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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.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

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.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

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Antarctica Cruises, Ships & Tours

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• South Georgia

Falkland Islands

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

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

Top-Rated Small Antarctic Cruise Ships

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

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

Antarctic Wildlife

Top places to visit in antarctica.

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

Antarctica Travel Guide

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

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

What's it like on an Antarctic Cruise?

A Typical Day on an Antarctica Cruise

Expeditions to the south pole, south pole expeditions.

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

Antarctica Cruise Lines

Penguins of antarctica.

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

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Why Travel With Adventure Life

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The Antarctica Explorer

• Brave the world's most infamous body of water on the Drake Passage crossing, a lifetime achievement for spirited sailors.
• Discover the ice-covered islands, dormant volcanoes, and abundant wildlife of the South Shetland Islands.
• Experience unbridled adventure exploring the pristine Antarctic Peninsula with its stunning landscapes and remarkable wildlife.

Embark on one of the longest Antarctica-only cruises, this 13-day Antarctica Explorer voyage, and discover in depth the breathtaking scenery, glacier-clad peaks, and extraordinary wildlife of the Great White Continent. Experience a genuine exploratory expedition with no predetermined schedule, allowing you to discover Antarctica as it was meant to be. With the extra time to explore and a vessel with a PC6/1A ice rating, gain access to areas off-limits to most ships, offering a more immersive experience of Earth’s last frontier.

Brave the infamous Drake Passage and marvel at the abundance of seabirds, albatrosses, and whales as you sail through its nutrient-rich waters. Explore the South Shetland Islands, home to ice-covered islands, dormant volcanoes, and diverse wildlife. Journey to the awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula, where your itinerary adapts to wildlife sightings and weather conditions. From mighty tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to far-flung shores south of the Antarctic Circle, every day brings jaw-dropping scenery, unforgettable landscapes, and incredible wildlife encounters. Get up close to whales, sea lions, elephant seals, and vibrant colonies of seabirds and penguins on numerous Zodiac excursions and landings, visit research stations, and immerse yourself in a true Antarctic adventure.

• Ocean Albatros

Standard Activities

About the the antarctica explorer, itinerary day to day, arrival ushuaia, embarkation.

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker’s paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.

After our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin’s ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage

At Sea, crossing the Drake Passage Southbound

Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage – the body of water separating Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, nicknamed the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest comfortably aboard our expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and manned by a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and you will complete the crossing twice!

Our days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for our arrival in Antarctica – your Expedition Leader will brief you comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on our plans for our time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife watching. Our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to biosecure your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica’s delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more!

We will cross into the Antarctic Convergence on the third day of our voyage – watch the mercury plummet as we sail southwards into Antarctic waters, an abrupt cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As the sea cools, wildlife multiplies; these are some of the most biologically productive water on Earth, so expect to see petrels, albatrosses and potentially penguins, seals and whales in abundance. Weather permitting, we may be able to make landfall in the South Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula) on the afternoon of our second day in the Drake Passage, marking the start of our exploration on the Last Continent.

The Antarctic Peninsula - Adventure awaits

With no set itinerary in Antarctica, this voyage offers adventurous travellers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be – flowing with the wind, sea and ice, and taking the best opportunities Mother Nature provides. This voyage departs in the first half of the brief Antarctic summer, when sea ice is at its maximum – this offers us ample opportunities to explore in the icy wilderness of the last continent. Our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the Expedition Leader and Captain – however we will aim to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region.

Marvel at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Feel the spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Watch city-sized tabular icebergs drift silently past the ship in the Antarctic Sound. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.

This time of year, expect to see penguins carefully tending their fluffy chicks, while their partners frantically hunt for food at sea. As the snow melts, opportunities for hiking onshore increase. Antarctic fur seals start to arrive in their summer feeding grounds, and humpback whale numbers increase as more of these gentle giants arrive at the end of their long migration. With luck, we may even see the young of these gentle giants. Perhaps the ice will retreat far enough to allow us access to the unknown islands south of the Antarctic circle – where the midnight sun never sets.

There is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows our staff onboard to maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst our suggestions above are just possible routes and landings, we can be sure that this will be the ultimate Antarctic experience.

At Sea, crossing the Drake Passage Northbound

We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage.

Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us northwards.

During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer – the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure.

Return to Ushuaia and Disembarkation

On the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a busy city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.

Departure Dates

• 2024 Departures
• 2025 Departures
• 2026 Departures

Extra Activities

Glide through the waters and take in the royal grace of the icebergs, see the varied birds and seals, and maybe even the whales in their natural habitat under the supervision of experienced kayak guides, who will ensure your safety during each outing.

Exercise your body while engaging your mind and heart in an unforgettable outing, safely guided by Kayak masters throughout the journey.

Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.

In order to sign up for this activity you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master.

What's Included

• 13-day/12-night cruise with accommodation in a shared outside double stateroom with private facilities
• Ushuaia shuttle transfers to ship from city centre (embarkation) / from the ship to city centre or airport (disembarkation, morning)
• All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
• Expedition parka
• Rubber boots in assorted sizes, suitable for shore landings (loan)
• Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
• Special Photo Workshop
• English-speaking expedition team
• Visual Journal link after voyage including voyage log, gallery, maps, species list and more!
• Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks
• Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
• Free tea and coffee 24 hours’ daily

What's Excluded

• Travel and Cancellation insurance
• Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
• Meals not on board the ship
• Beverages (other than mentioned under "included")
• Tips for the crew (approx. USD 16 per person per day)
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’

Related Itineraries

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

Antarctic explorer: discovering the 7th continent.

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

South shetland islands & antarctic peninsula.

Antarctica - Basecamp

Antarctic Circle Expedition

Antarctic express: fly the drake, classic antarctica, spirit of antarctica, highlights of antarctica, polar circle air-cruise, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

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

Listen & Match

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

Reserve & Relax

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

Prepare & Travel

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

Give us a Call

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• With Partner/Friend
• With Family
• As Part Of A Group
• Emperor Penguin
• Photography
• Exploration Heritage
• Antarctic Peninsula
• Antarctic Circle
• Falklands/S. Georgia
• Weddell Sea
• Ross Sea/E. Antarctica

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

• Last Updated: March 28, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Can You Travel to Antarctica in Winter?

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

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

Each month offers travellers a very different experience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Antarctic Cruise Itineraries

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

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

Here are the main Antarctic cruise itineraries you can book.

Antarctic Peninsula

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For that reason we do not recommend flying over the Drake Passage to Antarctica unless you are 110% positive that you mentally cannot handle the sea crossing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is the Antarctic cruise itinerary we most recommend.

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

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

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

Our Best Tips for Choosing the Right Antarctica Expedition for You

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Antarctica Cruise Company – Our Recommendations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After lots of research, personal testing, and fielding quite a few (better) offers from competitors, we decided that Quark Expeditions is the company we trust to operate our own group tours to Antarctica.

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

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

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

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

Their trips however are on the pricier side, which is something to consider.

