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

Plan your next epic adventure to the White Continent.

The Top Antarctica Cruises

Yuri Matisse Choufour | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

Experience otherworldly beauty on an Antarctica cruise.

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

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

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

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

Atlas Ocean Voyages: 11-night Ushuaia Roundtrip

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

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

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

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

Aurora Expeditions: Antarctic Peninsula in Depth

Tyson Mayr | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

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

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

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

Read: Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress

Hurtigruten Expeditions: Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords Expedition

Dan Avila | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

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

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

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

Ralph Lee Hopkins | Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of Silversea

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

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

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

Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Viking: Antarctica & South Georgia Island

Courtesy of Viking

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

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

Find an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea.

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Expert tips on Antarctica expeditions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other items you'll want to pack:

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

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

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

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

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

The best Antarctica cruise ships: Then and now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution

Operator: Lindblad Expeditions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Navigator

Operator: Atlas Ocean Voyages.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen

Operator: Hurtigruten Expeditions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scenic Eclipse

Operator: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operator: Ponant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Viking Octantis

Operator: Viking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planning an Antarctica cruise expedition? Start with these stories:

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

Review: Cruise to Antarctica and South America

Have you been considering a cruise to South America or Antarctica, or both?  In this review, we go on to describe our entire trip that we call a “ trip of a lifetime. ” Notably, we started planning for this incredible cruise almost two years prior.  We were onboard the Island Princess in May of 2018 when we heard that Princess cruises were introducing Antarctica in their South American itineraries for the first time in nearly ten years. No surprise, but we booked this cruise right away.

The itinerary was quite intriguing, with the right mix of ports of call in South America.  Additionally, there were to be four scenic cruising days in Antarctica.  Our departure date, January 5th, 2020.

Protests and Riots in Santiago de Chile

Santiago de Chile would be our starting point.  To be sure, we would be embarking on the Coral Princess cruise ship in San Antonio, about 90 minutes from Santiago.  Unfortunately, Santiago offered us some minor discomfort a couple of months before our departure.  For example, significant protests started to become more and more common in the city.  Additionally, the President said they were at “War.” Further, a state of emergency was declared, and a curfew imposed .

Naturally, we monitored the situation in Santiago carefully and begun to take precautions.  For example, we immediately booked a backup hotel, by the airport, just in case our downtown location was becoming unsafe.  For sure, it ended up being a good idea as the price of the hotel at the airport eventually quadrupled closer to the cruise date.

Our Poor Hotel, Ransacked

Then, just before Christmas, we heard our hotel, The Crowne Plaza in downtown Santiago, was shut down because protesters practically destroyed it.  It was just our luck as the hotel was literally in “ground zero” of the protest.  As a result, we had to make a booking at another hotel in a different location, just outside downtown.  This new hotel proved to be in a much quieter and safer area.

What Should We Pack for our Cruise to South America and Antarctica?

First things first: A cruise to South America is pretty standard.  But, a cruise to both South America AND Antarctica is highly unusual.  To be sure, the Coral Princess’ route the Antarctic Peninsula occurred only three times of the 2019-2020 season.  Additionally, considering the weather in Santiago and Buenos Aires would be 30C (86F) and Antarctica 0C (32F), we were faced with our first problem: what should we bring?  For example, what kind of clothes would we need?  We were practically traveling from the beautiful warm summer of Santiago de Chile to the freezing icy cold weather of the Antarctica Peninsula and back to heat.

I usually found packing for a cruise effortless, not this time.  Indeed, we ended up bringing almost every single piece of clothes we have, and then some!

Flight to Santiago De Chile

After almost two years of planning, we boarded our 14.5-hour flight from Paris to Santiago De Chile!  The excitement was high!  And, there’s no better way to start a trip of a lifetime than on an Air France (787-9) Dreamliner, with Champagne in hand!  Cheers!

We arrived in Santiago around 9 pm, exhausted after such a long flight.  We try to find flight itineraries that get us to our destination in the evening, as it helps us avoid jet lag!

Our shuttle waited for us, and promptly took us and our bags to the hotel.  In no time, we went to bed, knowing we’d be ready for our new adventure to begin the morning after.

The Next Morning: Free Walking Tour in Santiago

In the morning, we were happy to meet our friends from Canada in the lobby and immediately started to explore the city.

We discovered that some volunteers were organizing a free walking tour of the city, and we decided to take it.  To be sure, it was an excellent tour.  The guide took us to all the famous monuments in the city, giving us some history and tips about what we were seeing. Our guide was both personable and knowledgeable, and we were able to see almost all downtown in four hours.

The tour included a stop for lunch in a friendly and hip part of town where we had the best beef empanada ever!

Unfortunately, the signs of the recent protests were everywhere. The city got covered in graffiti, and in some areas, you could still smell and feel the effects of the tear gas.

We enjoyed our walking tour, and we thought that our tour guide deserved a tip for his work. Overall the city was quite lovely and the people very friendly. We never felt unsafe during our tour.

The Morning After – Embarkation Day!

The morning after, our driver took us to the port of San Antonio for the embarkation on our cruise ship, the Coral Princess.  Notably, we were surprised at how much colder it was in San Antonio, Chile –  just 150km west of Santiago.

Day 1: Embarking on our Cruise to Antarctica & South America

A Little About the Coral Princess

The Coral Princess and her sister ship, the Island Princess, got built to be able to transit the old locks of the Panama Canal.  As a result, the ship is narrow and long.  The Coral can accommodate up to 2000 guests and 895 crew, as per Princess’s website. Princess states that Medallion is scheduled for completion on the Coral in Oct 2020.

I look forward to giving it a try on the new Enchanted Princess this summer (At the time of this writing, the Enchanted Princess is still a few months away from inauguration).

Embarkation was both comfortable and efficient.

Our Cabin B520 on The Coral Princess Cruise Ship – Taking us to South America and Antarctica

In no time, we had arrived in our cabin, B520, on the Coral Princess cruise ship.

Unfortunately, after the safety drill, the Captain announced our departure would be delayed 24 hours due to a refueling problem.  Additionally, a dramatic storm in the west would require that our itinerary be modified.  As a result, the port of Punta Arenas got canceled, and we’d move on.  Further, the Captain informed us that they were monitoring the storm and making adjustments to the itinerary to keep us both safe and comfortable on our cruise to Antarctica and South America.

