When I was invited to experience an expedition cruise ship, I jumped at the chance. Coming from an ocean cruise background, I’ve spent plenty of time at sea, but not on a vessel like this. Ocean Albatros offered something entirely different, and it turned out to be a refreshing change.

Who are Albatros Expeditions?

Albatros Expeditions is a Danish company with deep roots in polar exploration. While not as widely known as some bigger names, it’s built a strong reputation among travellers who favour small ships, expert guides, and flexible itineraries shaped by nature. The recently announced merger with Polar Latitudes made it an exciting time to experience this ship, along with some of the industry’s top minds on board.

The company focuses on Arctic and Antarctic voyages, with routes through Greenland, Svalbard, and the Canadian Arctic, destinations where wildlife, sea ice, and weather shape each day. These trips centre on time ashore, whether that’s heading out in Zodiacs or joining guided hikes.

Ocean Albatros is the newest ship in the fleet, designed specifically for polar conditions. It’s not a floating resort, and doesn’t try to be. Instead, it provides a comfortable base built for expedition travel—with stabilisers for open seas, quick Zodiac access, and a layout that supports exploration, learning and downtime between landings. While this sailing didn’t follow a traditional polar route, it gave me the chance to see the ship in action and imagine how she’ll perform in her natural habitat.

We boarded in the charming harbour of Concarneau, France, which I would love to revisit and explore. After a 20-minute splashy Zodiac ride, Ocean Albatros came into view around the tall harbour wall. Bright blue with an X-Bow hull, she stood out straight away. No matter the ship’s size or capacity, approaching from the water line always makes you feel very small in comparison. The entry to the ship is through the Mud Room, a small hop from the zodiac and I stepped onto Ocean Albatross.

Environmental Expedition

One major difference between expedition and ocean cruising is the environmentally friendly ship design. These vessels travel through the most remote and fragile places on Earth, so they’re built to minimise impact. Ocean Albatros uses two electro engines alongside four diesel engines, all controlled electrically to manage speed and fuel use. During a bridge tour, I learned about the ship’s virtual anchor, which keeps it stable without damaging reefs or the seabed. It also holds Polar Code Class 6—the highest rating from the International Maritime Organisation—and Ice Class 1A, meaning it can navigate through ice, usually a metre thick.

Built for Expedition Cruising

Guests embark and disembark via Zodiac, and the process runs smoothly every time. This is accessed through the mudroom on Deck 3, where each cabin has a personal locker with life vests and muck boots, for use during their cruise. Each guest will also receive an expedition parka to wear during landings—yours to keep when you head home.

When not exploring, you can unwind in the Vitus Bering Lecture Hall or one of the other bar areas. Here, the expedition team hosts daily briefings, lectures and workshops—including a particularly lively quiz night that had everyone laughing/scratching their heads.

The expedition team stays visible and involved, joining you ashore and helping you make the most of every outing. I really appreciated the friendly, informal relationship between crew and guests—so different from traditional cruising. The team included experts like a geologist, marine mammalogist and ornithologist.

Ocean Albatros is built to keep you close to the outdoors, you are never far from outdoor space. One standout feature is the hydraulic observation platform. These are ideal for watching the ship slice through ice or spotting a solar bear in Svalbard.

My Experience Onboard

Life onboard felt relaxed, with exploration at the heart of each day. Most days included excursions, and guests could also book optional activities like kayaking for an extra cost. Since weather and ice shape each day’s plan, no two itineraries are alike.

When it’s time to unwind, the cabins deliver. I stayed in CSP (Superior Balcony Stateroom) 639—spacious, quiet, and well positioned at the back of the ship. These cabins with a sitting area, desk/vanity table, large TV, fridge and a shower bathroom. Most people choose midship cabins to help with seasickness, but I’d recommend this one for its easy access to Deck 7 and the jacuzzi, just steps from the balcony. I loved the provided dressing gown, making for a comfy post shower chill out before dinner, after a day of exploring. There is no need to dress up for dinner here, whatever you feel comfortable in.

Each cabin has a private balcony, with a small walk away across the deck. It’s not common practice for others to walk by, so it still feels private. This would also work brilliantly if travelling with friends in neighbouring cabins. Housekeeping kept the room spotless—made up each morning and turned down each night. There’s nothing better than climbing into a perfectly made bed after a day outside.

Best of the South West

No blog about this journey would be complete without a mention of our itinerary. While it’s not typical for either Albatros or Magnetic North to focus on holidays around the Scilly Isles, Cornwall, and Devon, this trip was a very pleasant surprise. Perfectly timed with a brief UK heatwave, we were treated to a few idyllic days in some of the most scenic parts of the country.

The Scilly Isles have long been on my bucket list, though I’d never quite made it there. Perhaps having spent many childhood holidays in Cornwall, I’d always felt I knew the region. But this visit proved there was still so much to discover. We spent half days exploring both St Mary’s and Tresco, enjoying insightful guided tours through the towns and the beautifully kept gardens, exhibiting tropical plants from all over the world. I would highly recommend Tresco Gardens to any keen gardener.

We then called into Fowey, somewhere that feels like a second home to me, though I’d never visited this particular corner of Cornwall. With a guided tour in the morning and free time in the afternoon, enjoying a Cornish pasty with a local Cider in the sunshine was just what I needed. The journey concluded with a stop in Weymouth, where we enjoyed an atmospheric tour along the Jurassic Coast (as we had reached the end of the heat wave), before returning to Portsmouth and heading home. We were truly blessed with the weather, and the experience couldn’t have been more perfect.

Final Thoughts on Ocean Albatros

I had a brilliant trip on Ocean Albatros, helped by a rare UK heatwave as we sailed around the South West. The company on this trip made it even better. This voyage gave me a great first taste of expedition cruising, but with so much more to see and understand. I’m excited to see this striking ship return to her natural environment in the Arctic. Albatros stands out for its access, smart design, and clear focus on nature and the destination. I really enjoyed the calm & relaxed atmosphere onboard, which I am simply not used to within traditional ocean cruising. When on an expedition cruise, everyone would be there with the same conman goal, to calmly explore these remote regions while leaving no impact to the destinations and wildlife.  I can’t wait to see it really come to life, where this ship belongs.

Who would enjoy an Expedition Cruise?

Expedition cruising suits travellers who are curious, adaptable, and more interested in experience than extravagance. It’s ideal for those who value time in nature, learning from experts, and the freedom to explore places that larger ships can’t reach. Destinations like Greenland, Svalbard, and the Canadian Arctic offer raw, remote beauty, rich wildlife, and powerful histories. Exactly the kind of places that reward a slower, more thoughtful style of travel. If you’re happy to swap set schedules for spontaneity, prefer your walking boots to formal wear, this might be just the right way to explore.

For some inspiration for your own Albatros Expedition – take a look at our Last Stop before the North Pole Trip.