For those seeking a thoughtful and authentic polar journey, Aurora Expeditions is a good choice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jarryd travelled with Intrepid this year as an expedition photographer in partnership with Sony Australia, and absolutely loved their service.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ship Size Matters on Antarctica Cruises

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let us say that again;

DO NOT BOOK A TRIP WITH MORE THAN 200 PASSENGERS!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personally, we prefer smaller ships.

How Much is a Cruise to Antarctica?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is that worth it the difference in cost?

That’s a question only you can answer.

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

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

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

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

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

How Long Should You Book to Visit Antarctica?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is the trip most people do.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then back across the Drake you go.

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

Basically the ultimate Antarctica trip.

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

Activities and Excursions on Antarctica Trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zodiac excursions are included in most small ship cruises.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Optional Activities on your Antarctic Cruises

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds majestic doesn’t it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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

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Discover another world beyond our own

Set out on an Oceanwide Expeditions Antarctica cruise and experience the outermost edge of human exploration. Oceanwide’s Antarctic cruises immerse you fully in the incomparable terrain of Antarctica, introducing you to a diverse host of animals while also engaging you in exhilarating expedition cruise activities like kayaking, hiking, mountaineering, scuba diving, and even camping. Your Antarctic expedition cruise will thoroughly acquaint you with Antarctica’s wondrous ice wildernesses, bringing out your inner explorer as you tour colossal glacier fronts, dazzling berg-filled bays, and shorelines surrounded by towering, snow-swept mountains.Also available during Antarctic cruises aboard our new vessel, Hondius, are special science-based activities that delve into the incredible Antarctic ecosystem.

For countless people over several centuries, Antarctica represents many things…  

Antarctica is the ice-packed secrets of the Ross or Weddell Seas. It is the snowy southern islands as well as the lush, bird-filled flora of the sub-Antarctic. And Antarctica is the snowy peaks, vast penguin colonies, and whale-abundant waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. Antarctica means seabirds, whales, and near-limitless other animals. But whatever else Antarctica is, it is without doubt an incomparable cruise adventure.

Join Oceanwide on an Antarctic expedition cruise, and experience exploration in its native environment.

Cruises to Antarctica

Atlantic Odyssey incl. Antarctic Peninsula to Cape Verde

HDS30D25 The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season.

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

14 Mar - 25 Apr, 2025

Berths start from:

PLA31B26 The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season.

m/v Plancius

23 Mar - 4 May, 2026

Atlantic Odyssey incl. Antarctic Peninsula to St. Helena

HDS30C25 The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season.

14 Mar - 15 Apr, 2025

PLA31A26 The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season.

23 Mar - 24 Apr, 2026

Atlantic Odyssey to Cape Verde

HDS31C25 During the days at sea the chances of meeting whales are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).

23 Mar - 25 Apr, 2025

We have a total of 70 cruises

Antarctica cruise video

Latest blog and customer story.

Oceanwide Expeditions donates €1060 to nature charities

This year we will donate €1,060 to the following conservation charities based on guest reviews: World Wildlife Fund, BirdLife International, 4Ocean, and the Falklands Conservation.

Read more All posts

Crossing, Kayaking, Camping: Three Antarctic Adventures

Crossing the Drake Passage rewards thousands of tourists every year with one of the most incredible paradises on planet Earth!

Read more Share a story

Latest highlight and wildlife

See the highlights you may experience:

• — Hiking on Ascension Island
• — Hiking the Falkland Islands
• — Hiking on St. Helena
• — Zodiac Cruising around the South Orkney Islands

More highlights

• — Antarctic Fur Seal
• — Arctic Tern
• — Emperor Penguin
• — Adelie Penguin

More wildlife

Antarctica photo

Antarctica cruise reviews

Even more impressive than expected.

A brilliant trip

This was a brilliant trip. Very much an expedition and not a cruise!

The expedition leader, Sara, was outstanding. Her commitment to this part of the world, and its inhabitants, was evident in all she did. She was determined to give the guests on the trip the best possible experience and to make every possible landing, zodiac cruise and wildlife watch as productive and informative as possible. An excellent role model.

The expedition crew were terrific. A highly skilled group of people with vast knowledge and an enthusiasm to share this. The quality of the lectures was excellent and the subject matter varied. The crew were approachable and friendly, with seemingly boundless energy.

The ship is very comfortable and the accommodation excellent. The food was of a very high standard and plentiful, with a wide choice of really interesting dished, with fresh fruit, bread and pastries available every day. The waiting staff were exceptional; very efficient and friendly. The experience of the delicious food was enhanced by their approach.

The wildlife and scenery were breathtaking. We saw 7 different penguin species, 4 types of seal, humpback and orca whales and a huge variety of sea birds. The icebergs were like works of art. The islands visited were all hugely interesting in different respects, some with a variety of flora, others with ice and snow. Sailing the ocean was a fabulous experience.

Thank you to all involved for this amazing trip.

PLA29-24 Basecamp Expedition

Best experience ever.

Antarctica FAQ

Where is antarctica.

Antarctica is the fifth largest of the seven continents. Antarctica has two large indentations which are the Ross Sea and the Weddell Sea. The nearest continent is South America. The total surface of Antarctica is 14.2 Million square kilometres (about 5.5 million square miles) in summer.

What is the time zone in Antarctica?

The time zone in Antarctica is the same as the time zone in New Zealand:  GMT + 12 hours. On regular Antarctic trips we operate in the same time zone as Ushuaia, Argentina: GMT – 3 hours. 

Is it dangerous to visit Antarctica?

No, the remote location, frozen landscape, and unpredictable weather can make tourism operations in Antarctica tricky, but Oceanwide Expeditions has the right experience, knowledge, and expertise to stay safe in the Antarctic. 

What is the climate at Antarctica?

Antarctica is the coldest and also the windiest continent in the world. The lowest temperature on Earth was recorded in Antarctica. There are three climatic regions in Antarctica:

During the summer months temperatures in the Antarctic Peninsula range between -2°C - +5 °C. In the Ross Sea it can get significantly colder with temperatures down to -20°C. 

Can I do the polar plunge during my trip?

What is your protocol regarding avian flu.

We follow the protocol advised by IAATO. Before leaving for your voyage, please make sure anything you bring that may come into contact with the environment (clothes, equipment, etc.) is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. We ask that you do not sit, kneel, or lay down during our landings. Please also do not place anything on the ground. You will receive a document with further information after booking.

On this page you find all information you need to know about the avian influenza outbreaks, including biosecurity protocols.

Photo gallery

89 photos of the Antarctica in the gallery »

Antarctic Weather

Witness some of Earth’s most beautiful scenery in one of Earth’s least hospitable environments. Antarctica is the coldest, highest, windiest, and driest of all Earth’s continents, though it grants our cruise passengers access to many of the most dazzling sights our planet has to offer. Gray rock peaks punch out of the wind-carved snow, passing icebergs dot the dark blue waters, and wildlife abounds that can be seen nowhere else – all serving to remind us that we are truly in another world.