To be sure, there were a few passengers who were upset about skipping Punta Arenas.  You see, Punta Arenas was the hub for the flight into the Antarctic Peninsula.  As a result of the cancellation, these passengers were not able to set foot on Antarctica as they had hoped.  Rick and I didn’t mind as we were told by someone who had previously visited that there wasn’t much to see.  To be sure, we felt that safety was more important.

Day 2: Still in the Port of San Antonio, Chile

While we were warned of potentially rough-seas on this cruise to Antarctica and South America, mainly through the Drake passage, we spent the first evening in port.  The running joke of the ship was that we had very smooth sailing last night.  We hadn’t moved an inch!

Many passengers chose to take advantage of the additional day in San Antonio and proceeded to take some local excursions.  Rick and I, however, decided to stay on board and explore the ship.

Some Photos Inside the Coral Princess

The following afternoon we finally set sail and started our adventure.

Toward the evening, our Captain announced that the storm was getting more prominent with waves up to 8 meters high, and for that reason, they made further adjustments to our itinerary.  They decided to stop in the city of Puerto Montt, Chile, and cut our scenic cruise of Antarctica one day shorter.

Day 5: First Stop on our Cruise to Antarctica – Puerto Montt

Our first sea days toward Puerto Montt were quite rough.  Indeed, we saw some rather big waves. To be sure though, not as big as the one that we would have experienced had there been no adjustments to the itinerary not have been made.  Then, by the afternoon of the second sea day, we finally entered the sheltered water of the bay of Puerto Montt.  Finally, it was relieving to have calm seas once again.

We decided to take a tour in Puerto Montt to the Osorno Volcano and the town of Puerto Varas. Unfortunately, the excursion was not very pleasant due to the torrential rain. We were not able to see the volcano at all.  Further, the temperature felt something like -5C.  To be sure, it was freezing and damp.  After, our bus stopped at the Petrohué Waterfalls.  Unfortunately, the rain was heavy, and we were not able to enjoy much of the excursion.

Our tour guide said Puerto Montt gets 300 days of rain.  Certainly, and in our opinion, this excursion should either have been canceled due to the weather. Alternatively, someone could have offered the passengers some umbrellas.

Day 7: Breathtaking Strait of Magellan

After leaving Puerto Montt, we had another rough day at sea before entering the sheltered water of the Strait of Magellan .  Indeed, this was an incredible sight.  For example, the mountain peaks of the Andes , most of the covered by massive glaciers, were creating deep fjords.  To be sure, I have to admit it was a beautiful sailing, and it reminded me of the Inside Passage in the Pacific Northwest.

Unfortunately, many of the peaks got covered by clouds.  Additionally, navigating in the strait was incredibly smooth, and it was delightful after being in very rough seas for so long.

In the afternoon, our Captain gave us a very informative lecture about the Antarctica portion of our cruise. Then, during the talk, he showed us our revised itinerary and what we were about to see. Also, he informed us that sailing the infamous Drake Passage was going to be smooth … on the way down!  Unfortunately, no such assurances were made for the portion of the cruise back to South America (Falklands & Montevideo).

Day 8: The Charming Town of Ushuaia – The Last Stop Before Reaching Antarctica on Our Cruise

The following morning we woke up in the Argentian town of Ushuaia .  Indeed, Ushuaia was our last port of call on the West side of South America before cruising to Antarctica.

We disembarked first thing in the morning and proceeded to take a nice walk in town.  Also, we reserved an excursion for later in the afternoon to “the end of the world.”

Ushuaia is the capital of the “La Tierra Del Fuego” district.  Also, in the past, Ushuaia was used as a penal colony.  Then, the prison closed in 1947. Nowadays, the prision has a new life as a museum.

Walking in the streets of Ushuaia is both pleasant and exciting.  Moreover, it reminded me of walking in Juneau, Alaska.

Excursion to the End of The World

Then, later in the afternoon, we took the excursion to the “end of the world.”  Interestingly, we took the road that was built by inmates.  Notably, it’s the southern tip of the Pan-America Highway . This incredibly long road starts in Prudhoe Bay Alaska and ends 30,000km later in Ushuaia, Argentina.

During our excursion, we entered the “ Tierra del Fuego” National Park.   Here, we stopped several times to see some incredible mountain peaks, beautiful bays, and many birds.

We absolutely enjoyed Ushuaia and the National Park.  Indeed, it was a great stop before the five sea days ahead of us.  Time to brush on up on what to do on sea days!

Day 9: Cruising around Cape Horn – And Down to Antarctica

Early in the morning, the Captain woke us up, announcing that we were approaching Cape Horn. And, due to the pleasant sea conditions, we were able to get up close to it.   Then, we quickly ran to the top deck to have a good view of the southern tip of the South American Continent. I have to admit, sailing there really gave me a feeling of reaching the end of the world.

Bye Bye South America & Chilean Pilots

After sailing for about an hour around the cape, we dropped off our Chilean Pilot and entered the Drake Passage.  Excitingly, our cruise to Antarctica is now getting real!

Here we were about to reach the peak of our adventure.  Surely, we were to be sailing the famous Drake Passage towards Antarctica.  Thankfully, the Captain mentioned the ocean would be smooth and the cruising pleasant, all the way down to the Antarctic Peninsula.  Contrastingly, no such warranty was made for the journey back to South America!

Entering the Antarctic Sea

The Captain announced that we would cross the 60th parallel, the limit of the Antarctica Treaty Waters, around 8 pm.  Then, around the same time, we would reach a point where the water temperature drops to 1 degree Celsius.  Indeed, that was the real gateway to Antarctica.

The excitement, at that point, was getting high.

Updated Antarctic Peninsula Route Plotted By The Cruise Ship

That evening, we received our final itinerary for cruising in Antarctica.

 Day 10: Entering Antarctica!  Finally!

We knew we were close to Antarctica because the air was freezing, dry, and we started seeing big chunks of ice floating in the ocean.  Excitingly, our ship was scheduled to enter the Neumayer Channel at noon.  So, we went for our usual walk around the ship.  To be sure, we could feel the excitement among fellow passengers.  Indeed, more people than usual were outside on the promenade looking to spot something.

I checked Google maps.  Wow, we were to reach the Antarctica Peninsula!  And, after two years of planning and preparations, Antarctica was in sight.

Around 11:30 am we spotted the first lonely iceberg! That was it. We made it to Antarctica!

