Skip to main content

You Can Cruise to the North and South Pole on One 88-Day Luxury Expedition

Cruising is rarely an “adventurous” mode of travel. The biggest daily challenges involve remembering what time happy hour starts and how many Belgian chocolate truffles you can get in before the midnight buffet closes. However, these days, some cruise lines are thinking bigger with months-long global itineraries that visit five continents and far-flung polar expeditions worthy of Amundsen and Shackleton. Now, well-heeled travelers can go even bigger and tackle both the North and South Poles on a single grand ocean voyage.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

This month, SeaDream Yacht Club announced a once-in-a-lifetime, 88-day mega-expedition that will take cruise-goers to both poles. Even among the luxury line’s extensive catalog, the pole-to-pole itinerary is its most ambitious yet. The journey coincides with the inaugural sailing of the stunning new SeaDream Innovation yacht. Beginning in September 2021, the ship will sail to all seven continents — 200 ports in 49 countries — in its first season alone.

Recommended Videos

The megayacht’s state-of-the-art design includes luxury features and amenities unlike almost any other small cruise ship. Every passenger suite offers a generous floor plan of at least 312 square feet with a private balcony and a bathroom with a tub. Flagship suites upgrade to 1,000-square-foot living quarters with separate bedrooms, massive balconies, and multiple bathrooms. Passengers can even opt to sleep under the stars, dine alfresco, or swim in the ship’s innovative, in-ocean swimming pool.

Over-the-top luxury amenities aside, the onboard experience isn’t only about sipping Champagne and smoking cigars on the lido deck. It also boasts expedition-level amenities designed for hardcore outdoor enthusiasts. Three onboard marinas will house kayaks, sailboats, and wave runners, plus a seaplane and a fleet of Zodiacs for more intimate polar exploration.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Of course, such a lofty itinerary carries an equally lofty price tag. Per-person rates start at $58,000, but the all-in total (with government and service fees) pushes north of $61,000. Open bar is included, however. So, there’s that.

If you fancy a more hands-on experience and money is no object, you can ski your way to the South Pole on this epic, 12-day journey for just a few thousand dollars more. On the other hand, travelers strapped for time, cash, or both can tackle the South Pole for two-thirds less on an Antarctic expedition cruise. You’re still guaranteed plenty of penguins, but sadly none of the polar bears or “bipolar” bragging rights of the inaugural SeaDream Innovation voyage.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Everything about Fontainebleau Las Vegas feels next-level: An inside look
Luxury and elegance from dining to shopping
Fontainebleau Las Vegas

As I drove into Vegas for the first time, I quickly spotted the modern glass-covered exterior of Fontainebleau Las Vegas from a distance. Just from the exterior of the building's design, inspired by the original Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, I could tell my stay in Vegas was going to be impressive. As a New Jersey native, most of my casino impressions and experiences were gathered from various visits to Atlantic City. I quickly learned that a visit to Las Vegas is an entirely different ballgame.

I eagerly set out to explore Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the newest hotel on the famous Strip. Opened in December 2023, this 67-story vertically integrated luxury resort features 3,644 luxury hotel rooms and suites and 150,000 square feet of gaming space. From fine dining to luxury retail shopping, let's explore what it's like to stay at this top-tier, modern hotel in Las Vegas and why you should stay here if you want an exceptional trip to Las Vegas.

Read more
JetBlue expands partnership with this Asian airline
Osaka, Japan

JetBlue and Japan Airlines (JAL) have broadened their partnership, with the Asian airline now accepting TrueBlue redemptions. Under the agreement, TrueBlue members can use points to reserve travel on qualifying Japan Airlines flights on jetblue.com. It’ll be the first time JetBlue’s TrueBlue members can cash in points with an East Asian airline partner. 

TrueBlue members can now explore Japan and more

Read more
These are officially 2025’s best new restaurants in the United States
8 U.S. restaurants made the list
Acamaya

Condé Nast Traveller has released its highly anticipated 2025 Hot List, spotlighting the best new restaurants around the globe. While international destinations took center stage, several standout U.S. eateries earned a coveted spot on the list, showcasing the nation’s diverse dining scene.

Among the top honorees is Acamaya in New Orleans, a modern Mexican restaurant crafted by chef Ana Castro. Hailing from Texas and raised in Mexico City, Castro’s dishes are a celebration of local Louisiana seafood, reflecting both her heritage and the Gulf Coast’s culinary traditions.

Read more