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Antarctica Cruises, Ships & Tours

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• South Georgia

Falkland Islands

Weddell sea, tips for planning your antarctic cruise, how to choose an antarctic cruise.

• Book early! Fewer than 60,000 people step foot on Antarctica each year and many ships fill up many months or even years ahead of time. Plan your trip at least a year ahead of time, or even earlier if you can, for the best prices and selection.
• Choose a smaller ship, preferably with less than 200 passengers. By choosing a smaller cruising vessel for your Antarctica cruise, you are guaranteeing yourself a superior on board  experience with more opportunities for daily excursions to small bays and ports. Ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to land their passengers ashore in Antarctica.
• Choose your cruise based on activities, destinations, and cruise line experience. Use this guide, or contact one of our Antarctica cruise experts  and we'll help you find the itinerary and ship that is best suited to your you. 
• Be prepared for rough seas. If you are affected by motion sickness, then take tried and tested medications or treatments. Consider taking a flight cruise that can fly you either one, or both ways from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island.

Top-Rated Small Antarctic Cruise Ships

Magellan explorer, sylvia earle, ultramarine, greg mortimer, national geographic endurance, ocean albatros, world explorer, ocean adventurer (sea adventurer), ocean victory, ms seaventure, antarctica highlights.

• Zodiac Expeditions: Delve into the heart of Antarctica's icy realm on Zodiac expeditions. Get unbelievably close to massive icebergs and glaciers that defy imagination. Encounter unique wildlife such as seals, penguins, and majestic whales, making every moment a captivating memory.
• Antarctica Camping Trips: For an unparalleled connection with the environment, camp under the starry skies of Antarctica. Some cruises offer camping experiences complete with all the necessary equipment, ensuring your safety while you immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the continent.
• Kayak Among Marine Life: Glide through the pristine waters of Antarctica in a kayak, coming face to face with the remarkable marine life that calls this continent home. Paddle through stunning ice formations and observe seals and penguins in their natural habitat.
• Snowshoeing and Skiing: Embrace the adventure spirit by snowshoeing or skiing on the pristine slopes of Antarctica. Some cruises include these exhilarating activities in their itineraries and provide top-notch equipment for guests seeking an adrenaline rush.
• Glacier Hikes: Embark on glacier hikes through awe-inspiring white landscapes, all while spotting the incredible wildlife that inhabits this unique region. It's an opportunity to stay active and witness wildlife thriving in their natural habitat.
• Scientific Explorations: Visit science research stations and onboard science labs to delve into the cutting-edge research conducted in Antarctica. Learn about the history of exploration in Antarctica and gain insights into the current challenges facing the continent.
• Breathtaking Sceneries: Be prepared to be mesmerized by the inspiring and breathtaking sceneries of Antarctica. Marvel at the incredible species that call this pristine wilderness home every step of the way.
• Relaxation and Luxury: Amidst the adventure, take time to unwind and pamper yourself. Enjoy moments of relaxation as you tour or sail through the blue waters of Antarctica. Many cruises offer onboard services like spas, massages, fine dining, hot tubs, and more, ensuring you have the best of both worlds during your expedition.

Top 10 Things to Do and See in Antarctica: A Complete Guide

Antarctic wildlife, top places to visit in antarctica.

• Antarctic Peninsula : This is one of the most visited regions in Antarctica and is known for its stunning landscapes, research stations, and abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Cross the Lemaire Channel back or from notable visitor sites along the Antarctic Peninsula include Paradise Bay , Deception Island , Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, Half Moon Island, and Petermann Island.
• East Antarctica: The vast and largely unexplored eastern portion of Antarctica contains the coldest and driest areas of the continent.
• West Antarctica: This region is characterized by its massive ice sheets and glaciers, including the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. It is an important area for scientific research on climate change.
• Ross Sea : Located in the southernmost part of the Pacific Ocean, the Ross Sea region is home to the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica. It is a critical area for studying the continent's marine ecosystem, Visit Brown Bluff (Tabarin Peninsula) or sail to the remote Peter I Island and Macquarie Island as you approach New Zealand .
• Weddell Sea : Situated off the eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea is known for its diverse wildlife and historic significance, including the famous Shackleton expedition.
• South Orkney Islands: These islands are a sub-Antarctic archipelago located in the Southern Ocean, not far from the Antarctic Peninsula. They are home to various bird species and marine life.
• South Shetland Islands : This archipelago is a popular stop for Antarctic cruises, serving as a gateway to the continent. It is known for its research stations and wildlife, including penguins and seals. Notable visitor sites within the South Shetland Islands include Livingston Island, Hannah Point (Livingston Island), Elephant Island , and Aitcho Islands.
• South Sandwich Islands : This group of uninhabited islands located in the South Atlantic Ocean is home to a variety of seabirds and marine mammals, including chinstrap penguins, fur seals, albatrosses, and orcas.
• Sub-Antarctic Islands: These islands are scattered throughout the Southern Ocean and are known for their unique ecosystems, including various bird species and marine life. Sail to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island . Explore visitor sites such as Port Stanley (capital), Saunders Island, Carcass Island, West Point Island, and Sea Lion Island.
• Scotia Arc: This chain of islands and undersea ridges connects South America with the Antarctic Peninsula. It is an important migratory route for marine animals.
• Balleny Islands: These remote sub-Antarctic islands lie in the Southern Ocean and are known for their isolation and unique geology.

Antarctica Travel Guide

Ushuaia airport & transportation, antarctica fly + cruise, best time of year to travel to antarctica, antarctica weather.

• November: This is when tourism to Antarctica begins to kick off. Days start to lengthen, and sea ice retreats, marking the Antarctic "spring" in full force. While temperatures are still chilly, it's a great time for those seeking pristine landscapes and wildlife, including penguin mating rituals and seals having pups. Skiers and snowshoers will find ideal conditions in November and early December
• December: Among the most popular months for visiting, December offers optimal weather, long days, and access to stunning scenery and wildlife. It includes the austral summer solstice, providing extended daylight and relatively warmer temperatures. Penguin hatchlings and chicks are a highlight, and it's a great time for various activities, including kayaking and camping.
• January: Another prime month for tourism, January features ideal weather conditions, long daylight hours, and extensive access to the mainland and coastline. Temperatures are at their warmest, and there's an abundance of wildlife to observe, including penguins and increasing numbers of whales.
• February: Although tourist numbers start to decline from the December/January peak, February continues to offer fine weather. Daylight remains ample, and sea ice is at its yearly minimum, allowing for deeper exploration into the Antarctic wilderness. Whale-watching is particularly rewarding during this time. Scuba divers may prefer mid-December through mid-February
• March: The tail-end of the austral summer provides less-crowded sightseeing opportunities, minimal sea ice, and the chance to experience the "Antarctic fall." While temperatures cool off, March offers lower cruise prices, clearer waters for diving, and unique wildlife experiences, such as leopard seals hunting penguin chicks.
• Don't introduce any non-native species that could become invasive species.
• Always listen to your guides and the ship's crew while on day-trips.
• Make sure to observe animals from a safe distance and never try to touch them (at least 15 feet is a good recommendation).
• Don't feed any animals.
• Stay on designated walking paths.
• Allow animals enough space to make their own navigation decisions. 
• Do not surround any animal or go between baby animals and their mothers.

What's it like on an Antarctic Cruise?

A Typical Day on an Antarctica Cruise

Expeditions to the south pole, south pole expeditions.

• The cruising season in the Arctic is from May to September, while in Antarctica it runs from November through March.
• While temperatures in Antarctica can be more extreme than in the Arctic, the cruising season tends to stay between 20-30 degree Fahrenheit, with plenty of sunny days (sometimes with 24 hours of sunlight each day). 
• A trip through the Arctic might bring you through any of the following countries: Canada, the US, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Finland. Longer comprehensive cruises might do the whole Northwest Passage or cruise almost all of the Arctic Circle. Cruises board either in Scandinavia, Russia, or Canada.
• Antarctica trips either start in Ushuaia, Argentina for cruises or Punta Arenas for the fly cruises over the Drake Passage . 
• Polar bears or Penguins - While penguins are so prolific in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean that the idea of not seeing hundreds on your cruise seems absurd, the polar bears of the Arctic can be much harder to spot (though some feel that they are more majestic and rewarding when you do spot them). NOTE: Polar bears live in the Arctic and penguins live in the southern hemisphere, so there is nowhere (other than perhaps a zoo) where you will see them both living in their natural habitat on the same trip. 
• Wildlife in Antarctica features more whales and many different types of seals. 
• Active travelers might prefer Antarctica for the chances to do activities like camping, kayaking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, paddleboarding or scuba diving, which aren't included on Arctic tours for safety reasons.
• Ice vs. Land: Antarctica is aptly named the White Continent because its landmass is almost entirely permanently frozen ice and glaciers with towering rocky mountains, while the Arctic Circle goes through a summer season of lush vegetation when its icy coat melts away.

Antarctica Cruise Lines

Penguins of antarctica.

• Adelie Penguins - are common along the entire coast of the Antarctic continent and is the most widely-spread penguin species.
• Emperor Penguins - the tallest, heaviest and perhaps most famous of the penguin species.
• King Penguins - the second largest penguin, and similar in appearance to the Emperors, King Penguins live in the sub-antarctic islands and northern regions of Antarctica.
• Rockhopper Penguins  - get their name because they are found jumping from jagged rock to rock instead of waddling like most penguins. 
• Chinstrap Penguins - are easily distinguishable by their black chinstrap, which makes it look like they're wearing a bicycle helmet!
• Gentoo Penguins  - are related to the Adelie and Chinstraps, and perhaps the speediest of the penguins in the water. 
• Macaroni Penguins - with their distinctive spikey orange crests, are perhaps the world's most abundant penguin species, though they only visit Antarctica part of the year.

Antarctica Travel FAQ's

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How Much Does It Cost to Go to Antarctica?

Cruising among massive glaciers and walking among penguins on the White Continent is a dream come true for many travelers. But the cost to go to Antarctica may cause some sleepless nights. Our experts share their inside knowledge and money-saving tips to help you answer the question “How much does it cost to go to Antarctica?”

The average Antarctica cruise cost is about $8,000 per person. The least expensive trips to Antarctica start at under $5,000. Luxury voyages can exceed $15,000 per person.

IN THIS POST – Antarctica Cruise Cost: Antarctica Price Factors Budget Cruise Cost Mid-Range Cruise Cost Luxury Cruise Costs Ship Size & Cost Cabin Considerations Antarctica Cruise Price – What’s Included? Extra Antarctica Cruise Costs Essential Expenses Solo Traveler Costs Price By Season How to Save on Antarctica Cost to Go to Antarctica More Resources

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Antarctica Trip Price Factors

Antarctic trip costs can vary widely based on several things. The number of days, the time of year, when you book, the ship itself and cabin category are the primary factors influencing Antarctica cruise price.