We rushed back to our cabin to get geared up and ready for Antarctica.  Then, at noon, we began to see some fantastic mountains covered by massive glaciers. Incredible peaks were poking out the clouds, and the deep blue ice was shining. Wow, what a sight!

Cruising the Neumayer Channel

We started sailing the Neumayer Channel shortly after. This channel was stunning. We were sailing in this narrow channel surrounded by majestic mountains covered in thick layers of deep blue ice. The ship was moving very slowly, allowing us to soak in the beauty that was surrounding us. The wind was frigid, but we didn’t care. We were completely mesmerized by what we were seeing. I was taking hundreds and hundreds of photos having difficulties deciding what I wanted to photograph. Everything was so beautiful.  Being here felt like I was in another world.

While sailing, we passed by a big penguin colony and observed a seal peacefully resting on a big chunk of ice.

Entering the Gerlache Straight

At the end of the channel, we entered the Gerlache Strait. This strait had incredibly calm water with low clouds and hundreds of icebergs of all sizes. The view was incredible. What mesmerized me the most was the deep silence of the area. Everything looked frozen, even the time. It’s an awkward feeling to describe, but I felt like I was outside our planet, somewhere I could only imagine existing in science fiction. Some of the icebergs had penguins on them just sitting there looking at our giant cruise ship passing by.

We saw a few whales swimming between icebergs calmly and serene.

After leaving Gerlache Strait, we had a few hours before reaching our next stop Charlotte Bay. That allowed me to download the 2000 photos I took and recharge the battery of my camera. I was still mesmerized by the incredible beauty we saw in just a few hours in Antarctica.

Bonus: Best Cabin Type for Antarctica

Picking the best cabin types on a sea-intensive cruise is crucial.  Certainly, a Cruise to Antarctica is certainly sea-intensive, and for these types of cruises, we recommend a balcony cabin.

By contrast, port-intensive cruises such as our recent 21 Day Mediterranean Cruise are different.  For example, generally, port-intensive cruises don’t necessarily require a balcony as you generally only cruise at night.

If you really want to be picky, we recommend Starboard side Balcony cabins on cruises from Santiago to Buenos Aires.  If your cruise to Antarctica or South America starts in Buenos Aires and ends in Santiago, then we recommend Portside balcony cabins for optimal viewing pleasure.

While we are on this topic, we would highly advise against inside/oceanview cabins on sea-intensive routes, in particular on Antarctica routes.  You will find that booking a balcony cabin allows you the best opportunity to see the amazing wildlife, icebergs and everything else that Antarctica has to offer.

Scenic Cruising: Charlotte Bay

Around 7 pm, we entered Charlotte Bay , our last destination for the first day in Antarctica.  In the bay, we had water as smooth as glass with majestic mountains in the background. The bay was full of icebergs of all sizes. Some of those icebergs were as big as three-story tall buildings. The icebergs featured deep blue colors both in and out of the sea. The feeling once again was of complete calm and serenity in these smooth waters. We were also able to see a few whales jumping out of the water and feeding.

We sailed in the bay for a few hours.  The sun was beginning to set on the horizon, and the sunset colors started to tint the sky. The ice looked even more surreal.

Our first day in the Antarctica peninsula was almost over. We went to bed very excited and looking forward to another day in the magical continent.

We set the alarm clock for 6 am because, at that time, we were reaching our next destination Deception Island . Unfortunately, once we reached the island, the fog was thick, and the visibility was only a few meters. For that reason, the Captain decided to move on to our next destination.

Day 11: Scenic Cruising in Admiralty Bay

We were entering Admiralty bay around 1030am. On this island, we could see two important scientific bases in Antarctica, the new Brasilian base and the Polish base. The Captain announced that he was able to speak with the scientists in the Polish bay. Consequently, he invited them on board at noon for an interview.  The interview proved to be quite exciting.

After sailing very close to the brand new Brasilian Base, we reached the deepest part of the bay where some massive glaciers were ending in the ocean. The view was quite impressive. We sailed in the calm waters by the glaciers for sometime before approaching the Polish base, the Arctowski Station , to let the scientists on board.

The Polish Scientists Interview

The scientists came on board around lunchtime, and the Captain started his interview. It was quite fascinating to hear how the selection process is to became a scientist in the base. They stayed with us for about an hour than they left, and we were on our way to our next and final destination in Antarctica Elephant Island.

A time-lapse video of us Cruising Admiralty Bay, Antarctica

Cruising By Elephant Island, Antarctica

Our cruise ship reached Elephant Island Antarctica around 7:30 pm.  To be sure, Elephant Island is famous for being the refuge of the Endurance Expedition in 1916.

By the time we reached the island, the sun was out and getting low on the horizon, coloring the sky of a beautiful orange. Indeed, Elephant Island is rocky and mountainous.  Also, it features some rather impressive glaciers.   Best of all, we sailed very close to it and got to see the island with a stunning sunset.  And as per usual, a few more icebergs were seen floating around.

Cruising by Elephant Island was bittersweet because we knew that our time in Antarctica was over and we were leaving that magical place.

After sunset, we were back in the Drake Passage sailing towards our next destination, the Falkland Islands. Unfortunately, the passage was not as smooth as we had on the way down. In fact, by lunchtime, the following day, the ocean was getting rough.

Day 12: Fun Day at Sea!

We had a lot of sea days on this cruise.  To be sure, it was no surprise.  But, we used the time wisely.  For example, we started putting together our memories of the trip as it was nearing the end.  Indeed, here are some photos of the fantastic crew who went out of their way to keep us both informed and incredibly comfortable.

Day 13: Falkland Islands

After a pretty rough day at sea, we finally arrived at Port Stanley, the principal town in the Falkland Islands . The view from our balcony was quite interesting. We could see the little village of Port Stanley with its colorful houses.

We decided to explore the town before our excursion to Bluff Cove Penguin Rockery in the afternoon. The city is very British, with the typical red phone booth, the Royal Mailboxes, and old England architecture. We enjoyed our walk. We stopped by the church, and we were able to have a friendly long chat about the Islands with the priest. At lunchtime, we had a typical British Pub lunch in a very typical pub.

What’s the Best Part about our Cruise to South America?  The Penguin Excursion!

