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The 7 top antarctica cruises for 2024 + tips from an expert.

Plan your next epic adventure to the White Continent.

The Top Antarctica Cruises

Yuri Matisse Choufour | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

Experience otherworldly beauty on an Antarctica cruise.

An expedition to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for intrepid travelers who want to explore this remote destination at the bottom of the world. The landscapes are surreal, with eerily blue icebergs, towering ice-capped mountains, dramatic weather conditions that change within seconds and species of wildlife that exist nowhere else on Earth – it's hard to imagine until you've made the long journey yourself.

The fifth-largest continent is home to the largest ice sheet on the planet, the Antarctic Ice Sheet, as well as the Transantarctic Mountains, with peaks soaring more than 14,700 feet into the sky. West Antarctica has volcanoes that are part of a tectonically active area around the Pacific Ocean known as the "Ring of Fire." This incredibly diverse and magical part of the world also has the coldest temperature ever recorded at -135.8 degrees Fahrenheit in 2010.

U.S. News has compiled a selection of seven different Antarctic experiences to help you plan your bucket list adventure to the White Continent.

Book an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: 11-night Ushuaia Roundtrip

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

This 11-night expedition with Atlas is available on several dates in 2024. One highlight of the voyage is crossing the Antarctic Circle, along with four days exploring Antarctica and two days spent in the South Shetland Islands. You'll also have two days en route to Antarctica and two days on the return trip on the famed Drake Passage – also known as the "Drake Lake" (on smooth days) or the "Drake Shake" (when the seas are rough).

During your days at sea, take in all the onboard lectures and films about Antarctica, and head outside on the decks to see petrels and albatrosses soaring overhead. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your photography skills before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula, where you want to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

Atlas' Jan. 14 expedition is on the line's newest ship, World Voyager. The purpose-built yacht-style vessel features a hydro-jet propulsion system that's quieter and less disruptive to the fragile ecosystem. This feature also provides the opportunity for guests to see more wildlife during up-close encounters. Pricing is all-inclusive on board the ship with free open bars; all meals, wines, spirits and craft beers; a stocked in-room minibar; all landings, Zodiac excursions and lectures; the use of kayaks, walking sticks, knee boots and binoculars; and a souvenir Atlas jacket to take home. Fares also include a one-night pre-cruise stay and private charter jet service round-trip from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Aurora Expeditions: Antarctic Peninsula in Depth

Tyson Mayr | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Aurora offers a 14-night Antarctic intensive voyage sailing round-trip from Ushuaia on Nov. 6, 2024, aboard the 132-passenger purpose-built expedition ship Greg Mortimer. This vessel was the first passenger ship to utilize the state-of-the-art Ulstein X-BOW, which provides a smoother, quicker and more efficient transit across the ocean. The ship also incorporates many environmentally conscious features, including low energy consumption and virtual anchoring, which protects the sea floor and minimizes damage caused by traditional anchors.

Guests will find expansive observation decks and hydraulic viewing platforms for optimal wildlife viewing on board. Other highlights of the expedition are nine full days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula in nearly 24 hours of daylight at the peak of summer. During this time, you can expect to see whales arriving to feed on the plentiful krill, fur seal pups and many entertaining penguins.

Prices are mostly all-inclusive, with a one-night hotel stay before boarding the ship; all meals, snacks and complimentary nonalcoholic beverages; beer and house wine at lunch and dinner; the use of Muck Boots for the expedition; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; educational lectures; and more. Adventurous explorers can add on activities (at an additional cost) such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, and skiing or snowboarding. The line also offers longer 20- to 24-day expeditions that include South Georgia Island.

Read: Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress

Hurtigruten Expeditions: Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords Expedition

Dan Avila | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

For an extended adventure that includes crossing the Drake Passage twice, spending up to five days in Antarctica and then landing on Cape Horn in Chile (weather permitting), consider the 25-night grand expedition cruise aboard the Hutrigruten Expeditions' MS Roald Amundsen. Additional highlights are scenic cruising in Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park to see the Garibaldi Glacier; visiting the town of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park ; and seeing the longest Southern Hemisphere glacier outside of Antarctica (which grows by as much as 150 feet a day), the Pio XI Glacier in Bernado O'Higgins National Park. This epic adventure begins March 9, 2024, in Buenos Aires and ends in Valparaíso, Chile.

The ship for the voyage, MS Roald Amundsen, is a hybrid vessel that reduces CO2 emissions by using electrical propulsion – and it's designed specifically for use in polar waters. The vessel carries just 500 guests (to adhere to regulations for visiting Antarctica) and features all exterior cabins with Scandinavian inspired decor. Guests will also find an Explorer lounge and bar, three dining venues, the Science Center, a sauna and spa, and other amenities. Fares are mostly all-inclusive, covering a complimentary expedition jacket; the use of expedition equipment like boots and trekking poles; landing activities; most dining options; and wine, beer and soft drinks at meals.

Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic: Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent

Ralph Lee Hopkins | Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions was the first company to bring citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, pioneering travel to this remote destination. The line's 13-night expedition to Antarctica is offered nearly 20 times throughout the summer season in 2024 on one of three ships. Depending on the ship, guests will have one evening in either Buenos Aires or Santiago, Chile , before flying to Ushuaia the next morning to embark the vessel.

With about five days to explore Antarctica, you'll have time to take in the awe-inspiring landscapes and look for seals and blue-eyed shags up close from Zodiacs. On land, watch thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins as they playfully slide down the snow-covered hills on their bellies – one right after the other – diving headfirst into the icy waters. After the adventure, a private charter flight will return you to either Buenos Aires or Santiago before your return flight home.

The line's newest expedition vessel, National Geographic Resolution, accommodates just 138 guests – and there are two new cabins for solo cruisers . Guests on the Polar Class 5 vessel will have a National Geographic photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic-certified photo instructor and video chronicler documenting the trip. Onboard amenities include a yoga studio, a wellness specialist, infinity-style hot tubs, two restaurants and a chef's table, and plenty of indoor and outdoor viewing areas. This ship also carries an ROV (a remotely operated vehicle) for underwater exploration and other high-tech video gear.

You can even book an overnight stay in an igloo (on a first-come, first-served basis) and spend the evening under the polar sky. Fares are mostly all-inclusive and include all onboard meals and most meals ashore; nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages; transfers; excursions; a complimentary jacket; and more.

Silversea: King George Island to King George Island (Antarctica Bridge)

Courtesy of Silversea

Silversea's six-night Antarctica Bridge expedition takes guests round-trip by a business class flight directly to the Antarctica Peninsula, flying into King George Island from Punta Arenas, Chile. This itinerary is offered several times throughout the season for guests who don't have extensive time to travel – or are nervous about sailing the Drake Passage. Silversea 's pricing is all-inclusive, and guests can choose between door-to-door or port-to-port fares.

While the weather determines the specific itinerary in Antarctica, guests can expect to have several excursions in the Antarctic Sound and as many as nine excursions on the Antarctic Peninsula that include hiking, kayaking and scenic Zodiac cruises with the expedition team. There's also one excursion in the South Shetland Islands, where you can look for massive elephant seals. There will be an abundance of bird and animal viewing on wildlife-rich King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, which is home to Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins as well as Weddell and leopard seals.

Oceanwide Expeditions and Swoop Antarctica: Quest for the Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island

Getty Images

Swoop Antarctica's 10-night adventure-filled journey takes wildlife and history enthusiasts into the ice-choked waters of the Weddell Sea, past towering tabular icebergs, in search of the emperor penguin's rookery on Snow Hill: one of the most remote penguin rookeries on the planet. The incredible itinerary also sails through the same waters where famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, sank in 1915 – and to the rarely seen west slopes of the Antarctic Sound.

Other highlights include Zodiac and helicopter landings (weather permitting) to additional remote locales, including Seymour Island, where the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901 to 1904 spent a winter season; Brown Bluff, one of the most scenic places on the northern tip of the Antarctic Continent and home to a large Adélie penguin rookery; and the volcanic crater of Deception Island.

There are two sailings in November 2024 on board the 1A-class, ice-strengthened Oceanwide Expeditions' Ortelius: a 108-passenger former Russian research vessel. Fares includes all meals and nonalcoholic beverages, all Zodiac and shore excursions, educational lectures, helicopter transfers, and group transfers. Optional adventure activities, alcoholic beverages and other personal expenses are at an additional cost.

The onboard helicopter pad is one of the features of the vessel and is used on select expeditions in the Weddell and Ross seas. It's important to note that very few companies offer expeditions to the Weddell Sea that include Snow Hill Island. While Ortelius is not a luxury vessel like other ships mentioned in this list, it is a stable expedition-style ship built for these icy – and at times treacherous – waters and weather conditions.

Viking: Antarctica & South Georgia Island

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 18-night Antarctica and South Georgia Island expedition begins with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires followed by a flight the next morning to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The first two stops on the expedition are in the Falkland Islands, where you'll find beautiful scenery with imposing cliffs, many types of marine birds and five species of penguins. In South Georgia, watch for king penguins and seals. Then, it's on to Antarctica for days 12 through 16. Guests will have the option to reserve a spot on the Viking DNV-classed submarine for a thrilling journey into the depths of the frigid waters in Antarctica. The return sailing, by way of the Drake Passage, disembarks in Ushuaia.

In 2024, this itinerary is available Jan. 31 and again Dec. 15 on Viking Octantis. The purpose-built Polar Class 6 vessel accommodates up to 378 guests and offers many of the same venues found on Viking's ocean ships, including the Explorers' Lounge, World Café, Mamsen's, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and the Nordic Spa. There are also expedition-specific features, such as Expedition Central, the Science Lab and – for educational lectures and briefings – the Aula theater. Viking's fares are mostly all-inclusive, with all meals and wine and beer served with lunch and dinner; 24-hour specialty teas, coffees and nonalcoholic beverages; a keepsake Viking jacket; complimentary use of the excursion gear; and more.

Find an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea.

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Expert tips on Antarctica expeditions

There are many factors to consider when planning an Antarctica expedition, including where you want to travel to, the length of the trip and whether you want to sail the famed Drake Passage twice.

To provide helpful insights and information to plan your trip, U.S. News reached out to an expert in the region, Aurora Expeditions' expedition leader, Ashley Perrin , for tips on planning your adventure to the White Continent. Perrin has degrees in both geography and oceanography from the University of Southampton. She was appointed as the first woman boating officer in Antarctica by the British Antarctic Survey in 2009, and has led multiple expeditions to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands.

Which month is best (in your opinion) to travel to Antarctica and why? 

Perrin: "My favorite time to travel to Antarctica is the end of December or beginning of January, because the penguin chicks are starting to come out and you get the most wildlife spotting opportunities, with marine mammals, penguins and albatross – on top of the spectacular scenery."

What length of trip do you recommend for first-time visitors?

Perrin: "The 10- to 12-day Spirit of Antarctica or Antarctic Explorer (with Aurora Expeditions) is a fantastic introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula. If you had the additional time and opportunity, ideally you would also opt for a voyage that visits South Georgia. For many travelers, this is really the jewel in the crown of the Antarctic experience because of the incredible wildlife opportunities here."

What should you look for in an expedition ship/tour when planning a trip to Antarctica?

Perrin: "Travelers should look for a high-quality educational experience, including lectures and opportunities for Citizen Science. This is such a fascinating and important destination, and you want to ensure you can learn and take as much in as you can. A pivotal factor in this is also choosing a company that offers low passenger numbers.

"Travelers don't have enough of an understanding of the impact of this on their voyage. In the Antarctic Peninsula only 100 people are allowed on land at one time, while at some sites it is 30 to 50 people. Having smaller groups enables passengers to have more time off ship exploring and connecting with nature, and this has such a significant impact on your experience.

"If you like to be a little more active, I would also highly recommend an operator that offers activities, such as kayaking in Antarctica. This allows you to see Antarctica from a different viewpoint and the silence is amazing. You still have opportunities to do landings as well, so I think it's the best of both worlds."

Do you prefer the combination fly/sail for the Drake Passage or sailing the Drake Passage both ways?

Perrin: "I prefer to sail both ways as it's how you earn your right to get to Antarctica! You also get more opportunities to see wildlife like seabirds, and it gives you extra time to prepare for the Antarctic experience through pre-lectures and education. Travelers arrive with more of an understanding of what to expect."

Any other tips, advice or comments you'd like to share?

Perrin: "Do your research into the operator you are choosing and their different offerings – things like passenger numbers, expedition team experience and off ship activities – as these can all have a significant impact on the travel experience. There is also a big difference between traditional cruise operators and expedition operators and what travelers can expect. We ensure that our passengers are exploring and getting off the ship as much as possible.

"I would also add that it's important to do your research into the areas that you're most interested in. For example, it could be history, exploration and walking in someone's footsteps (such as Sir Ernest Shackleton), or the types of wildlife you might see. Having a deeper understanding of the history and the region really does enhance the experience once you are there."

Frequently Asked Questions

An expedition where you get off the ship and make landings on the Antarctic peninsula typically costs about $10,000 per person for a 10-night voyage. However, depending on the cruise line, the ship and dates of travel – and whether you sail or fly the Drake Passage – you could spend as much as $29,000 per person for a 12-night expedition or more. There are slightly lower prices for some expeditions, such as a few with Hurtigruten Expeditions, and you can find reduced fares and deals with lines like Atlas Ocean Voyages and Quark Expeditions. In addition, there are extended polar expeditions that range from a 14-night trip to the 94-night Pole-to-Pole Ultimate Bucket List Expedition Cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions, which is priced at close to $48,000.

If you're not interested in getting off the ship in Antarctica to see penguins and seals up close (but no closer than 15 feet, according to the Antarctic Treaty), you can opt for a voyage on a large cruise ship that sails around the continent for a much lower cost. Just know that you won't be able to disembark at any point in Antarctica. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has a 14-night Antarctica and South America voyage that makes a round trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina, for as low as $999 per person. You may be able to find even cheaper fares from lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Princess Cruises.

It's important to note that by the rules set forth in the Antarctic Treaty, only ships carrying 500 or less passengers are permitted to make landings on the Antarctica peninsula. The Antarctic Treaty, along with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, has strict conservation protocols and regulates that no more than 100 passengers are allowed to go ashore at one time. The IAATO works with more than 100 Antarctica outfitters to create the guidelines and safety procedures to protect the fragile environment and wildlife in this remote part of the world.

The following cruise lines offer small ship expeditions in Antarctica with no more than 500 passengers. You can also look at tour companies – such as Abercrombie & Kent, G Adventures, Adventure Life and Swoop Antarctica – that exclusively charter ships or help navigate the decision-making process for their clients and book individual expeditions with the cruise lines.

• Atlas Ocean Voyages
• Aurora Expeditions
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
• Hurtigruten Expeditions
• Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic
• Quark Expeditions
• Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Seabourn Cruise Line

These larger cruise lines offer sailings around the Antarctic Peninsula, which may include scenic cruising in and around the Gerlache Strait, Elephant Island, Paradise Bay and Schollart Channel.

• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International

The answer depends on the expedition. The majority of passengers will depart from South America in either Ushuaia, Argentina – which is also known as the "End of the World" – or Punta Arenas, Chile. Then it will take approximately two days to cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Some lines also offer chartered flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, which only take about two hours. Some passengers who have taken the flight say it can be as unnerving as sailing the Drake Passage, since weather conditions can delay the flight for up to several days where you could potentially miss the trip.

Cruises on larger ships that only sail around the Antarctic Peninsula may embark in Buenos Aires; Santiago, Chile; Puerto Williams, Chile; Rio de Janeiro; ports in Florida or New Zealand; or even the South Shetland Islands.

The expedition and cruise season to Antarctica extends from November to March, which is during the austral summer in the Southern Hemisphere. But Antarctica is still the windiest, coldest and driest continent on Earth, so weather conditions are unpredictable and can change quickly – even during the summertime. One minute the sun may be out, and the next minute it can be snowing and extremely windy and cloudy.

Visitors in November can expect temperatures between a low of 25 degrees to a high of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest temperatures are typically in January, when you'll find days ranging between 33 to 36 degrees before they start to drop again in February.

Most expedition companies provide jackets that you can take home, so you won't need to bring a heavy parka if it's given to you on board. They may also provide waterproof boots that you'll need to use for wet landings. It's best to check with your expedition line to see what's available on the ship, what you can rent or buy, and what you'll need to pack and bring with you. Due to the unpredictable weather, it's advisable to bring different types of layers.

Here are some of the items you'll want to pack:

Layers: Pack at least two top and two bottom quick-drying base layers (or more, depending on the length of your expedition) that wick moisture, such as those made of silk, wool or bamboo. It does get toasty when you're layered up and moving around ashore, so choose lightweight options that will layer easily under the rest of your clothing and keep you warm and dry. For your mid-layer top, go with a lightweight polar fleece or vest; for the bottom, quick-drying warm tights or fleece pants are a good option.

You'll also want to layer what's on your feet, starting with a wicking pair of socks made from silk or synthetic polypropylene, followed by a good pair of merino wool socks from a brand like Smartwool. Glove liners are another must, especially if your hands tend to get cold. If you can, buy insulated waterproof gloves with removable liners to save packing an extra item. You may also want to toss a few hand and foot warmers in the suitcase in case you need extra warmth. Bring a lighter pair of insulated gloves for warmer days off the ship.

And don't forget a lined wool beanie, a set of earmuffs, and a balaclava or fleece neck gaiter to keep your ears and face warm and your nose and mouth protected from the cold air and wind.

Waterproof gear: The parka and tall waterproof boots may be provided on the ship, but if they're not, you'll need to bring your own. You'll also need wind- and waterproof pants to go over your base layer and mid-layers. If they're tapered at the bottom, you should be able to tuck them into your boots. Perrin says this is one of the most important items you should purchase and pack for your expedition.

Comfy clothes ­and shoes for around the ship: Most people dress casual on Antarctica cruises, so bring clothes that will be comfortable for days and evenings around the ship. It can get rough when crossing the Drake Passage, so you'll want flat or low-heeled shoes for those days at sea.

Other items you'll want to pack:

• Waterproof dry pack
• Sea-Bands and medications for motion sickness
• Camera and accessories with a waterproof cover
• Hiking poles (unless the ship has them available)
• Swimsuit (you may want to take the polar plunge!)
• Other necessary medications
• Hydrating lip balm and a good protective moisturizer
• Polarized sunglasses
• Books on the history of early exploration in Antarctica and the incredible wildlife

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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18 Things You Didn't Know About Cruising to Antarctica

Antarctica Cruise Is a Trip of a Lifetime

Antarctica is a dream destination for many travelers. It's unique and spectacularly beautiful, with amazing wildlife, towering mountains, and icebergs larger than many cruise ships. About 20,000 people visit the White Continent each year, with most arriving at the Antarctica Peninsula via cruise ship from South America. Despite its attraction, most people either have misconceptions or things they didn't know about Antarctica. If you are planning a cruise to Antarctica , it's good to start with some basic knowledge of Antarctic cruises.

Size Matters on an Antarctica Cruise

About 50 ships of all sizes visit Antarctic waters each year. These ships range in size from tiny expedition ships with less than 25 guests to traditional cruise ships with over 1000 guests. It's important to know that if a ship has more than 500 guests onboard, the signers of the Antarctic Treaty and members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators  do not let those guests go ashore. Instead, they have an "Antarctic experience", which means they sail around the islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, allowing guests to see the continent and wildlife from the decks. One of these cruises can provide an excellent overview, but many who visit Antarctica want to step on the continent. 

Although a tiny ship can provide an amazing experience, many expedition ships are very pricey but offer a once-in-a-lifetime voyage for those who can afford the best. The less expensive small ships might not be a good choice for those who are seasick-prone or who want to have more onboard amenities, better expedition leaders, and more variety in food. Ships with 300-450 guests are often less expensive but still offer excellent food and comfortable cabins and common areas.