The price is also based on where you are going, with Falkland Islands and South Georgia cruise itineraries and emperor penguin voyages in the Weddell Sea being among the highest since these voyages are longer.

In addition to the cruise price, there are additional expenses travelers should account for to calculate the full Antarctica travel cost. These include the cost of flights, pre- or post-cruise hotel overnights, added optional adventure activities and gear.

Antarctica Cruise Cost Varies by Ship

Antarctica cruise prices can vary significantly depending on the style and amenities of the ship. Converted research vessels are simple and affordable. Traditional expedition ships have cruised in comfort for years. Newly designed, next-generation ships are taking technology and luxury to a whole new level. There are Antarctica trips and ships to fit every budget and style.   

Budget Antarctica Cruises

Simple expedition ships with fewer inclusions, basic amenities and smaller cabins will cost less. Budget cruises range from just under $5,000 per person to $8,000. These cost-effective expeditions are like cruising base camps that focus on adventure over amenities. Expect simple but clean and comfortable accommodations. Triple and quad cabins and shared bathrooms can keep costs down. These ships feature no-frills common areas, basic but satisfying meals and foreign crew.

A budget Antarctica cruise will offer an experienced expedition crew and off-vessel activities to explore up close. Affordable cruise packages may not include internal flights, pre-cruise hotel overnights, airport transfers, or added excursions such as sea kayaking or snowshoeing. Be sure to review inclusions before you budget the full cost of your Antarctica trip.

VIEW BUDGET CRUISES

See the full list of the most affordable itineraries.

Mid-Range Cruises

Most cruises fall into the mid-range price category and will cost $8,000 to $15,000 per person. These are typically seasoned expedition vessels with many years’ experience plying polar waters. These ships offer the sweet spot between comfort and price. A variety of cabins and onboard comforts, from simple to upscale, will satisfy most travelers. Amenities such as gyms, libraries, lecture rooms and comfortable lounges create an atmosphere familiar to experienced small ship cruisers. Expedition crew and onboard programs are a highlight, meals are delicious and off-vessel activities are extensive. You do not have to sacrifice comfort for price on a mid-range cruise. 

VIEW MID-RANGE CRUISES

See the itineraries that balance comfort & price.

Luxury Cruises

A modern fleet of purpose-built expedition ships has emerged in recent years, offering a new level of comfort and efficiency in polar cruising. Newly launched luxury ships with modern amenities, the finest cabins and upscale service will cost more. Expect to pay $15,000 or more per person for a luxury cruise. Entry level cabins may cost a bit less while the sky is the limit for luxury suites. Many travelers think the extra price is worthwhile.

Modern design with stabilizers and even X-BOW® technology can make a smoother (less rough) voyage. Newer, more efficient engines travel faster, shortening the time to cross the Drake Passage or other rough seas. Luxury Antarctica cruises will feature Jacuzzis, a full-service spa, gourmet cuisine and five-star service. Cabins and suites are larger and can include large view windows or even balconies. Guides and science-based tools for exploration, such as underwater rovers and video microscopes, are the best available. 

VIEW LUXURY CRUISES

See the White Continent’s finest itineraries.

Ship Size & Fleet Considerations

The size of the ship may influence your Antarctica cruise cost and the experience. Larger ships have economies of scale and can present a good value. But also consider that only 100 guests are allowed ashore at one time in Antarctica. So, a larger Antarctica ship might present more time in the Zodiac or more time waiting and less time ashore.

Different ships within the same fleet can vary. As stated above, newer and more recently remodeled ships with updated amenities and more space will cost more.

This is where an expert opinion can assist. We have cruised aboard or personally inspected every ship we represent. Our experience will help you find the best trip at the lowest price.

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Cabin Category & Antarctica Price

Once you have selected your ship, the cabin category will greatly influence the overall cost of a cruise to Antarctica .

In general cabins lower on the ship, closer to the waterline, are the least expensive. These cabins are sometimes on the interior of the ship or have portholes instead of view windows. Ships that offer triple or quad bed configurations can further reduce your Antarctica trip cost. Shared bathrooms will reduce your Antarctica price even further. A benefit of being lower on the ship is less rocking when rough seas are encountered.

As you get higher on the ship the staterooms often get nicer and feature more space, large view windows and sometimes balconies. On higher decks you are closer to outdoor observation decks and therefore closer to Antarctica. Suites can offer much more space, with a sitting area in addition to the bedroom. Luxury ships might offer upscale amenities such as heated bathroom floors, in-room WiFi, entertainment systems or even butler and room service.

VIEW ALL SHIPS

See the small ship options in Antarctica.

Antarctica Cruise Price: What’s Included?

When researching Antarctica cruise costs, be sure to review inclusions and exclusions carefully. Antarctica luxury cruises will have a higher initial price, but often include items such as pre-cruise hotel overnights, round-trip charter flights to Ushuaia and ground transportation between the airport and the ship. Luxury cruises may also include complimentary amenities such as expedition parkas, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, unlimited WiFi and even all shore excursions.

Budget-minded cruises will not include flights or pre-cruise hotel overnights. They may charge for optional activities such as kayaking or snowshoeing. Some may even add port fees or taxes to the advertised price. These costs can add up so be sure to include them when calculating your overall Antarctica trip cost.

Extra Antarctica Trip Costs

Flights are the largest expense in addition to your Antarctica cruise cost. Air from North America to Buenos Aires average $1,200 to $1,500 per person. Flights can drop as low as $600 or go as high as $2,000 if you book last-minute.

If not included in your cruise cost, the round-trip flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia can set you back an additional $300 to $1,000. Some cruises will offer an optional charter flight package to Ushuaia while for others it may be required but not included. Specialty Antarctica air cruises that fly passengers over the Drake Passage include this charter flight in the trip cost; learn more about these cruises with flights to Antarctica .

All our Antarctica cruises include complimentary shore excursions such as small craft explorations and shore walks. Some include additional activities such as sea kayaking and overnight camping, but most will charge extra for this type of optional activity. A typical sea kayaking, snowshoeing, one-time paddle or stand-up paddleboarding package will cost $300 to $1,200 per person. More extreme activities such as ski/snowboard touring, mountaineering or scuba diving can run as high as $2,200.

Travel Essential Expenses

You don’t need much gear to travel to Antarctica but there are a few things to consider. Most ships include insulated rubber muck boots needed for excursions ashore. If not, there are gear rental services available so you don’t have to purchase and pack boots you may use on this trip only. See our outfitters page for gear rentals.

The days of an included expedition parka on every trip are over. Luxury ships will include this in the price and it’s yours to keep. Some ships offer one for use for the duration of the trip. Others don’t include one at all. Most outfitters will be happy to sell you a parka, which can be a nice memento of your adventure. Purchasing a heavy snow jacket at your local outfitter should suffice and is the most cost-effective option.

Other items you will need include waterproof pants, gloves, a warm hat, binoculars, camera and other travel essentials. AdventureSmith will provide a packing guide, but don’t forget to add these items to your Antarctica travel budget if you don’t already own them. View our online store stocked with adventure gear and accessories. Stock up on our selection of the best Antarctica books.

Antarctica Cruise Cost for Solo Travelers

Some ships offer a willing-to-share program to help solo travelers keep costs down. If you are willing to share with a same-sex roommate, then you will be paired with another traveler to avoid paying a single supplement. Other ships might offer dedicated single cabins at a reduced rate. Or single travelers can opt to pay a supplement to guarantee a cabin of their own. Antarctica is popular with solo travelers, so we advise you book early to get the best price. 

Antarctica Cruise Costs by Season

The time of year you travel will have a significant impact on your Antarctica cruise cost. The most expensive time to travel is during high season from mid-December through the end of February. The cost is lowest in November and March. In general travelers can save about 20% by traveling in the shoulder seasons. Learn more about the best time to visit Antarctica .

Antarctica Deals & Tips to Save

Saving money is your best ticket to Antarctica. There are no shortage of agencies advertising budget Antarctica cruises. We advise travelers to focus not only on price, but also on value. Picking the right cruise is as important as finding the best Antarctica price. See our selection of Antarctica cruise deals and money saving tips . Then contact our experts to get the best value and price on your trip to Antarctica. 

So, How Much Does It Cost to Go to Antarctica?

Put it all together and the average cost to go to Antarctica is $7,000-$10,000 per person. With this budget you’ll get a solid vessel, up-close explorations, great guides and the trip of a lifetime. You will sleep soundly knowing your expedition cruise was worth every penny. 

MORE ANTARCTICA RESOURCES : Antarctica Travel Guide Antarctica Cruises Luxury Antarctica Cruises Falkland Islands & South Georgia Cruises Cruises with Flights to Antarctica Best Time to Visit Antarctica How to Get to Antarctica Things to Do in Antarctica Places in Antarctica Antarctica Ships Best Antarctica Cruise Lines Antarctica Cruise Deals Antarctica Cruise Reviews

Have a question about the cost of Antarctica travel ? Please use the comments below and our experts will answer right away. Or sign up for the AdventureSmith Explorations newsletter to have the latest about Antarctica delivered to your inbox. Interested in a quote or want to check availability? Contact us .

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Going to Antarctica would be the trip of a lifetime,……. as I have been to the other six continents I really would love to go there to have the bragging rights. Will it happen ?? I certainly won’t rule it out. John Ireland

Hi John, We totally agree! Our experts have been to Antarctica and we’re ready to help you get there too. Check out our Antarctica cruise deals and get in touch when you’re ready to start planning. Still researching? Consider our other Antarctica cruise and travel guides , including recommendations on the best Antarctica cruise lines and the best time to visit Antarctica . Let’s get you to the 7th continent.

What Travelers Say About Their Antarctica Trips

We thoroughly enjoyed all the land activities --- penguins, whales, seals, and spectacular ice formations. The Zodiacs were an excellent way to see all of this.

Great cruise choice!!!! They were excellent. It was nice and small so we all got a LOT of time on land. Really good service and food. No complaints!

This was an unbelievable trip!! I can't recommend this destination, itinerary, company (yours and G Adventures), the ship, the crew highly enough!!!

The first time I stepped onto Antarctica, I just closed my eyes and tried to envision the globe and where I was on it at that very moment; definitely a wow moment and a wow trip! Since I prefer masses of wildlife to masses of humanity, I had a wonderful experience. Be prepared to be amazed!

The cruise was well-planned and the scientists aboard made the experience unique and memorable. The food was outstanding and... the spa, the detox bar and the indoor swimming pool added even more luxury.

We hit very good weather which made a big difference (no rain, wind, extreme cold). We thoroughly enjoyed all the land activities --- penguins, whales, seals, and spectacular ice formations. The Zodiacs were an excellent way to see all of this. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We absolutely loved the whole experience!