At 2 pm, we had our cruise penguin excursion planned. To be sure, the penguin excursion was one of the most fun excursions we have ever done! It started with a short bus ride from Port Stanley to the Bluff Cove Farm. From there we took 4 x 4 Rover to the beach. Once we arrived at the penguin rookery, we were mesmerized by the incredible number of Gentoos penguins . It was amazing seeing all those beautiful animals up close. The penguins have no fear of humans, and they were walking around us freely. There were a lot of baby penguins walking among the adults — or feeding on their parents. We saw a vast amount of King Penguins nesting, as well.

After an hour with the penguins, we were served tea, delicious scones, and cakes before our trip back to Port Stanley.

Undoubtedly, today is one that I will never forget.

Day 15: Sea Day / Coral Princess Ship Tour

On the 15th day, we got invited to visit the different areas of the Coral Princess.  The tour was a delight and a big surprise.  Naturally, we thank those who are responsible for setting it up (You know who you are).

First, we got to visit the bridge, where one of the officers told us about the steering, navigation, and propulsion systems.  Then, the Master in Command, Capt. Todd McBain came out to tell us more about the ship and our cruise.

Then we went on to visit the Galley, where all the food gets made for the dining rooms.  Last, we got to visit the laundry facilities.  To be sure, the laundry section was the most fascinating to me as I had never seen it before.

On future sailings, I look forward to checking out the M1 and the Engine room, however, that might take a little extra work 🙂

Here are some photos from this day.

Day 16: Montevideo- Our 2nd to Last Top on our Cruise to South America & Antarctica

Our adventure was approaching the end. We sailed two more days before reaching the cute port town of Montevideo. By then, the sun was back in the sky, and the temperature was warming up quickly. We did not plan any excursion in Montevideo, but we decided to explore the city and enjoy it.

The city is rather small but very nice. It has some great colonial architecture. People in Montevideo are very friendly and helpful. The highlight of the town was the Mercado del Puerto . This cute little market is full of restaurants with a large woodfire grill where several cuts of meat are grilling. The smell is intoxicating, and the food is delicious. We decided to have a nice lunch there, and we were thrilled we did.

Unfortunately, it was time to start packing. Our adventure was almost over. We only had a short sail to Buenos Aires, and then it was time to disembark.

Day 17: The Final Stop on Our Cruise in South America – Buenos Aires

We disembarked in Buenos Aires around 9 am. The weather was warm but with a little rain. After checking in at the hotel, we decided to go out and explore the city.

Our hotel wasn’t too far from Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada .

Just 10 minutes of walking. In the same piazza, we took a good look at the Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. The church where the Bishop Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, used to be.

We then hopped in a taxi to go to a restaurant that was recommended us by a friend.   The restaurant was just across the street from the famous Recoleta Cemetery. After lunch, we decided to have a look at it. Wow, the cemetery was not at all what I expected. The cemetery features ornate mausoleums with statues and columns. We walked to the most famous grave of all, the Eva Peron one.

Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires

It is quite an In the evening we decided to go for a drink in Plaza Dorrego. T is probably my favorite place in Buenos Aires. In this beautiful little piazza, friendly and calm, where it is possible to sit outside and have a drink while watching dancers dancing the Tango.

For dinner, we decided to go to the Puerto Madero area. Here, you will find the old port docks area that is now getting converted into an area with restaurants and nightlife. It is the perfect spot for a night stroll.

La Boca, Buenos Aires

The next morning, we visited the La Boca area of Buenos Aires. La Boca used to be the first port of Buenos Aires. La Boca got Neglected in the 1980s and 1990s. Then, it reinvented itself with extravagant explosions of kitsch. To be sure, nothing is sophisticated or subtle in La Boca: brightly painted walls, caricature figurines, papier-mache shop greeters, and gaudy graffiti scream in your face. Still, as a spectacle, it’s a treat. La Boca’s streets are a living, breathing performance art gallery for the 21st century. No one should leave Buenos Aires without this visual assault.

We walked at El Caminito La Boca’s most recognizable street, directly translates as “little walkway” and refers to an alley lined with the restored “conventillos” or colorfully painted tenements made of wood and corrugated zinc. Although the area has undoubtedly lost some of its authenticity (many say it has transformed into a tourist trap), it’s still worth visiting. Indeed, you’ll encounter elegant dancers tangoing to live music against a backdrop of local artists and stall owners hawking their wares.

Palermo District & Plaza Dorrego

After spending the morning at La Boca, we ended up back in Plaza Dorrego for a cold beer and Tango viewing.

On our last night in Buenos Aires, we decided to go for dinner in the Palermo district. This area has some charming streets for a night walk full of restaurants and pubs.

The morning after, we had a few hours before going to the airport, and we decided to go for a walk to La Torre Monumental, the train station, and the Falkland war memorial. The area is very friendly and manicured, with a beautiful park perfect for a stroll.

That’s it our time in Buenos Aires was over, we had to make our way to the airport. Our incredible adventure was over.

Reflecting on our Cruise to Antarctica and South America

Overall, this was a fantastic adventure. For example, we saw some very unusual and magical places and met new friends and bonded with some old friends.  Surely, we had a great time both onboard and on land.  As usual, I was sad to leave the ship, but I am looking forward to our next adventure soon.  Finally, I want to especially thank our Master in Command, Captain Todd McBain for keeping us posted on a regular basis on what was going on with the cruise.  To be sure, it was the first time, for me, that a Captain was so detailed on everything that was related to our cruise.

-Happy Traveling

Andrea was born and raised in Northern Italy. At the age of 30, he moved to Vancouver Canada. Over the years he traveled extensively in North America, Europe, Central America, and Asia. He is passionate about traveling, cruising, and travel photography. He likes to write about his traveling and shows his travel photos.

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16 Comments

What a great blog! Excellent photos and well-written, entertaining and informative text. Thank you for sharing! In case you’re interested, I keep a photo blog of all my cruises, going back 30 years or so with different companies but nowadays pretty much always with Princess. I hope you like the photos. Cheers, Tim.

Thanks for your amazing review, myself and my husband did the cruise after you and were blown away by the wonderful weather and fantastic scenery

Hi Andrea, I love the penguins!. How much is this whole trip with the cruise?

Hello Jacky, It depends on what kind of cabin you pick, If you are ok with an inside cabin you can do the 16 days for as low as $3500

Thank you for the best review I have read in my 25 cruises with princess We will be boarding the coral on March 5 in santiago Chile ending in FLL We will not visit Antarctica on our cruise but we have a few more ports and Overnights Thanks agan……from Cranston, Rhode Island…USA

Great post! Thanks for sharing the details, pics, videos and insights!