For example, ships like the MS Misnatsol of Hurtigruten are an excellent Antarctica cruise alternative--not too big, not too small, and not as pricey as the smaller expedition ships. Although the Midnatsol carries less than 500 guests on its Antarctic cruises, it carries more than 500 cruise guests and many ferry passengers on its summer cruises of Norway's coast, so its space per guest is exceptional on Antarctic cruises. Since the Hurtigruten ship also carries ferry passengers and vehicles in the summer, it has large public areas and plenty of space to store kayaks and Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) for its winter expeditions. Its size makes the ship more stable than some of the other ships carrying less than 500 passengers. Since it's an ice class 1X ship, the Midnatsol is well-prepared to sail in Antarctic waters.

Yes, You Can Go Swimming in Antarctica

Be sure to take along a swimsuit to Antarctica. Hardcore, thick-blooded northerners might not consider it "swimming", but Antarctic cruise travelers often have the opportunity to take a short dip in the icy (usually right at freezing temperatures) waters of Antarctica.

Hurtigruten and some other cruise lines offer "swimming" at almost every stop. Ships who allow guests to swim at only one port offer it at Deception Island since the water is warmer due to volcanic activity. 

On Hurtigruten cruises, all guests who go swimming get a certificate and their photo taken. Due to peer pressure, sometimes more than 50 guests will take the plunge.

If you think swimming in icy waters is crazy, then you can wear that swimsuit into the hot tub, sauna, or spa.

You Can Exercise on Some Ships

Many cruise travelers worry about not being able to get enough exercise on an Antarctic cruise. Since IAATO and the Antarctic Treaty limit the time and number of visitors ashore, you will have more ship time than on many other destination-immersive cruises. 

Smaller ships often either have no fitness center or have a very tiny one. However, you might have more time ashore, but not enough for true exercise fanatics. Larger ships like the Hurtigruten Midnatsol often have saunas, exercise equipment, and views you won't get anywhere else in the world. Larger ships also often have promenade decks or an outdoor walking track for guests to exercise outdoors.

Yes, You Can Go Kayaking in the Calm Waters of Antarctica

Swimming in Antarctica might not be for everyone, but kayaking is another fun activity. The coastal waters are often calm, and kayakers can see icebergs and wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales.

Ships like the Hurtigruten Midnatsol provide appropriate outerwear for its kayakers to borrow.

You Can Mail a Postcard Home and Get Your Passport Stamped

Some cruise travelers love to shop for souvenirs, and they love to send postcards back home. Shopping is limited to onboard the ship and at a few research stations like Port Lockroy, which is a UK historical site. (Note: Adventurous souls can also spend the summer working at Port Lockroy if they can qualify and pass the interview.)

The staff at Port Lockroy comes onboard cruise ships and talk about their experiences working at the research station. They also stamp passports and sell souvenirs and postcards and/or stamps.

Be sure to date any postcard you mail back home. A supply ship picks up the postcards at Port Lockroy and takes them to the Falkland Islands. From there, they go to the UK before coming back across the Atlantic to the USA. It takes about 6-7 weeks to reach the UK and another week to reach the USA. Your friends and family will love getting a postcard with an Antarctic stamp (almost as much as you'll love having an Antarctic stamp in your passport!)

Antarctica Is Warmer Than You Think

Having heard the horror stories of Antarctic winters, many travelers think the temperatures are way below what they are willing to tolerate. Cruise ships only visit Antarctica between November and March, which is the Austral summer.

Since cruise ships primarily visit the Antarctica Peninsula, which is the northernmost section of the continent, temperatures are even warmer than further south. The Austral summer temperatures on the Peninsula range from the high 20's to mid-30's (Fahrenheit) or -2 to 2 degrees Centigrade. Those arriving from northern North America know that it's much colder there in January.

Winds can make it feel colder, but when you are ashore and moving about, sometimes you even get too warm! Cruise ships usually provide warm boots and some type of waterproof jacket, but be sure to check your cruise documents carefully. Long underwear, hat, and gloves are needed when riding in the RIBs ashore. For example, Hurtigruten provides the warmest boots you'll ever find, so you don't need to pack any. However, it's branded jacket is wind and waterproof, but you'll need something warmer (like a puffy jacket) underneath.

Cruise Timing Makes a Difference

Travelers can always have a memorable experience on an Antarctic cruise. However, like many parts of the world, the dates you select for Antarctic cruise provide different experiences. You'll see more snow in November and December (although you'll see plenty on all Antarctic cruises). Penguins will be on their nests in December, but you'll see baby chicks in January and February.  Early and late shoulder seasons (November/December/March) cruises might be less expensive than in the high season of late January and February when the weather is warmer.

Cruise Ships Don't Sail as Far South as the Antarctic Circle

Those who have traveled to the Arctic know that many cruise ships sail further north than the Arctic Circle (66 degrees 33 minutes 39 seconds north latitude) in the summer, with some ships even crossing the famous Northwest Passage linking the northern Atlantic and Alaska or the Northeast Passage linking Norway with the Pacific Ocean. Hurtigruten even sails its Norwegian coastal voyages year-round all the way north from Bergen to Kirkenes , which is over 69 degrees north latitude.

Many think ships sailing south to Antarctic in the Austral summer can also reach the Antarctic Circle, which is 66 degrees 33 minutes 39 seconds south latitude. However, the Antarctic does not feature the warming waters of the Gulf Stream, the land mass of the continent keeps it generally colder than the Arctic, and huge icebergs often clog up passages between the islands and/or continent. Cruise ships can usually get to 65+ degrees latitude, but going further is difficult.

If crossing the Antarctic Circle is on your wish list, book a small expedition ship later in the season (February or March) that includes this crossing on its planned itinerary. Smaller ships can navigate through the narrow Lemaire Channel when the smaller icebergs have melted.

Penguins Are Even Cuter Than Expected

Everyone loves penguins, and Antarctica is the only place you can see them in the snow. Six of the seventeen species of penguins are found in Antarctic waters, and most cruise travelers see at least three of those species. Watching the penguins (who could care less about you) waddling, swimming, nesting, interacting with their peers or mates, or just doing their everyday activities can keep most cruise travelers mesmerized for as long as time allows. It may be difficult to believe that they are cuter in their natural habitat than expected, but it's true. 

You'll See More Than Penguins in Antarctica: Seals

Although penguins are usually seen as the 5-star wildlife of Antarctica, most travelers also see several varieties of seals. These lovely creatures are often stretched out on icebergs or lying in the sun. Don't get too close to them, but it's fun to watch them stretch and roll as they nap. Like the penguins, seals are much more agile in the water than on the land.

One animal you won't see in Antarctica is a polar bear. These magnificent hunters are only found in the Arctic polar regions. The largest land-only animal in Antarctica is a tiny insect called the Antarctic midge. If you are lucky on your voyage to Antarctica, you might see one of these, but only if one of the naturalists points it out.

You'll See More than Penguins in Antarctica: Whales

It's difficult to beat the number of whales seen on many Alaska cruises, but some humpbacks and other whales migrate to Antarctica for the Austral summer. Travelers from around the world never get tired of watching these giants feed or just cruise around a bay.

Cruise Ship Food Can Be Good, Even After Two Weeks Without Replenishment

Cruise ships cannot take on food or other supplies in Antarctica. They must carry enough food for the guests and the crew to last for two or more weeks. However, cruise ships know that guests have high expectations for the food and all seem to deliver the same quality found on cruise ships elsewhere in the world. For example, Hurtigruten serves amazing fish dishes in its dining venues but also features delightful delicacies like this reindeer carpaccio appetizer.

Icebergs Are Bigger and More Plentiful Than Imagined

Travelers who have seen the icebergs in Antarctica agree they are massive and magnificent. Those who go to Antarctica in the early season might see larger ones than those who go later in the Austral summer. The behemoth seen in the photo at the left was several stories high.

One Island Features Warm Soil, Volcanic Activity, and Whale Bones

Many travelers going to Antarctica are surprised to learn that Deception Island is an active volcano. As seen in this photo, it is not snow covered in many places since the surface is warm from the underground volcanic activity. The island is shaped like a crescent (much like Santorini in Greece), so the large natural caldera was perfect for whaling ships to seek shelter and process the whales. Visitors can still see the remains of the ancient whaling station.

You Can Never Photograph Too Many Penguins, But They Do Stink!

Many who travel to Antarctica for the first time often think that after they've seen a few penguins, it will be enough. However, they seem to get cuter and cuter as the days go by.

One surprising factor is how awful a penguin colony can smell. If you've ever been in a chicken house, it's a similar odor. After a while, you'll be overwhelmed by their appearance and antics and forget how bad they smell. One good thing--the odor will prevent you from trying to smuggle one back home as a pet.

You Might Not Get Seasick

Seasickness is the elephant in the room that's always a worry for those planning a cruise to Antarctica. Ships take at least 36-48 hours to sail across the Drake Passage that separates South America from the Shetland Islands off the coast of Antarctica. And, they have to return back to South America, which takes another couple of days. This Passage is well-known for its rough seas, and it can be awful. However, sometimes it can be the "Drake Lake"--very calm and peaceful.

Everyone who travels to Antarctica should pack some type of seasickness medicine in their suitcase. Once your ship gets near Antarctica, the sea usually becomes calmer, but even 48 hours of misery is too long. On the plus side, even those who've been seasick remember the wildlife and majestic scenery of Antarctica when they get home, not their mal de mer.

Antarctica Is More Spectacular Than You Ever Imagined

Those who love wildlife, photography, and unique, magnificent scenery will definitely appreciate all Antarctica has to offer. However, travelers who love history and stories of great explorers will also have a better understanding of how this continent has attracted adventurous men (and women). 

You'll Come Away From Antarctica With Lifelong Memories

If you plan a cruise to Antarctica , you'll find it is much like other exotic places in the world--it gives you lifelong memories. The difference between Antarctica and other memorable places is that there's no local culture or people--all those memories are the result of the majesty and wildness of the White Continent. 

As you sail away from Antarctica, think about how many times the penguin in this photo must go up and down this hill to feed its young in the nest. Daily challenges like these make our problems back home seem not quite as difficult.

Related Articles

More related articles.

Best Antarctica Cruise – Ultimate Guide to Who & How [2024]

• Last Updated: July 25, 2024

If you’re planning on going on the world’s most epic bucket list adventure by booking an Antarctica cruise there’s a few things you need to know first. In our ultimate guide we draw on our personal experience from multiple trips to share the how, who, when and why of travelling on a cruise to Antarctica!

Whether you’re ready to book, doing more research or simply interested in the idea of visiting Antarctica, there’s some very important things you need to know before dropping your hard-earned money on an expedition to the 7th continent.

We’ve been travelling and working in Antarctica since 2017, first as photographers and content creators, then as tour guides taking our own groups to this beautiful part of the world.

One thing we’ve discovered over the years is that no two Antarctic expeditions are the same – both in experience, and in service.

A quick Google will show that there are over 100 operators registered to IAATO, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, to run trips down here, and then there are a handful of private enterprises and sailers that visit each year as well.

So how do you know which operator to book with? What time of year should you go? Why are some companies more expensive than others? And with so many different itineraries now available, which one should you choose?

That’s what we have set out to answer for you in this comprehensive guide.

By the end of this article you will have a great understanding of the differences between the best Antarctica cruises and which companies we recommend based on personal experience and intimate industry knowledge.

Ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? Let’s dive into it!

READ MORE: Dive deep into our complete guide on travelling to Antarctica !

Table of Contents

Can You Travel to Antarctica in Winter?

Crossing the drake passage vs flying the drake passage, crossing the antarctic circle, the weddell sea and snow hill, falkland islands (islas malvinas), south georgia, the ‘trio’ – antarctica, south georgia and falkland islands, the ross sea from new zealand or australia, aurora expeditions, quark expeditions, hurtigruten, other operators, navigating antarctic waters, does a more expensive trip mean a better experience, 7 days – express (fly the drake), 10/11 days – classic antarctic peninsula, 14 days – crossing the antarctic circle or visit the weddell sea/snow hill, 20 days – falkland islands, south georgia island and antarctica, 21-24 days – trio and crossing the circle, 28 days – ross sea or ‘sailing’ to antarctica on a yacht, zodiac cruises, landings and hiking, onboard seminars, polar plunge, wildlife watching, sea kayaking, day paddling, mountaineering and climbing, skiing and snowboarding, scuba diving, photography workshops, citizen science programs, environmental responsibility when choosing an antarctica cruise operator, when is the best time to go on an antarctica cruise.

All commercial operators that run trips to Antarctica during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring and summer months, stretching from late October to March, with the majority being between November and February.

Each month offers travellers a very different experience.

In November, as the continent emerges from its icy slumber, voyagers are greeted with pristine and untouched snowy landscapes.

Antarctica is at its most beautiful, but it also brings challenges for expedition teams due to weather, sea ice and snow density, meaning some landings might not be possible.

December and January are the peak months of the Antarctic summer, with the warmest temperatures (sometimes never dropping below freezing except at night), very long daylight hours, and the heartwarming sight of penguins nurturing their freshly hatched chicks.

It’s also the busiest time of year though on the Peninsula.

As the season progresses into February and March, the continent witnesses the awe-inspiring migrations of thousands of humpback whales and penguins shedding their feathers in the molting season.

The Peninsula might look it’s ‘dirtiest’ though, with much of the ground snow melted.

While the scenery is mesmerising throughout, the choice of month can tailor very different wildlife encounters and unique experiences.

We’ve written another full guide on the best time to visit Antarctica , but personally we prefer to travel early season (November) for landscapes and penguins, and late season (February and March) for whales.

After our very successful tour to Antarctica this season, we are going to be running another exclusive adventure down to the Peninsula in 2025, this time crossing the Antarctic Circle! Check out the tour page if you’d like to learn more.

Unfortunately tourists cannot visit Antarctica in winter due to the extremely cold weather and huge congestion in sea ice limiting access.

Antarctic Cruise Itineraries

There are a variety of different itineraries that are available to book for cruises to Antarctica.

Depending on your style, budget, interests and length of time available you’ll find some trips that are common (for good reason), and others that are very unique and only happen once every few years.

Here are the main Antarctic cruise itineraries you can book.

Antarctic Peninsula

The most common itinerary to Antarctica is a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula, most often departing from the port of Ushuaia in Argentina, at the very southern tip of South America.

These trips usually take around 10-12 days, with 5-7 days spent on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula (the rest of the days are travelling over the Drake Passage), and no two trips are the same.

Some of the main destinations that you might visit on an Antarctic Peninsula cruise are:

• Deception Island
• South Shetland Islands
• Vernadsky Station
• Elephant Island
• Paulet Island
• Damoy Point
• Portal Point
• Cuverville Island
• Errera Channel
• Gerlache Strait
• Lemaire Channel

Just because it’s the most common tour doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. A Peninsula trip is truly mind-blowing, and allows you to officially step foot on the 7th continent.

When researching Antarctic Peninsula cruises you’ll probably see that the majority of the itineraries sail across the Drake Passage , the infamous stretch of sea between South America and Antarctica, while a couple fly over the Drake to King George Island.

Many people are worried about the Drake Passage, which is understandable – it has the reputation for being the roughest sea in the world.

But one thing to keep in mind is that you’re not sailing to Antarctica in a little boat. You’re on a large expedition ship which is designed to handle much worse conditions than the Drake.

Seasickness might be a concern, but there’s medication to help with that and every trip has a doctor onboard.

The alternative is to fly the Drake from Punta Arenas in Chile, and while this is very tempting (it saves 4 days of travel and no rough seas to cross), there’s one very important thing to keep in mind:

Weather at King George Island is very unpredictable, and with just one scheduled flight a day allowed, cancellations do occur.

Visibility needs to be very clear down there and the right direction of wind for the pilots to land safely. If they don’t think they can land safely, they won’t depart Chile.

If your flight to Antarctica is cancelled on one day, the company usually has only one more attempt to get their guests down there before they have to forfeit their spot for the next company’s charter.

So if you’re unlucky and just so happen to get two days of bad weather in either Punta Arenas or Antarctica during your scheduled days of departure, your entire trip can be cancelled.

Aurora Expeditions alleviates this by hosting longer itineraries for their ‘Fly the Drake’ voyages, which maximises your chances of touching down in Antarctica – and if the weather is good, you get much more time down there than most departures.

For that reason we recommend sailing the Drake Passage to Antarctica unless you are 10% positive that you mentally cannot handle the sea crossing, or have your heart set on a particular itinerary with more time down on the Peninsula.

Plus if you do cross the Drake by sea you get that added sense of achievement.

If stepping foot on the Antarctic continent isn’t enough, you can become one of the 0.001% of the human population who will ever cross the fabled Antarctic Circle at 66º southern latitude.

A few companies offer Antarctica tours that aim to cross the Circle (we say aim because nothing is guaranteed down here), and these itineraries are usually around 14 days (with 7-10 days on the Peninsula).

One thing to note is that there isn’t really anything ‘different’ once you cross the circle – the landscapes and wildlife are more or less same.

But you get more time in Antarctica, and get to venture to one of the most remote places on the planet.

Some Antarctica tours go to the eastern side of the Peninsula and enter the Weddell Sea, which promises a different experience again and is not often visited by travellers.

There’s a lot of fascinating history in the Weddell Sea, especially around Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary tale of survival from the Endurance with his crew, so if this is of interest it’s worth looking for an itinerary that follows this path.

One unique tour that’s popped up recently, and has been pioneered by Quark Expeditions and now also offered by Ponant, is a trip to the emperor penguins of Snow Hill .

This trip is only offered once every couple of years in the early season (October) and requires either an icebreaker ship or a Class 1A ice-strengthened ship with helicopters, which allows guests to get close to the emperor penguin colony.

It’s known as one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences, and has the price to match.

We’ve never personally done this but hope to one day.

The Falkland Islands, or Isla Malvinas, is a truly spectacular archipelago about 1.5 days cruising from Ushuaia.

You’ll find some fantastic itineraries that include Falkland Islands, either as part of the trio (below), or sometimes starting in the Falkland Islands.

If you love British history, or just want something a little different, it’s worth looking at an itinerary that includes the Falklands.

The wildlife here, while not as dense as South Georgia, is especially fascinating for birdlife like albatross.

Known as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean, South Georgia is one of the most incredible wildlife destinations on the planet.

Boasting dramatic mountains, huge glaciers and beaches filled with hundreds of thousands of king penguins, elephant seals and fur seals, it really is a sensory overload and we’ve seen quite a few people shed a tear when they’ve seen Salisbury Plain or St Andrews Bay for the first time.

In all honesty, as amazing as Antarctica is, most people who visit South Georgia end up saying that this spectacular island is their real highlight of the trip.

There are a few itineraries that only visit South Georgia (usually after flying into Stanley in the Falkland Islands), but the majority will either include the Peninsula and possibly the Falklands.

Adding on South Georgia adds significant expense to an Antarctic trip due to how remote it is, but it is 100% worth it.

Check out our guide on the best time to visit South Georgia based on our personal experience.

Considered to be the pinnacle of best Antarctic tours is a trip that includes the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, often referred to as the ‘trio’.

These itineraries are usually around 20 days long, with quite a few days spent at sea navigating between each destination, so if you can find a longer itinerary that includes more days at each place it’s worth exploring.

This is the Antarctic cruise itinerary we most recommend.

Our own group tour on the trio includes the most amount of days in each location available.

An Antarctic cruise to the Ross Sea from either New Zealand or Australia is a very rare occurrence, with only a small number of companies making the journey, and is usually booked by people who have been to the Peninsula before and want to see a different side of the continent.

A trip to the Ross Sea involves a lot of sea days and can be very expensive, but they visit very important research bases, follow the explorers Mawson and Shackleton’s history and includes penguin colonies not often seen, or located on the Macquarie Islands in the Subantarctic.