Accommodations Review

The rooms on the Ocean Nova were fine, but lacked storage and space. I don't think there's anything that can be done about that, and it didn't deter from my trip in any way. In Punta Arenas, the Cabo de Hornos had a great location.

Meals Review

The dining room on the Ocean Nova was excellent with lots of great choices for every meal. The service was also top-notch.

Crew & Guides Review

The guides were very well informed and enthusiastic. It was a pleasure attending lectures or just going out on the Zodiacs with them. The office staff was also helpful.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

I booked all of my flights, but when Antarctica XXI kicked in, the transfers were smooth. AdventureSmith (Andrew Browning) also viewed my flights and confirmed that they were on the right days/times. I appreciated that.

Traveler Advice

Stay flexible for contingencies because the weather is unpredictable and is an important factor in Antarctica. Also be prepared to see the most spectacular scenery on the planet! Watch the videos to know what to expect and what to bring.

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Polar Circle Air Cruise
• Andrew Browning
• Antarctica21

Great cruise choice!!!! They were excellent. It was nice and small so we all got a LOT of time on land. Really good service and food. No complaints! 

Explorer ships are much better for Antarctica than conventional cruise ships.

3 course meals, twice a day! Plus an excellent buffet breakfast. Wow. Awesome. 

They were all good, lead by Augustine. Also Pablo, who helped load people onto zodiacs, was truly helpful and friendly!

Lots of heads up notice, checking in with us, all good. The Argentina tax situation changed in the middle, but we were able to Google that and ask. 

Don't overpack. Have one good FULL set of cold weather clothes, with lots of layers included (including thermal underwear). Then just swap out your shirts and underwear beneath that. 

• Classic Antarctica

This was an unbelievable trip!! I can't recommend this destination, itinerary, company (yours and G Adventures), the ship, the crew highly enough!!! Thank you so much for helping me put this trip together. It was the trip of a lifetime for sure.

The ship isn't super fancy, but it was much nicer than I expected! The dining hall/meals are wonderful, there is space to be alone when you want to be or hang out with a group of new friends. The hotel staff on the ship is excellent, too.

Great selections, multiple options for picky eaters, and the quality was much better than I expected for an excursion ship. Very impressed and pleased!

The crew made all the difference on this trip. I knew I was in capable hands and had fun getting to learn from them and know them during the trip. I wouldn't have wanted to travel with anyone else to Antarctica! Can't say enough good things about them. They are amazing. Jonathan was the ideal Expedition Leader. Mark and Alex did an excellent job with kayaking, as did Gerard with camping. Scott's history lectures were fascinating. And I could go on and on about all of them...

Tiffany was an awesome resource leading up to the trip, and she even held my hand when I needed it to make a decision about which company to choose!!--and she did an excellent job with the directions she steered me!

GO NOW!! Don't wait! You will not regret it. It will be the most amazing, rewarding adventure.

• MS Expedition

The first time I stepped onto Antarctica, I just closed my eyes and tried to envision the globe and where I was on it at that very moment; definitely a wow moment and a wow trip! Penguins, penguins, penguins, penguins, penguins! Gosh, I love them! South Georgia was fantastic. Since I prefer masses of wildlife to masses of humanity, I had a wonderful experience.

The M/S Plancius is a very nice clean ship with comfortable beds. I was impressed that they cleaned the windows many times during the voyage so that you always had a clear view from inside.

I thoroughly enjoyed all of our leaders and thought all were professional and enthusiastic. James Cresswell and Brent Houston were outstanding in their knowledge. 

Chris Harter at AdventureSmith was outstanding in answering my endless questions; also in general he was just a pleasure to talk to, easygoing and friendly.

Be prepared to be amazed!

• Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

My overall experience was very good. The meals were outstanding and the speakers were as well. The cruise was well-planned and the scientists aboard made the experience unique and memorable. The food was outstanding and, although the clouds and mist obscured the eclipse, Ponant made the event as exciting as possible.

This was the first voyage with paying passengers (as opposed to crew only and crew/crew family).  Everything was brand new. The cabins were very comfortable and having a “patio” not only made the room airier, but also made it possible to take photos from the cabin. The views from the cabin and the observation deck were stupendous, as were the vistas visible from the Zodiaks. The spa, the detox bar and the indoor swimming pool added even more luxury to the cruise. There were no cabin amenities for “green” reasons, and that’s understandable; however, body lotion would have been a nice amenity. Most of us carry our own face cream, but in the Antarctic climate body cream is a necessity.

There was teatime daily, each day with a different theme. My favorite was the Russian, complete with vodka, but I also enjoyed the wine tasting and the cart of French pastries in the observatory lounge for a Belgian waffle teatime. Personnel at the various bars made an effort to learn your tastes. Often, I had my morning post-breakfast expresso in the observatory lounge and my diet coke in the 5 th floor lounge. I tasted alcohol-based concoctions that were new to me and had great wine with dinner and sometimes lunch. All beverages were included except for a few brands of very premium alcohol. Snacks and beverages were available throughout the day and evening.

Two staff members, Emma and Capucine, added to our enjoyment. Emma put a notice in the daily journal for people who were interested in celebrating Chanukah to let her know. She somehow found a battery-operated menorah and the pastry chef made us donuts (a traditional fried food for the holiday) each night. On the last night, we had latkes, French-style. There were 7 of us, a French couple and 5 Americans. Capucine ran game time and directed host of other activities.

Several of the staff, including my original cabin steward, had trouble understanding either English or French. In addition, several of the staff, including my original cabin steward, wore their Covid masks under, not covering, their noses. When I requested in both languages that the cabin steward cover his nose with the mask before entering the room, he did not understand me and just continued pushing into my room to show me things. Uncomfortable, I asked to have my cabin steward changed and was accommodated.

Itinerary Review

For those who wanted it, there was a daily Fitness and Well-being activity. There was entertainment almost every night. A variety of excursions ashore included hiking, kayaking and walking on snowshoes. The daily journal was an outstanding form of communication.  Captain Garcia kept in touch frequently and spoke from the stage several times.

Since I was able to attend the French as well as the English lectures, I had the advantage of hearing both of the well-known personalities who gave lectures only in French or in English. Most of the other scientists on board gave their talks in both languages. The groups were split and the lecture repeated for each language group. The scientists were young, enthusiastic and expert in their fields.  I learned a lot and what I learned enhanced my experiences ashore among the penguins.

Transportation Review

The Latam internal flight does not allow “batons” (walking sticks) as hand luggage. AdventureSmith Explorations wisely advised us to only carry luggage we could handle ourselves, so I took a 25” suitcase. My folding walking sticks would not fit, so I left them home rather than risk their being confiscated at the Santiago airport Latam security line. Of course, the Expedition Coordinator refused to lend me a pair, even when I told her that the ones for sale in the Ponant’s ILLU shop were too tall for me. Fortunately, another Ponant staff member was kind enough to lend me a pair.

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Now that you know how to determine your Antarctica travel cost, it’s time to find the best trip for your budget. Browse our top affordable trips using the price-range filter to find trips in your price range. Our experts specialize in helping clients find the right trip at the best price, so don’t hesitate to contact us for a personalized recommendation.

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Antarctica Cruises

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Luxury 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 luxury 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 luxury 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 luxury cruise with Celebrity.

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How much does a cruise to Antarctica cost?

The cost of embarking on a cruise to  Antarctica  can vary depending on the departure date, how long the cruise goes for, and the type of cabin you book on the ship with most cruises starting at around USD$4,500 and going all the way up to USD$11,000 - for a cruise lasting 21 days. This heavy price tag is due to the remoteness of Antarctica and how difficult it is to get there, as well as the limited supply of tour operators able to facilitate expeditions to the area. 

Once you've decided which cruise you want to do , you've now got to choose the cabin you want to spend your time in aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Whether you go for a standard cabin or something a little more premium, the cabin you decide on (and what category it falls under) will go a long way in dictating the cost of your cruise. 

For reference, the higher the number, the more premium the cabin with category 1 representing a basic cabin and category 10 being the most expensive cabin you can choose. 

The price of a trip to Antarctica doesn't start and end with the price of the actual cruise itself. When calculating the total price, you need to factor in things such as flights (most expeditions to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia in Argentina ), accommodation pre and post-cruise (if you want to explore more of your South American surroundings), optional activities such as kayaking and snowshoeing , and appropriate cold weather gear needed for the trip. 

Intrepid offers Antarctica cruises that include the following: 

• accommodation (including 1 night in the pre-departure location)

The Ocean Endeavour also features a gym, a polar library, a bar (staffed by a professional bartender), a boutique selling essential polar items, and a pool. There's also wifi and an onboard laundry service for those that wish to pay a little extra for some creature comforts from home. All cabins feature a private bathroom and flatscreen TV and can feature a refrigerator, windows, and separate seating areas with a sofa depending on the cabin category. 

Find out what the cell phone coverage is like in Antarctica.

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Arctic vs Antarctic cruises: How to choose your polar expedition

Immerse Yourself in Antarctica

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We are Polar Latitudes. And you might say, we have a longstanding obsession with Antarctica. It’s been our only destination for a dozen years, and our experience and understanding of this elusive continent is second to none. As such, we pride ourselves in delivering the most immersive and unforgettable experience in these waters.

We believe the greatest amenity any ship can offer in this ethereal part of the world is Antarctica itself. It’s why our excursions are longer, our ability to improvise greater, and our search for what we call “magic moments,” endless. Ours is a more personalized small ship luxury experience, with an emphasis on safety, spontaneity, and fun. And we embrace our responsibility to care for this fragile part of the world.

A Singular Devotion to Antarctica

Polar Latitudes isn’t the new ship on the block. We’re founder-owned and still founder-operated. Together our senior management team has nearly a century’s worth of experience in Antarctic waters, and we launched Polar Latitudes with a continued commitment to that incredible part of the world – a commitment that will be apparent the minute you step onboard. You might even be greeted by John McKeon, seen here. He’s President and one of our founders, and he still sails with us multiple times each season, to drive zodiacs, catch up with team members, and to share experiences with – and learn from – our passengers.

It’s Ok to Jump Ahead

Want to get right into the details? Here are a few good places to start.

Whether a key factor is timing, cost, or duration, every trip will emphasize getting you intimately engaged with the continent. And worth noting, this season we’re partnering with Oceanites on seven penguin counting voyages.

Here are the key players who will ensure that you have the experience of a lifetime onboard and off. As for their own Antarctic experience, it’s second to none.

Our Activities

From photography to kayaking to Citizen Science to sleeping under the stars, no passion need go unfed on a Polar Latitudes voyage.

All Penguins are Created Equal – All Voyages are Not

Any number of ships can take you to Antarctica. And the incredible landscape, the wildlife, and Antarctica’s ethereal light – it will all be waiting for you regardless. Yes, even those adorable penguins! But how you experience this mysterious place and how deeply it touches you will depend in large part on who you travel with.

