RESOURCES

Polar Expedition Ship Comparisons

From rugged expedition vessels to ultra-luxury floating hotels, find the perfect ship for your polar adventure. We’ll help you navigate the fleet and match you with the ideal expedition experience.

50-500

Guest Capacity Range

15+ Operators

Major Expedition Lines

PC6 to 1C

Ice Class Ratings

$400–$2,000+

Per Night Range

Why Ship Choice Matters

Unlike traditional cruises where the ship is the destination, expedition vessels are your gateway to the wilderness. The right ship affects how often you get ashore, how close you get to wildlife, your comfort level during the Drake Passage, and whether you’ll have access to activities like kayaking, helicopter flights, or submarine dives. Understanding ship categories helps you choose an experience that matches your priorities.

Ship Categories

Three Styles of Polar Expedition

Expedition ships generally fall into three categories. Each offers a different balance of adventure, comfort, and price point.

Ultra-Luxury Expedition

$800–$2,000+ Per Night

Ultra-Luxury

All-suite accommodations with butler service, multiple gourmet restaurants, champagne bars, and spa facilities. These floating five-star hotels deliver expedition adventure without sacrificing luxury.

Best For: Travellers wanting premium comfort, fine dining, and refined service alongside wildlife encounters.

Operators: Silversea, Seabourn, Scenic, PONANT

Adventure-Luxury Expedition

$500–$1,000 Per Night

Adventure-Luxury

Purpose-built expedition ships balancing comfortable cabins with serious exploration capability. Strong expedition teams, excellent naturalist programs, and quality dining—adventure first, luxury second.

Best For: Active travellers prioritising wildlife and exploration with comfortable (not opulent) accommodations.

Operators: Lindblad-National Geographic, Aurora, Quark, HX, Viking

Classic Expedition

$400–$700 Per Night

Classic Expedition

Authentic expedition vessels—often converted research ships—offering genuine adventure at accessible prices. Smaller cabins, simpler amenities, but maximum time in the wilderness with passionate guides.

Best For: Budget-conscious adventurers who prioritise wildlife access over shipboard luxury.

Operators: Oceanwide, Poseidon, G Adventures, Intrepid

Size Matters

Ship Size & Landing Regulations

IAATO regulations limit shore parties to 100 people at a time. This means ship size directly impacts your landing experience.

Small (Under 100 Guests)

Everyone goes ashore together. Maximum landing time, no waiting for rotations. Most intimate wildlife encounters. Higher staff-to-guest ratios.

Medium (100-200 Guests)

Split rotations: half ashore, half on zodiac cruises. Good balance of onboard amenities and landing frequency. Most common expedition ship size.

Larger (200-500 Guests)

Multiple landing rotations needed. More onboard amenities and dining options. Less time ashore per landing but often lower per-night costs.

Important: Ships over 500 passengers cannot make ANY landings in Antarctica. Large cruise ships (500+ guests) are classified as “cruise only” and may sail past Antarctica but passengers cannot disembark. For true expedition experiences with shore landings, choose ships under 500 passengers.

Operator Comparison

Major Expedition Operators at a Glance

Operator Style Ship Capacity Best For Price Level
Silversea Expeditions Ultra-Luxury 100-274 guests Butler service, all-suite, fine dining lovers $$$$
Seabourn Ultra-Luxury 264 guests All-inclusive luxury, Zodiac submarines $$$$
PONANT French Luxury 184-270 guests French cuisine, cultural enrichment, elegance $$$$
Scenic Ultra-Luxury 228 guests All-balcony suites, butler service, helicopters $$$$
Lindblad-National Geographic Adventure-Luxury 100-148 guests Wildlife photography, scientific focus, education $$$
Quark Expeditions Adventure 128-199 guests Polar specialists, helicopters, adventure activities $$$
Aurora Expeditions Adventure 130 guests Australian-owned, X-Bow ships, active adventures $$$
HX (Hurtigruten) Expedition 500 guests Science programs, hybrid ships, sustainability $$-$$$
Viking Expeditions Luxury-Expedition 378 guests Science labs, submarines, Scandinavian design $$$
Oceanwide Classic Expedition 108-196 guests Authentic adventure, value, passionate guides $$
Ice Class Ship

Understanding Ice Class Ratings

Ice class ratings indicate how well a ship can navigate icy waters. Higher ratings allow vessels to push further into pack ice and access more remote destinations. For most Antarctic Peninsula voyages, even moderate ice ratings are sufficient.