Heritage Expeditions is one such operator that runs two trips a year to the Ross Sea, via the Subantarctic Islands.

As of 2025 Aurora Expeditions, the award-winning Australian polar company, will be returning to the Eastern side of Antarctica from Hobart on their newest X-Bow ship, the Douglas Mawson.

CEO Michael Heath says, “We are equally delighted to be offering passengers new itineraries departing from Australia as part of the ship’s inaugural season, including an exploration of Mawson’s Antarctica, which will visit Mawson’s Huts at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands.

“AE Expeditions has pioneered expedition travel to the world’s most remote places for more than three decades, and we know that exploration is not just about what you see, but how you see it.

“That is why we are committed to delivering life changing experiences with the newest, most advanced technology available, and with the most experienced and passionate team in the industry,” he added.

Our Best Tips for Choosing the Right Antarctica Expedition for You

Choosing the right Antarctic cruise is essential for crafting an unforgettable polar experience.

This remote, icy frontier promises unparalleled adventures and sights, but the vast array of cruise options available can be overwhelming.

From the more than 100 different companies that operate down there, different ship sizes and amenities and of course the nuances of itineraries and activities, every detail plays a big part in shaping your journey.

With such a significant investment of time, money, and anticipation, it’s crucial to make informed decisions.

As you dream of gliding past enormous tabular icebergs and observing wildlife in its purest habitat, here are our best tips to ensure you select the right Antarctic cruise and best Antarctica tour company that aligns perfectly with your expectations and desires.

The Best Antarctica Cruise Company – Our Recommendations

With more than 100 operators running trips to Antarctica it’s very easy to be overwhelmed with who to go with.

And if you ask for opinions from a travel agent, they’ll just tell you the one that either a) pays them the most commission or b) is going to offer them a free trip if they sell X number of spots.

Then if you ask in one of the popular Facebook groups, the answer will almost inevitably be whichever company that particular person went with, and they have nobody else to compare them to.

We’ve travelled with a whole variety of polar operators, and here’s our top 5 recommendations and why.

Australian enterprise Aurora Expeditions has carved a niche for itself in the realm of polar travel for being a bit more adventurous than the rest, without compromising safety.

Their focus leans towards a genuine and immersive experience rather than mere sightseeing, with activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving and stand-up paddleboarding available to purchase.

Aurora has a small fleet of luxury ships and a fantastic team of seasoned expedition guides, so travellers are in good hands.

They are also B Corp certified , a testament to their commitment to sustainability, and as of July 2024 have committed to capping all expedition numbers to 130 passengers maximum.

It’s just another step into minimising their footprint as they travel across the polar regions.

“Our pioneering spirit leads us to explore rarely visited locations and introduce unique itineraries for every season,” Hayley Peacock-Gower tells us, who is the Chief Marketing Officer of Aurora Expeditions.

“We pride ourselves on innovation and pushing the boundaries of discovery to provide unique, immersive experiences for our expeditioners while maintaining a light footprint.

“We’re constantly seeking new places to explore while on a voyage and want to share these findings with our expeditioners, so we’re comfortable adjusting our schedule to make the most of unexpected wildlife or scenic displays.”

In 2025 Aurora Expeditions will also be welcoming the brand new, 130pax X-BOW vessel, the Douglas Mawson, to their fleet, which will prove to be one of the most capable, luxury ships in the industry.

Their trips however are on the pricier side, which is something to consider. In our opinion though the quality product that you receive with Aurora is worth the price, and they are known in the industry for being one of the top operators.

Working as photographers, content creators and guides in Antarctica we have been fortunate enough to travel with quite a few different companies down here.

In 2025 after years of hearing incredible things about their product from both guests and crew, we will be joining forces with them to work in the polar regions.

EXCLUSIVE – We have partnered with two of the world’s top polar tour operators, Aurora Expeditions and Intrepid, to offer readers of NOMADasaurus a very special deal on any trip to Antarctica or the Arctic! Contact us ( [email protected] ) if you’d like to learn more about these exclusive discounts.

Canadian company Quark Expeditions is one of the true pioneers in polar adventures.

Established in 1991, this trailblazing company has spent decades perfecting the art of delivering unparalleled experiences in the planet’s most remote regions.

They were the the first to organise trips to Snow Hill and revolutionised North Pole tours, so they’re always looking for what’s next in the world of polar voyages.

Quark has an impeccable safety record and has a fleet of ice-class vessels, including the new, luxurious MV Ultramarine , which allows them to execute really unique itineraries.

All of their ships have under 200 passengers too, meeting IAATO regulations for number of people off the ship at any one time.

One of the most famous names in polar travel, Hurtigruten , hailing from Norway and originally started as a ferry company, offers excellent budget-friendly trips to the Antarctic and Arctic.

Their itineraries are fantastic and the service for guests is excellent. They also have an excellent onboard science program.

However , their ships are very large, with between 250 and 500 passengers on each trip, meaning your actual time spent off the ship is limited.

If price is a major factor for you they are a good option and they do have a great product, but the size of their ships is something to consider. Remember, in Antarctica, bigger isn’t better.

Intrepid is famous around the world for organising amazing small group tours around the world, and as of recently have now moved into the polar regions.

They operate a large, older ship, the Ocean Endeavour, but limit passengers to 199 to skate under the 200 pax limit.

Their trips attract a younger demographic and a lower price point, but they’ve worked hard to secure some of the best expedition team members in the industry.

Jarryd is now working with Intrepid as an Expedition Photography Guide during their Antarctic season, teaching others how to create beautiful images in the polar regions.

The average age onboard an Intrepid trip is around 45, so it’s an entirely different atmosphere compared to something like Ponant or Lindblad that has an older average age.

Neither is better or worse, just something to consider based on your own style.

Scenic is an old hand in the luxury river cruise industry, they have since branched out into polar tours and are doing an amazing job at it with their beautiful ships and brilliant expedition team.

They have some pretty unique offerings, including a submarine that you can book for seeing Antarctica beneath the surface, and really fun activities.

Many of our expedition guide friends are now working at Scenic as well, and we can vouch for just how good they all are.

Of course that’s just scratching the surface and there is plenty of other operators out there. These are some others worth considering:

• Islands and Ice – Small tour company run by the legendary expedition leader David Sinclair, chartering the MV Polar Pioneer for adventurous trips of less than 50 people.
• Ponant – Uber-luxurious cruise operator. If you like your icebergs with a side of caviar underneath a chandelier, this is the company to go with.
• G Adventures – Similar to Intrepid in that they focus primarily on small group trips in other parts of the world, but their Antarctic product is quite good.
• Oceanwide Expeditions – Small groups with under 100 passengers, operating some cool itineraries.
• Albatros Expeditions – Nice, sustainable operator with great ships and decent expedition team.

Ship Size Matters on Antarctica Cruises

You might be tempted to book a tour onboard a larger cruise ship for a number of reasons.

More space and amenities, cheaper price, familiarity with a particular company such as Carnival, etc.

But trust us when we say bigger is not bigger in Antarctica!

IAATO , the body that regulates tourism in Antarctica, has strict rules around the number of passengers from any one ship that can leave the vessel at any one time.

• Less than 100 passengers – Everybody can leave the ship at the same time and step foot on the continent at the same time
• Between 101-200 passengers – Everybody can leave the ship at the same time, but only 100 people can step foot on the continent at any one time, so the rest of the guests will often do a zodiac cruise
• Between 201-500 passengers – Only 200 people can leave the ship at any one time, so 100 maximum people will land on shore, 100 people maximum will go on a zodiac cruise and the rest waits on the ship for a group to come back.
• More than 501 passengers – Nobody leaves the ship at all.

So as you can see if you are booking a trip to Antarctica on a large ship, you run the risk of not even getting off the ship.

You don’t really want to spend all that money just to get down there and look at the continent from your balcony.

For that reason we don’t recommend booking a trip on a vessel that carries any more than 200 people total, and ideally less than 100 people if you can find one.

Let us say that again;

DO NOT BOOK A TRIP WITH MORE THAN 200 PASSENGERS!

Besides that, there’s other considerations when it comes to ship size and choosing the best Antarctica expedition.

Smaller ships have much better manoeuvrability, which allows them to navigate through narrow channels and into tight bays to allow you to access Antarctica close up.

A smaller ship often means a shallower draft too, so they can get into some areas that may not be deep enough for larger vessels.

This might not be something you think about, but when you book a smaller ship you have a greater sense of intimacy with your fellow guests and expedition team.

There is often just the one dining room and one, maybe two, lounges to relax in. That means everybody congregates in the same areas and it doesn’t take long to start getting to know everybody.

The larger ships can feel like a labyrinth, and we’ve heard of people going entire expeditions and not ever finding the library for example.

Personally, we prefer smaller ships.

How Much is a Cruise to Antarctica?

Heading off on an Antarctic adventure is both a dream and a significant financial undertaking.

With such a wide variety of cruise options, ranging from small, older vessels to high-end luxury ships, it can be hard to determine what is worth spending your money on.

At the budget-friendly end, less extravagant ships may lack the luxurious amenities, but they often deliver an authentic, intimate connection with the Antarctic wilderness.

These ships focus on the adventure and Antarctica expedition with an authentic flare, where you feel encouraged to be out on deck or in the lounge areas when you’re onboard rather than sprawled out in your cabin.

On the other hand, luxury cruises offer plush accommodations, gourmet dining, spa services, and even onboard entertainment.

Some of them even have helicopters and submarines onboard, opening up a whole new world that isn’t possible with other operators.

While these amenities come at a premium, it ensures an unparalleled level of comfort amidst a wild Antarctic backdrop.

Essentially, you get what you pay for when it comes to the ship; the more you pay, the nicer the onboard experience.

So how much should you expect to pay for a cruise to Antarctica?

On average, USD$10,000 per person for the standard itinerary, and around USD$18,000 for a trip that includes the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

Of course you can sometimes find trips for as long as USD$5,000 per person if you book it super last minute on a special deal, and ones as expensive as USD$50,000 or more.

However when you look at the individual itineraries for different operators, you might notice something interesting…

They are often the exact same, whether you’re playing $8,000 or $20,000.

A typical 10-day ‘Best of Antarctica’ itinerary, which actually only includes 4.5 days in Antarctica, has the same number of days and excursions on the continent, often doing the same thing (zodiac cruises, landings, ship exploring, etc).

Adventure activities, such as kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and camping, usually have an additional cost no matter which company you’re with too.

So really, in most situations you’re paying more money for a nicer ship and cabin.

There are exceptions of course, especially if your ship has helicopters.

But if the company you’re looking at doesn’t have any obvious benefits such as helicopters or more days at sea, most of the price increase is for better food and nicer rooms.

Is that worth it the difference in cost?

That’s a question only you can answer.

Either way, it’s paramount to really look into what’s included in your package. Some voyages may seem very cheap upfront but then charge extra for essentials like shore excursions, gear rentals, or even certain onboard facilities.

All of the operators we recommend though include daily excursions, all meals and gear rental included, regardless of price and itinerary.

And if you have some flexibility in your travel plans, there’s a big potential to lock in some remarkable last-minute deals.

Subscribe to the newsletters of Antarctic cruise operators or follow their social media channels to see what’s available.

Or get in touch with us for the best price possible with our current favourite operator, Quark Expeditions, even better than what they advertise to the public.

How Long Should You Book to Visit Antarctica?

The length of Antarctica cruises vary quite a bit, with options ranging from a week right up to an entire month.

The length of your voyage determines not only how much of Antarctica you get to explore but also how much time you spend on the open sea versus the continent itself.

The sweet spot is the classic 11-day itineraries, which just visits the Peninsula, but let us break down the general ones you’ll find.

One thing to keep in mind though is that the length of time the companies advertise is not how much time you get to spend in Antarctica.

For example an 11-day itinerary often means just 4-5 days in Antarctica, and the rest of the time is spent before the trip in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia and the two days each way on the Drake.

Misleading? Perhaps. But that’s just what it is.

For those that are on a super tight schedule or really, really don’t want to cross the Drake, you can fly down to join your cruise to Antarctica.

You’ll usually have one full day in Punta Arenas, Chile, then schedule to fly to King George Island the next day. Then you’ll have 4 days on the ship, before flying back for another night in Punta Arenas.

This is the trip most people do.

You’ll meet your group in Ushuaia on the first day, then jump on the ship the next day (or start in Buenos Aires and take a charter flight the next morning).

After that it’s two days sailing across the Drake Passage, 4 days to explore Antarctica, then two days back to Ushuaia.

You wake up in Ushuaia and the trip either ends there for you, or you jump on a charter flight back to Buenos Aires.

Essentially the same structure as above, but you’ll have an extra couple of days to travel the distance required to hopefully cross the Antarctic Circle, or sail around to the east side of the Peninsula to get into the Weddell Sea and maybe see the emperor penguins.

Our personal favourite length, as it ticks off all the major highlights.

Starting in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, you then have one sea day to make it to Falkland Islands, then usually have two days exploring around the British archipelago.

Then it’s two more days at sea to get to South Georgia, with 3 to 4 days spent visiting the most spectacular place on earth.

You’ll then have a massive three sea days to get to the Peninsula for your 4 days hanging around here.

Then back across the Drake you go.

As above, but with a few extra days to cross the Antarctic Circle.

Basically the ultimate Antarctica trip.

If you have a month up your sleeve you can either take the historic Ross Sea trips from New Zealand or Tasmania, or be a real adventurer and jump on tall ship to sail down to Antarctica.

Activities and Excursions on Antarctica Trips

When you’re heading down to the Antarctic region on an expedition cruise ship there’s quite a few activities that you can do.

Some are included in the price for everybody, and others have limited availability for an additional cost.

Here’s what you can expect for what to do in Antarctica :

There are no ports in Antarctica that allows for a ship to dock, so the only way to get off the ship and explore land is on a small, inflatable boat called a Zodiac.

Zodiacs not only allow you to step food on land, but they also let you get up close to icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife.

Zodiac cruises offer an intimate and immersive experience, allowing passengers to navigate through stunning icy waterways.

The frequent Zodiac landings, integral to most Antarctic cruises, transport passengers from the ship to the very heart of the continent.

Setting foot on the Antarctic mainland, or one of its many islands, is an indescribable moment.

Zodiac excursions are included in most small ship cruises.

Once you’ve used a zodiac to get to shore you have a few other included activities – landings and hiking.

You can wander around a predetermined path, set out by the expedition guides, to visit research stations and viewpoints, or get closer to penguin colonies.

Any decent company, like the ones we recommend above, will also have daily onboard seminars from guides, scientists, biologists and historians to share information about the continent.

They fill the sea days and evenings, and you shouldn’t miss any.

If you want the ultimate bragging rights after your trip to Antarctica make sure you don’t miss the polar plunge.

What is it? Well, it’s going for a swim in Antarctica, of course.

You wander down the gangway, strap a harness and rope to you, and literally jump off a perfectly good (and warm) ship into the icy water.

It’s included in most trips, weather permitting, and you’ll get to come home with some cool photos to prove you did it.

Of course Antarctic wildlife watching is always free and included in your trip.

Some of the animals you could see are many penguin species such as gentoos, adélie penguins, Magellanic penguins, rockhoppers, chinstraps, king penguins, emperors (if you’re super lucky) and macaronis.

You can see lots of whales too such as humpback whales, minke whales and orca (killer whales), and occasionally blue or southern right whales in the Southern Ocean.

Sea birds also make part of the abundant wildlife, with albatross, skuas, petrels and terns commonly found.

And if you like seals in their natural habitat, there’s southern elephant seals, weddell seals, ross seals, leopard seals, crabeater seals and Antarctic fur seals.

Sorry, there’s polar bears down here. You’re thinking of the Arctic.

Optional Activities on your Antarctic Cruises

While almost all Antarctic cruises offer shore landings and Zodiac cruises as standard, there’s a whole bunch of optional activities for those eager to try something different down in the continent.

If you’re ready to step up the adventure, here’s a guide on what’s on offer and how to ensure you don’t miss out.

Gliding silently through the icy waters, kayakers get an intimate perspective of Antarctica’s coastlines.

As icebergs loom majestically overhead and seals laze on floating ice, you can navigate through a surreal world rarely experienced by others.

When you book a sea kayaking package you are given a dry suit and instruction from your experienced guides, and the goal is to get out as much as possible during your itinerary.

Most expedition ships that offer kayaking in Antarctica have a limited number of kayaks, so early reservation is crucial.

It’s also only suited for those with some prior sea kayaking experience.

If you love the idea of kayaking but don’t want to do it every single day on your trip, many companies now offer what’s called ‘day paddle excursions’, where you sign up for a once-off and jump in an inflatable kayak for an hour or two.

It’s absolutely beautiful and is perfect for those that just want to try it once.

Imagine sleeping under the Antarctic sky , surrounded by snow and ice, with the distant calls of penguins lulling you to sleep.

Sounds majestic doesn’t it?

Truth is it’s not comfortable at all, most people get anxious about it and there’s the fear of being too cold to sleep, but we’ll let you in on a little secret – Camping in Antarctica is nowhere near as bad as it sounds and is the ultimate experience.

You are given strict instructions on how it works and will be given your own bivvy sack to sleep in (not a tent), which is rated to the temperatures down there so you won’t freeze.

Given the stringent environmental regulations and the limited gear available, only a few spots are open per cruise. Book in advance.

If you’re a hardcore mountaineer or experienced rock climber there are a number of small expedition companies that offer these activities on certain itineraries.

With the guidance of expert mountaineers, you can ascend icy peaks or navigate glacial routes for an epic bucket list adventure.

You must be an experienced climber, and be able to prove it, before a company will accept your booking for these challenging adventures.

A couple of companies now also offer skiing and snowboarding trips to Antarctica.

As above, you need to prove you have backcountry skiing/snowboarding experience, all the right gear and avalanche rescue training before you can sign up.

Fancy doing a bit of scuba diving in Antarctica? Well you can…on the condition that you have the right tickets and experience.

Diving in Antarctica is a very unique experience where you can see marine mammals, krill and ice, but it does require advanced PADI certification, ice-diving certs and at least 20 logged ice dives.

There’s also only a couple of companies that are equipped for this and it’s quite expensive.

While most ships have an expedition photographer onboard whose job it is to document the entire trip, providing the images and videos to the guests at the end, most companies don’t have dedicated photography workshops.

There are some exceptions, Intrepid being a notable one who Jarryd worked with as a photography guide this year, where you join a small group of people to get daily workshops on photography techniques, camera settings, composition, creativity, editing and more.

For those who wish to contribute to our understanding of this remote region, some companies collaborate with research institutions to allow passengers to participate in data collection and other scientific activities.

Details are often available in cruise itineraries, and early registration ensures you’re part of these enriching experiences.

Finally, remember that it’s a privilege to visit Antarctica and you should always make sure you do so responsibly .

Only every book a trip with a company that is registered of IAATO, which is an official organisation that designates Antarctica purely for the purpose of science and research.

Newer ships produce less emissions and are more fuel efficient, so consider spending a little bit more money for a ship that wasn’t built in the 80s.

Protect the unique wildlife, stunning environment and exploration history of one of the world’s most spectacular places by selecting a reputable company to travel with, like the ones we recommended in this article.

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Antarctica Cruises

About Antarctica Cruises

Looking for the ultimate cruise adventure? The White Continent is truly the trip of a lifetime. Whether you cross the Drake Passage in a small expedition ship or do a "sail by" on a larger vessel, this magical voyage will not only impress your friends, the otherworldly scenery will touch your soul.

More about Antarctica

What is the best time to cruise to antarctica, which cruise lines go to antarctica.