Thanks for this review. I’ve had Antarctica on my list for years, and penguins are a must. I can’t use RIBs and so wondered what a non-landing Antarctic experience would be like. Your review ticks all my boxes, so maybe this coming winter for me:)

Hi Andrea Great blog! Thanks for sharing. We are booked on this cruise January 2021. When exactly did you travel? Thank you. We left Santiago on January 5th

Hi Karen, we left Santiago on January 5th arrived in Buenos Aires on January 21st.

Hi Andrea! Amazing trip and super helpful write up! I’m looking to book the same cruise and also be able to work from the ship on some sea days. Was wondering if you happened to use the wifi for things like streaming and video calls while you were on the boat and how your experience was? Brian

Hi Brian, thank you for your comment. We did use the wifi on board and it was ok. I was able to videocall, but it was a bit choppy. Unfortunately we have been back on another ship last August and the wifi was horrible. Andrea

What’s the difference between going with Princess Cruises vs regular expedition cruises that cost over $10,000 ?

Usually with the expedition cruises you are going with much smaller ships and you can actually get at shore in Antarctica.

So Princess doesn’t offer excursions that bring you to shore?

When we went, they only offered one from Puntarenas Chile, a plane ride to a base in Antarctica

Just wondering why you recommend a starboard side stateroom when cruising Santiago to Bueno Aires? I would think port side would be more scenic. Appreciate your thoughts.

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Cruises to Antarctica

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

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

Antarctica Cruise Highlights

Majestic mountains.

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

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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.

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Elephant Island, Antarctica

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

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By macaroni , October 22, 2022 in Celebrity Cruises

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Planning a January 2024 Antarctica/Falkland islands cruise. Trying to decide between 14 night eclipse  or 16 night Princess ….Princess is almost $4,000 more per couple and goes from Santiago to Buenos Aires as Celebrity is BA RT. We have done South America before so going around is not a requirement. Celebrity is 1 day less in Antarctica. Has anyone done both? Does anyone have opinions?

also, right now plan is for the end of January…..is earlier in the month better?

I know an expedition cruise is best but that is not happening.

thanks for any input or thoughts.

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cruisestitch

That’s a lot of money for two extra nights

But is the extra day in Antarctica worth it….for those who have been?

We did Antarctica on the Infinity and loved it. Since it isn’t a expedition sailing then I would not think the extra day of cruising is worth the price.  

We did Antarctica on the Eclipse in Feb 2020 and it was epic!  Followed up with a B2B to Brazil, in time for Carnaval.  Returned to USA early March, just as Covid was impacting travel and the world.  Friends stayed on board for the next two cruises, the itineraries of each were cancelled.  They never got off the ship until Eclipse returned to San Diego.  

Ken the cruiser

We're booked on the January 2024 Princess cruise from Santiago with 4 days cruising around the Antarctica peninsula whereas the Celebrity Eclipse cruise actually only cruises around the Antarctica peninsula for 2 days (days 7 and 8).

We actually booked the 14-day Celebrity cruise first, then switched when we found that Princess does 4 days in Antarctica and, yes, those 2 extra days are definitely worth the extra cost to us. We also booked the follow-on (much cheaper) Princess cruise from BA back to Santiago as it offers a somewhat different return itinerary but is also loaded with multiple "wildlife-enriched" ports to visit!

Back in Jan 2018, we did a similar HAL 22-day cruise from BA to Santiago which also spent 4 days cruising around the Peninsula, and it was truly awesome!  

As far as costing more per day, yes, Princess does cost more. But whichever cruise you choose, you're going to have a great time!! One suggestion - if there is a cabin available and your budget can afford it, book an aft-facing one so you can enjoy the wildlife and fantastic scenic views on both sides of the ship as well as from the aft from your balcony. Yes, you can walk around the promenade as well, but ...  😉

Cruise Details - 16-Day Antarctica & Cape Horn - Princess Cruises

14 Nights Antarctica from Buenos Aires, Argentina | Celebrity Cruises

BTW, remember when comparing costs online between Princess and Celebrity, the Princess base price includes a refundable deposit whereas the Celebrity one by default includes a nonrefundable deposit and you have to pay a little more for the refundable option.

I am looking at both prices based on the same inclusions…..actually Princess is 2 12 days and then 2 full days….

I think we will book both and read reviews this winter before finalizing.  

thanks for the thoughts!

Should say 2  - 1/2 days

Arizona Wildcat

Cruising by Antarctica was wonderful.  Again we had perfect weather.  As others have said the stop in the Falklands is about 50/50.  Hopefully someone will organize a private tour to see the penguins.  Wonderful.

No opinion about Princess vs Celebrity as both are similar and this cruise is very weather dependent for the entire cruise.  Two expedition cruises the week before ours were cut short due to 50' seas.  We had seas that very calm except for one day.

the penguins

18 hours ago, macaroni said: Planning a January 2024 Antarctica/Falkland islands cruise. Trying to decide between 14 night eclipse  or 16 night Princess ….Princess is almost $4,000 more per couple and goes from Santiago to Buenos Aires as Celebrity is BA RT. We have done South America before so going around is not a requirement. Celebrity is 1 day less in Antarctica. Has anyone done both? Does anyone have opinions?   also, right now plan is for the end of January…..is earlier in the month better?   I know an expedition cruise is best but that is not happening.   thanks for any input or thoughts.

I know…..besides the difference in price, which I wouldn’t mind for the experience, I would be afraid of being sea sick on a smaller ship and not enjoying it at all….

11 hours ago, macaroni said: I know…..besides the difference in price, which I wouldn’t mind for the experience, I would be afraid of being sea sick on a smaller ship and not enjoying it at all….

I appreciate the dilemma and for what it's worth our experiences were:

First trip on Celebrity:  8 days of continuous bad weather culminating in 60 foot waves and 90 mph winds. Just 1 glouroius day of calm and sun sailing amongst the icebergs but always looking down. The ship cannot go close to land. Fully stabilised. Decks closed for several days and no Bridge visits.

Second trip the Fram: 2 days of bad weather. Once across the Drake's passage ship can get close to the land where it is protected from the winds. Ship fully stabilised and much lower resulting in less side to side motion. Ice bergs tower above you. Even in the worst weather the deck was still open for passengers. Every passenger got a trip to the Bridge.

