Expedition cruise line Secret Atlas unveils ‘smallest-ever’ polar tours

Expedition cruise line Secret Atlas is set to debut a collection of sailings to Antarctica and South Georgia with “the smallest group size ever offered” in the polar region.

From October 2026, the itineraries will sail from the Patagonian town of King George Island on board MV Polar Athena, which hosts a maximum of 42 guests for “authentic, small-group exploration”.

The luxury, ice-strengthened expedition vessel features en suite cabins, a lounge, restaurant, sauna and hot tub.

Itineraries begin with a two-and-a-half-hour flight over the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales to King George Island.

Sailings can be tailored for visits to remote locations that are “inaccessible” to larger ships, as well as wildlife sightings. Guests will have the chance to spot Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, orcas and humpback whales, and disembark to explore the landscape.

Michele D’Agostino, co-founder of Secret Atlas, said: "By limiting our voyages to just 42 guests, we’re offering something that larger ships simply cannot: more time ashore; more space in Zodiacs; and genuine freedom to follow wildlife and weather conditions as they unfold. It’s an experience that is highly personal, unhurried and deeply immersive.

“This is the future of polar exploration – impactful experiences shared with a small community of like-minded explorers, led by experts and carried out while leaving the smallest footprint possible.”