We found you 122 cruise s

Antarctica Cruise

Port: Buenos Aires • Punta Arenas • Ushuaia • Antarctica • Stanley • Montevideo • +1 more

Port: Ushuaia • Half Moon Cay • Antarctica • Carcass Island • Lembata • Puerto Madryn • +1 more

Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife

Port: Hobart • Macquarie Island • Balleny Islands • Ross Sea Region • Dunedin

Antarctic Peninsula Discovery

Port: Ushuaia • Antarctica • Ushuaia

Explore the Mediterranean with Seabourn

• Revel in sublime comfort in a superbly appointed luxury suite
• Visit an imaginative mix of vibrant cities and yacht harbours
• Enjoy our unique itineraries with complimentary events and activities

South Atlantic Circumnavigation

Port: Ushuaia • Antarctica • Tristan da Cunha • Cape Town

Ant-bfcr-23d2024: Epic Antarctica: Crossing The Ci...

Port: Buenos Aires • Ushuaia

Port: Dunedin • Ulva Island • Dusky Sound • Doubtful Sound • Milford Sound • Snares Islands • +5 more

Weddell Sea And Antarctic Peninsula

Port: Ushuaia • Garibaldi • Chilean Fjords • Montanas Fjord • Chilean Fjords • Caleta Tortel • +3 more

Port: Ushuaia • South Shetland Islands • Orne Harbour • Gerlache Strait • South Shetland Islands • +4 more

Port: Buenos Aires • Punta Arenas • Ushuaia • Antarctica • Stanley • Montevideo • +7 more

Port: Santiago • Castro • Puerto Eden • Puerto Natales • Puerto Williams • Antarctica • +4 more

Ant-sgp-18d2024: South Georgia And Antarctica: Pen...

Port: Ushuaia

Port: Puerto Williams • Antarctica • Drake Passage • Antarctica • Shetland Islands • Drake Passage • +1 more

Besides visiting scientists and native wildlife, Antarctica is uninhabited and undeveloped. But visiting Antarctica offers cruisers some incredibly unique opportunities like mingling with penguins, taking a polar plunge into subzero waters, tent camping on the ice, and whale- and bird-watching. For more: 10 Amazing Things to See and Do on an Antarctica Cruise .

What are some things to do in Antarctica?

Do you need a passport to take a cruise to antarctica.

Yes, a passport is required to cruise to Antarctica. Most sailings depart from Ushuaia in Argentina.

What should I pack for a cruise to Antarctica?

Windproof and waterproof clothing, including a jacket and overpants, with plenty of warm layers are essential. Long underwear, socks, gloves and waterproof boots are highly recommended. Most cruise lines that disembark passengers in Antarctica will provide necessary gear, including thick outerwear.

Related Cruises

Davis Station, Antarctica

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Matador Original Series

18 things you need to know before taking an antarctic cruise.

A mere hundred years ago, going to Antarctica was exclusively the realm of hardened, grizzled explorers who didn’t mind being away from home for years and losing a toe or three. Flash forward to 2019, and you’ve got ships with wine pairing dinners and butler service making dozens of trips there a year. Though getting there’s not cheap, the White Continent is now fully accessible to anyone who can afford it. But it’s still not as simple as taking a 10-day tour around the Caribbean.

Because Antarctica is truly like no place else in the world, there’s a lot you should know before going. Like how much it costs and how long it takes to get there. And if there’s Wi-Fi. We had a chance to make the voyage aboard the Silversea Silver Cloud , and here are some helpful things to know if you’re considering a cruise to Antarctica.

Photo: Laura Grier

1. It’ll take two days just to get to the port of departure.

Antarctica is a loooong way down there. You might have guessed this looking at a map, but the extent of how truly remote it is won’t hit you until you take a nine- or 10-hour flight to Chile or Argentina , spend the night there, then take ANOTHER three-to-four-hour flight to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, Chile. This is before you even start the days-long journey to the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. A weekend getaway this is not. Budget at least two weeks before you even look at cruises.

2. Cruises are long. And expensive.

Retrofitting a ship to navigate the most treacherous waters in the world isn’t cheap. And there are no economies of scale on a 200-passenger ship. So while getting to Antarctica isn’t the months-long journey only feasible for large governments that it was not long ago, it’s still a major investment of money and time. The average cruise costs in the neighborhood of $1,000 a day and runs anywhere from 11 to 18 days.

3. You’ll spend a LOT of time at sea.

Again, and I can’t stress this enough, Antarctica is WAY the hell down there. So after you see your last spot of land in the Falkland Islands or South Georgia or somewhere else, you’ll likely go three hard days over the water before leaving the ship. Then, once you’re in Antarctica, it’s not like the port calls are full of seaside restaurants and duty-free jewelry shops. You’ll get a few hours off the ship, then it’s back on board for the rest of the day. What we’re saying is, pack some books and board games.

4. You’ll probably have Wi-Fi, but it’s more like 36k.

With so many hours on the ship, a reasonable person in 2019 might think you could whittle away the hours binging on Netflix and video chatting with friends back home. That, of course, would be assuming you have a high-speed connection. The Wi-Fi on the ships is usable, but it’s comparable to 1999 dial-up speeds. So while it’s a wonder of technology you can still answer emails at the bottom of the world, you’re not exactly gonna be streaming Narcos .

5. Drake’s Passage is no joke.

The stretch of sea between the southern islands off South America and the northern tip of Antarctica is a lovely little channel known as Drake’s Passage. Named after explorer Sir Francis, not the guy who played Wheelchair Jimmy on Degrassi . Some days it can be calm as a lake. Some days it can have 20-foot swells. Most days it’s somewhere in between, but you’ll likely spend the better part of the 48-hour journey through it stumbling through the hallways of your ship like it’s the French Quarter at 4:00 AM.

The gym might be closed because weights fall off the shelves, and some food service might be limited if the seas are too rough. If you’re easily seasick, you will not be leaving your room for the duration of Drake’s Passage. Then you get to do it all again on the way back. Bring Dramamine and seasick wristbands.

6. You can only be on land for a few hours at a time.

Antarctica isn’t owned by any one country, but visitation is governed by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), which sets rules and regulations to preserve the continent. Among them is that only a certain number of people may be ashore at any one spot in Antarctica. This means you and your shipmates will go ashore in groups, and only for a limited time. This way everyone gets a chance to play in the snow and take penguin selfies, if only for a couple of hours. The downside is the ratio of hours traveled to time on land is probably the shortest of anywhere in the world.

7. Color in Antarctica is all or nothing.

After a few days at sea you’ll really start to appreciate how excited pirates in those movies get when they spot a palm tree and yell, “Land, ho!” That first iceberg you see out your cabin window will be a marvel, and if the clouds stay overhead, you’ll spend your trip in an eerie black and white landscape of towering ice and steely water. However, if the sun comes out, it’s far more intense than it is up north and makes the sky and water a brilliantly intense blue. It also makes the snow a blinding white, and the specs of orange and red on the wildlife shine.

8. Antarctica takes cross-contamination very seriously.

Even though it might be tough for anything to grow in the harsh conditions of Antarctica, nobody is taking the chance. Before you set foot on Antarctic soil, all clothes you plan to wear ashore must undergo an agricultural inspection, ensuring you’re not inadvertently transporting any seeds or other organic life onto the continent. You also have to wear special boots that are only worn ashore and are kept in a separate changing room.

9. Animals are not afraid of you.

Once ashore, you’ll encounter large colonies of penguins and sporadic seals lazing around the ice packs. Because they rarely see humans, they don’t fear us and as such will waddle or slide right up to you out of brazen curiosity. The general rule is to stay 15 feet away at all time, but if a penguin wants to follow you around, you don’t have to run.

10. By day four you’ll be sick of penguins.

The first day, they’re adorable. By day four you’ll be wondering why they all live on top of their own shit and will start complaining about the smell.

11. Antarctica is full of mountains.

The vision many have of Antarctica is a little like North Dakota with penguins. Big, flat, barren, and snowy. But the mountains along the peninsula and the islands that surround it are breathtaking white peaks, like someone dropped the Andes in the middle of the ocean. The scenery is like nothing else, and even simply taking a Zodiac ride around the water is one of the most magical experiences in the world.

12. Your itinerary is flexible.

The weather in Antarctica can change in seconds. It’s a place where you wake up to perfect sunshine, and 20 minutes later you’re in the middle of a blizzard. This means you’ll get to do cool stuff like sail through frozen ocean, but it also means your schedule will never be certain. Your landing destination may be inaccessible due to ice or wind, and your Antarctic shore excursion might be replaced by an afternoon snowball fight on the pool deck. Odds are you’ll get to shore at least a few times, but it might not be as many as you’d hoped.

13. You won’t be able to explore on your own.

As part of IAATO’s efforts to preserve the land and animals of Antarctica, guides mark very specific trails you must stay on when you land. This is done for a number of reasons, among them so you don’t leave deep footprints that unwitting penguins fall into. You’ll have plenty of space to hike around, but you will be with your shipmates the entire time. Privacy hours will have to be in your room onboard.

14. You may not step on mainland Antarctica… but it still counts!

Most Antarctic cruises take you to the Antarctic Peninsula, which if you look at a map of the continent is a little like Antarctica’s Florida. Like Florida, it has a number of barrier islands off the coast that are popular landing spots for cruise ships. Because weather sometimes prohibits mainland landings on the peninsula, you may only trek on the mountainous islands offshore. Some people think this means they haven’t really been to Antarctica and are disappointed they dropped the price of a Kia to only set foot on a barrier island. But you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’s been to Key West and said they didn’t really go to Florida.

15. The water in Antarctica is insanely clear.

The current around the Antarctic Ocean is part of what causes those nasty waves in Drake’s Passage. It also does an extremely effective job of keeping all the crap in the rest of the world’s oceans away from Antarctica, which means the water is almost perfectly clear, so you can literally look down from your balcony onto penguins swimming alongside the ship and dolphins speeding right beside them.

16. It’s not as deathly cold as you think.

Granted, it’s not a tropical vacation. But Antarctica in summer isn’t terrifyingly cold either. If the sun comes out, you might even have days in the high 30s or low 40s. Colder days can drop into single digits. But it’s more like a bad day in Chicago than it is, say, winter in Siberia. Bring plenty of long underwear, winter clothes, and a good coat. But don’t fear the cold if you hail from somewhere warm.

Photo: Cha Kar Pa /Shutterstock

17. You absolutely must do the “polar plunge.”

Most ships offer a “polar plunge,” where daring passengers can jump in the Antarctic Ocean for a few seconds from the side of the ship. Water is generally sub-freezing, and by the time you swim back to the ladder, you won’t be able to feel your feet. But it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, almost-completely-safe with rescue rafts and medical personnel, and you’ll have a nice warm Jacuzzi to warm up in after.

Photo: Christian Wilkinson /Shutterstock

18. If you’ve got the money, it’s absolutely worth it.

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Antarctica Cruises

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Cruises to Antarctica

Journey to one of the most fascinating travel destinations on earth on cruises to Antarctica with Celebrity. Antarctica is a land of extremes, home to towering mountains, vast glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife. Gaze at Antarctica’s dramatic landscapes in the company of expert naturalists as you glide slowly through iceberg-strewn waters in search of penguins, seals, and whales.

You'll sail to Elephant Island, where Shackleton's men waited out a brutal Antarctic winter, and learn about the continent's rich history as you explore its vast wild expanse. Cruise through the Schollaert Channel to spot penguin colonies on the ice, and witness dazzling views of Rojas Peak as you sail through Paradise Bay. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica on a cruise with Celebrity and discover a world like no other.

Antarctica Cruise Highlights

Majestic mountains.

From your ship, you’ll see some of Antarctica’s most dramatic mountain peaks, including Rojas Peak and Bryde Peak, cloaked in snow and ice. An Antarctica cruise will also take you in view of the mighty, blue-white Petzval Glacier. Get a sense of the sheer raw magnitude of these mighty natural wonders as your ship navigates through the Antarctic Sound surrounded by nature at its most extreme.

Whales and Wildlife

During an Antarctica cruise, you’ll have the chance to look out for some of the world’s most incredible marine mammals. Marvel at humpback and minke whales gliding gracefully through the water. Spot elephant seals lounging on pristine rocks, and watch waddling penguins as they go about their day, tending their young, and diving off the ice into the water to feed.

Icebergs and Bays

One of the most enthralling aspects of Antarctica is the fact that it’s virtually untouched by humans. The bays you’ll visit during your Antarctica cruise are a startling shade of blue and remarkably clear, making for some of the most beautiful unspoiled views you’ll get anywhere on the planet. Admire towering icebergs as your ship navigates slowly through the icy waters. You’ll see icebergs in mesmerizing shapes and sizes, and colors from brilliant white to sapphire blue.

Antarctica Cruise Ports

Elephant Island, Antarctica

Paradise Bay, Antarctica

Schollaert Channel Antarctica

Gerlache Strait, Antarctica

Antarctica Cruise Itineraries

Antarctica cruises embark in Buenos Aires, Argentina and sail for 14 days with six days at sea. These cruises visit a number of locations on and around the Antarctic Peninsula including Elephant Island, the Gerlache Strait, Schollart Channel, and Paradise Bay. You will also call at popular South American ports including Montevideo, Uruguay, Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia in Argentina, as well as Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. Cruises depart during the Southern Hemisphere summer months of January and February.

Itineraries

Why cruise to antarctica with celebrity cruises.

As a leader in cruises, including these incredible journeys to Antarctica, Celebrity offers a cruising experience like no other. Enjoy a luxurious suite and an exclusive lounge and restaurant when you stay at The Retreat. Head to Sky Lounge to listen to soothing live music as you enjoy a glass of wine with the perfect ocean view. Take in the views from the alfresco Rooftop Terrace, or enjoy a peaceful moment at the pool in the adults-only Solarium.

On an Antarctic cruise adventure, you'll sail through some of the world's most remote and beautiful locations untouched by modern civilization. You'll be able to explore Antarctica's stunning landscapes and wildlife up close with expert guides and naturalists while enjoying world-class dining, entertainment, and accommodations on board. Don't miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime to explore Antarctica in comfort and style on a cruise with Celebrity.

View All Cruises to Antarctica

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TRAVELLING TO Antarctica

An Antarctica cruise is the ultimate journey. Filled with awe-inspiring wildlife encounters and sensory experiences of indescribable beauty. To see Antarctica is to experience your place in the world from a whole new perspective.

Breathtaking, otherworldly, and life-changing are common phrases travellers use to describe an Antarctic expedition. But when it comes to Antarctica, language fails us. We simply do not possess the capacity to articulate the profound experience of setting foot on the Great Southern Continent. To truly understand, you must see it for yourself.

WHICH TRIP IS BEST FOR ME?

Once you’ve decided to go to Antarctica, the next step is to determine which trip is best suited to you.

The key considerations are:

  WHICH ITINERARY SHOULD I CHOOSE?

  how do i get there - cruise or fly,   when is the best time to go,   what type of ship is best for me why,   popular cruise itineraries, which itinerary should i choose.

As genuine Antarctica specialists, we have the largest range of Antarctica expeditions on offer, and Chimu staff have first-hand knowledge of the many ways to experience this incredible destination. Depending on your interests, availability, and budget, we can help you decide which itinerary is right for you.

To help get you started, we have listed the 4 main itineraries that operate in Antarctica:

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

(10 - 12 days)

Due to its proximity to South America, the Antarctic Peninsula is the best value and most popular Antarctic destination. The peninsula is renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. View Cruises

ANTARCTIC CIRCLE

(14 - 22 days) 

Cross the fabled Antarctic Circle to the land of the midnight sun. Home to desolate, beautiful landscapes, continually shifting ice, and hardy Weddell seals. View Cruises

SOUTH GEORGIA

(18 - 23 days) 

One of the world’s truly great wildlife areas. South Georgia is home to over 30 million breeding birds, thousands of seals, 4 penguin species including large colonies of King penguins and macaroni penguins rarely encountered elsewhere, plus many more amazing creatures. South Georgia is a must-see for many wildlife enthusiasts. View Cruises

FALKLAND ISLANDS

Often visited alongside South Georgia, the Falklands Islands offers up plenty of natural beauty, wildlife, and intriguing history. View Cruises

ANTARCTICA FLY CRUISES

(5-9 days) 

For the time poor, or those not keen on a crossing of the famous Drake Passage, yet still keen to visit the last frontier of Antarctica. Flying to King George Island to begin your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula is a fantastic option. View Cruises

EAST ANTARCTICA & ROSS SEA

(30+ days) 

Perhaps the ultimate Antarctica experience. Voyages to East Antarctica & Ross Sea embrace an icy world of extreme weather, wildlife, scenery and fascinating history as you visit some of the most remote places on earth. View Cruises

HOW DO I GET TO ANTARCTICA?

Cruise from south america.

Have you heard the phrase ‘getting to Antarctica is half the fun?’ If so, you can bet they were referring to crossing the infamous Drake passage between South America and the South Shetland Islands. These expedition cruises departing from Ushuaia, at the southern tip of South America are the most popular way to get to Antarctica.

FLIGHT & CRUISE OPTIONS FROM SOUTH AMERICA

For those hesitant to cross the Drake, there is an option to fly from Patagonia to the South Shetland Islands. From here you can join an expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula.

EXPEDITION CRUISES FROM AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Antarctica cruises departing from Australia & New Zealand offer the most exclusive and unique journey to Antarctica of all. Departing from Hobart (Australia) and Bluff (New Zealand) these expeditions are usually longer and provide exceptional opportunities to see more remote regions of the peninsula.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO ANTARCTICA?

The best time to travel to Antarctica will depend on the type of experience you are after. Wildlife highlights, length of daylight hours, and the overall feel of your expedition will change dramatically throughout the cruising season (October to March). Read More

EARLY SEASON

(october - november).

Getting ahead of the pack is a great way to experience the splendour of Antarctica. As an early-season visitor, be rewarded with pristine landing sites, dramatic ice formations, animal courtship routines, and excellent photographic opportunities courtesy of the lightly setting sun. You may see packs of elephant and fur seals marking their breeding territories in the sub-Antarctic islands, and if you’re lucky, you could witness the first major iceberg calvings of the year, a truly breathtaking event.

  Beautiful frozen scenery

  Less Penguin mess

  Affordable pricing

  Ice can sometimes restrict

(DECEMBER - JANUARY)

Mid-summer is the most popular time to visit Antarctica. Temperatures are at their warmest, and longer days means there are more opportunities for landings. Expect to see sunbathing seals, adorable penguin hatchlings, and increasing numbers of whales arriving for the summer. Coupled with calmer seas and less sea ice to prevent you from reaching the shore, you can see why many people choose to travel at this time of year. As the mid-season is the busiest time, booking early is highly recommended.

  Wildlife at its prime

  20 hours of sunlight

  Peak season pricing

  More ships/tourists

LATE SEASON

(february - march).

The weather may be getting colder, but there are plenty of wildlife highlights during the late season. February is peak whale spotting season, seal numbers are up on the peninsula, and penguin rookeries are bursting at the seams on South Georgia. The shorter days provide sensational sunsets, awesome night-time sky gazing and some of the best value-for-money expeditions of all. February is also the busiest month for cruises departing from Australia and New Zealand headed for East Antarctica.

  Peak season for Whales

  Baby penguin & seal pups

  Snow melting - can be slushy on landing sites

  Penguin mess

WHAT SHIP IS BEST FOR ME?

Your choice of expedition vessel will play an essential role in your overall Antarctic experience. For many people setting off on an Antarctic expedition, this is one of the most critical questions. As genuine Antarctica specialists, we have the knowledge and experience to help you get this decision just right.

