the Polar Small Vessels Association (PSVA) Overview
Why should i travel on a small vessel in the polar regions?
Traveling on a small vessel in the polar regions offers a profoundly different experience from traditional cruising—one that prioritizes authentic exploration, personal connection, and environmental responsibility.
With fewer than 140 guests on board, small expedition ships allow you to truly immerse yourself in the polar environment. Unlike large vessels, where only a fraction of passengers can go ashore at any one time, small ships ensure that everyone gets off the ship and into the wild—whether that’s hiking among penguin colonies, cruising past icebergs in a Zodiac, or paddling through glassy fjords. There’s no waiting, no rotating schedules—just freedom to explore.
Small vessels also access remote landing sites that larger ships physically can’t reach. This means you’ll visit hidden coves, untouched beaches, and historic outposts that are completely off the radar of conventional tourism. The expedition team can pivot the itinerary based on wildlife sightings or weather—making every voyage unique and genuinely adventurous.
On board, the atmosphere is equally special. You’re not lost in a crowd—you’re part of a close-knit group of fellow travellers and guides who share meals, stories, and discoveries. You’ll have more meaningful time with experts, more chances to ask questions, and more insight into the regions you’re visiting. It feels less like a cruise and more like a shared journey.
Crucially, smaller ships have a lighter footprint on fragile polar ecosystems. They carry less waste, create less disturbance, and tend to follow more stringent sustainability protocols. By choosing a small vessel, you’re making a conscious decision to travel responsibly—supporting operators who prioritize conservation and local engagement.
In the polar regions, less is more. Smaller ships offer more time ashore, more intimate wildlife encounters, and more meaningful connections—to place, to people, and to purpose.
Why Book with a PSVA Member?
When it comes to exploring the polar regions, choosing the right vessel makes all the difference. That’s why booking with a member of the Polar Small Vessel Association (PSVA) is a smart move for anyone seeking a more authentic, sustainable expedition. PSVA members operate ships with fewer than 140 passengers, ensuring an experience that’s intimate, immersive, and far less intrusive on the fragile polar environment.
Smaller ships mean more flexibility—whether it’s responding to weather, wildlife sightings, or spontaneous opportunities for landings. There are no long queues or missed shore excursions; every guest has the chance to step ashore, paddle a kayak, or join a zodiac cruise without the restrictions imposed on larger vessels. It’s a true expedition atmosphere, where camaraderie builds quickly and every guest feels part of the journey.
PSVA members also commit to the highest environmental and safety standards. They are often pioneers in sustainable operations, citizen science programs, and collaborative research efforts. By travelling with a PSVA operator, you’re not just seeing the polar regions—you’re helping to protect them. You’re supporting a community of passionate operators who believe that small ships, when operated responsibly, can make a big difference.
If you want to experience Antarctica or the Arctic without the crowds, with more meaningful encounters, and with operators who care deeply about these remote corners of the world, then sailing with a PSVA member is the way to go.