Polar Class 6 (PC6): Purpose-built for heavy polar ice. Can navigate first-year ice. Ships: Ultramarine, Hondius, Silver Endeavour, Viking Octantis

Polar Class 5 (PC5): Strongest civilian rating. Full icebreaker capability. Ships: National Geographic Endurance/Resolution

Ice Class 1A/1A Super: Heavy first-year ice. Excellent polar capability. Ships: Ortelius, many expedition vessels

Ice Class 1C/1D: Light first-year ice. Standard for summer voyages. Ships: PONANT’s Explorer series, many luxury vessels

Features & Amenities

What’s Included & What’s Extra?

Typically Included on All Expeditions

  • Cabin accommodation
  • All meals onboard
  • Zodiac excursions & landings
  • Expert expedition team & lectures
  • Expedition parka (yours to keep)
  • Rubber boot loan
  • Port taxes & landing fees
  • Basic medical services

Varies by Operator

  • Alcoholic beverages (some all-inclusive, some extra)
  • Gratuities (some include, some don’t)
  • WiFi (free on luxury, paid on others)
  • Kayaking/paddleboarding ($500-$1,000 extra)
  • Camping on ice ($200-$400 extra)
  • Helicopter flights ($500-$800 extra)
  • Pre/post hotel accommodation
  • Charter flights to embarkation

Premium Features

Special Equipment & Experiences

Helicopters

Aerial views and access to otherwise unreachable locations. Available on Quark’s Ultramarine, Scenic Eclipse, PONANT Le Commandant Charcot.

Submarines

Explore underwater worlds beneath the ice. Available on Viking Octantis/Polaris, Scenic Eclipse. Typically $500-$1,000 per dive.

Science Labs

Hands-on citizen science and research facilities. Available on Viking, HX Hurtigruten, Lindblad-National Geographic ships.

X-Bow Design

Patented hull design for smoother Drake Passage crossings. Featured on Aurora’s Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle, Douglas Mawson.

Need Help Choosing Your Ship?

Our polar specialists know every ship in the fleet. Tell us your priorities and we’ll recommend the perfect vessel for your adventure—at no extra cost.

Flagship Vessels

Popular Expedition Ships Compared

Ship Operator Guests Ice Class Special Features
Ultramarine Quark 199 PC6 2 helicopters, 20 zodiacs, adventure-focused
Silver Endeavour Silversea 200 PC6 Butler service, all-suite, ultra-luxury
Le Commandant Charcot PONANT 245 PC2 True icebreaker, North Pole capable, LNG powered
Scenic Eclipse II Scenic 228 PC6 Submarine, helicopter, all-suite, butler service
National Geographic Endurance Lindblad 126 PC5 X-Bow, Nat Geo experts, undersea specialist
Greg Mortimer Aurora 130 PC6 X-Bow design, Australian operator, snorkelling
Viking Octantis Viking 378 PC6 Submarine, science lab, Scandinavian design
MS Roald Amundsen HX 500 PC6 Hybrid power, science centre, sustainability focus
Hondius Oceanwide 196 PC6 First PC6 civilian ship, value expedition
Ocean Victory Various 189 PC6 X-Bow, infinity pool, chartered by multiple operators

Decision Guide

How to Choose Your Perfect Ship

If You Prioritise… Luxury & Comfort

You want butler service, gourmet dining, spacious suites, and refined service—without sacrificing wildlife encounters.

Best Ships: Silver Endeavour (Silversea), Scenic Eclipse II, Le Commandant Charcot (PONANT), Seabourn Venture

What to Expect: All-suite accommodation, multiple restaurants, open bars, butler service, spa facilities, premium pricing

If You Prioritise… Wildlife & Adventure

Maximum time off the ship, world-class naturalists, adventure activities like kayaking and camping on ice.