Arguably, the most crucial consideration for any Antarctic expedition. In our opinion, ships carrying 200 guests and under are ideal! There are many restrictions placed on Antarctic expeditions, and the number of passengers on your ship will impact when, where, and how often you can make landfall. For example, vessels carrying more than 500 guests are prevented from landing at all. Being able to get off the ship and experience Antarctica up close and personal offers the most immersive and memorable experience. Read More

SMALL SHIPS (200PAX and under)

•   MORE ACCESS TO REMOTE LOCATIONS
•   LESS TIME QUEUEING MORE TIME EXPLORING
•   MORE INTIMATE
•   BETTER SELECTION OF UNIQUE SHORE TOURS
•   LESS ENTERTAINMENT ONBOARD

LARGE SHIPS (200+PAX)

•   MORE STABILITY IN ROUGH SEAS
•   MORE FEATURES
•   RESTRICTED ON-SHORE TIME
•   RESTRICTED ACCESS
•   CAN BE CROWDED

Want a deeper look - > WATCH THIS VIDEO

POPULAR SHIPS

Ocean Endeavour

With her ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for expedition cruising to the Polar Regions

Ocean Adventurer

This comfortable ship carries a maximum of 132 passengers, accommodated in 66 cabins all with private en-suite facilities. The ship also features a large..

Safe, sturdy and fast, the MS Expedition is amongst the most comfortable and spacious expedition ships in its class, with great stability and performance in..

Sail aboard the remarkably comfortable Sea Spirit and experience the Polar Regions in grand style, sleeping in spacious suites. She has been refurbished for the..

Sailing under the French flag, Le Boréal is a superb mega-yacht that was built in Italy with a sophisticated French design. With its tasteful décor and discreet elegance..

VIEW All SHIPS

BLOGS ON Antarctica

Whether you are looking for advice on when to travel to Antarctica or the Arctic, which ship to travel on or which itinerary will suit you best, Chimu blogs are likely to have it covered. The range of topics is vast, with new and fascinating blogs being added regularly. There is ship information, guides about the activities you can do in the Polar regions, what to pack and what not to pack, and even blogs on various Polar explorers!

A typical day in Antarctica

What happens every day when you are down in Antarctica? This example is for a two landing day, but please be aware that every day is different..

Antarctica Travel Guide

This is how you make that first step towards your Antarctica travel dream. From the myriad of ways to travel to Antarctica to the costs involved..

10 Best Cruises to Antarctica

Antarctica may be just one continent but it offers avid explorers a nearly endless array of experiences. To narrow down the choices we have..

Why You should Travel to Antarctica… Solo!

At the southernmost tip of the earth lies one of the largest and most mysterious landmasses in the world, the Antarctic Frozen Empire.

Antarctica Photography: 11 Essential Tips

From the right gear to pack to how best to care for it and the most trusted techniques to capture the overwhelming beauty of Antarctica

FEATURED Antarctica TRIPS & DEALS

Special deals">antarctica special deals.

Treat yourself to a trip of a lifetime to Antarctica and save with one of these incredible deals. 

Ultimate Chimu Adventure - South America & Antarctica

Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos, Peru, Brazil, Argentina &…

Ship:  Ocean Endeavour

START: Santiago, Chile

FINISH: Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Please enquire for departure dates 

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USD 25,485*

Antarctica CRUISES

Journey to the antarctic circle.

Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle

SHIP: Ocean Endeavour

START: Ushuaia, Argentina

FINISH: Ushuaia, Argentina

PRICED FROM Was USD 12,999

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Best of Antarctica: In Depth

Antarctic Sound, Lemaire Channel, Antarctic Peninsula and…

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Best of Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula

PRICED FROM Was USD 8,799

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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

SHIP: Ocean Explorer

START: Punta Arenas, Chile

FINISH: Punta Arenas, Chile

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Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

PRICED FROM Was USD 23,495

NOW USD 15,977*

Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness

Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula

PRICED FROM Was USD 9,299

NOW USD 6,974*

Antarctica REVIEWS

All Chimu Adventures' clients are given the opportunity to review their trip once they return home. These reviews are administered by a third party and as such are unfiltered by Chimu Adventures.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1 . what do i need to pack for antarctica.

Antarctica is an extreme environment and although Antarctic cruises depart during the spring and summer months, the weather can change dramatically, with no warning and so you need to be prepared for conditions in this harsh region. When packing, avoid weighing yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire for your trip that can be worn in layers, including: • Parka jacket - lightweight, wind and weather-resistant shell • Warm trousers - ski pants or sturdy trousers • Waterproof trousers - Gore-Tex or similar waterproof and "breathable" fabrics are recommended • Long thermal underwear - silk or polypropylene is highly recommended • Sweaters - wool sweaters or a polar fleece jacket • Turtlenecks • Mittens and gloves - thin polypropylene gloves underneath warm mittens •  Woollen  cap and a scarf or  balaclava  • Warm socks - sturdy, long wool socks and thin pairs of silk, polypropylene or cotton/wool socks • A sturdy, lightweight and waterproof  daypack  for landings or Zodiac excursions • Sunglasses with U.V. filter • Protective sunscreen for lips, hands and face • Swimsuit for hotels, aboard some ships and (maybe) for a polar plunge • Camera with spare batteries and memory cards • Extra pair of prescription glasses • Prescription medicines and other remedies such as seasickness medication • Binoculars • Zip lock plastic bags or dry sacks for carrying camera, batteries, etc. • T-shirts or other casual warm weather clothes • Clothes for gateway cities

2 . There are so many different trips and itineraries – how do I pick the right one for me?

We pride ourselves on our  customisable  range of Antarctica tours that allow you to tailor the perfect Antarctic experience for your own goals and wishes. We also offer a wide range of tours to suit a diverse array of budgets, from 6 day express cruises, to 35 day expeditions. Speak to one of our consultants who can help you plan your perfect Antarctica cruise, which includes all of the elements you’re looking for in your trip.

3 . What is there to do while on the ship?

Whilst some of our Antarctic cruise ships boast a gym, sauna and small pools, this is rare and generally the majority have a lecture  theatre , library, bar and restaurant, as well as the main deck. All ships offer a series of lectures focusing on the geology, history and wildlife of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, to help you prepare for what lies ahead. You can interact with the crew and expedition team as well as your fellow passengers in the common areas and either brave the elements to stand on deck taking in the spectacular scenery and wildlife-watching, scanning the horizon for whales, seals and seabirds, or do so from the comfort of the lounges and observation decks.

4 . I want to see Antarctica but not give up my creature comforts – is this even possible?

The remoteness of Antarctica can sometimes deter the adventurous heart, but unlike the famous explorers of the past, you can leave the ration packs at home as  Chimu  can provide all the modern comfort and luxuries you need after a day of adventure, in a safe and comfortable environment. Quiet, relaxing cabins, beautiful food and wine, and spacious common areas allow you to soak in the picturesque landscapes at your own pace. When it’s time to venture off the vessel, our range of itineraries include activities to suit all abilities and fitness levels.

5 . Can we go on shore in Antarctica?

Shore landings are a feature of our Antarctic cruises and one or two shore or Zodiac excursions are usually planned per day, weather conditions permitting.

6 . What is there to do on shore?

Shore landings are mainly for wildlife watching of penguins, seals and nesting birds although itineraries often try to include a visit to a scientific base. Certain cruises provide opportunities for activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, mountaineering and even overnight camping.

7 . How many people will be on the ship?

The number of people on board varies depending on the ship but the majority of our ships carry between 50 and 150 passengers. A few of the mega-yachts and purpose-built cruise ships carry around 250 passengers.

8 . Is there a laundry on board the ship?

Yes, a laundry service at a reasonable cost is included on every ship.

9 . Why should I travel to Antarctica with Chimu Adventures?

Chimu  Adventures are the Antarctica specialists and an Associate Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. We offer the largest range of vessels, an experienced, expert team of travel enthusiasts, and comprehensive, flexible itineraries, tailoring each cruise to your wishes and making your Antarctic Cruise unique and unforgettable.

10 . What is the food like on the ships that go to Antarctica?

Food on board our cruise ships is excellent. Breakfasts and lunches tend to be buffet style, with dinners generally served to your table and featuring 3 and sometimes 4 courses. The range of food is diverse with professional chefs preparing a wide selection of gourmet dishes.

11 . Is it safe to go to Antarctica?

All of our tours are 100% tried and tested to ensure that when you travel with us, you’re doing so in a controlled and safe environment with trained experts. We consistently monitor weather conditions and will always provide you with the best possible adventure without risk of injury to you or the vessel. While some activities may need to be rescheduled or  cancelled  due to weather, every effort is made to have a contingency plan should such conditions become a reality during your expeditions. We’ve been the experts in Antarctic travel for well over 10 years and use our vast experience and knowledge when picking the vessels we sell to provide you with an adventure that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.

12 . What language do they speak in Antarctica?

There is no native Antarctic language as there are no indigenous inhabitants. The majority of residents are linked to research stations and so speak the language of their home countries. Scientific research is generally formalized in English, with French where necessary.

13 . Will I get sea sick?

It is true that at times the Drake Passage can produce turbulent seas, but our vessels are built for maximum stability and comfort to ensure that even in rough conditions, sea and motion sickness are kept to a minimum at all times. We also have a host of services and facilities available should symptoms befall you. It also might be possible to fly over the Drake Passage, so speak to one of our destination specialists for more information about this.

Best Antarctica cruise ships: 11 stylish expedition vessels exploring the White Continent

There's never been a better time to travel to Antarctica -- at least when it comes to getting there in comfort and style.

The last few years have brought a stunning new crop of small "expedition" cruise vessels specifically designed for Antarctica sailings that are far more upscale and elegant than anything seen before.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Built by longtime leaders in polar cruising such as Lindblad Expeditions and Hurtigruten Expeditions, as well as a few newcomers to the niche, these are vessels that are more spacious, more amenity-filled and more stable than Antarctica cruise ships of old -- and they're fundamentally changing the way travelers are experiencing the destination.

The best Antarctica cruise ships: Then and now

Tourists have been visiting Antarctica in small numbers since 1966, when adventure tour pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad led a small group of "citizen scientists" to the Antarctic Peninsula on a chartered Argentine navy ship. But for many of the 56 years since then, a trip to Antarctica has meant a sailing on a relatively spartan vessel.

Like Lindblad's chartered navy ship, many of the early vessels used for tourism to the White Continent were tough-built government or scientific ships that were designed with navigating icy areas but not necessarily comfort in mind.

Related: An untamed world: Discovery the wild dreamscape of Antarctica

My first voyage to Antarctica, back in 2004, for instance, was on Akademik Ioffe -- a hardy, ice-class Russian oceanographic research vessel that was often chartered by adventure tour companies in those days for polar trips. I slept in a no-frills cabin originally designed for Russian oceanography researchers and ate with my fellow tourgoers in a cafeteria-like dining space. The crew mostly spoke Russian.

A lot has changed since then -- mostly in the last couple of years.

The new crop of vessels being built for Antarctica sailings have all the creature comforts that travelers have come to expect on cruise vessels in other parts of the world, including spacious and upscale cabins, often with balconies; elegant eateries with diverse menus; spas and fitness centers; and even pools and deck-top hot tubs.

Some of the fanciest of the newcomers also have such over-the-top amenities as helicopters for sightseeing from above and submarines for seeing what lurks just under the water. At the very high end, some ships feature all-suite accommodations with butler service.

In all cases, these are ships specifically built for "expedition cruising" -- a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on small, hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft. All of them sail with a large number of rigid inflatable Zodiac boats for landings and have strengthened hulls and other design features that let them operate in icy areas.

I've sailed on nearly all of these new vessels, in many cases in polar regions, and have been consistently amazed by just how much of an upgrade they really are.

Here, my picks for the 11 best new expedition cruise ships sailing to Antarctica:

National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution

Operator: Lindblad Expeditions.

These Lindblad Expeditions ships may be my favorite all-around picks for an Antarctica cruise. Sailing since July and November 2021, respectively, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution each are designed to hold no more than 126 passengers -- a notably low number that allows for an intimate experience when exploring the White Continent.

They're also very stable ships, thanks to an unusual new sloping bow design -- something that can make a big difference when sailing to and from Antarctica across the notoriously rough Drake Passage.

Lindblad was the original pioneer of tourist trips to Antarctica, and it has years of experience in the region that has helped shape the way it designed these nearly identical vessels, both specifically built for polar travel.

Each of the ships has a polar class rating of PC 5 Category A (a notch above many Antarctica vessels), allowing them to travel through icy areas with ease. They're also loaded with observation areas for viewing the passing scenery. They carry kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis for polar exploring in addition to Zodiac boats for landings, and they have remotely operated vehicles -- just in case you want to see what's going on down below.

Each vessel has two glass-walled "igloos" on its top deck where passengers can spend the night under the stars. Comfortable, state-of-the-art rooms with balconies; stylish restaurants and lounges with upscale, Scandinavian-inspired decor; a spa; and a yoga studio with wall-to-wall windows round out the onboard experience.

Related: I just spent the night in an igloo in Antarctica -- here's how you can, too

The details: Fares for 11-night Antarctica cruises on the two vessels start at $16,780 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, Chile; flights from Buenos Aires or Santiago to Ushuaia, Argentina; drinks, including spirits and wines; and prepaid gratuities.

Note that as part of a 3-year-old partnership between Hyatt and Lindblad, World of Hyatt members can pay for a Lindblad cruise using Hyatt points — or earn 5 base points per dollar on eligible spending (excluding incidentals), plus the standard bonuses for Hyatt elite members, as well as elite tier-qualifying night credits. All members — regardless of status — will enjoy a $250 onboard credit to use on incidentals.

World Navigator

Operator: Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Just unveiled in August 2021, World Navigator is the first vessel for Atlas Ocean Voyages , an all-new cruise operator that's focused on "luxe adventure" trips -- and it's already high on my list of favorite ships for polar exploring.

Like the Lindblad vessels, it's designed to carry relatively few passengers (up to 184 on Antarctica sailings) and is loaded with indoor and outdoor observation areas including an innovative, close-to-the-waterline outside deck area with heated seating called The Water's Edge. High-tech touches include a GPS that lets it hover in sensitive areas without dropping anchor.

Built tough for polar exploring (it has a PC 6 rating, one notch below the Lindblad vessels), it also is designed to be upscale with elegant, 1940s-influenced decor, such pampering touches as a L'Occitane spa (the first at sea) and butler service in the top cabins.

Related: First look at World Navigator, a stylish new adventure ship

World Navigator is the first of five nearly identical sister vessels that Atlas Ocean Voyages will roll out by late 2024, many of which will sail regularly to Antarctica.

The details: Nine-night voyages to Antarctica start at $10,499 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include drinks, including spirits and fine wines; shipboard Wi-Fi; prepaid gratuities; and emergency medical evacuation insurance for every passenger (the latter being a rare offering among companies cruising to Antarctica).

Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen

Operator: Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Hurtigruten Expeditions, a Norway-based expedition cruise company, has a long and storied history in polar travel, so it's no surprise that the company broke new ground in the polar cruising niche when it unveiled the 528-passenger Roald Amundsen and sister ship Fridtjof Nansen in 2019 and 2021, respectively.

Named after famous Norwegian polar explorers, the ships are the cruise industry's first to run on electric hybrid engines. This not only saves fuel but also allows for noiseless operation in sensitive polar areas where silence can make all the difference (near a penguin rookery, for instance, or a calving glacier).

Other unusual features include a full-blown science center with state-of-the-art gadgets and underwater drones for passenger use.

Related: These 8 books are must-reads before an Antarctica trip

Both of these vessels sail with a maximum of 500 passengers when operating in Antarctica, which is on the high side for an Antarctic-based vessel. If you're eager to make a lot of landings in Antarctica during a trip to the continent, Hurtigruten's newest ships may not be the best choice. With Antarctic regulations limiting landings to 100 people at a time, these ships only can land a small fraction of their passengers at any given time.

For that reason, I am partial to the older but more intimate Hurtigruten polar vessel Fram, which carries just 200 passengers when operating in Antarctica. But Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen have one big advantage versus that ship and many others operating in Antarctica, which is that their starting rates for trips to the region are significantly lower. As bigger ships, they also may feel more stable at times.

The details: Fares for 11-night Antarctica cruises start at $7,334 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires; round-trip flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia; beer and wine with meals; and free Wi-Fi.

Scenic Eclipse

Operator: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.

Unveiled in 2019, this super-swanky, 228-passenger "discovery yacht" was the first oceangoing vessel for luxury purveyor Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours -- a brand better known for river cruises.

Like Scenic river ships, Scenic Eclipse is a high-end vessel with all-suite accommodations (and we're talking real suites, with separate living rooms), butler service for all and a wide range of onboard dining options including a sushi restaurant. It has a whiskey bar stocked with more than 110 whiskies and other high-end liquors, plus a spa and a yoga studio.

Scenic Eclipse also was the first Antarctica-bound cruise vessel to boast helicopters to take passengers on epic (and pricey) Antarctica excursions -- and it has a submarine for underwater exploring, too. Having experienced a helicopter excursion from the vessel, I can say that it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

On the downside, the helicopter pad and hangars eat up a lot of space on the vessel's top deck, as do the suites along the vessel's sharply sloping front. The combination leaves less available room for observation areas. The result is a ship with less outdoor space for viewing scenery than is typical for small vessels operating polar trips.

The details: Fares for 12-night Antarctica trips start at $15,655 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires; round-trip flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia; drinks, including spirits and fine wines; and prepaid gratuities.

Le Soleal, Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and L'Austral

Operator: Ponant.

Launched between 2010 and 2015, these four sister ships are regular visitors to Antarctica -- both under the banner of Ponant, a French brand, and as vessels chartered to high-end, U.S.-based tour companies Tauck and Abercrombie & Kent.

A pioneer in polar travel, Ponant has a long tradition of operating voyages to Antarctica, and this series of ship was specially designed for such trips. They all are hardy (with 1C ice class ratings from Lloyd's Register) but also stylish, with contemporary interiors and comfortable rooms.

Note that the onboard ambiance of these vessels sometimes can be significantly different depending on whether they are sailing on a trip marketed by Ponant (where announcements and onboard programming will be in both French and English, with many of the passengers being French-speakers) or by Tauck or Abercrombie & Kent (where the onboard experience will have a much more distinctly American vibe).

Related: This new luxury tour gets you to Antarctica faster than most

In September 2021, Ponant unveiled an even tougher polar vessel, the 270-passenger Le Commandant Charcot. Equipped with ice breaking capabilities, it's able to sail to polar areas that most other polar cruise vessels can't reach. Note that, currently, its Antarctica sailings are being mostly marketed by Ponant itself, which means they may draw mostly French-speaking travelers.

The details: Fares for 11-night Antarctica trips start at $11,350 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires; and round-trip flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.

Viking Octantis

Operator: Viking.

Just unveiled in early 2022, Viking Octantis is fast-growing Viking's first-ever expedition cruise ship, and it boasts some unusual features that make it one of the best cruise ships for exploring Antarctica.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to small Zodiac boats for landings while still in the protected interior of the ship. It's a first for an expedition cruise ship.

Viking Octantis also has what may be the most stunning lecture hall ever at sea. Located at the back of the vessel, the high-tech room has sliding walls behind the spot where lecturers will stand that can open to reveal the surrounding scenery through floor-to-ceiling glass.

Viking Octantis is designed to carry 378 passengers, which is on the high side for Antarctica cruise ships. Like Hurtigruten's Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, it isn't able to land all or even most of its passengers at once in Antarctica.

Like Scenic Eclipse, Viking Octantis carries a submarine for underwater exploring, as well as kayaks. In a first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel. Public areas feature the same elegant Scandinavian design found on Viking's ocean ships and river ships, as well as such familiar Viking venues as Italian restaurant Manfredi's and a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers' Lounge.

A sister vessel to Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022 and also will sail to polar regions.

The details: Fares for 12-night Antarctica trips start at $13,995 per person, based on occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires; beer and wine with lunch and dinner; and shipboard Wi-Fi.

