The Hurtigruten ships are the ferries that run up and down the Norwegian coast. They do not travel much in ice filled waters as the coast line of Norway has a warm current. There are many ships in Antarctica even the old "Song of Flower" and that ship should not be in those waters.

At this time the Silver Explorer I believe is the best ship down there with a stunningly good expedition staff. I have been on four different ships to Antarctica and the others did not compare to the Silver Explorer. A first rate product and I always try and select the best offered, particularly in a region like this. On our last trip we had perfect weather when we were at Elephant Island and we actually landed. A huge feat for the expedition staff. A lot of other ships were there but none of them attempted to do that and it was sensational.