Consider traveling with Polar Latitudes if:

You Want the Most Immersive Antarctic Adventure

As luxurious as our ship is, our primary focus will always be on providing the “most Antarctica” on every day of this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Our off-ship excursions average 3 ½ hours, twice daily; our unique “silent Zodiac cruise” is said to be life-changing; and should the finicky Antarctic weather turn south, our expedition team’s extraordinary ability to counter with a “Plan B” means you’ll likely never miss a chance to explore.

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You’d Rather Be With a Company That’s “Been There, Pioneered That”

Our experience and environmental leadership in these waters are second to none. We were the first to bring a Citizen Science program onboard every voyage; the first to join and support the Polar Science Collective; the first to adopt a rigorous third-party training and accreditation system for our entire team; and the first to create a position of onboard passenger service manager – all to ensure each voyager has the safest and most experiential journey possible.

More on Citizen Science

You Prefer a Small Ship, More Personalized Experience

Maybe you’re one of those people who wants to feel part of a smaller, more like-minded team; who doesn’t like to wait, but does like a more personalized, stress-free adventure; and who likes the idea of being on a first-name basis with your expedition team. These are just some of the things that only a small ship experience can deliver.

Explore Our Ship

You Want the Best-Performing Team Around You

With more ships entering Antarctic waters, staffing them has become a challenge for many, but not for Polar Latitudes. Our Expedition Team averages 12 years’ experience, and most of them return to us year after year. Their experience and ability to work as a team is a big reason why we can take advantage of every opportunity Antarctica presents us, and seamlessly improvise whenever necessary.

Meet the Team

And Yeah, You’d Like It to Be Fun, Too

Our standards of excellence and performance are the highest in the industry. But we also place great value on the intangibles. We’re down-to-earth and fun to be around. You’ll come to know us by name, and we’ll undoubtedly share a few laughs (and maybe even a hug or two). People often say we make them feel like family. That’s something we’ve very proud of, since most of us really like our families.

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Responsible Travel

We embrace our responsibility to do everything we can to care for this place that we cherish so much, and to support others who feel the same way. Our newest ship, Seaventure, reduces fuel consumption per passenger by 20%. And through more than a dozen local and environmental partnerships, including our pioneering Citizen Science program, we look for every opportunity to be a force for global good, especially in our beloved Antarctica.

More on Being Responsible

Photographers’ Alert: New Photo Program Featuring Ami Vitale

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The closest thing on earth to another planet

Why take an Antarctica Luxury Cruise with Silversea? Because it’s the adventure of a lifetime in the least visited place on earth. Because our fleet of intimate expedition ships takes you so far off the beaten track, there is no track. Because we have made all-inclusive luxury cruising to Antarctica into an art form.

Silversea offers two ways of getting to the white continent. Choose to fly straight into the heart of Antarctica in just 2 hours with Antarctica Bridge or sail the iconic Drake Passage for an unforgettable experience.

Find your cruise

Antarctica dreams.

One amazing continent, two amazing ways to get there. Choose to fly straight into the heart of Antarctica in just 2 hours with Antarctica Bridge, or sail the iconic Drake Passage for an unforgettable experience.

Our Door-to-Door and Port-to-Port All-Inclusive fares give you more flexibility than ever before.

Antarctica Brochure

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Travel deeper.

The Best Antarctica Cruises: How to Choose the One for You

The Drake Passage and More: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Antarctica

Our ships going to antarctica.

Silver Cloud

With 20-brand new Zodiacs, four superlative restaurants in Antarctica and a pole-to-pole expedition itinerary, Silver Cloud really does break the ice between expedition and luxury.

• Crew Onboard 212
• Guest Capacity 254
• Dining Options 4
• Zagara Beauty Salon
• Fitness Centre
• Connoisseur’s Corner
• Observation lounge
• Explorer Lounge
• Panorama Lounge
• Zagara Beauty Spa
• Photo Studio

Silver Endeavour

We’re proud to announce that our newest addition has joined the fleet. Silver Endeavour revolutionises our expedition voyages, and allows us to travel deeper to some of the planet’s farthest flung coasts.

• Crew Onboard 207
• Guest Capacity 220
• Observation Lounge
• Beauty Salon

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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

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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.

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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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Antarctica Ocean Cruises 

Explore the wonders of Antarctica, and the captivating regions of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, on an unforgettable Scenic Eclipse Expedition Voyage in true all-inclusive ultra-luxury. 

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Redefining   polar exploration

Experience the voyage of a lifetime in Antarctica, with awe-inspiring natural beauty and moments. Indulge in 6-star ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse, The World's First Discovery Yachts™, built to operate in Earth’s most extreme environments.

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Scenic Eclipse sets the benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising. Designed to be the ultimate 6-star experience of a lifetime for only up to 200 guests in Antarctica. Enjoy a seamless voyage to the most remarkable and remote polar locations that few will ever visit.  

World-Class Design & Technology

Scenic Eclipse is purpose-built for Antarctica with a Polar Class 6 rating, oversized stabilisers, strengthened hull and state-of-the-art technology that ensures safe and comfortable navigation through icy waters. Just 200 guests on board allows for multiple daily Zodiac landings within IAATO regulations, promising the ultimate in Antarctic immersion.

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Gaze out at the expansive Antarctic landscapes from your spacious, luxurious verandah suite, and enjoy the personalised butler service, with our close to 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. Enjoy an abundance of indoor and outdoor spaces, up to 10 dining experiences, up to nine bars and lounges, the expansive 550sqm Senses Spa # , and entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre. 

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Scenic Eclipse has an abundance of spaces providing a relaxing vantage point to ensure you make every moment count.

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You will be supplied with everything you’ll need to fully immerse yourself in the journeys that await. On Antarctic Expedition Voyages a Scenic Eclipse parka and water bottle will be in your suite on arrival, yours to take home. Plus, the use of specialised polar boots, trekking poles and any kayaking equipment is included for your convenience.  

Discovery Experiences with an Expert Team

Keeping our guest numbers to 200 enables multiple landings each day for more in-depth exploration by Zodiac, kayak and stand-up paddleboard at these magnificent, restricted landing sites. Be led by your Discovery Team of up to 20 experts, who will provide enduring insights and guide you in creating life-changing memories in Antarctica. 

Two Helicopters^

Soar above some of the most breathtaking landscapes and gain a birds’ eye view to locations to places inaccessible from shore on one of two helicopters^ on board Scenic Eclipse. The quietest helicopters^ in the skies, the H130 sets the standards for tourism operations worldwide. Each helicopter^ features Bose ® noise cancelling headsets and an air-conditioned interior.    

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Dive below the ocean for a new multi-sensory underwater adventure^. Witness the unexplored waters of Antarctica and South Georgia on board the custom-built Scenic Neptune submersible, taking you to depths of up to 100m.  

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Antarctica Cruises

It is a profound experience to set eyes upon Antarctica for the first time. Breathtaking vistas, otherworldly wildlife and the journey itself leave an indelible mark on visitors. Here is a land of paradoxes: the world's biggest desert that is also the world's largest ice sheet, nearly two miles thick. Virtually unexplored just 150 years ago, this continent belongs to no nation, and is protected by an international treaty for peaceful scientific pursuit. Explore the “White Continent” in Viking comfort with an Antarctica expedition.

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Highlights of antarctica cruises.

Few places are as otherworldly as Antarctica, with its raw sculpted landscapes awash in blue and white. Here nature is at its most flawless—an experience sure to transform visitors. The ideal time to explore is the Antarctic summer, starting in November when cold, windy weather turns to 24-hour sunlight and temperatures rise to a comfortable 32° F. The ice melts, unlocking frozen seaways. Activities maximize your interaction and virtually all are included: explore by RIB, kayak, submarine, zodiac and more. Here are some highlights you may experience during your journey:

• Catch a glimpse of Gentoo penguins, Weddel seals and blue whales
• Shore landings offer amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing
• Included RIB excursions present stunning scenery for photos
• Cross-country ski or snowshoe into the peninsula’s interior
• Excursions include an undersea dive in a panoramic submarine
• As a citizen scientist, assist onboard scientists with research
• Gain bragging rights for crossing the legendary Drake Passage

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A legendary land with a history of attracting the great explorers, the White Continent continues to exert a strong fascination today.

Embark for an Antarctic expedition cruise and sail along the continent's incredible coasts, admire its unique wildlife — from king penguins to whales — and navigate through immaculate white scenery , where icebergs glimmer and shine in an explosion of blues, from turquoise to the darkest of tones.

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The sub antarctic islands, antarctic peninsula, falkland islands, south georgia, south orkney islands, antarctic polar circle, antarctica's extreme south, reasons to visit antarctica.

A trip to Antarctica is the ultimate travel goal. These ends-of-the-Earth lands are tough to access and offer constant changes in scenery. Here are five reasons to set off on an Antarctic cruise.

Antarctica's unmissable sights

The White Continent is a dream destination for any explorer at heart, and travellers certainly won't be disappointed when they see it in all its splendour. Here are five highlights to experience during an Antarctic cruise.

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10 things you didn’t know about Antarctica

The Arctic vs Antarctica: 5 differences between these two frozen lands

5 reasons to visit Antarctica

Treat yourself to a unique adventure

Far from major tourist routes, Antarctica remains one of the few preserved areas on the planet. Tourism is regulated. Vessels departing for the White Continent do not carry more than 200 passengers at a time. It's an opportunity for everyone to enjoy an extraordinary experience and to create unforgettable memories.

Witness exceptional wildlife

A true sanctuary for wildlife, Antarctica is home to a diversity of marine mammals and birds that have come ashore to breed. In the water, Weddell seals, Minke whales, humpback whales, sea leopards, and subantarctic fur seals put on an enchanting show for travellers. Both on the ground and in the air, king penguins, gentoos, southern rockhoppers, and chinstraps, along with albatrosses and petrels, jump and frolic to complete the show.

Move through incredible scenery

Blue icebergs, sparkling towers of ice, an immaculate ice floe, imposing mountain ranges and thousand-year-old glaciers serve as backdrops to these dreamy views. Here, you'll be dazzled by shades of white, blue, grey, and sometimes purple. Sunsets give the ice a fiery glow. The sheer vastness of the setting and the 'noise' of the elements evoke moments of pure emotion.

Follow in the footsteps of the greatest explorers!

Even if Antarctica remains very enigmatic today, think about what it must have been like more than a century ago. British explorer James Cook ventured there as early as 1773. Adventurers followed in their droves. From Captain Charcot to Sir Ernest Shackleton, or Roald Amundsen, who was the first to reach the South Pole, or, more recently, Paul-Émile Victor, these men have tried to unravel the mysteries of the ice floe.