Planning an Antarctica cruise expedition? Start with these stories:

• Dreaming of Antarctica: How to book the trip of a lifetime
• Skip the Drake Passage: What it's like flying to Antarctica on a chartered plane
• 7 tips for visiting Antarctica before it's too late
• The ultimate packing list for an Antarctica trip

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Cruises to Antarctica

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An Antarctic Cruise Beyond Your Imagination

Get ready to set sail aboard Norwegian Star and discover the southernmost edge of the South Pole, Antarctica. Embark on an expedition cruise and witness breathtaking icebergs and penguins by the beach from the top deck, all as you take in once-in-a-lifetime moments. Don't miss cruising Antarctica and experiencing some of the most exhilarating destinations in the world.

Cruise to Antarctica with Norwegian

Prepare to embark on an experience like you’ve never had before. When you cruise to Antarctica, you get to take in breathtaking views and infinite beauty from the comfort of your balcony or the top-deck. Set your eyes on whale-abundant waters and catch a glimpse of penguin colonies as you sail past and feel free to experience all the wonder that surrounds you.

Meet Some Friendly Locals

Antarctica is home to some unique sub-species that you will only find in this region of the world. Sail past glaciers where you can spot leopard seals that will greet you with indistinguishable grins. Witness the largest animal to ever exist, the blue whale -- species in Antarctica have been measured to be as big as three school buses! Don’t forget to get your camera ready for Emperor Penguin and other rare bird sightings.

Discover Otherworldly Destinations Cruises to Antarctica

Deception Island, Antarctica

Deception Island is a mountainous, horseshoe-shaped destination located off the coast of Antarctica in the South Shetland Islands. Home to an active volcano and eight nesting seabirds, Deception Island is a wildlife lover’s paradise. The largest group of penguins in Antarctica, and possibly the world, is located here. This is your chance to witness tens of thousands of chinstrap penguins waddling about and slipping in and out of the frigid waters.

Elephant Island, Antarctica

Situated off the coast of Antarctica, Elephant Island is named after the elephant seals that populate it and due to the island being shaped like an elephant head. Rugged mountains, glistening sheets of ice and unique wildlife add to the mystique of this remote destination. Despite its seemingly unforgiving, yet hauntingly beautiful landscape, legions of tuxedoed-looking penguins waddle across the rocky terrain while giant elephant seals lounge on its shores.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Witness the spectacular beauty of Tierra del Fuego’s lakes, lush forests, soaring mountains and flora and fauna by train, via all-terrain vehicle or on horseback. Enjoy the expansive views from Garibaldi Pass and watch for sea lions and albatross along the Beagle Channel.

Stanley, Falkland Islands

Discover this quaint town, its cathedral, authentic English pubs, neat gardens, war memorials and fascinating landscape. Set off for an adventure on this South Atlantic island and visit a penguin colony and watch for albatross and skuas or go to a sprawling sheep farm.

Discover FREESTYLE CRUISING

• Norwegian Star

Refurbished as part of the Norwegian Edge program in 2018, Norwegian Star shines with upgrades. The extensive enhancements include upgrades to staterooms, public spaces, restaurants, bars and lounges. Start the day at Mandara Spa, where you can revive, refresh and recharge. Grab a drink at one of the many bars and lounges. Enjoy delicious dining, from Irish pub classics at O'Sheehan's to classic hibachi at Teppanyaki.

Explore Our ANTARCTICA CRUISE ITINERARIES

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

6 Best Antarctica Expedition Cruises To Add To Your Bucket List

• Antarctica and Arctic
• Best Of Travel
• Best Of Travel Awards: 2023
• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• News and Tips
• Types of Travel

Expedition cruises have skyrocketed in popularity and interest in Antarctica sailings has never been higher. This must-visit destination attracts numerous world travelers seeking epic lifetime experiences, avid photographers and adventure-seekers, and those on a mission to check off their seventh continent.

The White Continent is a magical destination filled with snow-covered mountains, brilliant electric-blue icebergs, amazing wildlife, and otherworldly landscapes. It’s a place of extreme contrasts and quiet, haunting beauty. In addition to the extraordinary wildlife encounters and immersive experiences, Antarctica’s untamed majesty and indescribable stillness are what I remember most.

Recently, our TravelAwaits readers voted for their favorite Antarctica expedition cruises in this year’s Best Of Travel Awards. Here are their top choices to inform and inspire you when planning your unforgettable trip to Antarctica.

1. Hurtigruten Expeditions (Winner)

Norway-based Hurtigruten Expeditions is celebrating 130 years of voyaging in polar waters. The company has been sailing to Antarctica for over 2 decades and is one of the destination’s most experienced operators. Hurtigruten’s Antarctica expedition voyages top bucket lists for our TravelAwaits readers and other travelers with more than an 800 percent increase in Antarctica bookings over the last 10 years.

Hurtigruten Expeditions operates multiple ships in Antarctica, accommodating 318–530 guests. The company’s wide variety of Antarctica itineraries ranges from 12–23 days in length, enabling explorers to become fully immersed in Antarctica’s icy splendor. As a green energy leader, the ships reflect Hurtigruten’s core commitment to highly sustainable expedition travel. Ships feature exceptional onboard expedition teams, well-equipped science centers, expansive observation decks, spacious staterooms and suites with balconies, restaurants, an explorer lounge and bar, a fitness room, saunas, and hot tubs.

Guests on Hurtigruten’s Antarctica expeditions can participate in many enriching, immersive experiences. Dr. Verena Meraldi, the cruise industry’s only on-staff chief scientist, oversees Hurtigruten Expeditions’ superb Citizen Science Program. You can take part in a variety of hands-on research projects that complement the extensive array of lectures and demonstrations on Hurtigruten’s Antarctica voyages. Additional memorable activities include land and sea adventures such as camping in Antarctica, opportunities for a polar plunge , sea kayaking and Zodiac excursions through Antarctica’s crystal-clear waters, and hiking and snowshoeing treks to rarely visited areas with awe-inspiring views.

2. Adventure Canada

Adventure Canada operates small-ship expedition cruises to some of the world’s most remote places. The adventure cruise line offers two voyages to Antarctica in February aboard Ocean Endeavour — Adventure Canada’s ice-strengthened vessel with a capacity of 198 guests. The ship is equipped with 20 Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, restaurant facilities, and an onboard gym, sauna, spa, pool deck with a hot tub, and other amenities.

Adventure Canada is known for its spirit of exploration and learning, outstanding leaders and experiences, and support for arts, sciences, and scholarship. On Adventure Canada’s Antarctica expedition voyages, guests are accompanied by superb expert leaders and guides who share their knowledge and skills through presentations, programming, and interpretive discussions throughout the journey. Antarctica cruises include ample opportunities for wildlife and polar landscape viewing from the Ocean Endeavour via Zodiac cruises and on guided landings.

The company’s “Journey to the Antarctic Circle” voyage takes guests on a journey of exploration through the Drake Passage, the Shetland Islands, and into Antarctica’s deeper polar areas. This Adventure Canada expedition attempts to cross the fabled Antarctic Circle. Adventure Canada’s “Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey” occurs during peak whale migration season. On this expedition, guests can take part in a whale-related Citizen Science project and view the various Antarctic whale species and wildlife that call this pristine region home for at least part of the year.

3. Lindblad Expeditions

Over 50 years ago, pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first band of “citizen” explorers to Antarctica. Since then, Lindblad Expeditions has brought many adventurers to the White Continent, sharing its exceptional experience and deep institutional knowledge of the region. Lindblad Expeditions’ partnership with National Geographic adds even more enriching benefits for its guests.

Lindblad Expeditions sails an array of 14- to 35-day Antarctica itineraries on three ships accommodating just 138–148 guests. The line’s fully stabilized expedition ships of the highest ice class offer luxuriously appointed interiors, fully equipped staterooms, numerous observation areas, and a number of unique elements. The National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution feature a game-changing patented bow design that provides outstanding stability in all types of conditions — which can be highly valued when sailing through the infamous Drake Passage. Guests on both ships can also soak up Antarctica’s icy splendor in an infinity-edged hot tub, followed by a night of stargazing under the polar sky in a geodesic glass igloo.

Each Antarctica sailing includes a highly seasoned expedition leader, top-notch naturalists, undersea specialists, National Geographic photographers, and other experts. You can enjoy outstanding presentations and participate in an extensive array of immersive experiences including enriching Citizen Science programs, kayaking, hiking, exploring Antarctica’s undersea world with a remotely operated vehicle and underwater specialist, and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at certain times. Select departures also provide exciting activities for kids and teens through Lindblad’s Global Explorers Program . 

4. Viking Cruises

Viking offers enrichment-oriented Antarctica expedition voyages on its two purpose-built polar-class expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris . Both ships accommodate 378 guests and feature extensive expedition equipment, including two submarines for underwater exploration, Zodiacs, and an industry-first hangar for easy Special Operations Boat embarkation and debarkation inside the ship. On Viking’s Antarctica cruises , guests can enjoy landings and scenic sailings around the Antarctic Peninsula while discovering the world’s most remote wild frontier.

Those who have sailed with Viking will recognize some of the Scandinavian design features and amenities on the line’s expedition ships. In a first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms feature a Nordic balcony — a large floor-to-ceiling window that opens from the top. Viking’s expedition ships also offer a variety of dining choices, the Nordic Spa, an extensively equipped science lab, an expedition central hub for expedition team meetings, and a stunning panoramic auditorium. Guests will enjoy the many indoor and outdoor viewing areas on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris .

Viking has partnered with leading academic institutions to create an exceptional scientific enrichment environment on their expedition ships. You can join visiting researchers and Viking’s Expedition Team in hands-on scientific work and participate in shore excursions and world-class lectures. Other activities include guided kayaking experiences, scenic Zodiac or Special Operations Boat cruises, snowshoeing under certain conditions, and landings to observe seals, penguins, and other wildlife.

5. Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Expedition Cruises

Premier luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) launched its first Antarctica expedition in 1991. The company’s more than 30 years of experience is clearly displayed in its exceptional all-inclusive luxury Antarctica expedition cruises for discerning travelers wishing to explore the remote White Continent. A&K is highly committed to protecting Antarctica’s wildlife and fragile ecosystem, employing cutting-edge technology and supporting non-profit organizations through A&K Philanthropy.

On Abercrombie & Kent’s Antarctica expeditions accommodating just 199 guests, travelers enjoy the luxury of an all-inclusive, small-group experience. The company charters the stylish Le Lyrial — one of Ponant’s finest ice-class expedition ships — for its Antarctica voyages. The intimate guest size means there are no significant constraints on the number of landings in Antarctica, which average twice daily. On the amenity-rich Le Lyrial , all luxurious staterooms feature private balconies and butler services are provided with every suite. A&K’s Antarctica voyages include a pre-cruise hotel stay and excursion, complimentary polar gear for Antarctica expeditions, immersive enrichment programs, Zodiac excursions, a French-inspired culinary program, 24-hour room service, gratuities, free Wi-Fi, and more.

A&K’s outstanding polar expedition teams provide enriching lectures, guidance, and insightful commentary on board and ashore. A&K’s hand-selected teams include research scientists, conservationists, naturalists, historians, wildlife photographers, and highly credentialed polar experts. Families and multigenerational groups will also appreciate A&K’s Young Explorers Program , offering younger guests a wealth of fun, adventurous, and learning opportunities throughout their voyage.

6. Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages offers an extensive array of all-inclusive voyages to Antarctica on their sleek, ice-class luxury expedition yachts. Itineraries range from shorter Antarctica expeditions and 9- to 11-night round-trip voyages to deep polar immersions of 13 nights or more. The line’s new “Fly & Sail” expeditions include private charter flights to Antarctica’s King George Island, enabling travelers to skip the Drake Channel ship crossing. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ vessels carry less than 200 guests and feature numerous dining options, 98 elegant suites, solo suites without any single supplements, and comfortable staterooms.

On Atlas Ocean Voyages , you’ll find a highly inclusive approach to luxury expedition cruising. Antarctica fares include complimentary air transportation via a private charter jet, pre-cruise hotel stays, unlimited beverages, dining venues with a wide variety of menu choices, ship-wide Wi-Fi, gratuities, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and additional amenities. Guests will also enjoy numerous enrichment lectures and destination briefings by the highly experienced expedition team.

Viewing Antarctica’s surreal snow-filled landscapes is always a high priority on voyages to the White Continent. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ships feature The Water’s Edge Lookout — the industry’s closest-to-the-waterline observation bow area with heated seating perfect for spending time outdoors. Antarctica expeditions include up to two daily Zodiac outings, where guests can observe graceful humpback whales, wildlife seemingly oblivious to your presence, and adorable penguins tobogganing down snowy hillsides. The ships’ nearly 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio helps to ensure a personalized experience on your Antarctica journey.

Read more from our 2023 Best Of Travel Awards .

Nancy is founder of the Family Travel Network, launched in partnership with America Online. She serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association and is a consultant and frequent presenter at top travel industry conferences and events. Nancy is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association. She was honored with the Family Travel Association's Mike Janes Media Member Award in 2022.

34 Antarctica Cruise Tips You Must Know Before You Go

Taking an Antarctica cruise expedition is the trip of a lifetime. It is simply unbelievable, and to be honest, you will be spending a lot of money to travel to the end of the world. That said, it is an experience that is worth every penny.

Like all good things though, there are things to know before you go that will enable you to maximize your experience and ensure you have an epic trip. So to help you get the most out of your Antarctica cruise, we have put together a few tips.

Don’t leave home without:  Lonely Planet Antarctica (Travel Guide)

34 Antarctica Cruise Tips

Table of Contents

Book Extra Excursions Early

A trip to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not to mention a top 100 travel adventure, and you do not want to miss out on any of the extra excursions that will be on offer.

Our advice is that you should not wait to book any extra excursions on the ship. This goes for all expeditions to Antarctica. It is best to the book any of the extra add ons that you are interested in doing as early as possible.

We would even go as far as recommending that you do it when booking your cruise to Antarctica. For those who scored a killer last-minute deal on an Antarctica cruise, odds are likely that the excursions are filled and you will have to gamble with going on the waitlist once you are onboard the ship.

If you do find yourself on a waiting list, do know that these lists can get very full and that selection from them is by lottery. That is if any spots even come available.  

Day to day activities, such as skiff rides and landings are already included in your program, so don’t worry about those. But if you want to enhance your Antarctica experience by participating in camping, kayaking or SUP, you should definitely book as early as you can to ensure you get a spot. 

Interested in going to Antarctica? We spent 10 days on an expedition ship exploring the Antarctic Peninsula with Quark Expeditions. 

Get Out on the Deck

I know what you are thinking, ‘of course I’m going to try to spend as much time as I can out on the deck.’ But it would surprise you how many people don’t take advantage of this. 

It is really easy to spend all your downtime in your cabin watching movies, resting or uploading your photos to your computer.  I get it, you are going to be tired from the crazy days of adventures. It is going to be cold. It is going to be wet. But the wildlife does not care. Being out on the deck, your odds are pretty good that you will see wildlife. 

You wouldn’t believe the number of sightings I saw because I spent as much time as I could on the outer decks. Many times whales would fluke once or twice but the ship did not make an announcement because it was too inconsistent. By the time they shouted it through the ship, it would be gone. 

Expedition ships are laid out really well  and there are benches along the side of the ship and, of course, great standing room on top of the ship. Take advantage of these great spaces and get out on deck as much as you can.

When the Stern is Open, Don’t Miss Out!

It will not happen every day, but when it does, you have to take advantage of the open stern. There is nothing quite like sailing along the Antarctic Peninsula on a beautiful day and viewing this magical continent from the stern. 

Truth be told, you will be lucky if it opens up once or twice for you throughout the whole cruise. So I cannot emphasize enough that if you hear it is open, head straight there and marvel at the scenes around you. 

From the stern, you will be able to get the iconic Titanic photos in front of the boat and it is just an all-around great place for wildlife and landscape viewing. It may only be open for 15 to 30 minutes on your cruise, so you’ll need to be on the ball to take advantage of this.

Take Advantage of the Open Bridge

One of the best things to take advantage of on an Antarctic expedition is the open bridge policy. We loved this on our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions . This means the bridge is open at almost all times of the day for you to sit and talk to the captain and his crewmates as you sail around Antarctica.

The bridge has easy access from the inside of the ship and is outfitted with a nice sitting area for you to see what goes on while sailing to ship in Antarctica. This is truly a unique feature that many ships do not have.

While crossing the Drake passage , you definitely have to take advantage of this. We did and we were the only ones up there during rough seas. It was something else watch the rolling sea smash the front of our ship as our experienced captain navigated through them.

The bridge is also a great spot to be if you want to hear the chatter going on throughout the boat. This is where you can hear if someone on the expedition staff may have spotted a whale or something unique, like a tabular iceberg, before they announce it to the whole ship.

Pack Right for Your Excursions

One huge tip on how to make the most out of your Antarctica cruise is to pack for every excursion early. All excursions are different and each of our excursions required different gear.

It is best to pack for your excursion early and have everything accessible within a comfortable dry pack. This doesn’t mean you should pack everything you could ever want or need in Antarctica, but instead about packing smart.

We found it best to have everything laid out in our room, ready to grab at a moments notice. We packed extra dry bags and laid our gear out in the clothing drawers. This allowed us to be prepared and get the most out of our Antarctica expedition.

You’ll be briefed on the boat but Antarctic regulation prohibits you from bringing certain items, such as food, on your excursions. Especially on land, so be sure to follow the rules too.

Not sure what you should pack? Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Cruise Essentials for Any Destination!)

Use Your Time on Land Wisely

Once you step foot on Antarctica, you will want to make the most of your time on land. This means being prepared to use your time wisely. You will not have time to hike up to that lookout and also check out the ruined research shelters, so have a plan and be ready.

Don’t stop at the first penguin you see on the beach as you get off the zodiac. There will be plenty around. If you do stop, don’t spend too much time in just one location.

Use the experienced guides as resources on where to go and what to see at each landing. They will give you a basic briefing once you get onshore but feel free ask a little bit more once everybody has headed off.

Insider info always helps, our expedition guides told us when we explored Baily Head to head straight to the end and avoid stopping. You will not have enough time to make it there if you stop for too many photos along the way.

It was worth listening to our guides because we would not have seen the sites and amazing sounds of the large amphitheater, where we witnessed over one hundred thousand nesting chinstrap penguins. 

If we had not made a plan, all of the other penguins walking and sliding would have sucked-up our time. Your time on land is limited by regulation and you only have around an hour to an hour and a half to explore before you have to be back on the shore at your set time to head back to the ship.

Bring a Good Camera

I cannot stress this enough. Bring a good camera and know how to use it to make the most out of your Antarctica cruise photo opportunities. This is the adventure of a lifetime and you need something that can capture it well.

I’m sorry, but a Go-Pro or the standard point-and-shoot will not do. You wouldn’t believe the number of people that were bummed out because they couldn’t capture photos the way they wanted to because of their obsolete basic cameras.

You’ll need a camera like a DSLR that is fully adjustable with manual settings that also has a large zoom to be able to capture the uniqueness of Antarctica well.

This is a list of the camera gear we brought on our Antarctic expedition cruise: 

• Canon 24-105mm L Lens
• Canon 16-35mm f2.8 III Wide Angle  
• Canon 100-400mm L Lens
• Canon 2x Extender
• B+W Circular Polarizer MRC 77mm
• B+W UV Filter MRC 77mm
• Canon ET-83C Lens Hood
• Vanguard VEO AM-204 Aluminum Monopod
• Vanguard Alta BH-100 Ball Head
• 4 SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Cards
• 4-6 Canon LP-E6 Batteries
• Camera Rain Covers 
• Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 150 Camera Bag  
• Vanguard VEO Discover 46 Sling Backpack

Know How to Use Your Camera

It is always best to know your camera gear in advance of any trip and I cannot stress this enough. Antarctica is a difficult place to shoot and not knowing your camera will make you frustrated. On top of that, you will be severely disappointed in your photographs.

So get to know your camera before heading to Antarctica and understand how it works. Know where the settings are and learn how to shoot in manual mode. Yes, learn how to shoot in manual mode.

If you take one thing away from this Antarctica expedition travel guide it should be: you must know how to shoot in manual mode on your camera.