Along the Antarctic coasts (where we travel on our cruises) temperatures can reach as high as 10°C (50°F) during a hot summer day, and on a regular day can plummet to barely above freezing. But just because you’re in the coldest spot on Earth doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable: Our vessels are consummately designed to make your voyage as pleasant as possible. And if you’re still unsure what clothing to pack, we’ll give you all the information you need to stay warm and dry before you join us on our exploration of the Antarctic.

Facts About Antarctica

• Antarctica is larger than Europe
• Because Antarctica experiences so little precipitation, it is technically a desert
• The name “Antarctica” comes from a Greek phrase meaning “opposite to north”
• Almost 62% of the freshwater ice on Earth exists in Antarctica. If all that ice melted today, the world’s oceans would swell by about 60 meters (197 feet)
• The coldest temperature ever recorded was at the Antarctic research station Vostok, on July 21, 1983, when the thermometer dropped to a teeth-chattering -89.2°C (-128.6°F), cold enough to shatter steel
• Despite the cold, the biggest documented mass of living creatures — a 10,000,000-ton school of krill — was spotted in the Antarctic
• The first confirmed sighting of Antarctica was in 1820, though it would take almost a century — until 1911, to be exact — before a human being set foot on the continent

Travel to Antarctica

An Antarctic cruise means visiting a part of Earth that has remained largely unchanged since Aristotle first gave rise to the notion of Terra Australis, or the ”Land of the South”.

Taking one of our cruises also means acquainting yourself with the real survivalists of the Antarctic: the seals, whales, and so many penguins who call the region home.

Our Antarctica cruises offer you an experience unlike any you’ve had. Take a Zodiac cruise among the towering blue-white icebergs,  kayak alongside curious whales , introduce yourself to the inquisitive penguins,  dive into a new world  under the sea, camp beneath the polar sky , or  climb to a rugged vista  for a bird’s-eye view of the landscape. To see a list of all your many options, check out our dedicated  Antarctica cruise page .

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

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

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

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

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

The best Antarctica cruise ships: Then and now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution

Operator: Lindblad Expeditions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Navigator

Operator: Atlas Ocean Voyages.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen

Operator: Hurtigruten Expeditions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scenic Eclipse

Operator: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operator: Ponant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Viking Octantis

Operator: Viking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planning an Antarctica cruise expedition? Start with these stories:

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

The Antarctica Cruise Guide

This Antarctica Cruise Guide contains everything you need to know if you are looking to travel to Antarctica. From crossing the mighty Drake Passage to learning about what to expect when you finally set foot on this icy continent, this guide is full of information to help you plan your trip.

Our Experience on an Antarctica Cruise

I LOVE adventure and have been very lucky to have travelled to over 50 countries across this amazing planet. One of my favorite places to visit is Antarctica. I have explored this amazing continent extensively and it is truly one of the most awe-inspiring travel destinations on the planet. 

About Antarctica

Antarctica is a place that many travelers dream of going, but many people do not know much about it. We have read the stories about great explorers like Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton, who all made epic journeys across this frozen continent. It is the ultimate travel destination and one that belongs on everyone’s bucket list. You may think that only the lucky few go to Antarctica, but you might be surprised to learn that over 70,000 people make the journey via Antarctica cruise ships each year.

History of Antarctica

In 1773, Captain James Cook crossed the Antarctic circle and circumnavigated Antarctica. Even though he didn’t see the landmass itself, there were plenty of rock deposits in icebergs showing that a southern continent did exist. Declaring it of “no benefit” to the world, he didn’t investigate further.  

The next visit came from Captain Bellingshausen , a Russian naval officer in 1819-1821. He first saw the actual continent in January 1820, describing it as an “icefield covered with small hillocks.”

In the 1840s, separate British, French, and American expeditions established Antarctica as a continent. British naval officer James Clark Ross took two ships within 80 miles of the coast until being stopped by the vast ice barrier now known as the Ross Ice Shelf.

Some historians believe Carsten Borchgrevink led the first confirmed landing on continental Antarctica in 1899. His team landed at Cape Adare and built huts to survive the winter on the Antarctic landmass. In 1901, Captain Robert Falcon Scott led the first expedition to try and reach the South Pole with Ernest Shackleton and Edward Wilson. They were forced to turn back at 82 degrees south, yet Ernest tried again between 1907 and 1909. In 1907 he reached within 156 km of the South Pole but had to turn back once again. In 1909, Australian Douglas Mawson was the first man to reach the South Magnetic Pole. The south magnetic pole was located on land outside the Antarctic Circle and is about 2,860 km away from the South Geographic Pole.

The first man to reach the South Geographic Pole was Roald Amundsen in December 1911. His Antarctic expedition relied on sled dogs, and along with four fellow Norwegian explorers, they beat the British team lead by Scott by over 30 days.

From here on, radio is introduced, whaling begins in the oceans around Antarctica, map making begins, and more, as the continent is increasingly explored by humankind. This culminated in the International Geophysical Year, where 12 nations established over 60 stations in Antarctica and began international cooperation in Antarctica, cementing it as “non-national.”

Famous Antarctic Explorers

Sir James Clark Ross, Great Britain

James Ross led expeditions on the HMS Erebus in 1839 and the HMS Terror in 1843. He was the first man to formally recognize Antarctica as a continent, rather than just a collection of islands. He discovered Mt Erebus, Mt Terror, the Ross Ice Shelf, the Ross Sea, Victoria Land, Seymour Island, Snow Hill Island, and James Ross Island.

Roald Amundsen, Norway

Amundsen explored the Antarctic region between 1909 and 1911. He and the British Naval Officer Robert Falcon Scott engaged in the Race to the South Pole of 1911 , with Amundsen winning out by roughly a month. Being highly competitive, Amundsen originally wanted to be the first person to reach the North Pole, but the Americans got there first – he promptly set his sights on the South Pole instead!

Sir Ernest Shackleton, Great Britain

Shackleton made several voyages to the Antarctic region, with an Australian member of his team, Edgeworth David, leading the first ascent of Mt Erebus in 1908. In his second mission, his ship was sunk by an iceberg, but Shackleton managed to keep himself and his crew alive against all the odds.

Robert Falcon Scott, Great Britain

Scott tried twice to reach the South Pole, the first time with Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1901 when they made it further than any men previously. Known primarily for the disastrous second attempt, Scott encountered several unfortunate problems with his team, though he and his team did reach the Pole in January 1912. Unfortunately, Amundsen beat them to it, and Scott passed away at Camp Evans before making it home.

People Living in Antarctica

Many often ask, “do people live in Antarctica?” With no land bridging between Antarctica and other continents for over 35 million years, there were never any settlers who inhabited the icy continent. The extreme weather in the continent’s interior and the remoteness and lack of resources make it a very inhospitable place to live. Today, Antarctica is still virtually uninhabited. It is estimated that only 1,000 people live on Antarctica year-round on a total of 66 scientific bases. Though there are no cities in Antarctica, population numbers can temporarily be as high as 4,200 people at peak times.

Many nations have built their own Antarctica research station to demonstrate some sovereignty over a little slice of Antarctica, though no nation actually owns the continent. Major countries around the world came together to agree to the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, which stated that it is “in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord.”