Best Ships: Ultramarine (Quark), National Geographic Endurance (Lindblad), Greg Mortimer (Aurora)

What to Expect: Smaller groups, passionate expedition teams, optional adventures, emphasis on landings over ship amenities

If You Prioritise… Education & Science

In-depth lectures, citizen science programs, hands-on research, and expert-led learning experiences.

Best Ships: National Geographic Endurance/Resolution (Lindblad), Viking Octantis, MS Roald Amundsen (HX)

What to Expect: Onboard science labs, microscopes, National Geographic experts, citizen science programs, photography workshops

If You Prioritise… Value & Authenticity

Genuine expedition experience at accessible prices, smaller cabins but same wildlife access as luxury ships.

Best Ships: Hondius/Plancius (Oceanwide), Ocean Endeavour (various charters), G Expedition (G Adventures)

What to Expect: Functional cabins, excellent expedition teams, passionate guides, 20-40% lower fares than luxury options

Operator Spotlights

Leading Expedition Operators

Silversea Expeditions

Silversea Expeditions

Ultra-Luxury | All-Inclusive

The gold standard in luxury expedition cruising. All-suite ships, butler service, multiple gourmet restaurants, and an all-inclusive experience including beverages, gratuities, and excursions.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad-National Geographic

Adventure-Luxury | Education-Focused

Pioneers of expedition cruising since 1966. Partnership with National Geographic brings world-class experts, photographers, and conservationists aboard every voyage.

Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions

Adventure | Polar Specialists

Polar-only operator with the most diverse fleet including helicopter-equipped ships. Maximum off-ship time, adventure activities, and access to remote polar destinations.

Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions

Australian-Owned | Adventure

Founded by Australian adventurers, featuring X-Bow ships for smooth crossings. Active adventure focus with kayaking, snorkelling, and diving options. Climate-neutral certified.

PONANT

PONANT

French Luxury | Cultural Enrichment

French elegance meets polar expedition. Exceptional cuisine, open bars with champagne, and the only true icebreaker (Le Commandant Charcot) capable of reaching the North Pole.

HX Hurtigruten

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

Expedition | Sustainability Leader

Pioneering polar travel since 1896. Hybrid-powered ships, comprehensive science centres, citizen science programs, and the world’s largest provider of Antarctic expeditions.

Common Questions

Ship Comparison FAQs

It depends on your priorities. Smaller ships (under 100 guests) mean everyone goes ashore together—no rotations—maximising your landing time. You’ll also have more intimate wildlife encounters. Larger ships (200-500 guests) offer more amenities, dining options, and often lower per-night costs, but you’ll spend time waiting for your landing rotation. Most experienced polar travellers recommend ships under 200 guests for the best balance.

Not necessarily. All passengers on expedition ships get the same wildlife encounters, landings, zodiac excursions, and expert guides—regardless of cabin category. The difference is in onboard comfort: space, view, and amenities. If you’re out exploring all day and only sleep in your cabin, a lower category may be fine. If you enjoy relaxing aboard, a suite with a balcony adds significant value.

Luxury ships (Silversea, Seabourn, Scenic) prioritise onboard comfort: butler service, gourmet dining, spacious suites, spa facilities. Expedition ships (Quark, Aurora, Oceanwide) prioritise off-ship experiences: more zodiacs, longer landing times, adventure activities. Modern “adventure-luxury” ships (Lindblad, Viking) blend both. All legitimate expedition ships offer quality wildlife encounters—the difference is what happens between landings.

Flying over the Drake saves approximately 4 days at sea, ideal for those with limited time or seasickness concerns. However, sailing the Drake is part of the expedition experience—crossing where great explorers sailed, with albatross following the ship. Modern ships with stabilisers and X-Bow designs make crossings more comfortable. Flying costs extra (typically $3,000-$5,000) but guarantees a calm start to your Antarctic experience.