You wouldn’t believe the number of people on board that had difficulties with their cameras that they had just bought a week before their Antarctica expedition. To me, that makes no sense for you to spend so much time planning this epic adventure, then you spend so much money to buy a camera that you don’t even know how to operate.

There will be professionals on board that will be able to help you with your camera but it’s best not to rely on them. Before your trip, read your manual and take your camera out to shoot a little bit.

Have Your Camera Ready at All Times

Wildlife and amazing moments don’t wait on anyone and they just happen in the snap of a second. Capturing it is a chance of luck and also a little bit of skill. Having your camera ready at all times will allow you to capture that moment or at least get a few snaps off before it is gone. 

One huge tip is to shoot in burst mode, then when you have time to review the photos you can save what you like and toss the rest. You will get incredible photos of the surrounding landscapes and wildlife if you have your gear ready at all times. 

Bring Extra Camera Batteries

It never fails that while out on an excursion you bring your camera up to your eye and it doesn’t shoot. You’ve got a dead camera battery and that’s the worst feeling in the world. Especially when you’re in a place as unique as Antarctica.

It is best to check your camera batteries before leaving the ship. It is also important that you have a supply of fully charged batteries packed in your bag at all times. 

I found it works the best to keep one in my chest pocket in a small insulated camera battery pouch that allowed me to grab it at a moment’s notice without fumbling through my bag looking for it. The insulated battery pouch also kept the batteries safe. 

Camera batteries die a lot quicker due to extreme cold so it is always best to keep fully charged batteries in your daypack or in your chest pocket. We traveled with at least four extra batteries because once you’re on land there’s no getting back to the ship.

Make a habit of recharging every battery at the end of the day so you have plenty of juice for the next day’s outings. 

Bring Extra Memory Cards and Dry Bags

An expedition trip to Antarctica is a photographers dream trip. But it can also be a photographers nightmare if you aren’t properly prepared.

You’re going to take thousands of photos while exploring Antarctica so naturally your memory cards are going to fill up a whole lot quicker than they usually do. I don’t know about you but I do not like to clear memory cards while I’m out on an adventure.

You are going to need multiple memory cards. We carried at least five memory cards each and filled them all.

Extra dry bags are also key because you can have one set aside for zodiac cruising and you can have one set-aside for your land-based adventures. This will allow you to be prepared in advance. Having an extra dry bag will also allow you to switch out when one gets damp inside.

Memory cards we use: SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Cards

Daypack for walks, hiking, skiff rides: Osprey Farpoint 40 or Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack

Dry bag for camera gear or cellphone:

• Waterproof Dry Bag
• Universal Waterproof Phone Case
• Camera Rain Cover
• Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 150 Camera Bag

Pack a Power Strip

Most of the cabins on an expedition ship are laid out really well, however one thing that is never plentiful in a cabin is outlets. It never fails there’s just one outlet near the desk and one outlet near the nightstand.

That’s not enough room for you to charge everything. Your camera battery charger we’ll take up that whole outlet so that means you can’t charge anything else. Then on top of that charging on ships can be a lot slower than charging your items back at home on land.

It is best to pack a power strip so you can charge all your items at once instead of fighting over that one outlet spot. We travel everywhere with our travel-ready power strip. It allows us to use one outlet but has 4 USB outlets and 4 plug-ins that are spaced correctly for those large camera battery chargers.

Get to the Gift Shop Early

One thing I never worried about or even thought about really was getting to the gift shop early on our Antarctica cruise. Boy oh, boy did I miss out on some good items that sold out quickly.

The gift shop on our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions had many unique gifts. Some were one of a kind and handmade from locations that the ship visits and others were odds and ends of gear that passengers may have forgotten to bring.

Many of the most unique and popular items sellout onboard, so take advantage and get to the gift shop early. If you like something, buy it. It’s not going to last as there is not a large inventory of goods onboard.

Attend the Onboard Seminars

Throughout the trip, there are onboard seminars about certain subjects related to your visit to Antarctica. You can take advantage of these seminars by heading to the lounge or watching them from the tv in your cabin.

If you want to get the most out of your trip to Antarctica be sure to attend every onboard seminar that is offered. These seminars can be about Antarctica’s history, wildlife or even about personal stories from the experienced expedition staff members.

The onboard seminars are a great place for you to connect with fellow travelers and also your expedition leaders in a personal environment. The presentations are given by the expedition leaders that will be out exploring Antarctica with you.

Use the Knowledge of the Staff

The staff of an expedition ship is unlike the staff on a normal cruise ship. They are well educated and have endless knowledge about the areas you’ll be exploring. Many of them have spent years traveling and even staying in Antarctica. 

This is what makes an expedition unique compared to a normal cruise. On our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions, the experienced staff consisted of college professors, researchers, historians, geologists, ornithologists, biologists, resident photographers, naturalists, artists and musicians as members of the expedition team.

What’s magical is that the knowledgeable staff members are not only on the ship but also onshore with you and exploring. This allows you to ask questions right in the field and connect with what they were talking about in their onboard seminars.

Make Friends with Other Travelers

On an expedition to Antarctica, there are many well-traveled and like-minded adventure lovers. Take advantage of this and become friends with these fellow passengers who have plenty in common with you. 

Becoming friends with these passengers won’t only be beneficial to the trip but they will inspire you to explore unique places that they have already visited. Everybody has an impressive travel resume on board, so don’t be scared to strike up a conversation and hear about their past adventures.

Making friends also allowed us to get unique photos of me and Lina that we wouldn’t be able to get otherwise. They took photos of us without us knowing which has a different sense in feeling then canned photos of us smiling together.

Share Your Photos

You’re going to take thousands of photos on your Antarctica cruise. There’s going to be professional photographers and there are going to be amateur photographers. All will take amazing photos but in their own unique ways.

So take advantage of this. No photographer shoots the same, everyone’s eye is different and on top of that, every excursion is different.

Don’t be scared to share your photos with the crew and fellow travelers. Being able to see what other passengers have shot will also help you grow your eye for that award-winning shot.

Some of the most memorable photos I’ve received were from fellow passengers of things that we didn’t see on our zodiac cruise or magical moments of all as a group just experiencing Antarctica.

On our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions , we were able to load all of our photos to an onboard ‘dropbox’. Everyone had easy access to do this in the library and many times the staff members would be willing to do it for us.

This was magical because there was no taking down names or email addresses at the end of the cruise we got a simple web address by the Quark Expeditions staff where we could go and download all of those amazing photos people have shared. 

It didn’t matter if you submitted photos you would still get the link to the professional photos that the Quark Expeditions staff talk of your time in Antarctica.

Plan in 2 Days Before and 2 Days After

Ushuaia is called the End of the World for a reason. It is the gateway to Antarctica. Approximately 90% of all Antarctic cruises leave from the port of Ushuaia. During the summer months, this quiet, sleepy little Argentine city turns into a tourist mecca of travelers that are heading to Antarctica on expedition ships.

Traveling to Ushuaia is not easy and it is a long way to travel, so make sure you get the most out of your trip. Take full advantage of your time in this area by planning in a few extra days before and after your Antarctica cruise in Ushuaia.

There are plenty of amazing activities offered in and around the city. Spend a day exploring the southernmost national park ( Tierra Del Fueo National Park ), explore the Martial Glacier or maybe take a soak in the beautiful green waters of Esmeralda Lagoon .

No matter what there’s plenty to see and do in Ushuaia so make sure you plan in two days before and two days after your cruise.

Top things to do in Ushuaia before your cruise to Antarctica:

• Tierra del Fuego National Park Trekking and Canoeing in Lapataia Bay
• Lakes District 4×4 Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Ushuaia
• The End of the World Train Admission Ticket
• Tierra del Fuego National Park Half-Day Tour with Optional End of the World Train Ride 
• Beagle Channel Sailing Tour: Islands, Penguins and Estancia Harberton

Research About Antarctica Before Your Trip

Before traveling to Antarctica, do your research. There are plenty of amazing books, fascinating podcasts and great movies that will get you excited about your expedition cruise to Antarctica. On top of that, it will give you a little bit of knowledge about Antarctica before visiting.

A little bit of knowledge can go along way. You’ll understand conversations better among crew members and you’ll understand the reasons why they do things a certain way on the expedition.

It will also give you a deep understanding of the wildlife you’ll be viewing. This is all key to making the most out of your cruise to Antarctica.

Books about Antarctica to check out:

• An Intimate Portrait of a Mysterious Continent
• Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage
• The Last Place on Earth
• Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica

Antarctica podcasts to check out:

• Ice Coffee: the history of human activity in Antarctica
• The Antarctic Report
• Meet the Ocean
• Polar Geopolitics

Antarctica movies or tv shows to check out: 

• Antarctica – An Adventure Of A Different Nature – As seen in IMAX Theaters
• Island of the Penguins
• Secrets of Antarctica
• Wildest Antarctica

Have the Right Gear

Having the right gear in Antarctica is extremely important. This will allow you to have the freedom of comfort and to not worry about the cold, wet elements while you’re exploring.

On our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions , they provided us with the proper jackets that would keep us warm and that can withstand everything Antarctica would throw at us. These jackets were extremely well-designed by Quark Expeditions.

I’m not going to go into full details on what you should pack or what you shouldn’t pack, that’s what our Antarctica packing list is for, but for the basics, it is always best to pack multiples of an item.

Pack more than one winter hat. Pack more than one pair of gloves. Have a good pair of rain pants and also don’t forget to pack a neck gaiter to protect your face on the zodiac cruises. Having the proper gear will also keep you from getting sick.

Before heading out on an excursion, one of the mandatory checks is if you have your jacket on, waterproof pants on and that you have your life jacket properly fastened.

You will not be allowed to leave the ship without those items. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a whole lot of other items like gloves and hats that you want to carry with you but the jacket, rain pants, and lifejackets are 100% mandatory.

Like many adventure locations, it is function over fashion. Also, don’t go cheap as these items will not survive in Antarctica. Spend the money and get quality products that will keep you warm and allow you to truly enjoy one of the coldest places on earth.

Take Every Excursion

Antarctica is one of the coolest places on earth, both literally and figuratively. No excursion is the same and you simply cannot miss out on even one excursion. Take advantage of every outing that you can and this will help you get the most out of your Antarctica cruise.

You should expect your trip to have plenty of challenges. There are going to be days that it is raining, there are going to be days that it is bone-chilling cold outside and there are going to be days that you are just flat out tired and want to sleep.

Keep in mind you’ll have so few days to explore Antarctica that you cannot let even one excursion slip by. Every excursion is truly different and you never know what you are going to see. 

Prepare for Tight Quarters

Almost all the cabins on an expedition ship are laid out extremely well, however, be prepared for tight quarters. There isn’t a whole lot of room in your cabin so you should pack accordingly.

There is also not a lot of room for you to spread your items everywhere in the cabin. Just finding a spot for your large suitcase can be difficult at times and some expedition ships even have luggage size restrictions due to the limited cabin space. 

On top of that, the bathrooms are no larger than the smallest closet you have ever had. It can be difficult just going to the bathroom during the Drake shake or even taking a shower in the calmest of seas.

It is best to understand that all expedition ships have tight quarters. This not only goes for in your cabins but also throughout the ship. Hallways are narrow and dining rooms are compact. This is the way of life on an expedition ship. 

It is always best to use handrails, don’t linger through doorways and also allow fellow passengers to make their way by safely at all times.

Bring an Eye Mask and Earplugs

I don’t know about you but I love a good night of sleep, especially after a full day of exploring. This can be difficult on ships due to loud noises of the engine running while sailing, waves hitting the hull and the limited shades that do not truly dark out your room.

All that added up, it can be a nightmare to catch some much-needed z’s on expedition ship to Antarctica.

To combat this you should pack a good eye mask and earplugs, just in case there are things that’ll keep you up at night. Being well-rested will help you make the most of your Antarctic cruise.

Don’t leave home without:

Basic Earplugs or The Original Moldable Silicone Putty Ear Plugs (If sailing at night, boats can be loud at night.)

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask (Because your room will not be dark.)

Understand That Wi-fi Will be Limited

Most people heading to Antarctica are adventure lovers, so this is not the first time that they’ve spent time off the grid. One thing to make the most out of your Antarctica cruise is to understand that Wi-Fi will be limited. Surprisingly, yes, there is Wi-Fi on the expedition ship to Antarctica.

Wi-fi on board will be satellite-based. Satellite connections are great for remote vessels and will allow you to have contact with the mainland at all times throughout your adventure to Antarctica.

However, it is going to be slow and very expensive but if you need it, it is there. If you’re someone who’s just checking emails it will probably work well for you but if you’re someone who wants to load photos to Instagram or Facebook, it is not going to work well at all.

What I suggest is to buy a plan the minute you get on board. Load your emails then disconnect, so your phone does not use up all your time and gigabytes searching. Go back to the cabin and read your emails, answer your emails then reconnect and send them.

This will allow you to get the most out of your Internet usage on an expedition ship to Antarctica.

No matter what you do, don’t try to send photos or try to load photos on Facebook. It’s not worth the frustration and the time you will spend messing around with it. Save that for when your not in an amazing place like Antarctica. 

I’ll be totally honest with you too, our entire business is online and despite this, we never accessed the internet once on our trip. We wanted to experience Antarctica without the distraction. 

Don’t be Scared to Share a Room

I know it’s always awkward, and sometimes scary, to think about sharing a room with a stranger when traveling.  But sharing a room on an Antarctica cruise can save you a ton of money. 

Everyone booking a trip to Antarctica is like-minded and well-traveled. They’re probably among some of the most well-traveled people who have spent multiple nights in shared dorm rooms and have had limited personal space. So I wouldn’t fear about booking a shared room on an expedition cruise to Antarctica.

The shared rooms are laid out well with enough room for your own personal space. Be sure to keep in mind that there’s a lot of room throughout the whole ship and that your room is mostly used for sleeping.

It is possible to spend some alone time in the library, the dining room or in one of the many many unique quiet sitting areas that can be found on the ship.

Prevent Seasickness Before it Starts

It doesn’t matter if you’re prone to seasickness or if you’ve never had it before. The best medicine is preventing it before it starts so you can get the most out of your expedition cruise to Antarctica.

It is best to bring seasickness pill with you, but if you don’t they will have plenty onboard for you. There will also be an experienced doctor on board for prescribed treatments and to help you in case you get sick.

On our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions , the staff went above and beyond to make sure nobody got seasick. We had special snacks and special meals that also included natural ingredients that helped to fight seasickness.

No matter what, take seasickness pills while sailing to Antarctica across the Drake Passage. It’s not worth the risk. It’s not worth the chances of getting seasickness because once it starts you cannot stop it.

Many passengers on our cruise have never had seasickness before but got severely sick and spent a good amount of time miserable during the trip. Don’t let seasickness get you down, have a stockpile of pills on hand . 

Use the Hot Tubs

It’s going to chilly at times, but expedition ships are outfitted to help take off the Antarctic chill. That includes on-deck hot tubs! Take advantage of the hot tubs when you can, many times the best time is right after an excursion.

It is pretty amazing to be able to relax and sit in them while enjoying the amazing landscapes of Antarctica. I’m telling you, once you’re sitting in the hot tub surrounded by Antarctica’s amazing landscapes with a drink in hand, there’s else nothing like it on earth.

Do the Polar Plunge

Waters around Antarctica are bone-chilling and I know what you are thinking, I’m never getting into that freezing cold water willingly. But to tell you the truth, one of the best activities we did on our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions was the polar plunge. 

The polar plunge is a right of passage on an expedition cruise to Antarctica. Not many people can say they have traveled to Antarctica, let alone that they swam in Antarctica’s icy cold waters.

So be sure to join the list of elite travelers who take advantage of this on an expedition cruise to Antarctica. The event’s more of a camaraderie where shipmates and expedition staff leaders join in on the fun. On our expedition we had over 90 people take the plunge. 

Understand the Kayaking Program

This is one thing I didn’t know about until we went to Antarctica. If you sign up for the kayaking program, you will be kayaking every chance they can get. While this sounds amazing, we quickly learned that it came with a trade-off. 

Planning to explore Antarctica by kayak and land? That’s not what you signed up for. You signed up to explore Antarctica by kayak. That means you’ll be spending your day kayaking among millions of iceberg bits, rafts of penguins and amazing snow-covered mountains that meet the bright blue waters of Antarctica.

This can be disappointing at times because you are going to hear about all the amazing experiences that all the other passengers are having on land, experiences you cannot get anywhere else.

On the flip side of this, there will be times that you’ll be able to make those people jealous from when the humpback whale slaps his huge tail just 10 feet away from you in your kayak. 

If you have your heart set on exploring Antarctica by land, you probably do not want to sign up for the full kayaking program. Also, keep in mind however you can decide not to go out with the kayaking program that day which will allow you to explore Antarctica by land but giving up one of your kayaking spots.

This is ok to do once but after that, you may forfeit you kayaking space for someone who is more serious about kayaking in Antarctica. 

There is an Onboard Secret Menu

This is a secret tip that many people do not know about that you can do on any cruise. Sometimes there’s not anything on the menu that you truly want to eat. Or maybe you cannot eat what’s on the menu due to health reasons.

What if I told you, you can order an everyday item off a secret onboard menu anytime?

Well, it is true! Almost all cruise ships offer a special menu that many passengers don’t know about. This menu has great food that normally includes hamburgers, french fries, pizzas, specialty salads, steaks and desserts that cannot be found on the daily menu.

This could be huge when you can’t have what’s on the menu or you have an upset stomach or you’re just looking for some comfort food, like a side order of fries.

It’s definitely worth taking advantage of the unlisted menu if you’re not feeling anything on the main menu.

Take Advantage of the Snacks and Coffee Bar

After an exciting excursion in Antarctica, there is no better way to make the most out of your cruise to Antarctica than by enjoying a snack or stopping by the coffee bar and having a beverage of choice.

This will allow you to hydrate and refuel for your next adventure. The coffee bar is open 24 hours a day with your drink of choice that can be anything from coffee, tea to soda pop. There’s also fresh-baked cookies and other odds and ends, like granola bars, that you can grab at the coffee bar at any time.

Snack time is something not to be missed because it helps you fight hunger until dinner and they are amazing, trust me and I’m not a foodie. Simply put, do not skip snack time.

Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol

One huge tip on how to make the most out of your cruise to Antarctica is to not drink too much alcohol. Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to have a drink here and there. Heck, you’re marking off the seventh continent and a top 100 travel adventure , celebrate but do not too much.

Alcohol affects everyone differently and can affect the inner ear mechanism that censors motion. While sailing, your inner ear can become overstimulated and having a few drinks on board can make you more prone to seasickness.

Beside seasickness, alcohol can also dehydrate you and after a busy day of excursions and being out in the sun and wind, you’re already going to be a little dehydrated. So what is it best to stay hydrated and drink lots of water and give the alcohol a soft pass.

Understand That Things Can Change

Before you set sail to Antarctica, you’ll receive a basic itinerary. This itinerary is a projected outline of where you will go during your trip. It probably will not even resemble your true itinerary in Antarctica, but at least it will give you an idea.

Antarctica is one of the most difficult places to visit and having a set itinerary is nearly impossible. So naturally, you need to understand that things can change and will change during your trip.

Do not get your heart set on visiting a place like Port Lockroy, where you can mail a postcard from Antarctica, because it could be surrounded by ice making it unvisitable by ships. Even if you had it on your itinerary.

Don’t have your heart set on being surrounded by a hundred thousand nesting chinstrap penguins at Baily Head because the seas may be too rough to land on its shore. 

When we sailed, we had a Drake Lake on the way down. It allowed us to get to Antarctica a half-day earlier than previously planned. This allowed us to explore destinations that weren’t on our itinerary and that our expedition staff didn’t expect to stop at.

