Polar Latitudes Expeditions Fleet Guide: Four Ships, One Brand, What's Changing for 2025-26 and Beyond
If you've been researching Antarctica cruises recently, you've probably noticed some brand reshuffling happening. Two respected polar operators have combined into Polar Latitudes Expeditions (PLX), and while the industry moves on, travelers are left with legitimate questions.
Four ships now operate under one umbrella, each with distinct personalities and price points. The good news? This merger actually creates some interesting opportunities for travelers willing to understand what's changed. The confusing part? Figuring out which ship fits your travel style and whether your existing booking (or future plans) will be affected.
Let me break down what this merger actually means for you.
The Merger in Plain English
What happened: Polar Latitudes, known for exceptional guest experience and citizen science programs, merged with Albatros Expeditions, which brought strong fleet assets and Scandinavian hospitality to the table. The combined entity now operates as Polar Latitudes Expeditions.
The leadership team isn't a bunch of corporate suits who've never seen an iceberg. They have over 100 years of combined polar expedition experience and still actively sail. That matters when you're trusting someone with your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic adventure.
Why it matters for travelers: The merger combines Polar Latitudes' Antarctica expertise with Albatros' modern ship fleet. PLX now owns Ocean Albatros outright and holds partial ownership in Ocean Victory and Ocean Nova. Direct ownership translates to better control over captains, maintenance, and catering standards. In other words, they can't blame the ship's owner when something goes wrong.
What's Actually Changing
For the 2025-26 Season (Transition Year):
Ships will operate with co-branding during this transition period. You'll see both legacy names visible onboard. If you've already booked through either Polar Latitudes or Albatros, your existing inclusions, payment terms, and cancellation policies remain honored. No bait-and-switch surprises.
From 2026 Season Onward:
Full Polar Latitudes Expeditions branding takes over, along with enhanced standard inclusions across the fleet:
- Upgraded WiFi connectivity (a genuine improvement for those wanting to share their penguin photos)
- Pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia with breakfast included
- Airport-hotel-ship transfers included
- Return transfer to airport or hotel of your choice
Activities like Discover Kayaking remain available as add-ons through the unified booking system.
What stays the same: PLX does not package international flights. You're still arranging travel to Ushuaia yourself. The 100 passengers ashore limit per IAATO regulations continues (that's an industry-wide rule, not operator discretion). And the expedition focus with zodiac landings, expert naturalists, and citizen science opportunities remains the core product.
The Four Ships Compared
Here's where things get interesting. PLX now offers four distinct expedition experiences at different price points.
Ocean Albatros (The Flagship)
The basics: Built 2023. Brand new. Infinity-class X-BOW design. Approximately 185 passengers. Ice-strengthened hull.
Standout features: The X-BOW hull design reduces pitch and spray, meaning a genuinely smoother Drake crossing. Not calm seas, mind you, but less miserable. 90% of cabins have balconies. The stern "garage" allows efficient zodiac operations, which means less waiting around in the cold. Multiple dining options including a lighter bistro concept. Outdoor jacuzzis, sauna, library, citizen science space. Active fin stabilizers work constantly to counter the swell.
Best for: Travelers wanting the newest ship experience. Those prioritizing balcony cabin access. Guests particularly concerned about Drake Passage comfort. Mid-to-upper budget range.
Price positioning: Premium tier within PLX fleet.
Ocean Victory (The Sister Ship)
The basics: Built 2021. Same Infinity-class X-BOW design as Ocean Albatros. Approximately 185 passengers. Ice-strengthened hull.
Standout features: Nearly identical to Ocean Albatros in design and amenities. Same X-BOW hull benefits for smoother sailing. 90% balcony cabins. Active fin stabilizers. Full expedition amenities including mudroom, zodiac garage, and observation areas.
Best for: Same traveler profile as Ocean Albatros. May offer slightly better pricing as the "older" sister ship. Those who want modern amenities without paying the newest-ship premium.
Price positioning: Premium tier, but potentially a slight discount compared to Albatros.