The treaty entered into force from 1961 and currently has 54 countries as signatories. While the treaty allows for freedom of scientific research and observation and exchange of information across nations, it significantly restricts Antarctica from mining or using its natural resources. Under the treaty, the continent must only be used for peaceful purposes. 

Antarctic Landscape

The vast majority of Antarctica’s serene landscape is covered by glacier ice. It is divided into giant ice sheets, the East and West Antarctic Ice Sheets. The East Antarctic Sheet is more extensive, thicker, and older. The West Antarctic Sheet is smaller and lies between the Weddell Sea and the Ross Sea. The ice thickness in Antarctica varies depending on the type of ice-sheet. It’s thickest point is nearly 5,000 meters.

Antarctica also contains many islands alongside the large landmass. Some are permanently linked to the mainland by ice. However, others are connected only by seasonal Antarctic sea ice. The coastline is mostly fringed with ice shelves, the biggest being the Ross Ice Shelf in the Ross Sea, and the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in the Weddell Sea. To put this into perspective, the Ross Ice Shelf is almost twice the size of the United Kingdom.

The Antarctic landscape features are vast and varied. Mountains are dotted across the landscape, and there are occasional dry valleys as well. These are extremely low humidity areas, surrounded by mountains that prevent the flow of ice from nearby glaciers. The Antarctica continent is a desert with the inner regions receiving less than two inches of precipitation a year of snow. That is less precipitation than the Sahara desert, and no living organisms have ever been found in the permafrost in these areas.

Antarctic Geography

Antarctica is made up of two distinct parts connected by an ice sheet. The East part of the continent averages 1.6 miles in thickness, whereas the West side is made up of many small blocks covered by the West Antarctic ice sheet and a mountain range, which helps to form the Antarctic Peninsula. The ice sheet is 4,776 meters deep at its thickest, but it averages 2,160 meters thick in much of the continent.

Antarctica is a landmass unlike any other, covered in snow and ice; it contains 90% of the world’s ice and 70% of the world’s freshwater. It is for these reasons that Antarctica gets so much attention from climate change scientists. Experts stress the importance of keeping global temperatures from going up to prevent rising sea levels from melting Antarctic ice.

The Weather

People get chills by just thinking about the Antarctic! For many people who are interested in traveling to Antarctica, weather is a main concern. However, there is a strong distinction between the weather where you would go on an Antarctica cruise versus if you were at the South Pole. It is essential to understand the difference.

The general climate of Antarctica is the coldest on Earth. The lowest air temperature recorded was -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-89.2 degrees Celsius) at Russia’s Vostok Station. Even lower ground temperatures have been gathered, and the landscape is also arid. There is an average of only 166mm of precipitation each year, meaning Antarctica is a desert. However, unless you are walking to the South Pole, the temperatures in many of the areas you may visit on an Antarctica sea cruise will average 24 degrees Fahrenheit during the austral summer.

Because the snow rarely melts in many parts of the continent, the snow becomes compressed to form the ice sheet’s glacier ice. Traveling weather fronts rarely make it very far into the continent because of strong cold winds originating from Antarctica’s surface peaks.

Antarctic Wildlife

There’s a good chance you’ll encounter some killer whales, humpback, or minke whales when you go on an Antarctica cruise, especially during the warmer months from November to March. Watch them feed on fish, squid, and plankton. Killer whales are likely to go after seals or birds and can be visible to tourists during a hunt!

However, seals can be dangerous, so it’s essential to know where you are walking in Antarctica. Do not stray from designated areas, and be aware not to get too close as this can make territorial seals uncomfortable. The leopard seal is particularly territorial and can attack. Keep your distance and admire it from afar!

Penguins may come up and walk next to you when you land on Antarctica; however, it is important not to touch them. They won’t hurt you! But don’t walk too close or make them feel threatened.

You might also spot albatrosses, petrels, and other kinds of seabirds on your visit. Most bird species found on Antarctica are just visitors – the conditions are very harsh for more creatures to survive!

About Sea Cruising to Antarctica

Visiting Antarctica is a dream for many travelers. This vast, magnificent land is unlike any other on earth. There are several ways to explore this beautiful continent, but an Antarctica cruise is by far the most popular option.

A majority of Antarctica cruise ships begin their journey in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Ushuaia is at the bottom tip of Argentina, and it typically takes 36 hours of sailing through the infamous Drake Passage to reach Antarctica from this small port city.

When going on an Antarctica cruise, travelers often visit the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, located approximately 600 miles south of Ushuaia. Some popular sites which we will explore more in this article are the Lemaire Channel and Paradise Harbour. With striking, iceberg-filled passageways, the majesty of the landscape is undeniable. There is also Port Lockroy, a former British research station which is now a museum. On an Antarctica cruise, you can see a variety of local wildlife, including penguins, whales, and seals. This isolated terrain shelters the rich diversity of fauna, providing a charming encounter with the Antarctica animal kingdom.

Getting to Antarctica

About buenos aires.

For those wanting to reach Antarctica, flights via Buenos Aires is the most common, as it is the international hub for explorers heading south! Your next step is to take a flight to Ushuaia, which can either be a direct flight or contain a layover. The average direct flight to Malvinas Argentinas Ushuaia International Airport takes 3h 35m, covers a distance of 1477 miles, and costs an average of US$250 for the trip.

About Ushuaia

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and has a population of roughly 75,000 people. The city of Ushuaia was formally founded on October 12th, 1884, by Augusto Lasserre, an Argentine naval officer, with missionaries and naval officers signing an act naming Ushuaia as the capital of Tierra del Fuego. Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago jointly controlled by Argentina and Chile. The former controls the eastern half of the main island, and the latter controls the western part, including the islands south of the Beagle Channel. It is a very isolated city and can only be reached by a ferry from the mainland, thus earning the nickname “The End of the World.”

It’s a good idea to arrive in Ushuaia two days before your Antarctica cruise. Use this opportunity to visit the sites, get all your gear in order, and get ready for your trip. Also, it’s essential to arrive early to ensure that the ship doesn’t leave without you if there are flight delays for any reason.

Ushuaia Hotels and Accommodation

Below are two popular hotels that our guests have enjoyed in the past:

• Arakur Resort & Spa
• Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa

Dining and Restaurants in Ushuaia

Ushuaia is home to some excellent Fuegan cuisine, which features a lot of local seafood (including sea bass, octopus, mussels, and king crab) and grilled lamb. Typical Argentine asados can be eaten here, filled with red meat, and accompanied by red wine. 

Below are two popular restaurants that our guests have enjoyed in the past:

Sites of Interest in Ushuaia

Ushuaia is a unique city, which features many natural wonders as well as historical treasures. This city is a great place to experience a blend of historical sights particular to its history as a penal colony, with profound and dramatic natural landscapes like glaciers and national parks. Here are just some of the many sites of interest in Ushuaia:

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Here you can experience the dramatic waterfalls, lakes, and snow-capped mountains of Ushuaia’s natural landscape. The southernmost national park on Earth is a place for scenic walks, where you can hike through to the peat bogs, or look over the landscape at the Beagle Channel viewing point or hike Cerro Guanaco. There are lagoons and rugged beach shores that you can access via the Seaside Path. The Hito XXIV trail is also popular and will take you along the coast of Lago Roga. It is possible to camp in the park, and you can also go on tours and learn more about the Yamana people who originally lived here.

