Forget bare-bones research vessels with closet-sized rooms. It’s now possible to conquer Antarctica, or several other remote locales, in high-end comfort and style, from your own private luxury suite on one of Adventure Life’s "Luxury Expedition Ships." Unfortunately, that unstylish puffy parka is still necessary.

Based in Missoula, Montana, Adventure Life specializes in trips throughout South and Central America, and Adventure Life Voyages specializes in Expedition Cruises around the world, including to the world’s last unspoiled continent. Ranging in guest capacity from 100 to 198, Luxury Expedition Ships “allow travelers the opportunity to take advantage of the adventurous land excursions and up-close wildlife viewing that is best experienced on a small expedition ship without sacrificing the creature comforts traditionally found on much larger cruise ships,” according to the company’s Web site. Popular ship amenities include gyms, sun decks with Jacuzzis, private marble baths, fine-dining restaurants serviced by European chefs and five-star salons and spas. Antarctic cruises on a Luxury Expedition Ship range from $7,595 to $34,270, depending on your chosen ship, type of accommodations and the length of your excursion.

Adventure Life and Adventure Life Voyages invite adventurers to interact on their Web sites, www.Adventure-Life.com and www.ALVoyages.com. Travelers can upload and share journal entries, maps and pictures in personal travel journals, set up a gift registry that allows friends and family to contribute to a purchased trip and set up a private account to plan and book tours.

– Sarah Binder