Albatros Expeditions may not be widely recognized, but its ships are likely familiar to expedition cruise enthusiasts. The vessels, including the innovative Infinity-class ships with X-Bow designs, are built and owned by Denmark’s SunStone Ships and chartered by lines such as American Queen Voyages (AQV), Aurora Expeditions, and Albatros itself. Albatros operates the Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros—both modern ships offering polar adventures, with Ocean Victory also sailing under AQV during parts of the year.
Albatros Travel, the parent company, was founded in 1986 by biologist and author Soren Rasmussen, who still chairs the organization. Originally offering tented African safaris, the family-owned, Scandinavian company expanded into hotels, bush camps, transportation, and eventually, cruising. Albatros Expeditions launched in 2017 and now offers voyages to both the Arctic and Antarctica.
The line’s 189-passenger ships explore Antarctica on trips lasting nine to 19 days, often including stops in South Georgia and the Falklands. With their X-Bow design for smoother sailing, both ships offer two restaurants, outdoor dining, a Nordic bar, wellness facilities, and a lecture lounge. Distinctive Albatros features include a panoramic sauna and 12 solo staterooms that come without a single supplement.