Martial Glacier

Ushuaia is home to the Martial Glacier, which is a beautiful place for nature lovers to explore. This peak was named after Luis Fernando Martial, a French scientific expedition leader that arrived in the area in 1883. From a winding street, you can visit the glacier yourself! It’s an excellent area for trekking in the summer, and the street is kept free of snow for safety on the roads in the winter. A ski center is easily accessed by a chair lift and features alpine and off-piste skiing, which is excellent for more experienced skiers.

Ushuaia Prison

Built in 1896, the Ushuaia prison was in operation until 1947 and housed up to 800 convicts at its peak. It had only 380 cells, making it a crowded place. The jail served a series of important functions, with convicts providing labor to build houses and public buildings, as well as services like tailoring, shoemaking, blacksmithing, and more for the local community. You can visit and learn all about the people who were imprisoned here, look at the ship replicas housed here, and learn other information relating to the Tierra del Fuego region’s history.

Laguna Esmerelda

This vivid blue-green glacier is a unique sight to behold, and can be accessed by hiking the dedicated trail. It is a muddy route through bogs, streams, and some ancient forest, but is an otherwise easy hike.

The Ushuaia port area is filled with shops and places to stop and enjoy a local craft beer. You can get your passport stamped at the End of the World Museum nearby, and learn about the great explorers as well as the history of the penal colony here and the maritime history of the port.

Getting Ready to Travel from Ushuaia to Antarctica

Your day has finally come! You’re ready to pack up your belongings, leave your hotel, and board your ship southbound to Antarctica. This is the exciting day you’ve been waiting for!

Ships tend to leave the port of Ushuaia to Antarctica between 3 PM and 5 PM local time. Ensure you arrive approximately 3 hours before your departure time to clear the port security.

To enter the port and board your ship, you need to go through customs. Have your passport and Antarctica cruise ship ticket ready. The customs office will cross-check your paperwork with their cruise manifest – your details must match to board the Antarctica cruise ship.

Once through customs and on the dock, there is a 100-meter walk to the Antarctica cruise ships. You’ll see ships docked on your left and right! Your ship will let you board a few hours before the departure, so you can get settled into your room and become familiar with the ship itself.

Once everyone has boarded the vessel, your ship captain or expedition leader will offer a series of briefings. They will give you an overview of the expedition, introduce key areas where you can and cannot go on the ship, and introduce the staff. The expedition team will also give you a lifeboat drill, other safety instructions, and an overview of preparing for the Drake Passage. Your safety drill will include your designated area in the case of an emergency, so pay close attention!  

The ship’s staff will ask you to “Drake-Proof” your cabin aboard your Antarctica cruise ship. This means learning to pack your personal items and cabin fixtures in the cabin safely to prepare for the rough seas . Also, the staff will instruct you on how to walk on the ship safely. This means maintaining two points of contact at all times (e.g., one hand, one leg) with a secure structure (e.g., a railing or floor). Restrictions to use of the decks and other ship areas will apply during rough seas on the Drake Passage. Your staff will offer guidance for dealing with seasickness and will introduce or point out the doctor on staff who is there to help out.

About the Beagle Channel

As you leave Ushuaia, you enter into the Beagle Channel. The Beagle Channel sits within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, near the southernmost tip of South America. It is named after the British ship, The Beagle, in which Charles Darwin famously explored the area. It separates the main archipelago island to the north from many smaller islands to the south. The eastern portion of the channel is a part of the Chile-Argentina border. The three islands at the end of the channel were disputed for some time before an agreement in 1985 meant they became part of modern-day Chile. Once passing through the Beagle Channel, you will reach Cape Horn.

About Cape Horn

Cape Horn is named after the Dutch city of Hoorn in the Netherlands. It is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, located on the small Hornos Island. Technically, it isn’t the most southern point of South America, but it marks out the Drake Passage’s northern boundary, which is where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans intersect! This makes the waters around Cape Horn quite hazardous, with strong winds and waves, currents, and icebergs. It’s well known as a sailor’s graveyard with the turbulent seas and strong winds, causing many problems for the early ships going on expeditions to Antarctica.

About the Drake Passage

In the Ushuaia section above, we talked through preparations for the Drake Passage, but many people wonder what the experience is like. The passage is notorious for rough seas, but the truth is that it can also be extremely calm, like a flat lake. When the waves do get rougher , they are incredibly tall, reaching 10 to 15 meters in turbulent conditions. On average, you can expect seas to be between 3 to 5 meters. If the situation is rougher, travelers are asked to stay inside the Antarctica cruise ship, away from the outside deck. Ships will limit programming or planned lectures in harsh conditions, as many may not feel well during this period. The ride lasts approximately 36 hours through the passage from Ushuaia to the South Shetland Islands. There is typically not much to worry about regarding the rough seas – modern ships are well made, with good sonar and radar systems, and are built for these conditions.  

Landings in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica

You’ve made it through the Drake Passage! You’re about to make your first landing – a dream for so many people. It’s a very exciting time, but there are some restrictions you should know about ahead of the landing itself.

No more than 100 people are allowed on land at any one time, in either the South Shetland Islands or on the Antarctic shores themselves. This is highly controlled by the ship staff, in coordination with other ships, and is part of the rules established and governed by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) . Ships also maintain a distance so that they are not within sight of each other.

Due to these restrictions, and considering that Antarctica cruise ships are often very large, guests are transferred to land in small groups. The large vessels can only go so close to land without running aground, and therefore guests must go via a Zodiac boat. This type of boat is used by militaries worldwide, made of reinforced rubber and a rigid hull. It combines the stability and portability of inflatable boats with a rigid-hull boat (namely, comfort, agility, and speed!).

You’ll have an opportunity to go off ship twice a day. This will typically include one landing onshore per day and a Zodiac cruise amongst the incredible icebergs and wildlife. When you go to the land, the staff will guide you and give instructions for where you can walk. For your safety, these areas are marked with flags. This is not only for your protection from local wildlife (especially leopard seals, as previously mentioned) but also to prevent any disturbance to the natural habitat. Generally, the places you can walk are close to the beach. Staff will not want you to stray far away from the permitted areas, as there may be crevices in the land that are hard to spot. You could fall between these gaps in the ice, which can go down 20-30 feet. Staff inspects the area before landing so that you will have up to date information for your safety.

About the South Shetland Islands

As you leave the Drake Passage, you will notice the weather changes – if you’ve been experiencing strong, rough seas on the route to Antarctica, weather will turn and become flat and crystal clear as you emerge from the passage. You will also start to see more wildlife (like birds and whales) as you leave the Drake Passage, and you will now begin to see land, including small mountains, icebergs, and the dynamic landscapes of Antarctica – you’re very close now! The South Shetland Islands will likely be your first sighting of land.