Visit historical sites and scientific bases

Even today, the White Continent keeps some of its secrets for itself. Scientific bases have been set up there to carry out research, particularly relating to climate. Former whaling stations, veritable open-air museums, bear witness to the ravages of the seal and whale hunting that took place at the beginning of the 20th century. Port Lockroy is home to the southernmost post office in the world, from which you can send your loved ones a postcard featuring the Antarctic stamp.

As you can see, there are so many reasons to embark on this unique adventure to a continent that's like no other.

Mingle within a penguin colony in South Georgia

Once a major whaling station, South Georgia is now a favourite spot for many seabirds. Among them, the king penguin is a happy resident. If you're lucky enough to stop off at Salisbury Plain , you'll enjoy a unique experience in the middle of a colony of no fewer than 250,000 penguins. They move around happily without regard for the few human beings who come to visit them. A unique and touching moment.

• Crossing the Antarctic Circle

What does it mean when the navigational instruments show the fateful numbers '66°33'? You're in the middle of Antarctica , beyond the 66 th parallel ! First crossed by the British explorer James Cook in 1773, it's an integral part of the history of Antarctica. Travellers will feel a true sense of accomplishment and joy as they follow in the footsteps of the great explorers .

Get up close to a majestic marine fauna

From the Falkland Islands to the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic cruises are an opportunity for unforgettable encounters with marine mammals. It's not uncommon to encounter many seals, including subantarctic fur seals and elephant seals, as well as killer whales. When the humpback whales arrive, it truly is the icing on the cake.

Behold the great icebergs

Be they tabular, blocky or pinnacled, icebergs all have a tendency to leave travellers speechless. These giants of the seas are indescribable! As majestic as they are worrying, their silhouettes rise up with the waves and plunge deep into the waters with a colourful blend of thousand shades of blue, from light turquoise to the darkest navy, all sparkling under the icy sun of Antarctica.

Visit a unique natural sanctuary

Little known and completely preserved, New Zealand's subantarctic islands are among the last remaining areas completely unspoilt by human presence on the planet. Some of these little pieces of land dotted around the ocean are inaccessible and therefore totally protected from human activity. The Snares Islands, Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands and Campbell Islands thus represent an invaluable haven of peace for the endemic species that inhabit them, including 126 bird species.

Ports of call in Antactica

An Antarctic cruise is like no other, and different every time: crossing the Drake Passage, the razor-sharp beauty of the Falkland Islands, the emperor penguins of the Wedell Sea, the fiery temperament of Ushuaia, Port Lockroy and its southernmost post office in the world, the penguin colonies of South Georgia and the sub-Antarctic islands are all not to be missed.

View Ports of call

• Adélie Land (Antarctica)
• Amundsen Sea (Antarctica)
• Antarctic Peninsula (Antarctica)
• Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
• At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
• Balleny Islands (Antarctica)
• Barren Island (Falkland Islands)
• Bellingshausen Sea (Antarctica)
• Bleaker Island (Falkland Islands)
• Buenos Aires (Argentina)
• Camarones (Argentina)
• Campbell Island (New Zealand)
• Cape Town (South Africa)
• Carcass Island (Falkland Islands)
• Crossing the Drake Passage
• Crossing the International Date Line
• Doubtful Sound (New Zealand)
• Dunedin (New Zealand)
• Dusky Sound (New Zealand)
• Enderby Island, Auckland Islands (New Zealand)
• Expedition to Charcot Island (Antarctica)
• French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Antarctica)
• Grave Cove (Falkland Islands)
• Hobart, Tasmania (Australia)
• Macquarie Island (Australia)
• Magnetic South Pole
• Marguerite Bay (Antarctica)
• Marie Byrd Land exploration (Antarctica)
• Milford Sound (New Zealand)
• Musgrave Inlet, Auckland Islands (New Zealand)
• New Island (Falkland Islands)
• North Antarctic Peninsula (Antarctica)
• Port Stanley (Falkland Islands)
• Pourquoi Pas Island (Antarctica)
• Puerto Madryn (Argentina)
• Queen Mary Land (Antarctica)
• Ross Sea Region (Antarctica)
• Sailing along Isla de los Estados (Argentina)
• Sailing along Shackleton Ice Shelf (Antarctica)
• Sailing around Cape Horn (Chile)
• Sailing in the Falkland Sound (Falkland Islands)
• Sailing on the Weddell Sea (Antarctica)
• South Georgia (South Georgia)
• South Orkney Islands (Antarctica)
• Steeple Jason Island (Falkland Islands)
• The Gullet (Antarctica)
• The Neck, Saunders Island (Falkland Islands)
• The Ross Sea exploration (Antarctica)
• The Snares (New Zealand)
• The Weddell Sea exploration (Antarctica)
• Ulva Island (New Zealand)
• Ushuaia (Argentina)
• Volunteer Point (Falkland Islands)
• West Point Island (Falkland Islands)
• Wilkes Land (Antarctica)

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Home > Destinations > Antarctica

Antarctica Cruises

Imagine a place so pristine and remote you can hear snowflakes hitting the water.

“I would advise anyone with the smallest inkling or desire to visit Antarctica to just do it!” says Ruth T. “My trip was born from an off-the-cuff comment to my husband. After four years of planning and saving, we made it happen and celebrated our wedding anniversary in Antarctica.”

“I thought I’d never get the chance to visit Antarctica,” says Rachel B. “I did and it was worth every cent. The landscape, the flora and the fauna. Words cannot explain the experience I had. If you’ve ever thought about it just do it!”

Take a look around at our 2024-25 Antarctica itineraries below then  request a booking  and let us help you start planning your dream trip. Your Antarctic expedition begins here!

Antarctic Peninsula

South georgia, falklands~malvinas, weddell sea, antarctic circle, best time to go.

Explore Antarctica

Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth. The South Geographic Pole is in Antarctica, and most of the continent lies within the Antarctic Circle, at 66.5 degrees south of the Equator.

Antarctica is so far south that most of the continent receives 24 hours of daylight during summer, and 24 hours of darkness during winter.

Antarctica lies to the south of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America, and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean). Most visitors access Antarctica via ship or aircraft from an Antarctic ‘gateway city’. The five official Antarctic gateway cities are Ushuaia (Argentina), Hobart (Australia), Punta Arenas (Chile), Christchurch (New Zealand), and Cape Town (South Africa).

The name ‘Antarctica’ comes from ‘Antarktos’, meaning ‘opposite the Arctic’. Antarctica and the Arctic are indeed opposites in many ways, and they lie at the polar extremes of the globe: the Arctic to the north and Antarctica to the south.

Antarctica is home to a hardy community of  wonderful wildlife , which has adapted to the cold, windy and icy Antarctic environment.

There are four species of penguins in Antarctica. They are the emperor, Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap. The emperor and Adélie penguins are found only in Antarctica.

There are six species of Antarctic seals: Ross seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, leopard seals, southern fur seals and southern elephant seals. They all live in the ocean surrounding Antarctica, hauling out on ice or land to rest and pup.

Many whales visit Antarctic waters during the summer feeding season between late October and early April. The whales that commonly visit Antarctic waters include humpback whales, killer whales, minke whales, fin whales, sei whales and even the enormous blue whale!

In addition to these charismatic creatures we see on the ocean’s surface, the Antarctic ocean is filled with a rich variety of sea life, from single-celled algae, which form the foundation of the Antarctic food web, to krill, a tiny crustacean which is a keystone species in the Antarctic ecosystem, providing sustenance for seals, whales, penguins and many other seabirds.

Most animals that thrive in Antarctica are marine animals. This means that they rely on the ocean and marine ecosystems to survive and thrive. However, there are a few Antarctic animals that live entirely on land. These include the microscopic springtails, nematodes and tardigrades, which live amongst moss and lichen in areas which are not permanently snow-covered.

Our Antarctica cruises range from 9 to 34 days, with most falling within the 12 to 21-day range. The duration of an Antarctica cruise can vary based on factors like the departure point and the specific itinerary chosen.

The price of an Antarctica cruise can vary significantly, depending on factors such as the Antarctica cruise’s duration, cabin type, and specific itinerary.

The price of a voyage to Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions starts from USD13,195 per person when sharing a twin Aurora Stateroom. However, there are also early bird discounts available. Read about what is included in your Antarctica cruise .

Without a doubt, an Antarctica cruise offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the pristine beauty of the frozen continent, unique wildlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Many travelers find the experience of an Antarctica cruise to be a dream come true.

Antarctica is the  coldest continent on Earth. The average temperature throughout the year is about -57°C, with the minimum temperature being -130°F (-90°C) during the winter season.

During the summer months, when we visit, the temperature can range from 28°F (-2°C) to 46°F (8°C). In summer, big storms are rare, but if one comes through the temperature could drop to 17°F (-8°C ). Read more about why austral summer is the best time to visit Antarctica.

Shipboard clothing is informal and casual. Jeans, jumpers, and long-sleeved shirts are ideal for indoors in the polar regions; however, be sure to keep your jacket close for unexpected wildlife sightings!

Some people like to take a nicer outfit for the captain’s welcome and farewell drinks, but formal clothing is not necessary.

Each passenger aboard our Antarctic expeditions will receive an expedition jacket when they board the ship. However, you’ll need to ensure you pack the correct cold and wet weather gear for your landings.

View our  suggested packing list , which covers the types of layers and materials we recommend.

No matter where you call home, the easiest way to get to Antarctica is from the southern tip of South America or from 2025, start your trip from Hobart and Dunedin. There are two common departure points for Antarctica: Ushuaia, Argentina and Punta Arenas, Chile, both located in the Patagonian region and among the most southern towns on the planet.

Expeditions beginning in Ushuaia will usually involve sailing across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula or sailing to the Subantarctic Islands of the Falklands or South Georgia, before continuing to Antarctica.

From Punta Arenas, passengers can have the unique experience of flying to Antarctica – or more specifically to King George Island – on a charter flight arranged specifically for their expedition.

Find out more information about  how to get to Antarctica .

The ideal time to embark  on an Antarctica cruise is during the austral summer, between early October and late March. The Antarctic winter is cold and dark, and the continent is surrounded by an enormous fringe of sea ice, which almost doubles its size. Many animals migrate north, and the Antarctic Peninsula is inaccessible.

As summer arrives the sun returns to Antarctica, and with it comes rafts of penguins, pods of whales and herds of seals. Sea ice drifts or melts away from the Antarctic Peninsula coastline, allowing expedition vessels access into many sheltered bays and harbours to marvel at the splendor of the frozen continent.

Travelers should consult with their healthcare providers to ensure they are physically prepared for the Antarctica cruise.

It is compulsory for each passenger to return a signed medical from their general practitioner. Your  Medical Form  is required to be signed by your general practitioner and returned to Aurora Expeditions no later than three months and no earlier than six months before your voyage departure date.