Not necessarily. IAATO regulations apply to all ships equally, and most operators—luxury or otherwise—aim to maximise shore time. The difference is often in the details: smaller ships can be more nimble responding to wildlife opportunities, while larger ships may offer more structured rotations. Ask your specialist about specific ship schedules and staff-to-guest ratios for meaningful comparisons.

Standard zodiac excursions and shore landings are included on all expedition ships. Extra-cost activities typically include: sea kayaking ($500-$1,000), camping on ice ($200-$400), helicopter flights ($500-$800), submarine dives ($500-$1,000), and scuba diving. Some ultra-luxury operators include certain activities; always check what’s included in your fare.

All legitimate Antarctic expedition ships are ice-strengthened to some degree. Look for the ice class rating: PC6/PC5 (Polar Class) or 1A Super/1A (Finnish-Swedish ice class) indicate serious polar capability. Even 1C/1D rated ships are fine for standard Antarctic Peninsula voyages during summer. Only PONANT’s Le Commandant Charcot (PC2) is a true icebreaker capable of breaking through thick pack ice.

Lindblad-National Geographic ships are renowned for photography programs with National Geographic photographers aboard. Aurora and Quark offer excellent expedition teams with photography expertise. Ships with larger zodiac fleets (Ultramarine has 20) and longer landing times give more shooting opportunities. For serious photographers, smaller ships with fewer guests mean less crowded wildlife shots.

All Ships & Operators

Access to every major expedition line—we find your perfect match across the entire fleet.

Best Price Guarantee

Same price as booking direct with the cruise line, plus exclusive perks and onboard credits.

Unbiased Advice

We don’t represent any single operator—we recommend the best ship for YOUR priorities.

Expert Support

Specialists who’ve visited these ships and can share firsthand insights on each vessel.

Still comparing ships?

Take our quick quiz and we’ll narrow down the perfect vessel based on your priorities, travel style, and budget. In just 2 minutes, get personalised ship recommendations.

Ship Finder

Ready to Book Your Expedition?

Speak with our polar specialists who know every ship in the fleet. Get expert recommendations, exclusive perks, and the same price as booking direct.




# Ship Comparisons – Image Generation Prompts for Nano Banana

Use these prompts to generate images for the Polar Expedition Ship Comparisons page. All images should showcase the variety of expedition vessels available, from rugged expedition ships to ultra-luxury floating hotels.

**Color Palette:** Deep ocean blues, ship whites and silvers, polar ice, warm expedition parka reds/oranges
**Style:** Professional travel/cruise marketing quality, aspirational yet informative, showing both ships and polar environments

—

## 1. Hero Background Image

**Filename:** `ship-comparisons-hero.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 1920 × 1080px (16:9)
**Description:**
A dramatic shot of a modern polar expedition ship navigating Antarctic waters with icebergs visible. The ship should look purpose-built for polar exploration—sleek, modern, with observation decks visible. Passengers in red parkas may be visible on deck. Blue sky with some clouds, the ship cutting through calm waters with ice visible. The image should convey both adventure and quality.

**Style Notes:** Modern expedition vessel, polar setting, aspirational travel feel, professional quality

—

## 2. Ultra-Luxury Ship Category

**Filename:** `ship-ultra-luxury.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Either a luxury ship exterior (sleek, yacht-like expedition vessel) OR an elegant ship interior showing a luxury suite or lounge. If interior: plush furnishings, ocean view, refined decor with polar photography on walls. If exterior: a beautiful white expedition yacht in polar waters with elegant lines. The feeling should be “floating five-star hotel meets polar adventure.”

**Style Notes:** Premium luxury feel, refined elegance, polar expedition context, aspirational

—

## 3. Adventure-Luxury Ship Category

**Filename:** `ship-adventure-luxury.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
An expedition ship with zodiacs being launched or passengers boarding zodiacs for shore excursions. The ship should look capable and modern but the focus is on the adventure activity—getting guests off the ship and into the wilderness. Red/orange parkas visible, zodiac in the water, polar backdrop with ice or wildlife visible.