Seaventure
The basics: Purpose-built polar expedition ship. Approximately 164 passengers. Current PLX leadership was involved in the original design.
Standout features: The layout was specifically shaped by people who actually run expeditions, not cruise line executives trying to maximize cabin count. Active fin stabilizers for Drake Passage. Strong expedition pedigree. Smaller than the Infinity-class ships but still offers full amenities.
Best for: Travelers who value proven expedition design over the newest hardware. Those comfortable with a slightly older but well-maintained vessel. Mid-budget range seeking quality expedition experience.
Price positioning: Mid-tier within PLX fleet.
Ocean Nova
The basics: Sub-80 passengers, making it the smallest in the fleet. Robust ice-strengthening. Very efficient fuel consumption per passenger.
Standout features: Small size means everyone lands together. No rotation groups. Maximum time ashore during landing windows. Efficient embarkation and disembarkation process. Long passive stabilizer fins (different motion profile than active stabilizers). The motion feels more like a single smooth lean and recovery rather than constant side-to-side rocking. Many passengers actually perceive this as smoother, despite the different stabilizer type.
Best for: Travelers prioritizing maximum shore time over ship amenities. Those wanting an intimate expedition atmosphere. Budget-conscious guests. Solo travelers or couples who value small group dynamics.
Price positioning: Value tier within PLX fleet.
Drake Passage Reality Check
Everyone asks about the Drake. Here's what PLX leadership actually says about it:
All four ships are capable and generally comfortable in the Drake. Sea conditions matter more than ship type. Wave direction relative to hull affects motion more than vessel design. There is no reliably "better" season for calm crossings.
Stabilizer differences explained: Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory, and Seaventure use active fin stabilizers (powered, adjustable). Ocean Nova uses long passive fins (fixed, using the ship's motion). Passive fins create a different sensation: one smooth lean versus multiple smaller corrections. Some passengers actually prefer the passive fin feel.
Cabin selection tip: Motion is noticeably higher on upper decks. Lower, mid-ship cabins experience the least movement. Worth considering when booking if Drake concerns you.
Value Analysis and Deal Hunting
Where deals may emerge: Transition periods often create booking opportunities as companies work to fill cabins under new branding. Watch for promotional pricing as PLX establishes its unified identity. Ocean Victory may see competitive pricing versus the newer Ocean Albatros. Ocean Nova's smaller capacity means fewer cabins but potentially better value-per-experience.
Inclusion improvements worth noting: Pre-voyage Ushuaia hotel is now standard (previously varied by booking). Transfer coverage eliminates taxi and logistics stress. WiFi upgrades address a common traveler concern.
What's NOT included (budget accordingly):
- International flights to Ushuaia
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities like kayaking
- Alcoholic beverages (verify specific voyage terms)
- Gratuities (verify current policy)
Which Ship Should You Book?
Choose Ocean Albatros or Ocean Victory if:
- Modern amenities matter to you
- You want a balcony cabin
- Drake Passage anxiety is high (X-BOW design helps)
- Budget allows premium pricing
Choose Seaventure if:
- You want proven expedition design
- Mid-range budget
- Amenities matter but newest ship doesn't
Choose Ocean Nova if:
- Maximum landing time is your priority
- You prefer an intimate small-ship atmosphere
- Budget is a primary consideration
- You're comfortable with simpler accommodations
The Bottom Line
The PLX merger creates a stronger combined operator with complementary strengths. Existing bookings are protected during the transition. Four distinct ships serve different traveler priorities and budgets. Enhanced inclusions for hotel, transfers, and WiFi add tangible value starting in 2026.
Research which ship matches your priorities before comparing prices. The lowest fare doesn't always mean the best value, especially if you end up paying extra for things that would have been included elsewhere.
Not sure which PLX ship fits your travel style? Our AI penguin guide Flipper can help you sort through the options based on your priorities and budget. Available 24/7 to help narrow down what matters most for your expedition.
When you're ready to discuss specific departures or want insider perspective on which voyages offer the best value, our team of Antarctic veterans is here. We've sailed on these ships and can share the nuances that don't show up in brochures.