They crammed in two exciting stops that had us exploring the Antarctica Peninsula all the way till 11 PM at night. Where if they had stuck to the planned itinerary, we would have just sat there doing nothing.  

Remember that the whole point of an expedition is that it’s a true adventure where there is an unknowingness of where you’re going and what you’re going to see. Having an understanding that things can change at a moment’s notice is key to making the most out of your cruise to Antarctica.

It’s pointless to get mad about a change and it’s pointless to complain about a change to the staff members. They are always trying to make the trip amazing for you. It is best to just embrace it and go with the flow.

Embrace the Nature of Adventure

An expedition to Antarctica is an adventure in its own right. What many people don’t understand is that it’s a true adventure. Yes, there’s a set route, yes there’s an idea of where you may be going, by the way, may is the keyword.

Weather, wildlife sightings and the sheer thirst of adventure are what drives an expedition to Antarctica. No expedition to Antarctica is the same and no day is the same.

Take advantage of this by not asking too many questions and letting the adventure unfold in front of you. Embrace the unknown of what is next. It’s not worth asking if you’re going to stop at a certain location or if you are going to see a certain animal.

You need to understand that this is all part of the adventure and it is essential to remember that you are having an experience that so few people will ever have. Embrace it.

Our trip to Antarctica was in partnership with  Quark Expeditions , however all opinions are 100% mine, as always

More on Antarctica:

• Can You Go to Antarctica? Why on Earth Would You Want To!
• How to Visit Antarctica Responsibly: Antarctica Tourism Deep Dive
• 26 UNREAL Things to Do in Antarctica
• Best Time to Visit Antarctica: MONTH by MONTH Breakdown
• Crossing the Drake Passage: What It’s Really Like
• Deception Island: A different side of Antarctica
• Animals in Antarctica You Can See During a Visit
• 121 Epic Antarctica Facts
• Climate Change Awareness from Travel: How to Talk About It
• Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Cruise Essentials for Any Destination!)

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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• Travel Guide

Can You Go To Antarctica? Yes! Here's How To Visit

Can I Go To Antarctica At My Age?

Do you need permission to go to antarctica, how do you get to antarctica, how to get to antarctica from your country, how to get to antarctica from the usa, how to get to antarctica from canada, how to get to antarctica from the uk & europe, how to get to antarctica from australia & new zealand, how to get to antarctica from south africa, how to go to antarctica: tour options, how to get to the south pole, how to visit antarctica—responsibly, how to book a trip to antarctica, antarctica’s white wilderness awaits you.

The fact that Antarctica is so remote and so pristine leads many people to assume this greatest terrestrial wilderness left on Earth is off-limits to tourism. So, can you travel to Antarctica?

Absolutely! Indeed, the White Continent grows more popular as a sightseeing and adventure destination every year, at the latest count some 73,000 annual visitors sailing Antarctica’s waters aboard 60 or more expedition vessels. Sure, it takes a fair amount of planning and preparation, but you’d be amazed how accessible the Antarctic—portions of it, anyway—actually are.

In this article, we’ll run through the basics of getting to Antarctica, typical kinds of tours, and some of the considerations for being an environmentally responsible visitor here: of paramount importance for preserving this incredible, globally precious realm. But before we look at logistics and etiquette for your expedition, let’s address a couple of questions that are often asked by prospective visitors to Antarctica.

Whilst the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) advise a minimum age limit of 5 years, this is not binding, so you will find that many Antarctica tour operators enforce their own age restrictions, with many typically having a minimum age policy of 12 years old, although this can sometimes be as low as 8 years old. There is currently no upper age limit for visiting Antarctica. Indeed, Antarctica attracts visitors of all ages, and on most Antarctica cruises you will find a number of septuagenarians, and even the odd octogenarian.

The choice to visit Antarctica very much comes down to your own health and physical fitness levels. Just bear in mind that typically there are a couple of shore landings per day which may involve hikes on slippy, uneven terrain, and wet Zodiac landings whereby you disembark into shallow water. There is no need to participate in more strenuous pursuits such as kayaking, skiing and mountaineering as these are normally optional add-on activities.

The only real requirement is that you are able to get in and out of the smaller Zodiac boats which are used for excursions. You will also be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire shortly after booking which will be reviewed by your ship’s doctor, but this is usually just to check if you have any medical conditions that may prevent you from participating in certain activities rather than not allowing you to go. For example, having a pacemaker would mean you wouldn’t be allowed to do the polar plunge.

Relaxing onboard

Citizens of many countries do indeed need permission to travel to Antarctica. Specifically, travelers living in countries that are party to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty—which originally included a dozen signatories and now counts 56—must have a permit. That was established in the early 1990s with the adoption of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. This includes those coming to Antarctica from, for example, the United States, Canada, the U.K., China, Australia, and Germany.

This needn’t be complicated, however. In nearly all cases, your permit is taken care of by the tour operator you’re going through. So it’s basically a non-issue, unless you’re undertaking an independent expedition to Antarctica—not an especially common route, needless to say. (Can you go to Antarctica without permission? Technically, you might be able to if you reside in one of the non-signatory countries, but probably only if you get yourself to the White Continent: If you’re signing on to a cruise or flight operated out of a signatory nation, you likely will need a permit regardless of your citizenship.)

You will need a valid passport to travel to Antarctica, but because Antarctica belongs to no country you don’t need a visa to travel there per se, however any country you do pass through to get to Antarctica (such as Argentina, Chile, Australia or New Zealand) may require a visa depending on your country of origin.

Far and away the most popular jumping-off point for Antarctica is Ushuaia, Argentina, set down in Tierra del Fuego: the southernmost reach of mainland South America, and therefore just a stone’s throw—relatively speaking—to the Antarctic realm. From this port—readily reached by direct flight from Buenos Aires, and fascinating in and of itself—cruises head for the Drake Passage, the fabled oceanic frontier between South America’s Cape Horn and Antarctica. This usually takes anywhere from a day and a half to three days to cross. The notoriously rough Drake Passage is its own attraction, thanks to its wild ambience and its rich array of birdlife and marine mammals.

That said, some tourists who are (a) strapped for time and/or (b) prone to seasickness prefer to skip the voyage across the Drake Passage and embark from Punta Arenas, Chile, flying directly to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands in just 2 hours rather than 2 days at sea. From there, these “fly-cruise” customers can then join ships touring the Antarctic Peninsula, the ultimate destination for passengers sailing out of Ushuaia. It’s worth noting that this option does limit your choice of ships, itinerary and departures dates somewhat, and often proves more expensive.

Such itineraries (depending on whether you skip the Drake Passage or not) often run a week to a week-and-a-half or so. But many travelers who can afford to do so opt for longer expeditions—sometimes up to three weeks in duration—allowing them to spend more time exploring the sub-Antarctic islands, such as the Falklands and South Georgia, which serve up as extraordinary a wildlife smorgasbord as the Antarctic Peninsula—plus their own remote, windswept Southern Ocean splendor.

Charming Ushuaia port

South America ports —foremost Ushuaia (cruises) , then Punta Arenas (fly-cruises) —serve as the primary launchpad for Antarctic trips, with some 98% of visitors approaching Antarctica from its nearest continental neighbor. But it’s also definitely possible to journey to the White Continent from Oceania , via such jump-offs as Invercargill or Dunedin, New Zealand and the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, Australia . Predominantly aimed at the Ross Sea and such East Antarctica locales as Commonwealth Bay, these trips tend to involve longer Southern Ocean passages on the order of a week or thereabouts, with a total duration commonly around a month or so. Such sub-Antarctic islands in between as Australia’s Macquarie and New Zealand’s Campbell and Auckland archipelagos are often included in these sails.

Most Antarctica cruise itineraries are round-trip in nature, embarking and disembarking from the same port, but there are some notable exceptions. Fly-cruise goers who want to save time and still cross the Drake Passage may choose to fly out from Punta Arenas and sail back to Ushuaia (or vice versa). Once a season there may also be rare “repositioning” cruises beginning in Punta Arenas, Buenos Aires or Puerto Madryn (Argentina) which will end in Ushuaia, and the odd  trans-oceanic itinerary starting in Ushuaia and ending in Cape Town (South Africa).

In addition to the above ports, a number of Southern Hemisphere cities serve as departures for flights to or over Antarctica, including Punta Arenas (Chile), Sydney (Australia) and Cape Town (South Africa), amongst others.

The two aforementioned port cities of Ushuaia (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile) where the majority of cruises leave from unfortunately don’t have international airports, so to get to them you’ll most likely have to fly via Buenos Aires (Argentina), or Santiago (Chile) respectively.

Whilst the international airport in Santiago—Arturo Merino Benitez (SCL)—is also used for the domestic flights to Punta Arenas making connections simple, if you fly via Buenos Aires note that the flights to Ushuaia are from the domestic airport Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP), so a transfer is required from the city’s Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). Given at least four hours should be left between flights for this transfer and subsequent check in, many travelers to Antarctica choose to include a stopover in Buenos Aires as part of their plans.

Getting to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires: Daily direct flights to Buenos Aires operate from Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas and New York (approx. 9-10 hours). Once in Buenos Aires, there are regular flights to Ushuaia (approx. 4 hours).

Getting to Punta Arenas via Santiago: There are daily, direct flights to Santiago from Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, New York and Los Angeles (approx. 8-10 hours). Once in Santiago, there are regular flights to Punta Arenas (approx. 3.5 hrs).

Punta Arenas

Getting to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires: There are daily indirect flights to Buenos Aires from Toronto and Montreal via Bogota, Miami, Panama City or Punta Cana, with extra routes via Lima or Havana also available from Toronto (all approx. 13 hours). Once in Buenos Aires there are regular flights to Ushuaia (approx. 4 hours).

Getting to Punta Arenas via Santiago: There are direct flights from Toronto to Santiago 5 times a week (approx. 10 hours). Once in Santiago there are regular flights to Punta Arenas (approx. 3.5 hours).

Getting to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires: There are direct flights to Buenos Aires daily from Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, Barcelona and Rome, and 5 times a week from London (approx. 14 hours). Once there, there are regular flights to Ushuaia (approx. 4 hours).

Getting to Punta Arenas via Santiago: There are direct flights to Santiago daily from Paris and Madrid, and 4 times a week from London and Barcelona (approx. 14 hours). Once there, there are regular flights to Punta Arenas (approx. 3.5 hours).

Getting to Punta Arenas via Santiago: There are direct flights to Santiago from Auckland daily (approx. 11 hours) and from Sydney 4 times a week (approx. 12 hours). Once there, there are regular flights to Punta Arenas (approx. 3.5 hours).

Getting to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires: As there are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Buenos Aires, travelers must first fly to Santiago (as above) from where there are regular flights to Buenos Aires (approx. 2 hours). Once in Buenos Aires there, there are regular flights to Ushuaia (approx. 4 hours).

Getting to Antarctica directly: Alternatively, you may avoid going via South America altogether. You might choose to cruise directly from Oceania, as a handful of cruises depart each season from Hobart in Tasmania (approx. 7 days to reach Antarctica), or Invercargill or Dunedin, New Zealand (approx. 5 days to reach Antarctica). There are flights to Hobart from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide in Australia, and flights to Invercargill and Dunedin from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in New Zealand respectively. Alternatively, for those that are content with only seeing Antarctica from above for a few hours, there are also infrequent round-trip flight options from Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne and Perth in Australia allowing you to see Antarctica in a day (approx. 3-4 hours to reach Antarctica).

Getting to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires: You could fly from Cape Town or Johannesburg to Luanda, Angola (approx. 4 hours) and on to São Paulo, Brazil (approx. 8 hours) before flying on to Buenos Aires (approx. 3 hours). Once there, there are regular flights to Ushuaia (approx. 4 hours).

Getting to Punta Arenas via Santiago: There are no direct flights from South Africa to South America. You could fly to Santiago from Cape Town or Johannesburg via Atlanta, Paris, London or even Sydney (approx. 24 hours). Once there, there are regular flights to Punta Arenas (approx. 3.5 hours).

Getting to Antarctica directly: In the past, Antarctic research ships have embarked upon expeditions from both Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, but currently there are no regular Antarctic cruises scheduled to depart from South Africa. However—if you have the money—you may avoid going via South America and consider flying direct to Antarctica from Cape Town (approx. 5 hours to reach Antarctica) by exclusive private jet. In contrast to the Australia day-trip flights which only allow you to see Antarctica from above, from South Africa you get to experience the real interior of Antarctica in a single day and actually land at Wolf’s Fang Runway, spending a few hours hiking, biking and picnicking on the ice before your return flight. There are also longer fly-in itineraries of 4-8 day’s duration staying at luxury camps on the White Continent.

Please note that although no Antarctic cruises currently depart from South Africa, several cruise companies do offer trans-oceanic itineraries from Ushuaia to Cape Town via Antarctica.

Cruising the Southern waters

Both large cruise ships and smaller, expedition-style vessels ply Antarctic waters. The big cruise ships provide more onboard luxuries and comforts, but less flexibility and reach; due to both environmental and logistical limitations, the biggest don’t offer landfalling options, functioning purely as “cruise-by” sightseeing. You’ll also, unsurprisingly, be rubbing shoulders with more people, as these vessels may carry more than 1,000 passengers.

Smaller expedition cruises are the preeminent choice for those with time enough to experience Antarctica by water. Indeed, many seasoned visitors contend this is the best way to see Antarctica, all else being equal. These ice-worthy ships commonly ferry under 100 passengers, and no more than a couple hundred, along the Antarctic Peninsula, and interweave thrilling landfalls and small-group Zodiac cruises as part of the daily itinerary.

Expect onboard naturalists and other guides regardless of whether you’re riding a massive cruise ship or an expedition craft.

Besides the fly-cruise itineraries that combine flights to the vicinity of the Antarctic Peninsula with shipboard sightseeing, there are various plane-only experiences available on the White Continent. These include time-efficient fly-overs that serve up a bird’s-eye of this spectacular wilderness without ever touching down, plus the more exclusive (and expensive) fly-in trips actually landing you in the little-visited Antarctic interior.

A very few people, relatively speaking, make that aforementioned odyssey into the heart of the White Continent. But it is possible, if you have the financial resources and requisite thirst for adventure. Fly-in trips can involve skiing, mountaineering (the Vinson Massif, Antarctica’s 16,050-foot rooftop, is a coveted goal for adventurers, particularly those looking to notch off all of the Seven Summits), and setting foot, one way or another, on the near-mythic South Pole.

Compared to the usual explorations of the Antarctic Peninsula, travels into the Antarctic interior don’t serve up much in the way of wildlife: The chief attraction is the raw scenery and the utter back-of-beyond remoteness. However, such fly-in trips are a good option for those eager to see emperor penguins in their farflung haunts; this biggest of penguin species, the only kind to overwinter in the heart of Antarctica, is only fleetingly seen on typical cruises along the Peninsula.

South pole host

So—you are indeed able to visit Antarctica, no question, armed naturally with the requisite permit. But the chance to see this dreamscape—its fluted icebergs, looming ice-shelves, seal colonies, penguin towns, ice-armored summits, whale-plowed leads and bays—comes with some heady responsibility. That’s only as it should be, given the White Continent is the last great subaerial wilderness on Earth. Everybody coming here—researchers, tour operators, guides, and tourists—must do their part to minimize impacts on the landscape and seascape and their ecosystems.

Choosing an Antarctic experience via an International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) outfit is fundamental to responsible ecotourism. The IAATO maintains an excellent collection of online resources focused on visitor guidelines for Antarctica, well worth checking out even if you’re only in the early stages of considering such a trip.

Now you know that you can go to Antarctica, how to get there from your home country, and your options on how to visit, all that’s left to do is to book your trip to Antarctica (and any requisite insurance). Booking an Antarctica cruise can set you back anywhere between USD$6,000 and USD$50,000—a not insignificant amount—so you’ll want to know you are in safe hands, are getting the best value for your money that you can, and are going to get the experience you think you are paying for (not all ships allow you to set foot on the continent for example).

Booking a trip to Antarctica via a trusted travel agency with expertise in expedition cruising gives you access to a wider array of cruise options, more impartial advice, and greater visibility of the trips and deals available across the market than if you go directly through an operator. This often means you’ll pay less for your desired experience and provides the kind of peace of mind that can only be gained by talking with experts.

How hard is it to go to Antarctica? Not all that hard, in fact—not in this day and age. Considering the extreme isolation and overall inhospitality of the White Continent—and remembering the epic trials and travails early explorers endured to even get close to its icy margins—it’s remarkably straightforward to see this place.

A well-chosen tour operator will take care of all the nitty-gritty details, and you can focus on the once-in-a-lifetime experience: whales spyhopping amid ice floes, penguins porpoising through the water, the delicious remoteness of polar peaks and soaring ice battlements, and all the rest of the singular magic at play down here at the bottom of the world!

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Our travel guides are for informational purposes only. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, Antarctica Cruises makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information in our guides or found by following any link on this site.

Antarctica Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

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Get in touch with us via phone or form today and you’ll be assigned a dedicated Antarctica specialist who’ll be with you every step of the way to help you choose, book and plan the right Antarctica cruise for you. Here’s how it works:

Listen & Match

We’ll carefully listen to your aspirations and curate an impartial shortlist of personalized polar cruise recommendations—and pre- and post-cruise extensions—to match your desired experience.

Reserve & Relax

Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed.

Prepare & Travel

Then we’ll provide you with our expert packing advice, insider travel tips, and more to ensure you are fully prepared for—and maximize your enjoyment of—your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition.

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From the northern wilderness of the Great Lakes to Old Panama City, Patagonia, the Chilean Fjords and Antarctica, our state-of-the-art expedition ships are designed to explore these stunning destinations as never before. Our onboard science programs support research efforts and scientific discoveries that offer you every opportunity to learn about the world around you. Experience an epic journey to the “White Continent” and across the Americas in Viking comfort with one seamless expedition.

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Highlights of longitudinal world cruises.

Our Longitudinal World Cruises offer a unique way to experience some of the world’s most fascinating destinations between north and south, spanning the waterways and oceans of the New World and Antarctica. These itineraries are carefully curated to immerse you in the rich histories and vibrant cultures of your destinations and take you closer to majestic wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes in North, Central and South America, as well as Antarctica. Depending on the itinerary, here are some highlights you may experience:

• Navigate the locks and canals of the Great Lakes on our small, purpose-built ships
• Admire the power and majesty of the world-famous Niagara Falls
• Witness Toronto’s eclectic architecture and colorful street life
• Watch for cormorants, hawks and skuas in Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s Maritime provinces
• Visit well-preserved colonial homes in Charleston, South Carolina
• Savor a traditional Meso-American style fish dish in the Yucatán
• Experience the charm of historic Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Marvel at Caribbean marine life on a submarine dive
• Discover Brazil's colonial past and vibrant modern life in Recife
• Traverse the equator
• Kayak in the picturesque Chilean fjords
• Become a Citizen Scientist and participate in fieldwork in Antarctica"

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2024-2026 EXPEDITION CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from August 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all itineraries except World Cruise products. Special fares plus FREE airfare valid on select departures of Antarctic Explorer, Antarctic Explorer & the Americas, Antarctica & South Georgia Island, Argentina & the Chilean Fjords, Canada & East Coast Explorer, Canada & the Atlantic Coastline, Canadian Discovery, Chilean Fjords & Patagonia Explorer, Chilean Fjords & Scenic Shores, Great Lakes Collection, Great Lakes Explorer, Niagara & the Great Lakes, Panama & Scenic South America, Panama Canal & the Americas, Patagonia, Fjords & Panama Canal, Patagonian Shores & Chilean Fjords, The Americas & Antarctic Explorer, Undiscovered Great Lakes, Great lakes Treasures . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full at time of booking. 2025 : Pay in full by October 31, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by April 31, 2025. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offers Expires August 31, 2024.

*$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to January 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to March 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $999 per person addon or Business Class air from $3,499 per person addon based on select itineraries, gateways, and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.