**Style Notes:** Adventure action, zodiacs prominent, expedition activity focus, modern ship

—

## 4. Classic Expedition Ship Category

**Filename:** `ship-classic-expedition.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
A more rugged, authentic expedition vessel—perhaps showing some nautical character. Could be a converted research vessel or a smaller, more traditional expedition ship. The feeling should be “authentic adventure” rather than luxury. Ship navigating ice floes or near a penguin colony. More weathered/working vessel aesthetic.

**Style Notes:** Rugged authenticity, working expedition vessel, adventure over luxury, character

—

## 5. Ice Class Ship

**Filename:** `ice-class-ship.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 1920 × 1080px (16:9)
**Description:**
A powerful expedition ship pushing through pack ice or navigating between ice floes. The hull should look strong and capable—this image is about showing ice-strengthened capability. Could show the bow cutting through brash ice, or the ship surrounded by sea ice with a clear channel behind it. Dramatic lighting showing the contrast between the white ship/ice and dark water.

**Style Notes:** Power and capability, ice navigation, strong hull visible, dramatic conditions

—

## 6. Silversea Operator

**Filename:** `operator-silversea.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Ultra-luxury expedition cruising: either a sleek Silversea-style expedition yacht in polar waters OR an opulent ship interior (suite with butler service aesthetic, champagne, luxury furnishings). Ocean views, refined decor, the feeling of five-star hotel at sea. White and silver colour scheme with elegant touches.

**Style Notes:** Ultimate luxury, all-inclusive feel, refined elegance, aspirational

—

## 7. Lindblad Operator

**Filename:** `operator-lindblad.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Educational expedition focus: could show passengers with expedition team/naturalists on deck pointing at wildlife, OR an onboard lecture/briefing scene with National Geographic-style educational atmosphere. Zodiacs visible, binoculars, camera gear. The feeling should be “learn and discover” with expert guidance.

**Style Notes:** Educational focus, expert guides, National Geographic explorer aesthetic, discovery

—

## 8. Quark Operator

**Filename:** `operator-quark.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Adventure and unique access: ideally showing a helicopter on a ship’s deck OR a helicopter flying over polar landscape (indicating unique access). Alternatively, show multiple zodiacs deployed with adventure activities happening—kayaking, camping on ice visible in background. Emphasis on “getting there” and adventure.

**Style Notes:** Adventure focus, helicopter access if possible, unique experiences, polar specialists

—

## 9. Aurora Operator

**Filename:** `operator-aurora.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Modern expedition ship highlighting the distinctive X-Bow design (inverted bow that cuts through waves). The ship should look innovative and purpose-built. Could show the unique bow shape prominently, or passengers on deck during a crossing. Australian adventure operator feel—active, modern, innovative.

**Style Notes:** X-Bow design visible if possible, modern innovation, Australian adventure spirit

—

## 10. PONANT Operator

**Filename:** `operator-ponant.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
French luxury and elegance: either an elegant French-style ship interior (beautiful dining room, champagne bar, refined lounge) OR an exterior shot of an elegant expedition yacht. If showing Le Commandant Charcot style, emphasize the powerful icebreaker capability combined with French luxury. Refined, elegant, sophisticated.

**Style Notes:** French elegance, sophisticated luxury, refined dining/service aesthetic

—

## 11. HX Hurtigruten Operator

**Filename:** `operator-hx.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Sustainability and science focus: could show a modern ship with visible eco-friendly features, OR an onboard science centre with microscopes and research equipment where passengers are participating in citizen science. Norwegian/Scandinavian design aesthetic—clean, modern, functional. Emphasis on learning and sustainability.