If you become aware of any change in your health and fitness that may be likely to affect your participation on the trip (e.g. pregnancy, mental illness, heart or bronchial disorder, broken limbs, etc.), you should notify us in writing immediately.

If you feel that you are particularly  susceptible to seasickness , then it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. We advise you to come armed with motion sickness tablets, and there will be a doctor on board to assist with any bouts of seasickness.

Travelers should also be aware of  environmental protection guidelines  and follow responsible tourism practices to preserve Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem during their cruise.

Children are more than welcome on our Antarctica cruises. However, we recommend that they are at least 8 years old and must travel with their legal guardian. Children pay the same rate as an adult traveler.

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Expedition cruises: The ultimate guide to cruising to remote, hard-to-reach places

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One of the fastest-growing segments of cruising in recent years has been “expedition cruising,” a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places such as Antarctica on small, hardy vessels.

This is a type of cruising so different from what the big mass-market lines offer that it might as well be considered an entirely different form of travel.

With traditional cruising, the experience often revolves heavily around shipboard activities, dining, drinking and entertainment. Yes, a traditional cruise is partly about getting you to (mostly mainstream) destinations for brief visits. But at its core, it’s a resort experience.

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

An expedition cruise, by contrast, isn’t designed to be a resort experience. It’s a cruise that is all about getting you to an off-the-beaten-path place that, in many cases, has little or no land-based infrastructure and can be reached no other way but by ship. You are “cruising” in the sense that you are traveling by ship. But the trip isn’t about the ship. It’s about where the ship can get you.

As I’ve been lucky enough to experience many times over nearly three decades of writing about cruising, expedition cruises can get you to some of the least visited and most wondrous places in the world — including parts of the Arctic and Antarctica that as recently as a century ago had never been seen by humans.

Here is a guide to everything you need to know about expedition cruises and cruising.

What is an expedition cruise?

Expedition cruises are ship-based trips designed to get you to remote and hard-to-reach places that most people never get to see.

It is travel by ship to places so far off the beaten path, such as Antarctica, that the journey itself is a bit of an adventure. Adding to the adventure is that, in some cases, you don’t know what you’re going to do from day to day once you reach your destination. Your expedition leader will make the call depending on the movement of wildlife, changing ice conditions (if you’re in a polar region) and the waves and the weather around possible landing sites.

Should whales pop up off your bow on an expedition cruise to Antarctica, for instance, your expedition leader might decide to scrap morning plans for a landing near a penguin colony in favor of whale watching. Then you’ll visit penguins in the afternoon. Or not.

Maybe changing ice conditions will make it possible to do a landing on floating ice for a hike. Eventually, you’ll probably make multiple landings at penguin colonies, maybe hike across floating ice and hopefully see whales and other wildlife. But how it all happens will be at the whims of nature.

In that sense, being on an expedition cruise is a bit like being part of a team of explorers on an “expedition” — hence the name.

As vacations go, expedition cruises have more in common with safari vacations in Africa or trekking trips in the Peruvian Andes than traditional cruises.

On an expedition cruise, the focus is on remote wilderness areas and the wildlife that inhabits them. This could be Antarctica’s rocky, ice-lined shoreline, with its massive penguin colonies, or the uninhabited islands of the Galapagos, with their giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches.

What is an expedition cruise ship like?

The typical expedition cruise vessel is custom-built for these remote and rugged areas. Expedition ships typically are small and agile, so they can tuck into remote bays and waterways that big ships can’t reach.

And they’re inordinately tough. Expedition ships are typically built with strengthened hulls to allow them to bump through ice in polar regions and with unusually large fuel tanks and food storage areas to allow them to operate long periods in remote areas without re-provisioning (in some cases, as long as 40 days).

In addition, expedition cruise ships travel with their own landing craft — typically small rubber Zodiac boats —  to get passengers ashore in remote areas. Expedition ships also often carry other adventure gear for exploring in remote areas, including kayaks, paddleboards, snowshoes, snorkeling equipment, wetsuits and sometimes diving equipment.

A handful of expedition cruise ships even travel with submarines for underwater exploration and helicopters.

Expedition ships also will have “mud rooms” where you will find cubbies to store your outdoor clothing and gear. Many expedition cruise ships will have waterproof rubber boots for you to borrow — either for free or for an extra charge — that you will need for “wet landings” on beaches by Zodiac boats. They’ll be stored in the mud room, as well.

Instead of a cruise director and the other entertainment staff found on traditional cruise ships, you’ll typically be accompanied on expedition cruises by an “expedition team.” The group is made up of expedition leaders with deep knowledge of the destination along with scientific experts such as biologists, geologists and ornithologists, and often a historian, who will lead landings and lecture on board.

Many expedition ships also sail with a photography expert. One well-known expedition cruise company, Lindblad Expeditions, staffs many of its ships with National Geographic photographers who will teach you how to use your own cameras to capture the scenery and wildlife you’re experiencing.

In short, expedition cruises are designed for exploring and learning. Unlike most traditional cruises, an expedition cruise is not meant to be a resort experience, though an increasing number of expedition ships are being outfitted with more upscale amenities than in the past.

These luxury touches include a greater variety of dining venues, including high-end restaurants, as well as elegant bars and onboard spas. However, these amenities will play second fiddle to the off-the-ship adventures at the core of the experience.

How small are expedition cruise ships?

Historically, expedition ships have carried no more than 200 passengers — a manageable number for an exploration-focused vessel operating in a remote location such as Antarctica. But a growing number of expedition ships carry more. Viking designed its new expedition ships to carry 378 passengers. Some new Hurtigruten expedition vessels are designed for around 500 people.

Even these bigger vessels are far smaller than traditional, resortlike cruise ships, which often can carry 3,000 passengers or more (with some capable of carrying nearly 7,000 passengers).

Note that by international agreement, some remote places that expedition ships visit, including Antarctica and parts of the Arctic, have limits on how many passengers can land from an expedition cruise vessel at any given time — an agreement designed to protect wildlife and historical structures from the impacts of large group visits.

In some places, such as Antarctica, the limit is broadly set at 100 people, with some sensitive landing spots having even tighter restrictions. As a result, expedition ships that carry more than 100 people only can land a portion of their passengers in a destination such as Antarctica at once.

If you’re on such a vessel, you’ll have to wait your turn to go ashore and might miss out if changing weather forces the ship to reposition. This is one reason travelers who want the most in-depth expedition cruise experience should choose a small ship with relatively few passengers.

I prefer expedition ships that carry in the vicinity of 100 people for this reason. I also look for vessels that are built for toughness, as they can access more remote and hard-to-reach places than less-tough-built vessels.

How tough are expedition ships?

When sailing in polar regions, you’ll want to look at a ship’s polar-class rating to gauge its toughness. There are seven polar classes, from PC1 (which stands for polar class 1) to PC7 (polar class 7). PC1 is the highest polar-class rating, meaning the ship can go anywhere in polar regions year-round. At this level, the ship is a true icebreaker that can crunch through all sorts of floating ice (and, as you’ll learn on an expedition cruise to a polar region, there are many types of floating ice).

There currently are no passenger vessels with a PC1 rating, though a new Ponant icebreaker called Le Commandant Charcot has an almost-as-high PC2 rating. With such a rating, the 245-passenger ship is cleared to crunch through ice all the way to the North Pole, which it sometimes does .

Most expedition cruise ships are rated PC5 or PC6, which means they can operate in medium first-year ice (ice that is only a year old and not outrageously thick) with some older ice inclusions. But they’re not designed to go to a place like the North Pole.

A ship rated PC7 is only designed to sail through thin first-year ice, and ships without polar-class ratings should steer clear of icy areas. This is one reason you don’t see a lot of big, mass-market cruise ships heading down to Antarctica or up to the Arctic — at least not in particularly icy areas. These ships generally don’t have polar-class ratings.

Where can I go on an expedition cruise?

You’ll find expedition cruises to remote places all over the world. But two destinations account for a disproportionately large portion of all expedition cruises: Antarctica and the Arctic.

This is not by coincidence. Antarctica and large portions of the Arctic are tough to reach any other way than by expedition ship. They are the last two places in the world with large uninhabited areas without infrastructure for tourism.

Many expedition cruise ships will spend nearly all their time in either Antarctica or the Arctic, oscillating between the two destinations based on the changing seasons. They will explore the Arctic from June to September, when the weather is warmest in the region, before repositioning to Antarctica for the months of November to March, when the weather there is warmest.

Related: The best cruise destinations for every type of traveler

That leaves just a few months when the ships move between the Arctic and Antarctica. Sometimes, they’ll sail empty between the two regions. Other times, they’ll offer a handful of one-off voyages while in transit.

Other destinations known for expedition cruising include the Galapagos, the Amazon River, the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez and Alaska.

Take a look at some of the key expedition cruise destinations:

In many ways, Antarctica is the ultimate expedition cruise destination. It’s a place that is almost impossible to reach other than by expedition cruise ship, and getting to it by expedition ship is a true adventure that merits being called an expedition.

It’s also one of the most spectacularly scenic places you will ever see, with wildlife found nowhere else. Getting to experience Antarctica on an expedition cruise — something I’ve done several times and hope to do again — is a true trip of a lifetime.

Antarctica trips typically start in Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile — the southernmost settlements in South America. From there, your ship will make a two-day crossing of the Drake Passage — the notoriously rough waterway between South America and Antarctica — before spending five or six days exploring the icy coast of the continent. A return trip across the Drake comes at the end.

Some longer Antarctica itineraries add in visits to South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands on the way to or from Antarctica.

Alternatively, a handful of tour companies operate so-called fly-cruise trips to Antarctica that use hardy airplanes to fly tourists directly to the continent from Punta Arenas — no sailing across the Drake required. On such trips, travelers still explore the coast of Antarctica by cruise vessel. But they don’t board the vessel that will take them exploring until after they land on the continent.

As I’ve written about before, there are pros and cons of both types of Antarctica trips .

Related: Skip the Drake: What it’s like flying to Antarctica on a chartered plane

A few cruise vessels sail to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand, though this is less common.

Once in Antarctica, you’ll land by Zodiac boats to visit penguin colonies and hike through the snow to the remnants of early explorer huts, sail through ice-filled fjords, and (if you’re lucky) watch whales during Zodiac boat outings. All around you will be soaring mountains, glaciers and floating icebergs.

TPG has a broad array of guides to cruising to Antarctica, all written by in-house writers who have firsthand experience traveling to Antarctica, including:

• How to get to Antarctica: The pros and cons of flying vs. cruising
• 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style
• The 11 best Antarctica cruise ships
• These are the best times to visit Antarctica
• Antarctica gear guide: What you need to pack 
• An untamed world: Discovering the wild dreamscape of Antarctica
• I just spent the night in an igloo in Antarctica — here’s how you can, too
• Why kayaking in Antarctica should be on your bucket list
• Antarctica reading list: These 8 books are must-reads before a trip

The Arctic is the second great destination for expedition cruising — and, for me, it’s a toss-up as to which polar region I find more mesmerizing.