Price: on the Fram all excursions/landings are included as is a waterproof eind proof jacket( yours to keep ) and special insulated boots to borrow. 

Overall: Celebrity is still basically the same onboard experience with a different view from on deck. Fram, everything is tailored to the destination, talks, expert guides and lecturers. 

Our choice: book an expedition ship and the lowest cheapest cabin (you will only go in it to sleep) and embrace a once in a lifetime experience. Ideally pick a cruise that includes South Georgia which is the only place to see thousands of King Penguins.

NutsAboutGolf

Cheapest rates are like 3.5x more expensive on Fram then on X.  On the sailing I'm booked on, it's over $10K/couple more to sail on Fram.  Rhetorical question, while I understand Fram offers a better Antarctica experience, is seeing king penguins worth that extra expense?   🤔

the penguins……what months did you travel in?

1 hour ago, NutsAboutGolf said: Cheapest rates are like 3.5x more expensive on Fram then on X.  On the sailing I'm booked on, it's over $10K/couple more to sail on Fram.  Rhetorical question, while I understand Fram offers a better Antarctica experience, is seeing king penguins worth that extra expense?   🤔

On our cruise we had:

Landings on the peninsular at: Half Moon Island, Cuverville, Port Lockeroy and King George Island.

On South Georgia at Grytvikrn, Fortuna Bay and Stromness.

Docked ( no tendering) for a day in Port Stanley.

Had landings on New Island, West Point and Carcas Islands all part of the Falklands.

Highlights included:

Standing amongst over 20,000 adult King Penguins.

Sitting so close to Albatross nests that the birds flew just inches above our heads as the came into land. 

Exploring the ruins of the Whaling station on Grytvikrn and visiting it's tiny church.

Gliding on Polar Circle boats right upto Ice Bergs.

On every landing seeing penguins, seals or birds often all three and all with no fear of humans.

Exploring the 2 research stations on King George Island including the amazing Russian Church installed high on a cliff and held in place by 4 enormous chains drilled 40 feet into the rock. The inside was totally covered with hand painted frescos.

Having every landing accompanied by an expert expedition team.

Above all setting foot on ground that has no human habitation and where everything is totally unspoilt - we were not allowed to pick up or move a single item. All our outer clothing was vacuumed before we were allowed to do any landings.

💲 for 💲 it's hard to compare but we have done both types and if our health would permit it the experience we would repeat is on the Fram.

1 hour ago, macaroni said: the penguins……what months did you travel in?

INFINITY: 1 to 14 February

FRAM: 21 February to 14 March.

The difference between going in the early or late season are: 

Early: good chance to see whales, more snow on the ground making landings harder, lots of baby penguins, seals etc.

Late: very unlikely to see whales, very little snow on the ground making landings easier,  no baby penguins or seals just juveniles and adults.

Note: Kings breed all year so you see every size whenever you go. If you look closely our pic shows everything from an egg to adults. Geoff.

We are doing Ponant in January 2024.  I was going to suggest an expedition but penguins beat me too it.  Have a wonderful cruise, whichever you choose.

57 minutes ago, marieps said: We are doing Ponant in January 2024.  I was going to suggest an expedition but penguins beat me too it.  Have a wonderful cruise, whichever you choose.

If this will be your first time may I give you a few tips that worked great for us?

Oh well I will post them just in case:

1) buy some cheap ski goggles for wearing on the boats that take you in for the landings. We did this after we noticed in the pics that the boat drivers all wore goggles. Kept our eyes free of the freezing, salty water.

2) we find that we can't use our cameras whilst wearing gloves and nor would we be allowed to take our gloves off and put them on the ground. The solution? We fixed our gloves onto a long strip of elastic and threaded the elastic though our coat sleeves - just like our mum's did when were kids. It worked great, so great that I still have my gloves attached the same way. 

3) related to number 2: mittens are much warmer than gloves just make sure they are waterproof.

4) the temperatures won't be particularly low but the wind will be cutting. Layers are the solution and long sleeve thermal vests and longjohns are essential.

5) presumably the ship will provide waterproof, thermal insulated boots and if so these work fantastically well but only if you wear thin socks. 

Enjoy your trip.Geoff

8 minutes ago, the penguins said: If this will be your first time may I give you a few tips that worked great for us? Oh well I will post them just in case: 1) buy some cheap ski goggles for wearing on the boats that take you in for the landings. We did this after we noticed in the pics that the boat drivers all wore goggles. Kept our eyes free of the freezing, salty water. 2) we find that we can't use our cameras whilst wearing gloves and nor would we be allowed to take our gloves off and put them on the ground. The solution? We fixed our gloves onto a long strip of elastic and threaded the elastic though our coat sleeves - just like our mum's did when were kids. It worked great, so great that I still have my gloves attached the same way.  3) related to number 2: mittens are much warmer than gloves just make sure they are waterproof. 4) the temperatures won't be particularly low but the wind will be cutting. Layers are the solution and long sleeve thermal vests and longjohns are essential. 5) presumably the ship will provide waterproof, thermal insulated boots and if so these work fantastically well but only if you wear thin socks.  Enjoy your trip.Geoff  

Sorry sent to quick.

If you use a digital camera take lots of small chips (1 for every landing day) that way if you do have a problem you won't lose all your pics. Antarctica is remote and you shouldn't, indeed mustn't, rely on being able to upload photos or indeed even to be able to connect to the outside world. Heaven, just pure heaven.

5 hours ago, the penguins said: Sorry sent to quick. If you use a digital camera take lots of small chips (1 for every landing day) that way if you do have a problem you won't lose all your pics. Antarctica is remote and you shouldn't, indeed mustn't, rely on being able to upload photos or indeed even to be able to connect to the outside world. Heaven, just pure heaven.  

Geoff, your posts are always valuable and this list is a shining example.  Thanks so much.  We were supposed to sail together on a cruise long cancelled.  I can't remember which one.  Hope to meet you at some point.

6 hours ago, marieps said: Geoff, your posts are always valuable and this list is a shining example.  Thanks so much.  We were supposed to sail together on a cruise long cancelled.  I can't remember which one.  Hope to meet you at some point.

I also remembered your CC name. Probably on a Transatlantic that was cancelled due to Covid and before we dropped Celebrity due to the thankfully short lived introduction of compolsary AI. Now that experiment is over we are back to booking on Celebrity and our next cruise is on Reflection October 2023 TA from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale. Geoff

floridatravelersforlife

Just saw your post.  We were on one of the Inaugural Infinity cruises to the Antarctic peninsula  back in  February 2010.

