28995 AUD

Signature Single

Signature Single

The Single Signature cabin is where Scandinavian design meets practical comfort, offering either two lower beds or bunk beds. Each cabin features windows that fill the space with natural light, a wardrobe for storage, and a private ensuite bathroom with an ensuite shower and toilet. Perfectly suited for solo travellers, these cabins provide a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge.

Price: $33995 AUD

Classic Suite

Classic Suite

The Classic Suite is a roomy and stylish Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary. This light and airy cabin features large windows, a plush double bed, a cosy lounge with a corner desk and a comfortable sofa, perfect for curling up on with a good book. With an ensuite shower and toilet, and thoughtful touches throughout, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy peaceful moments after a day exploring the polar wilderness.

Price: $33995 AUD

Signature Suite

Signature Suite

The Signature Suite is Polar Athena’s most luxurious accommodation, fully refurbished with an elegant Scandinavian design. This spacious retreat features a plush double bed, a relaxing lounge area with a sofa, and a stylish corner desk—perfect for journaling your travel adventures. Large windows fill the cabin with natural light, offering scenic polar views and a tranquil sanctuary after your days of exploration.

Price: $37495 AUD

Depart: 19 February, 2027 Return: 28 February, 2027

Classic Twin

Classic Twin

The Classic Twin cabin offers a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired space featuring two lower twin beds and a porthole window. Recently refurbished, it includes a wardrobe and an en-suite shower and toilet, providing a stylish yet homely retreat. The perfect place to unwind after exploring the remote corners of the planet.

Price: $27495 AUD

Signature Twin

Signature Twin

The Signature Twin cabin combines comfort and charm with its Scandinavian-inspired design. This welcoming space offers two lower twin beds, and natural light gently brightens the room through thoughtfully placed windows. Enjoy the convenience of an ensuite shower and toilet, ample wardrobe space, and a dedicated desk area. A homely setting on your polar journey.

Price: $28995 AUD

Signature Single

Signature Single

The Single Signature cabin is where Scandinavian design meets practical comfort, offering either two lower beds or bunk beds. Each cabin features windows that fill the space with natural light, a wardrobe for storage, and a private ensuite bathroom with an ensuite shower and toilet. Perfectly suited for solo travellers, these cabins provide a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge.

Price: $33995 AUD

Classic Suite

Classic Suite

The Classic Suite is a roomy and stylish Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary. This light and airy cabin features large windows, a plush double bed, a cosy lounge with a corner desk and a comfortable sofa, perfect for curling up on with a good book. With an ensuite shower and toilet, and thoughtful touches throughout, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy peaceful moments after a day exploring the polar wilderness.

Price: $33995 AUD

Signature Suite

Signature Suite

The Signature Suite is Polar Athena’s most luxurious accommodation, fully refurbished with an elegant Scandinavian design. This spacious retreat features a plush double bed, a relaxing lounge area with a sofa, and a stylish corner desk—perfect for journaling your travel adventures. Large windows fill the cabin with natural light, offering scenic polar views and a tranquil sanctuary after your days of exploration.

Price: $37495 AUD

Depart: 14 January, 2028 Return: 23 January, 2028

Depart: 18 February, 2028 Return: 27 February, 2028

Classic Twin

Classic Twin

The Classic Twin cabin offers a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired space featuring two lower twin beds and a porthole window. Recently refurbished, it includes a wardrobe and an en-suite shower and toilet, providing a stylish yet homely retreat. The perfect place to unwind after exploring the remote corners of the planet.

Price: $28495 AUD

Signature Twin

Signature Twin

The Signature Twin cabin combines comfort and charm with its Scandinavian-inspired design. This welcoming space offers two lower twin beds, and natural light gently brightens the room through thoughtfully placed windows. Enjoy the convenience of an ensuite shower and toilet, ample wardrobe space, and a dedicated desk area. A homely setting on your polar journey.

Price: $29995 AUD

Classic Suite

Classic Suite

The Classic Suite is a roomy and stylish Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary. This light and airy cabin features large windows, a plush double bed, a cosy lounge with a corner desk and a comfortable sofa, perfect for curling up on with a good book. With an ensuite shower and toilet, and thoughtful touches throughout, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy peaceful moments after a day exploring the polar wilderness.

Price: $34995 AUD

Signature Single

Signature Single

The Single Signature cabin is where Scandinavian design meets practical comfort, offering either two lower beds or bunk beds. Each cabin features windows that fill the space with natural light, a wardrobe for storage, and a private ensuite bathroom with an ensuite shower and toilet. Perfectly suited for solo travellers, these cabins provide a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge.

Price: $34995 AUD

Signature Suite

Signature Suite

The Signature Suite is Polar Athena’s most luxurious accommodation, fully refurbished with an elegant Scandinavian design. This spacious retreat features a plush double bed, a relaxing lounge area with a sofa, and a stylish corner desk—perfect for journaling your travel adventures. Large windows fill the cabin with natural light, offering scenic polar views and a tranquil sanctuary after your days of exploration.

Price: $38495 AUD