Like Antarctica, it’s a land of ice and icebergs and snow, and often spectacular wildlife on display, as well as historical sites related to early explorers. It also has a cultural element that you won’t find in Antarctica, as some land areas in the Arctic are home to Indigenous peoples such as the Inuit, who have occupied the areas for hundreds of years, if not longer.

On some Canadian Arctic itineraries, for instance, expedition ships will stop at one or more of the Inuit settlements that dot the region. Sometimes an Inuit guide will be along for the voyage to talk about Inuit culture and life.

The Arctic offers a far more diverse array of expedition cruise itineraries than Antarctica. You’ll find sailings that typically focus on just one but occasionally more of the following Arctic destinations:

• The Canadian Arctic, including the Northwest Passage
• The North Pole

Until recently, a handful of expedition cruise companies also operated sailings to remote parts of the Russian Arctic, including the ice-covered islands of Franz Josef Land and polar bear hot spot Wrangel Island. A few expedition cruise vessels even have made a complete crossing of the so-called Northeast Passage — the 4,000-mile-long, ice-clogged route across the Russian Arctic that connects Western Europe to the Americas.

Related: 8 things to know about cruising to the Arctic

The latter trips have included stops in remote places that had never been seen by humans until the 20th century, and such voyages have been relatively rare. In 2018, I took part in just the fourth expedition cruise across the Northeast Passage by a Western cruise vessel — a monthlong trip that included many days where we never saw signs of civilization. Additional vessels operated by Russian companies also have made the journey with travelers over the years.

All such trips in the Russian Arctic have been canceled since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and it’s unclear if and when they might resume.

While there are commonalities to the expedition cruises offered in all the Arctic regions (you’ll see ice, for instance, and probably a polar bear, no matter which one you choose), each region of the Arctic is a little different.

If I had to choose just one Arctic cruise (and this is a question I get a lot from would-be Arctic cruisers), I probably would pick a sailing around Svalbard. Located between the top of mainland Norway and the North Pole, it’s a relatively compact archipelago where you can get a taste of many of the Arctic’s allures in a relatively short time. You’ll see ice-carved mountains and glaciers, as well as polar bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes and massive bird colonies.

Related: I didn’t think I’d like an Arctic cruise — here’s why I was wrong

That said, an expedition cruise down the west coast of Greenland would be a close contender. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything as stunning as the Ilulissat Icefjord and the huge icebergs that spill out of it into Disko Bay. Put that place on your bucket list. You will not regret it.

The Galapagos

The wildlife-filled Galapagos, where most islands are uninhabited, is another classic expedition cruise market — one with an expedition vessel ecosystem all its own, thanks to unusual local regulations.

By law, only vessels based year-round in the Galapagos can offer expedition sailings in the islands. As a result, expedition ships that sail in other parts of the world can’t operate in the Galapagos, and the ships that do operate there are unique to the destination.

In addition, vessels that operate in the Galapagos can’t hold more than 100 passengers. That means that most Galapagos-based expedition vessels are small. Many hold just 16 to 48 passengers.

Cruise companies that have expedition vessels based in the Galapagos include Hurtigruten Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea Cruises and Celebrity Cruises . The latter is a big-ship line that, a bit incongruously, also owns a Galapagos cruise operation using vessels a small fraction of the size of the rest of its ships.

Other cruise companies and tour operators that offer expedition cruises in the Galapagos, typically using chartered vessels, include Avalon Waterways and Abercrombie & Kent. Note that it’s not uncommon for more than one travel company or cruise brand to sell sailings on the same ship in the Galapagos.

The Galapagos comprises 19 larger islands, all but four uninhabited, and the typical weeklong Galapagos cruise includes stops at just five or six of them. That said, many lines offer back-to-back itineraries that include stops at different islands, allowing you to create a longer sailing that is more diverse in its stops.

Cruise lines will generally break the islands into north, south, east and west loops. However, some lines offer inner, outer and central loops. Others feature a combination. The best way to choose among them is to decide which islands you’d most like to visit.

Related: TPG’s ultimate guide to cruising the Galapagos

Several expedition cruise companies and adventure tour companies offer expedition-style sailings up the Amazon River, particularly in the portion located in Peru. These trips are generally operated by tiny vessels that remain on the river year-round.

Among the companies known for Amazon sailings is Aqua Expeditions, which operates two small vessels on the Amazon out of Iquitos, Peru — the 32-passenger Aria Amazon and the 40-passenger Aqua Nera.

The vessels travel along the Maranon River, the Amazon’s largest tributary, as well as other neighboring rivers (the Yarapa and Yanayacu-Pucate) in search of such local wildlife as three-toed sloths, toucans, macaws, taricaya turtles and the Amazon’s elusive pink dolphins.

Most Amazon voyages also include stops at small villages along the riverways, though the focus is on wildlife watching from the river.

Other companies offering similar trips include Exodus Travels, Lindblad Expeditions, Pandaw and Delfin Amazon Cruises.

When imagining an Alaska cruise, most people think of the many sailings offered by big-ship lines such as Princess Cruises and Holland America — traditional cruise voyages that focus on Southeast Alaska’s main tourist towns of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. But Alaska also is the stomping ground of a handful of expedition cruise operators — most notably UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions — that offer expedition cruises into the wilderness areas of Southeast Alaska. On these trips, the focus is not on the region’s towns but on its scenic wild lands and wildlife.

Both UnCruise and Lindblad operate small expedition ships in Alaska that mostly carry fewer than 100 passengers (even the biggest UnCruise vessel in Alaska carries just 82 people) and have Zodiac boats for landings as well as kayaks, paddleboards and other adventure equipment.

The ships essentially serve as a floating adventure platform to get you into the most remote areas.

A typical seven-night Alaska expedition cruise might include whale watching in Frederick Sound; a visit to Dawes Glacier and ice-filled Endicott Arm; landings in Tongass National Forest for hiking as well as kayaking, paddleboarding and Zodiac boat touring; and boat-based searching for bears, Sitka deer, sea lions, eagles, mink, porpoises and mountain goats.

The trips often begin and end in one of Southeast Alaska’s small towns, such as Juneau or Sitka.

One other small cruise company, American Queen Voyages, operates a 186-passenger expedition ship in Southeast Alaska that combines wilderness experiences with more traditional cruise-type stops at the area’s towns. Every sailing includes a visit to Ketchikan, Petersburg and Wrangell, as well as outdoorsy pursuits, making it a hybrid of a traditional sailing and an expedition cruise.

Related: The pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska

Alaskan-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises offers small-ship, expedition-style voyages that combine wilderness experiences with at least one and sometimes several stops at small Southeast Alaska settlements such as Pelican, Kasaan, Wrangell, Petersburg and Kake.

Which cruise companies offer expedition cruises?

Most of the big cruise brands that offer traditional cruises (think Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line ) don’t own expedition ships or offer expedition cruises. Instead, for the most part, specialized expedition cruise companies have emerged over the past few decades that do nothing but expedition cruises.

That’s not always the case. Traditional luxury cruise operator Silversea Cruises , for instance, in 2008 began building up a separate expedition cruise division that has become a major player in expedition cruises. In just the last two years, traditional cruise brands Viking and Seabourn also have gotten into expedition cruising with new, specialized expedition ships.

In addition, luxury river cruise specialist Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours recently unveiled its first two expedition ships.

Indeed, a move by traditional cruise operators to add expedition cruises to their offerings is one of the big trends in cruising right now.

Still, many of the best-known brands in expedition cruises aren’t companies you would know if all you know is traditional cruising.

The biggest and most notable players in the expedition cruising space as of 2023 include:

• Antarctica21 (only in Antarctica)
• Aqua Expeditions
• Atlas Ocean Voyages
• Aurora Expeditions
• Celebrity Cruises (only in the Galapagos)
• Lindblad Expeditions
• Hurtigruten Expeditions 
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
• Heritage Expeditions
• Ponant Cruises
• Quark Expeditions
• Scenic Luxury Cruises
• Silversea Cruises 
• Swan Hellenic
• Oceanwide Expeditions
• Poseidon Expeditions
• UnCruise Adventures

In addition, many well-known tour companies such as Abercrombie & Kent and Overseas Adventure Travel market expedition trips on vessels chartered in whole or in part from other companies. Abercrombie & Kent, for instance, operates trips to polar regions on vessels chartered from Ponant.

Among the companies with the longest track records in offering expedition cruises to remote places are Lindblad Expeditions and Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Lindblad Expeditions was founded in 1979 by Sven-Olof Lindblad, whose father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, led the first expedition trips to Antarctica (in 1966) and the Galapagos (in 1967). Lindblad Expeditions later pioneered expedition cruise voyages to places like Baja California and parts of the Arctic.

Lindblad Expeditions currently offers more than 100 expedition cruise itineraries across all seven continents.

In recent years, Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with National Geographic and has renamed its ships to include National Geographic in their monikers. For instance, one of Lindblad’s premier vessels sailing in polar regions is called National Geographic Resolution. If you hear someone say they did an expedition cruise with National Geographic, they probably mean Lindblad Expeditions.

Related: Why Lindblad’s new ship may be the ultimate polar exploration vessel  

Hurtigruten Expeditions, a Norway-based company that caters to an international clientele, traces its roots to a cruise service from Norway to Svalbard in the Arctic that started in 1896. The company likes to say this early entry into cruising to a remote place makes it the founder of expedition cruising. It also bills itself as the world’s largest expedition cruise line.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, a German company that caters heavily to Germans but draws some English speakers, also was a pioneer in expedition cruising, operating some of the first voyages in parts of the Arctic. The first four voyages by a Western cruise vessel through the Northeast Passage, including the one that I did in 2018, for instance, were on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition ships. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises also did some of the first sailings across the Northwest Passage — the fabled routing across the Canadian Arctic.

Some of the brands mentioned above, including Lindblad, Silversea and Ponant, offer expedition cruises in a wide range of destinations. Others are more focused.

UnCruise Adventures, for instance, is a specialist in adventurous, outdoorsy, ship-based trips in remote parts of Alaska, although it also offers expedition cruises in the Sea of Cortez and other parts of Central America. It also offers Hawaii cruises that combine outdoorsy pursuits with a cultural-focused visit to the island of Molokai and a day in the town of Lahaina on the island of Maui.

Expedition cruise operator Antarctica21 only operates voyages in and around — you guessed it — Antarctica.

How long are expedition cruises?

As with traditional cruises, there is a wide range of lengths for expedition cruises. For trips to remote places such as Antarctica and parts of the Arctic, even the shortest trips available can be 10 days. Some itineraries extend to two weeks or more.