**Style Notes:** Science and sustainability, Scandinavian design, modern technology, educational

—

## Image Reuse Note

**Existing image already available:**
– `woman-making-decision.png` (from /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/) – Used for quiz/decision helper section

—

## Technical Specifications Summary

| Image | Filename | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio |
|——-|———-|————|————–|
| Hero | ship-comparisons-hero.jpg | 1920×1080 | 16:9 |
| Ultra-Luxury | ship-ultra-luxury.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Adventure-Luxury | ship-adventure-luxury.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Classic Expedition | ship-classic-expedition.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Ice Class | ice-class-ship.jpg | 1920×1080 | 16:9 |
| Silversea | operator-silversea.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Lindblad | operator-lindblad.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Quark | operator-quark.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Aurora | operator-aurora.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| PONANT | operator-ponant.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| HX | operator-hx.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |

**Total New Images Required:** 11
**Upload Location:** `/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/`

—

## Design Notes for This Page

This is a comparison/decision-making page, so imagery should:

1. **Show variety** – Different ship styles, sizes, and atmospheres
2. **Represent operators fairly** – Each operator image should capture their unique selling point
3. **Balance luxury and adventure** – Show the spectrum from rugged to refined
4. **Feature the ships** – This page is about vessels, so ships should be prominent
5. **Include polar context** – All ships should be shown in or suggest polar environments
6. **Be aspirational** – Help viewers imagine themselves on these vessels

# Ship Comparisons – Image Generation Prompts for Nano Banana

Use these prompts to generate images for the Polar Expedition Ship Comparisons page. All images should showcase the variety of expedition vessels available, from rugged expedition ships to ultra-luxury floating hotels.

**Color Palette:** Deep ocean blues, ship whites and silvers, polar ice, warm expedition parka reds/oranges
**Style:** Professional travel/cruise marketing quality, aspirational yet informative, showing both ships and polar environments

—

## 1. Hero Background Image

**Filename:** `ship-comparisons-hero.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 1920 × 1080px (16:9)
**Description:**
A dramatic shot of a modern polar expedition ship navigating Antarctic waters with icebergs visible. The ship should look purpose-built for polar exploration—sleek, modern, with observation decks visible. Passengers in red parkas may be visible on deck. Blue sky with some clouds, the ship cutting through calm waters with ice visible. The image should convey both adventure and quality.

**Style Notes:** Modern expedition vessel, polar setting, aspirational travel feel, professional quality

—

## 2. Ultra-Luxury Ship Category

**Filename:** `ship-ultra-luxury.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Either a luxury ship exterior (sleek, yacht-like expedition vessel) OR an elegant ship interior showing a luxury suite or lounge. If interior: plush furnishings, ocean view, refined decor with polar photography on walls. If exterior: a beautiful white expedition yacht in polar waters with elegant lines. The feeling should be “floating five-star hotel meets polar adventure.”

**Style Notes:** Premium luxury feel, refined elegance, polar expedition context, aspirational

—

## 3. Adventure-Luxury Ship Category

**Filename:** `ship-adventure-luxury.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
An expedition ship with zodiacs being launched or passengers boarding zodiacs for shore excursions. The ship should look capable and modern but the focus is on the adventure activity—getting guests off the ship and into the wilderness. Red/orange parkas visible, zodiac in the water, polar backdrop with ice or wildlife visible.

**Style Notes:** Adventure action, zodiacs prominent, expedition activity focus, modern ship

—

## 4. Classic Expedition Ship Category

**Filename:** `ship-classic-expedition.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
A more rugged, authentic expedition vessel—perhaps showing some nautical character. Could be a converted research vessel or a smaller, more traditional expedition ship. The feeling should be “authentic adventure” rather than luxury. Ship navigating ice floes or near a penguin colony. More weathered/working vessel aesthetic.

**Style Notes:** Rugged authenticity, working expedition vessel, adventure over luxury, character

—

## 5. Ice Class Ship

**Filename:** `ice-class-ship.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 1920 × 1080px (16:9)
**Description:**
A powerful expedition ship pushing through pack ice or navigating between ice floes. The hull should look strong and capable—this image is about showing ice-strengthened capability. Could show the bow cutting through brash ice, or the ship surrounded by sea ice with a clear channel behind it. Dramatic lighting showing the contrast between the white ship/ice and dark water.