To answer a question you didn't ask:  The earlier the season, the better chance that you will successfully reach each of the destinations. We missed the Falklands due to heavy weather and had to initially divert from crossing the Drake passage due to a huge storm. We still hit part of the storm with 10m seas and 75 knot winds.  We went to Ushuaia first and then to the Peninsula.  The rest of the trip was uneventful. 

Some cruises are on flat water .  But if we were to do it again, we wouldn't take the chance to miss any of these important stops.  

7 hours ago, the penguins said: I also remembered your CC name. Probably on a Transatlantic that was cancelled due to Covid and before we dropped Celebrity due to the thankfully short lived introduction of compolsary AI. Now that experiment is over we are back to booking on Celebrity and our next cruise is on Reflection October 2023 TA from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale. Geoff

We are on Sillie's TA in October 2023.  Enjoy.

On 10/22/2022 at 8:26 AM, macaroni said: Planning a January 2024 Antarctica/Falkland islands cruise. Trying to decide between 14 night eclipse  or 16 night Princess ….Princess is almost $4,000 more per couple and goes from Santiago to Buenos Aires as Celebrity is BA RT. We have done South America before so going around is not a requirement. Celebrity is 1 day less in Antarctica. Has anyone done both? Does anyone have opinions?   also, right now plan is for the end of January…..is earlier in the month better?   I know an expedition cruise is best but that is not happening.   thanks for any input or thoughts.

Go on the smallest possible ship.

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Solent Richard's Cruise Blog

Welcome aboard and nice to meet you. My wife and I are seasoned cruisers having first dipped our toes into the world of cruising in 1990, a one week cruise on board the Cunard Countess. The majority of our cruising has been with two cruise lines, Cunard and P&O. We have, however, sailed on 21 different cruise ships, some many times over, on 11 different cruise lines while completing 619 cruise nights on board.

Celebrity Infinity – To Antarctic and return

My wife and I have recently returned from a 14 night Antarctic Cruise on board the Celebrity Infinity…

We joined the ship in Buenos Aires having made the direct flight with British Airways from London’s Heathrow Airport. We had additionally opted for a two day pre-cruise and 3 night post cruise stay in Buenos Aires in order to make the most of  what the capital of Argentina had to offer: particularly  in line with our love of the Tango. We were not disappointed.

The itinerary offered the prospect of a number of port visits in addition to cruising around through Antarctica’s Schollart Channel, Paradise Bay and Elephant Island…

With the exception of Montevideo we had not visited any of the ports of call though we had passed Ushuaia and Cape Horn during the Queen Mary 2’s World Cruise South Atlantic Voyage.

This was our second cruise with Celebrity but the first time on one of their older  Millennium Class ships…

Celebrity Infinity is a 12 year old cruise ship, though she recently underwent a refurbishment. Our accommodation on board was a Sky Suite on 6 Deck…

Though easily the smallest suite we have yet occupied…

…we found it more than satisfactory and completely as described in the Celebrity brochure: everything was as one would expect for that level of accommodation, an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower…

…Bvlgari toiletries…

We made considerable use of the good sized balcony…

…during this rather scenic cruise as we also did the services of the included butler…

…particularly the excellent tea service above.

During the booking process we had indicated our preference for second sitting dining and that is what celebrity allocated to us, in the Trellis Restaurant…

……where we had an ideal table for eight, at the rear of the restaurant, adjacent to the panoramic rear view windows.

Celebrity Infinity has now incorporated a number of touches and dining venues from their more modern ships in the Celebrity fleet.

One such enhancement, Aqua Class accommodation, is additionally paired with the exclusive speciality restaurant, Blu…

Passengers occupying Suites onboard are entitled to 2 complimentary visits to a speciality restaurant of their choice.

In addition Celebrity Cruises offers a number of dining packages – either a three or five visit package offering  various savings on the supplementary charges made for individual visits.

We opted for the additional three at a cost of $109.00 per person.

The rather quirky option speciality dining venue that we opted to attend twice was Qsine…

Indeed, so quirky that the menus come on ipads and include ‘ mini video’s’ to highlight certain dishes.

We certainly had fun discovering the various options, unusual and unexpected, but always adventurous and delicious like the  Chinese Martini Chitinis… 

… The Lava Crab…

…and the Fillet Mignon…

And how is this for a selection of Strawberry Lollipops?…

…while the second speciality restaurant that we utilised for the other  three visits was the SS United States…

While we found the ‘SS United States’ menu was almost identical to that offered in Celebrity Eclipse’s ‘Murano’ speciality restaurant the  restaurant itself came with a distinct lack of the latter’s atmosphere and grandeur.

Nevertheless we had excellent meals on all visits: some examples starting with the inevitable   Amuse Bouche…

. ..an Appetizer…

and, over the three visits,  a selection of Entrees including Dover Sole…

…Rack of Lamb…

…and Potato Laced French Turbot…

While prepared table-side, Flambe Lobster…

…presented as.. .

Once again, top marks for the selection of  Desserts…

…and again prepared table-side, Strawberry Crepe…

We were somewhat disappointed with the entertainment routine and timetable on Celebrity Infinity. All main shows in the Celebrity Theatre for ‘second sitting diners were scheduled for 7.00 pm…

…not the traditional show times and routines we have become used to on other cruise lines: where we prefer to enjoy convivial pre-dinner drinks in our favourite bars around the ship, maybe listening to live music.

On the subject of pre-dinner drinks, by far the most popular of these venues was ever lively Martini and Crush Bars…

We experienced a number of very warm days on our journey south from Buenos Aires, making good use of the outdoor pool areas…

Following three days at sea our first port of call was Ushuaia …

…where we enjoyed a full day taking in a visit to the historic Military Prison Museum…

…a boat trip out into the Beagle Channel…

…and, perhaps the icing on the cake, a trip up to Glacier Marshall to experience this breathtaking view over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel…

From Ushuaia we continued  on our itinerary with a circumnavigation of the infamous Cape Horn…

There was an early start for those who wished to witness the full glory of the South American continent’southernmost point…

…where we spent some four hours navigating various channels while being briefed by the ship’s two specialist travel lecturers.