The South Shetland Islands are a series of islands that lie 75 miles north of the Antarctica Peninsula. The Islands are not owned by any country and are free to be used by anyone, though some governments (like the UK and Chile) have tried to claim them in the past. There are several research stations on the islands. It’s highly likely that you will make a landing on one of these islands as part of your Antarctica cruise.

About the Antarctic Peninsula

Once you reach the destination of your Antarctica travel, everything is bigger and more plentiful – the mountains are vast, the wildlife is incredible. It’s a pristine, untouched landscape, and can be a very emotional experience for many who are visiting. The first sighting of Antarctica is often a dream for travelers.

Looking on your Antarctica map, the Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of mainland Antarctica and protrudes 810 miles from between Cape Adams and a point on the mainland, south of Eklund Island. The peninsula consists of a series of bedrock islands beneath the covering of sheet ice and is home to many research stations. Though many nations have attempted to claim sovereignty, none are internationally recognized.

Be aware that your first landing may be at either location, which isn’t known ahead of time, as it depends on many factors. The ship’s schedule may have a plan, but the sea conditions or unpredictable Antarctica weather can cause this to change. Manage your expectations, but be aware that cruises are doing their best.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Antarctica

When people hear about Antarctica, they worry about the extreme cold temperatures they would have to endure to visit this icy continent. While the chilly climate of the southernmost continent may seem daunting, Antarctica weather varies enough during the year to create a good traveling season.

The best time of the year to go on an Antarctica cruise is from November to March. The average temperature in the northern Antarctic Peninsula during this period is approximately 24 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the summer in Antarctica, and as the ice has melted back, there is an abundance of penguins and other wildlife to see. Also, the Antarctic summer is an excellent time for whale spotting, as well!

Gear, Training, and Preparation 

You’ve booked your trip, you’re excited for your Antarctica travels, and now you want to be physically prepared and have the right gear with you to help protect you from the elements. There are several things to prepare ahead of your journey, so here’s what you need to know to feel ready.

Gear and Equipment

You will likely have most of what you need for your Antarctica visit if you ski or snowboard or enjoy other winter sports. At a high level, you will need a parka, knee-high waterproof boots, waterproof pants, and plenty of warm upper and lower layers and socks, hat, scarf, and gloves. If you get to Ushuaia and have forgotten to purchase a few items, several shops have plenty of gear and clothing options for your trip. Some Antarctica cruise ships will give you a brightly-colored parka, as they will want to see you easily on land, but not all ships offer this.

Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen as the sun can be very strong in Antarctica, especially when it reflects off of the ice and snow. When you are on the ship relaxing, you will want to be wearing comfortable clothing so bring everyday clothes as well. Some ships will offer a laundry room; others will ask you to use a bag that you leave to the cabin steward (though this can be an extra expense).

You might also like to bring a good backpack, binoculars, a camera, a sturdy waterproof bag for your camera, sunglasses, and any seasickness medication you may need. Don’t forget some entertainment while on the ship, like a good book, as internet connectivity is limited.

Fitness and Training

Unless you are planning on skiing to the South Geographic Pole when in Antarctica, depending on the activities offered as part of your cruise, you don’t need a lot of physical training ahead of your visit. Altitude is not a factor in the area of Antarctica where you are likely to be visiting, so there typically is no need to train for high altitude hiking.

Logistics for Travel to Antarctica

Passports and visas to visit antarctica.

You booked your trip, you’ve got your plan in order. But you want to ensure that you have the proper identification and other paperwork to visit South America and make sure you can fully enjoy your adventure. It is highly likely that on your way to Antarctica, travel will take you through Buenos Aires, Argentina, en route to Ushuaia.

Depending on the country you are traveling from, you may need a visa to enter Argentina, which will need to be arranged in advance. If you require a visa, it is advised that you acquire this well in advance of your trip. We have experienced situations where travelers have waited too long to apply for their visas and were unable to participate in the journey.

It is essential to ensure you have an updated passport with an expiration date at least six months after the arrival date in Argentina. You will need to keep your passport with you in Ushuaia as the passport will be required to enter the port and will be collected when you board the cruise ship. The details must match those you have given the operator in advance, and if there are any changes, you must notify the operator as quickly as possible. The passport will be given back to you once you return to Ushuaia on the final day of your Antarctica cruise.

About the Ship

Antarctica cruise ships vary in size and facilities, but they do tend to have all the essentials for comfortable travel. You will have had an overview when boarding, including an introduction to the staff who often come from all over the world. They will be very friendly and knowledgeable and excited to engage with you.

There tends to be a small shop onboard if you need anything, but be sure to bring any specialized medications as they don’t have everything. TVs onboard have limited channels, and phones are costly and are also not guaranteed to connect. Remember that you are in Antarctica – think of it as a chance to disconnect and enjoy the present moment in this idyllic landscape.

Internet and Phone Connectivity

Most ships have Wi-Fi, but this service can be minimal. Not only is it expensive, but you may only get a connection once or twice a day for about 10 mins. It will suffice for email and Whatsapp updates, but you will not be able to stream movies or videos. It’s a time to disconnect from the net and embrace the dynamism of the natural world instead.

Activities during your Antarctica Cruise

Ship activities.

Your Antarctica cruise will offer a variety of activities for your entertainment and education on the way to Antarctica. This is likely to include multiple deck levels and places to go onboard, including bars, a gym, and a screening room for movies and documentaries. The ship will also offer lectures on climate change and other topics pertinent to the care of the great icy continent. At night, many ships offer karaoke or host live music. Meals are served either as a buffet or sit down option, and most ships can cater to vegetarian or vegan diets.

Adventure Activities Off-Ship

Once you arrive in Antarctic waters, depending on the ship you are on; there are a variety of activities you can do. This includes:

• Cruising with the Zodiac boats: Cruising with the boats offers the chance to encounter local wildlife in their natural environment and explore the pristine landscape.
• Shore excursions: Enjoy walking and hiking across the terrain. This includes snowshoe walking, though it’s essential to follow marked areas and your guide’s advice carefully.
• Paddleboarding and kayaking: experience tranquil Antarctic waters up close and personally, by kayak or paddleboard. A popular activity, this really hammers home the expansive size of Antarctica.
• Cross-country skiing: for those who feel fit and strong for the challenge, cross-country skiing is a great activity. Some experience is required.
• Scuba diving: For experienced divers, this is a unique activity that is well worth trying. You will need cold water diving experience and suitable dry suit experience. Be aware that all Antarctica cruises do not offer this.

Overnight camping is also a popular option for travelers, but it is quite risky. For this reason, it has become far less common in recent years.

Antarctica Day by Day – a 10-Day Sample Itinerary

There are hundreds of different types of cruises and itineraries when traveling to Antarctica. They differ in length, activities, locations covered, where you may visit, and many other details. Here is what you might expect from a typical ten-day visit to the Antarctic Peninsula.

You will arrive in Ushuaia at least one day before the Antarctica cruise departs. Check into the hotel. Afterward, take advantage of the free time to explore Argentine cuisine and the vibrant and friendly social scene in Ushuaia. Buy any last-minute gear or items, and prepare for the departure.