If you’re planning a trip to Antarctica, note that just getting to the starting points for such trips in Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile, from the United States (assuming that’s your home) can take two full days — longer if, like many Antarctica-bound travelers, you add in a stop in Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, Chile, on the way. (Pro tip: You may want to do just that to break up a grueling transit.)

As a result, even the shortest vacations to Antarctica from the United States are usually two-week-long affairs. If you pick a sailing that includes a stop at South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands, you’re looking at a minimum of three weeks away from home.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking the right cruise line for you

Expedition cruises in the Arctic also can stretch into multiple weeks. If you’re short on time, as noted above, your best bet is a sailing around Svalbard, which can be done in a week plus travel time to reach the archipelago.

You can find some expedition cruises in the Galapagos that are shorter than a week. But as with Antarctica, it’s a destination that takes a long time to reach. The typical U.S. traveler heading to the Galapagos will fly first to Quito, Ecuador, and spend at least a night there, maybe several, before continuing to the Galapagos. After all that travel, you might want to make the most of it and stay in the islands longer.

Expedition cruises in the Peruvian Amazon typically are short — sometimes just three days long. But they’re often paired with other touring to create longer South America trips.

How much do expedition cruises cost?

Expedition cruises can be expensive, with pricing on par with traditional luxury cruises. It’s not unusual to see expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic priced at $1,000 per person per day — or more. Add in flights to reach the starting points for such trips, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays and other extra costs, and you could pay $15,000 or more per person for such trips.

If that seems high, remember that expedition ships are specialized vessels that are expensive to build on a per-berth basis (particularly those with polar-class ratings). They also require a relatively high ratio of staff to passengers to operate compared with mass-market cruise ships.

In short, expedition cruise companies face a high cost on a per-berth basis to operate their vessels — and those costs will be reflected in the cruise fares.

Related: These expedition cruises are $30,000 and have no set itinerary

Can anyone do an expedition cruise?

Travelers with mobility issues may find it difficult to get the most out of expedition cruises, as the trips are relatively active.

By definition, expedition cruises involve visiting remote places with little or no infrastructure for tourists, and the lack of infrastructure extends to a lack of docks and tender boat services that would allow a passenger with mobility issues to get on and off the vessel. In addition, once you land at an expedition cruise destination, you will often be moving over uneven terrain.

In many cases, touring from an expedition ship starts with stepping off the side of the vessel onto a small, open-to-the-air rubber Zodiac boat bobbing in the waves and then being driven by a guide in that small vessel a considerable distance to the shore, sometimes in choppy seas. Once at the shore, passengers often must climb over the side of the boat into ankle-deep or deeper water and wade ashore in what is known as a “wet landing.”

Touring from there can involve hiking over rocky areas, snowfields and ice in search of wildlife.

If all of the above sounds like something you wouldn’t enjoy doing, you might want to skip an expedition cruise and focus on more traditional cruises instead.

That said, I’ve seen many travelers with mobility issues on expedition cruises enjoying the experience, even if the landings part of the trip came with some difficulty.

One line that has designed its expeditions vessels specifically to be more widely accessible for passengers with mobility issues is Viking, a line that traditionally has catered to travelers ages 55 to 75 years old.

Viking’s two expedition ships, which debuted in 2022, were built with an unusual enclosed marina that allows passengers to easily transfer into 12-seat “special operations boats” while still in the protected interior of the ship. It’s a first for an expedition cruise ship, and it makes it easier for passengers with mobility issues to get on and off the ship and see wildlife and scenery up close.

Bottom line

Expedition cruising is nothing like traditional cruising. It’s all about getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations, including places with no infrastructure for tourism, such as Antarctica and parts of the Arctic, Galapagos and Amazon River basin. If you’re hoping to see scenic wonders and wildlife, and you’re up for an adventure, then an expedition cruise may be right for you. If so, you’ll find a wide range of both destinations to visit by expedition cruise ship and companies that offer them.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your 1st cruise

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Antarctica Cruises

Book early for 2025 and 2026 sailings to Antarctica and save up to 25% with the HX Price Promise* or get off the beaten track in 2024 and save up to 25%.

Go with the global leader in expeditions to Antarctica

Nothing compares to an Antarctica expedition. For many, exploring this vast, frozen continent is a once-in-a-lifetime dream. To cross the Drake Passage and reach the last great frontier - a place where sun glints off pristine ice and wildlife reigns supreme - is truly life-changing. And that's why you'll want to do it with the experts. At HX, we've been exploring Antarctica for over 20 years, and we do so in a sustainable style, with a world-leading science programme that actively helps the fragile ecosystems we explore.

20 years and counting

We've been exploring the White Continent expedition-style for over 20 years, so for the best cruises to Antarctica choose HX.

Across selected sailings, we will cover the cost of your flights to Antarctica!

Meet the locals

The seas and shores around Antarctica teem with wildlife. See colonies of penguins, graceful whales and curious seals. On a trip to Antarctica, you'll marvel at pristine panoramas of snowy mountains, wind-sculpted icebergs and mighty glaciers.

The krill-rich waters around the White Continent support abundant wildlife: from humpback whales and fur seals to albatrosses and penguins. An estimated population of 12 million penguins of several species call the Antarctic Peninsula home.

Exploring Antarctica

An all-inclusive cruise to Antarctica with HX means entering explorer mode. You’ll join our experienced Expedition Team in small launches as we go on shore landings and seek out wildlife.

Other activities include kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, and perhaps even a polar plunge if you want to experience a pure Antarctic rush!

We go beyond Antarctica, with South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Patagonia and more included on many of our voyages.

A symphony of ice and sky

Experience the tranquillity of vast panoramas and sail among the sublime frozen icescapes of Antarctica, as we pass between icebergs, close to calving glaciers, and past huge ice floes in the Southern Ocean.

Cruises to Antarctica

In-depth Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition | Southbound

Departure date

Price from $26,373

Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition | Southbound

Departure Dates

21 Oct 24, 1 Nov 24

Price from $18,613

MS Roald Amundsen +1

MS Roald Amundsen MS Fridtjof Nansen

Antarctica & Falkland Expedition

6 Nov 24, 20 Nov 24 + 4 more departures

Price from $16,731

MS Roald Amundsen

Adventure is All-Inclusive

An HX trip includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. ​ All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.

Active exploration

On an HX expedition cruise to Antarctica, you’ll be an explorer not a passenger. Cross the Drake Passage and explore expedition-style as we seek out remote landing sites for nature encounters.

Activities in Antarctica

On your all-inclusive trip to Antarctica you'll get closer to the Seventh Continent than you ever dreamed. Experience the magic as you step off your expedition boat and feel the crunch of snow beneath your boots. Guided by your Expedition Team, you'll be able to paddle through icestrewn waters, photograph penguins and whales guided by our expert photographer, hike across pristine landscapes wearing snowshoes, and perhaps take a polar plunge if you're feeling brave. For a lucky few, camping in tents overnight is the ultimate Antarctic experience.

Snowshoeing

When the conditions are right, there's no better way to cross the frozen terrain than by wearing snowshoes. Our modern equipment makes it easy to walk on the soft snow, and the elements are usually best during our late spring and early summer Antarctica cruises.

Hear the beautiful 'symphony of the ice' as you glide silently past nature's frozen works of art in a sea kayak. Designed for close-up polar exploration, there's no better way to encounter the wildlife of Antarica and to enjoy its soul-stirring scenery.

Camping | Amundsen Night

Spend a magical night camping in a tent on the shore in Antarctica. In the style of the early explorers, we use our specialised equipment to spend the night under the stars for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. As you might expect, camping is a popular activity and numbers are limited. Who gets to go usually has to be decided by a lottery system. Feeling lucky?

* Please note that these are optional activities; an additional cost may apply.

Wildlife on ice

Even in the extreme environment of Antarctica, life not only survives but thrives. Its icy seas, isolated icebergs and snow-driven deserts are home to wildlife that surprises and charms.

Wildlife in Antarctica

Nowhere on Earth feels as remote as Antarctica, yet the wildlife here is abundant and spectacular. The icy shores are a haven for millions of penguins, as well as seals and seabirds, while the deep blue waters support a huge population of whales. Your Expedition Team will help you spot and photograph iconic animals, and there will be lectures on ornithology and natural history from our wildlife experts. In the Science Centre you'll learn more, and perhaps even help out with wildlife conservation through out Citizen Science projects.

Where science and learning meet nature

Science is at the core of our voyage into the heart of the natural world in Antarctica. Learn about geology, climatology and ornitholgy, and collect samples and take part in experiments with our onboard scientific experts.

Your Antarctica Expedition Team

You're in the best hands with your onboard Expedition Team. Handpicked experts from a range of backgrounds, you'll soon discover their passion and energy for Antarctica is infectious. They'll lead you on adventures off the ship, deliver fascinating lectures, unlock nature's wonders in the Science Centre, and perhaps even entertain you along the way. On your cruise to Antarctica, the Expedition Team will be your companions in adventure.

Expedition Ships | The perfect balance

Our state-of-the-art expedition vessels feature hybrid propulsion technology, ice-class hulls and advanced onboard waste-reduction systems. Large enough to offer excellent stability and a spacious onboard experience, yet small enough to get off the beaten track, you'll discover that HX ships are the perfect balance for the ultimate Antarctic adventure.

Purpose-built as an expedition cruise ship, MS Fram is an exceptional base camp for explorers. On board, comfort is a top priority, so after a day of exploration you can relax in a hot tub, dine in your choice of two restaurants or at the outdoor BBQ and catch up with your fellow guests with a cocktail in hand as you watch the scenery glide past in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. In the Science Centre, at the heart of the ship, you’ll discover more about the places you sail to and listen to talks by the Expedition Team.  With key expedition features and technology, MS Fram is primed to bring you on a journey of discovery to our planet’s most alluring and unspoiled regions. 

Named after the first man to cross Antarctica and to reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters. It serves as a comfortable base camp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.

MS Fridtjof Nansen

The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

Make a difference

Support the scientific community in collecting valuable data on Antarctica that contributes to global research by participating in our Citizen Science Programme.

Stories from Antarctica

Explore Antarctica with HX

Antarctica is the pinnacle of expedition and adventure travel! Start planning your journey to exploring this pristine world of ice, wildlife, and awe-inspiring beauty.

15 Interesting Facts About Antarctica

On the southern-most tip of the planet rests one of the world's most massive and mysterious landmasses - the frozen realm of Antarctica.

Seven Incredible Drake Passage Facts

You might assume that the Drake Passage was first sailed by British explorer Sir Francis Drake, but the truth behind this waterway’s somewhat misleading name is just one of many interesting facts about the passage.

Antarctica is the only continent with no significant plant life and no native land mammals, reptiles, or amphibians. Even in the extreme environment of Antarctica, life not only survives but thrives. Its icy seas, isolated icebergs and snow-driven deserts are home to wildlife that surprise and charm all who visit them.

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