Cx106 Polar Expedition Cruise

Our portfolio of expedition cruise ship designs

Our expedition cruise ship designs originate from our heritage of maritime expertise, and we design vessels for unforgettable adventures. Our portfolio of cutting edge, expedition cruise ship designs ranges in accommodation capacity from 25 to 800 people.

Published
04 March 2018
Updated
24 February 2026
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Introducing the best from offshore experience to expedition cruise

We have been shipbuilders for more than one hundred years, and our first ship designs were developed in the early 1970s. 

With our background in designing robust, offshore-tough vessels, we bring the highest standards from the offshore era to the world of expeditions: safety, a low environmental footprint, redundant systems, reduced vessel motions, and innovative, efficient tender-handling solutions and expedition logistics.

  • The National Geographic Endurance in polar waters.
    The National Geographic Endurance in polar waters, photo Lindblad Expeditions.
  • Sylvia Earle interior ULS 02677
    Spectacular bow views from the fore staircase of the Sylvia Earle, photo: Aurora Expeditions.
  • OAL Svalbard 23 I Christian Kruse 14 web 36586339
  • Igloo and infinity hot pool at the aft deck.
  • 2880x1620 1
  • NG Endurance as seen from port side aft, photo: Uavpic.com.
  • Jacuzzi Sylvia Earle Matt Horspool 38334915
  • Sylvia Earle and Greg Mortimer meet in Antarctica
  • Sylvia Earle Neko Harbour Antarctica Tyson Mayr 38334999
  • The Rockhopper Restaurant Deck 8 Sylvia Earle Pia Harboure 37864849
  • Sylvia Earle library entrance, photo by Aurora Expeditions/Benjamin Tan.
  • Sylvia Earle Balcony Stateroom Category A 610 Richard I Anson 1 37864832
  • Details of the interior on the National Geographic Endurance,
  • The ice lounge on the National Geographic Endurance.
  • Cozy seating in front of the fireplace on the NatGeo Endurance.
  • The bath room in one of the Nat Geo Endurance cabins.
  • The main restaurant.
  • The Sauna Sylvia Earle Pia Harboure 38334919

Responsible partner

Ulstein's core mission is sustainability. Cruise journeys should have minimal impact on the environment during transit or at destinations. To reduce the vessel's ecological footprint, we consider the entire life cycle, including alternative materials, optimised power consumption with minimised emissions, fuel-efficient propulsion systems and engines, alternative energy sources, including waste energy, and efficient hull forms. 

We design for future generations.

On-board logistics

Much effort has been put into on-board logistics. The overall expedition logistics are carefully considered in close cooperation with the ship owner, supported by our analyses of flow logistics and field trips.

Customer experience is crucial 

The ship layout has been designed for a memorable journey and a unique experience. All passengers have ocean-view cabins and suites, and most have balconies to get even closer to the natural experience. The ships offer facilities for entertainment and fine dining, exercise and adventure, wildlife spotting, recreation and relaxation.

Interior style is adjusted to the owner's requirements 

We collaborate with renowned cruise interior designers, and our expedition cruise vessels' interiors are tailored to the owner's requirements.

Cruise portfolio

See our complete cruise design portfolio.

Get in touch

Runar Muren DSC4429 comp bw

Runar Muren

Description
Managing Director
Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS
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Torill Muren

Description
Lead Naval Architect
Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS
Terje Våge DSC4305 comp bw

Terje Våge

Description
Lead Naval Architect
Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS

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