At approximately 2 PM local time, you will head to the dock to check-in, you will board your ship. In the late afternoon/early evening, you will set sail through the Beagle Channel to Antarctica. The Beagle Channel is a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, with picturesque glaciers and rocky isles. In the channel, there is an opportunity to enjoy ample wildlife watching, with seals and whales. Just after midnight, the excitement builds as you enter the Drake Passage.

On this day of your Antarctica cruise, you wake up in the middle of the Drake Passage – the body of water between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. Cape Horn is on the small island of Hornos,  marking the point at which the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans come together. You will have an opportunity to “Turn the Horn,” a traditional reference to sailing from 50 degrees south of one coast to 50 degrees south of the other, literally moving around Cape Horn itself to enjoy the scenery from all angles. There is typically very low educational programming from the ship as seas may be rough, and people spend the time in their cabins. Depending on how you feel, you may walk about the ship or read a book.

This is the second full day of your exploration at sea. At last, you will experience the end of the mighty Drake Passage. It is an exciting time for all Antarctic travelers as the end of the Drake Passage is approaching, and your first sight of Antarctica is near. As you head through the South Shetland Islands, all eyes will be on the horizon watching for the first iceberg as Antarctica comes to meet you. It is likely that on this day, you will depart the ship for your first adventure activity. This may be a landing on the South Shetlands or a Zodiac adventure cruise through the waters.

It is important to note that there are many potential landing spots for visitors on an Antarctica cruise, and it can be impossible to predict which sites that you will visit during your expedition. This is dependent on several factors that include and is not limited to sea conditions, other ship schedules, and weather. In this sample itinerary, we provide information on a few selected sites so you can have a window into what you might see.

A potential first destination may be Crystal Sound, a supremely impressive body of water. Take in the blueish-white ice around you; this location is nothing short of stunning. After crossing the Crystal Sound, you may journey to the Fish Islands, which are home to thousands of penguins and other wildlife.

A potential destination for your second day in Antarctica is Neko Harbor! Neko Harbor is set against steep rock cliffs and glacier fronts, the site boasts a unique topography. Visit Meditation Rock, where you can reflect on the scenery and this extraordinary adventure. Gentoo penguins mate here, leopard seals play in the water, and if you’re lucky, you might also see a Minke whale or two! Neko Harbor was discovered in the early 20th century and named for the Scottish whaling boat, the ‘Neko,’ which operated in this area between 1911 and 1924, making it a source of rich history for climate change observers.

Another glorious expedition day of your Antarctica cruise awaits. You may get the opportunity to visit Wilhelmina Bay. The site gained recognition through the Belgian Antarctic Expedition (1897- 1899) under Adrien de Gerlache. Wilhelmina Bay has jagged mountain peaks rising out of a snow-filled landscape. Be on the lookout for Humpback Whales as Wilhelmina Bay is a favorite spot for whales and whale watchers alike.

On your final day in Antarctica, you are hopefully lucky enough to see one of the most popular destinations of the journey: Deception Island. The site of an active volcano, Deception Island, will transport you to another world entirely, as you survey the ash-layered glaciers, steaming beaches, and barren volcanic slopes. The island itself is a very distinctive horseshoe shape, opening out through a narrow channel to the sea from what is known as Neptune’s Bellows. The island is a window back in time to the Antarctic whaling industry of the 19th and 20th centuries. You will see skeletons of whales and the infrastructure of buildings still preserved in Whaler’s Bay.

As you navigate further north, you will head back toward the South Shetland Islands and begin your journey back to Ushuaia through the mighty Drake Passage. Reflect upon the splendor of Antarctica.

As you continue your Antarctica cruise back through the Drake Passage, while the end of the expedition will be near. It will be your last chance to enjoy time with your new friends.

As dawn rises over the horizon, your Antarctica cruise ship will arrive back in Ushuaia and disembark.

Key Sites to Visit in Antarctica

Crystal sound.

The Crystal Sound is a channel situated between the southern part of Biscoe Islands and the coast of Graham Land. A uniquely magnificent location to see snow-covered mountains, it also plays a big part in scientific research in Antarctica as a critical site used for ice crystal research. As you navigate through the Sound on your Antarctica cruise, floating icebergs, crystal clear water, and more permeate the vista.

Fish Islands

These islands are a small group lying to the north entrance of Holtedahl Bay, off the west coast of Graham Land. They were discovered and named in 1934-1937. There are colonies of Adelie penguins and blue-eyed shags in this area, and wonderful sites of icebergs dotted across the seas around you.

Prospect Point

Prospect Point is a headland at the very west extremity of Velingrad Peninsula on Graham Coast. It sits immediately east of Fish Islands and was first roughly charted in 1934-1937. The name was given to the Point by E. P. Arrowsmith, Governor of the Falkland Islands. Sometimes, Emperor penguins can be sighted here, though they are becoming increasingly rare! Enjoy the unspoiled iceberg-spattered landscape as you approach on your Antarctica cruise.

Gullet Channel

The Gullet Channel is extremely narrow and separates Hansen and Day Islands, connecting the heads of Hanusse Bay and Laubeuf Fjord. First explored by the French under Charcot in 1909, it was only first surveyed and sketched in 1936. It was later given its descriptive name in 1948 by the members of the Falklands Islands Dependencies Survey.

Antarctic Circle

The Antarctic Circle is the most southerly circle of latitude on the map of Earth. The region south of the circle is the Antarctic, and the zone to the north is the Southern Temperate Zone. To the south, the sun is visible above the horizon for 24 hours at least once a year. The angle of the sun from Antarctica means that there is high refraction and lots of mirages – these tend to be even more spectacular than those in the Arctic, creating the illusion of a series of sunsets and sunrises while the sun remains under the horizon. A truly unique sight!

Horseshoe Island

The Horseshoe Island base was established in 1955 as part of the push to increase scientific research on Antarctica by the United Kingdom. It is situated along the west coast of Graham Land in Antarctica. Used primarily for geology and surveying, the aim was to create a ground control network for the air photography being carried out in the area at the time. It is now closed and being conserved.

Stonington Island

Also known as Marguerite Bay, Stonington Island is an excellent spot for observing the local geology and biology. The station itself on this site was closed in 1950, as the Antarctic sea ice prevented access to relieve the station in 1949. Reopened in 1960 as a center for fieldwork in south Antarctica, the site was eventually closed and is now being conserved as a site of historical importance.

Lemaire Channel

Known for being one of the most photogenic spots in Antarctica, this channel is nicknamed the ‘Kodak Gap.’ It was discovered by a German expedition in the 1870s but wasn’t fully explored until 1898. This was achieved by Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, and he chose to name it after a fellow explorer, Charles Lemaire. It is called the ‘Kodak Gap’ because of its serenely beautiful views. Surrounded by steep glacial cliffs on their side, the still waters create incredible reflections. Sometimes icebergs can block the way, meaning that Antarctica cruise ships have to backtrack and sail around Booth Island, though this is more of a concern earlier in the season. Later in the season, you might even be lucky enough to spot a whale in the channel – a perfect Kodak moment!