**Style Notes:** Power and capability, ice navigation, strong hull visible, dramatic conditions

—

## 6. Silversea Operator

**Filename:** `operator-silversea.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Ultra-luxury expedition cruising: either a sleek Silversea-style expedition yacht in polar waters OR an opulent ship interior (suite with butler service aesthetic, champagne, luxury furnishings). Ocean views, refined decor, the feeling of five-star hotel at sea. White and silver colour scheme with elegant touches.

**Style Notes:** Ultimate luxury, all-inclusive feel, refined elegance, aspirational

—

## 7. Lindblad Operator

**Filename:** `operator-lindblad.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Educational expedition focus: could show passengers with expedition team/naturalists on deck pointing at wildlife, OR an onboard lecture/briefing scene with National Geographic-style educational atmosphere. Zodiacs visible, binoculars, camera gear. The feeling should be “learn and discover” with expert guidance.

**Style Notes:** Educational focus, expert guides, National Geographic explorer aesthetic, discovery

—

## 8. Quark Operator

**Filename:** `operator-quark.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Adventure and unique access: ideally showing a helicopter on a ship’s deck OR a helicopter flying over polar landscape (indicating unique access). Alternatively, show multiple zodiacs deployed with adventure activities happening—kayaking, camping on ice visible in background. Emphasis on “getting there” and adventure.

**Style Notes:** Adventure focus, helicopter access if possible, unique experiences, polar specialists

—

## 9. Aurora Operator

**Filename:** `operator-aurora.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Modern expedition ship highlighting the distinctive X-Bow design (inverted bow that cuts through waves). The ship should look innovative and purpose-built. Could show the unique bow shape prominently, or passengers on deck during a crossing. Australian adventure operator feel—active, modern, innovative.

**Style Notes:** X-Bow design visible if possible, modern innovation, Australian adventure spirit

—

## 10. PONANT Operator

**Filename:** `operator-ponant.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
French luxury and elegance: either an elegant French-style ship interior (beautiful dining room, champagne bar, refined lounge) OR an exterior shot of an elegant expedition yacht. If showing Le Commandant Charcot style, emphasize the powerful icebreaker capability combined with French luxury. Refined, elegant, sophisticated.

**Style Notes:** French elegance, sophisticated luxury, refined dining/service aesthetic

—

## 11. HX Hurtigruten Operator

**Filename:** `operator-hx.jpg`
**Dimensions:** 800 × 450px (16:9)
**Description:**
Sustainability and science focus: could show a modern ship with visible eco-friendly features, OR an onboard science centre with microscopes and research equipment where passengers are participating in citizen science. Norwegian/Scandinavian design aesthetic—clean, modern, functional. Emphasis on learning and sustainability.

**Style Notes:** Science and sustainability, Scandinavian design, modern technology, educational

—

## Image Reuse Note

**Existing image already available:**
– `woman-making-decision.png` (from /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/) – Used for quiz/decision helper section

—

## Technical Specifications Summary

| Image | Filename | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio |
|——-|———-|————|————–|
| Hero | ship-comparisons-hero.jpg | 1920×1080 | 16:9 |
| Ultra-Luxury | ship-ultra-luxury.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Adventure-Luxury | ship-adventure-luxury.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Classic Expedition | ship-classic-expedition.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Ice Class | ice-class-ship.jpg | 1920×1080 | 16:9 |
| Silversea | operator-silversea.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Lindblad | operator-lindblad.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Quark | operator-quark.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| Aurora | operator-aurora.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| PONANT | operator-ponant.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |
| HX | operator-hx.jpg | 800×450 | 16:9 |

**Total New Images Required:** 11
**Upload Location:** `/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/`

—

## Design Notes for This Page

This is a comparison/decision-making page, so imagery should:

1. **Show variety** – Different ship styles, sizes, and atmospheres
2. **Represent operators fairly** – Each operator image should capture their unique selling point
3. **Balance luxury and adventure** – Show the spectrum from rugged to refined
4. **Feature the ships** – This page is about vessels, so ships should be prominent
5. **Include polar context** – All ships should be shown in or suggest polar environments
6. **Be aspirational** – Help viewers imagine themselves on these vessels