We were blessed with reasonably good weather as we completed the circumnavigation of the Cape and of particular interest was viewing, set high on the cliff tops, the Albatross Memorial to those mariners whose lives were lost rounding the Cape…

Our course was then set almost directly south for Antarctica itself and in particular the Schollart Channel, Paradise Bay and Elephant Island…

Unfortunately it was not possible to land in the Antarctic. This was,  however, to be one  amazing experience and a journey of a lifetime. Gliding through channels littered with icebergs, where the only sound was the creaking movement of glaciers and even more icebergs breaking free from those glaciers…

The  spectacular landscapes of the great white south and its wildlife: penguins hitching a ride on icebergs, whales gracefully going through their paces and even capturing Penguins in flight…

…truly something very different that brings you just that closer to the most remote wilderness in the world.

Having now completed our Antarctica passage we set a course northwards as our next destination.  After one day at sea we arrived at, and anchored off,   The Falkland Islands.. .

Fingers were crossed that the weather would be kind to us and allow the planned visit. This is not always easy as a Falkland Islands’ visit is dependant  on ‘ship’s tender’ transport into Port Stanley.

We rode our luck and arrived to anchor off Port Stanley to a refreshingly calm morning with a view of Port Stanley and those mounts, hills and ridges that featured so prominently during the Falklands War.

As suite guests we had a priority tender ticket and we were soon heading from the ship…

…towards Port Stanley…

…and a really wonderful welcome reception ashore…

A full account of our visit to The Falkland Islands can be found at…

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/one-way-to-do-the-falklands/

…including an account of our visit to a penguin colony…

Interestingly, as the day went on, so the weather deteriorated and we began to experience  conditions more accustomed to these remote islands. We had been lucky and we new it as our return tender was not the smooth experience we had had earlier that day.

We now had a further sea day to relax and charge our batteries before we arrived at our next port of call, Puerto Madryn , in the Patagonian area of Argentina.

The main attraction for cruise ship visits to Puerto Madryn is that it is the gateway to  nearby Peninsula Valdes and its abundance of oceanic wildlife.

Considerable emphasis was placed by the ship’s excursions’ office on visiting Peninsula Valdes and the opportunity to see Sea Lions, Elephant Seals, Penguins and the odd whale, all in their natural habitat, with the addition of the Guanaco: better known to us as Lama.

There were, alternatively, a number of local tour operators on the jetty…

…for those wishing to save a little on their tour.

My wife and I had other plans. Between Ushuaia and The Falkland Islands we were a little ‘wild lifed’ out  and something alternatively linked to Puerto Madryn attracted us. This was, after all,  the point in Patagonia where,  in 1865, a colony of 153 Welsh settlers established a colony that exists to this day. With Welsh blood running through both of our veins we set off to discover what we could of this event.

Puerto Madryn has an amazingly long sandy seafront and serves as a major Argentinian holiday resort during the warmer season …

A very helpful Tourist Information Office directed us to the far end of this amazing beach where we found, not only a monument to celebrate the Welsh settlers landing…

…but a small museum to celebrate the event as well.

Puerto Madryn has a lot to offer those who do not wish to see further wildlife. There are plenty of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants in the town and some very good leather outlets.

Following our mega walk the day before we both appreciated that our next day was once more a sea day as we continued our passage north towards our penultimate port destination,  Montevideo …

A full review of our day in Montevideo can be found here…

One Way to Do Montevideo

…including a visit to the Mercado del Puorto for an amazing   BBQ Lunch…

The following day we arrived back in Buenos Aires after our 14 night cruise. We disembarked Celebrity Infinity and checked into the  NH City and Tower Hotel in the San Telmo district of Buenos Aires  for a 3 day stay to explore everything that Buenos Aires had to offer…

A full review of our stay in Buenos Aires can be found here…

One Way to Do Buenos Aires Part 1

…which included a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery…

…and the Family Tomb of Eva Peron…

This was our second cruise with Celebrity and again we enjoyed the experience immensely. This was a cruise that definitely was itinerary driven and, being with a Celebrity ship,  that decision was made all the easier.

Celebrity Infinity is an older ship and in our opinion, despite a recent refurbishment,  didn’t quite match the style, quality and ambiance that we experienced on Celebrity Eclipse. Having said that we were generally  well satisfied and thought the overall package good value for money.

Dining on board Infinity didn’t match that on Celebrity Eclipse and was therefore somewhat of  a slight disappointment. With the exception of Qsine  the standards were not to our previous experiences. Of particular note was the speciality restaurant SS United States . It lacked atmosphere, the service was pretentious and certain main course dishes ran out prior to the end of the cruise.

As always our table staff in the Trellis Restaurant were very good and made every effort to please, as did our butler and suite attendants.

Would we sail with Celebrity again.

Of course we will and providing the itinerary appealed we would be happy to sail on Infinity.

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6 responses to “ celebrity infinity – to antarctic and return ”.

Buenos Aires, return, now that is a new twist I have not seen, gets away from the Argentina Falklands noise. This ship was our first cruise which we joined in its first year of operation 2001 cruising Alaska. Its service was fantastic and in our case we had a Skydeck Balcony. I’m pleased to see the overall quality and food service has continued. Bring back fond memories of the Trellis Restaurant. Cheers.

I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

Pingback: Celebrity Infinity to Iceland and the Fiords | Solent Richard's Cruise Blog ·

I was in similar cruise http://poseidonexpeditions.com/antarctica/ and i agree with you, it’s amazing experience. Antarctica is a very unappreciated place and it’s not very popular but very interesting.

Thanks for a very informative read with some excellent photos. I am particularly interested as we have booked this same itinerary for 2018 when we will fulfil my mother in laws wish to return to the Antarctic after first visiting in 2010 on a HAL Grand voyage around South America.

A very interesting read as we have now booked this cruise for 2020 on our favourite Eclipse.

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A self confessed Cruiseaholic...... with barely enough funds to support his passion!

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Cruises to Antarctica take passengers to nature in its most pristine and rugged state. On your Antarctica cruise, observe whales, penguins, sea lions and albatross as your ship sails past towering blue icebergs. Onboard Antarctic cruises, naturalists offer lectures and lead sightseeing excursions. Antarctic cruises typically depart from South American ports like Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands and Buenos Aires or Ushuaia in Argentina, and cruise the Drake Passage. Cruises to Antarctica include highlights such as the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula and a number of peak-filled islands.

• The Antarctic cruise season is December to February.
• Because you'll need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your Antarctica cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.