Port Charcot

A thoroughly historical spot, Port Charcot is where Jean-Baptiste Charcot wintered his ship in 1904. It is situated at the north side of Booth Island. Charcot built a cairn which you can still climb to at this spot, or you can just stop and enjoy the local fauna – the Gentoo penguins that nest in these more sheltered areas are a wonderful sight.

Pleneau Bay

Just south of Lemaire Channel, Pleneau Bay separates Hovgaard Island from the Antarctic Peninsula. Here you can see a variety of very entertaining seal life Crabeater, Leopard, and Weddell seals from your Antarctica cruise ship.

Vernadsky Research Base

This is a Ukrainian Antarctic Station, situated at Marina Point on Galindez Island. Within the Argentine Islands, it is still named for the Soviet and Ukrainian mineralogist Vladimir Vernadsky. This site was originally owned by the British and sold to the Ukrainians in 1996 for a symbolic one pound!

Neko Harbor

Neko Harbor is a small bay on the northern coast of Andvord Bay. This bay’s coast is made mostly of glacier fronts and steep rock cliffs, making it tricky to land on the coast in this vicinity. It is possible only at a few select stops, with Neko Harbor being one! Substantial swathes of granite are situated on the coastline, a compelling reason to stop for geologists and tourists alike.

Danco Island

Located in the middle of the beautiful Errera Channel, Danco Island is home to a large population of Gentoo penguins. Some of the best Zodiac cruising can be done around the island, and you can climb to the top of the island for some of the most spectacular views in Antarctica.

Wilhelmina Bay

Named for the Queen of the Netherlands, Wilhelmina Bay is known for its population of humpback whales and plays host to a splendor of Antarctic vistas. It is situated along the west coast of Graham Land in Antarctica, between the Reclus Peninsula and Cape Anna.

Deception Island

Deception Island is in the South Shetland Islands archipelago and has one of the safest harbors in Antarctica. It is now an excellent spot for Antarctica cruise tourists going to Antarctica with tremendous natural beauty as it is formed of the caldera of an active volcano. It is also an important area for scientific research on Antarctica due to its legacy as a major whaling station.

We hope you found our Antarctica Cruise Guide to be informative and helpful. 

Happy Adventuring!

Jeff Bonaldi Founder & CEO The Explorer’s Passage

About Jeff Bonaldi

Jeff Bonaldi is the Founder and CEO of The Explorer’s Passage, a premier adventure travel company. His mission is to provide travelers with the opportunity to transform their lives and the planet through the power of adventure.

Learn more about Jeff’s story and his company HERE .

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Why travel with Poseidon Expeditions?

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With a maximum capacity of just 114 passengers, we usually operate with 100 guests off the ship. It maximizes our travelers' time ashore because there is no need for splitting passengers into groups for landing rotations as required on larger ships.

A real polar expedition

Experience active exploration of the polar regions through a variety of activities. Weather permitting, we schedule up to 3 excursions per day and offer optional kayaking and, in Antarctica, camping. Enrich your polar knowledge in an engaging and interactive way through Poseidon’s edutainment program.

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Polar cruising is our passion and expertise and over the past 24 years, we’ve gained tremendous experience building a strong team of enthusiastic polar professionals who are all experts in their field. Each cruise is a thoughtfully crafted expedition voyage.

ABUNDANT ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE

Antarctica is famous for its penguins. In the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula you can go ashore at sites where gentoo, chinstrap, and adélie penguins come together in boisterous nesting colonies. Meeting with an inquisitive penguin chick is an experience not to be forgotten.

The waters of Antarctica are also home to impressive numbers of marine mammals. Pinnipeds such as weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals are commonly seen reposing on ice floes or hauled-out on shore. Humpback and killer whales can also be spotted feeding in bountiful seas.

DRAMATIC POLAR SCENERY

The scenery in Antarctica is unique in the world. Tall, rugged, gleaming white mountains—covered on all but their sheerest faces by innumerable glaciers and permanent snow—rise from deep blue waters to form idyllic bays and scenic passages. This classic Antarctica cruise will allow you to check all polar landscapes off your bucket list.

Afloat everywhere in these protected waterways are fragments of Antarctica’s frozen surface. From billowy blankets of brash ice crackling in the wake of our Zodiacs to gargantuan tabular icebergs that dwarf our ship, ice is a dramatic and inescapable feature of any Antarctic tableau.

HUMAN ENTERPRISE, PAST AND PRESENT

Antarctica has been the setting of many heroic adventures and journeys of discovery. On a cruise ship to the Antarctic peninsula, you will be following in the historic footsteps of early whalers, polar explorers, and scientific expeditions. Evidence of these intrepid first visitors can still be seen in locations around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

In these areas you also have the opportunity to appreciate modern human ingenuity at scientific research stations of various nationalities. Some of these stations, such as Port Lockroy, even boast a museum, gift shop, and post office.

Through the Viewfinder

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Antarctic Peninsula is the ultimate destination for experienced and novice photographers alike. Our free photography program on this Antarctic peninsula expedition gives you the chance to learn and practice your photography skills alongside an expert photographer. Antarctic wildlife is famously obliging to photographers. Having evolved without terrestrial predators, animals such as penguins and seals do not spook easily when on land or on ice floes. At sea, whales and seabirds also make excellent subjects. With ice features of every description and scenery beyond comparison, Antarctica also provides a wealth of inspiration for the landscape photographer. Our expert will be available to help you make the most of this bounty in your viewfinder.

SEA KAYAK CLUB

Antarctica is truly a paddlers’ paradise. The White Continent delights kayakers with its spectacular polar landscapes, mesmerizing ice features, abundant marine wildlife, and variety of excellent paddling locations. Explore beyond the boundaries of our Antarctic peninsula ships. Sea Kayak Club participants in Antarctica have the coveted opportunity to paddle with playful penguins in waters sparkling with ice while enjoying magnificent vistas of mountains and glaciers. The picturesque and protected waters of the Antarctic Peninsula offer some of the best paddling opportunities in the world. If you enjoy sea kayaking, then be sure not to miss your chance to participate in this incredible optional activity.

ANTARCTICA CAMPING

Antarctica Camping is a unique and unforgettable way to expand your experience on the White Continent. This optional activity allows you to meet Antarctica on its own terms by spending a night out on the ice and snow. Camping is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the Antarctic wilderness. Spend hours watching the drama of ever-changing light upon the landscape, capturing that perfect photo, or simply falling asleep to the mysterious sounds of the ice. On your camping night you can take the time to fully experience whatever joy Antarctica holds for you. You will also gain undeniable bragging rights, lasting memories, and a newfound appreciation for your warm bed back on the ship.

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History of the antarctic peninsula.

Antarctica was discovered relatively late, most likely by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen in 1820. The first explorers to recognize it as a large mass of land were Edward Bransfield and William Smith on January 30th, 1820 (just 3 days after Bellingshausen); they proceeded to chart part of the Antarctic Peninsula. With subsequent exploration and mapping, the northeastern part of the peninsula was named Trinity Peninsula. John Biscoe, a British explorer, choose the name Graham Land for the northern Antarctic Peninsula in 1832. With the northern tip of the peninsula being only about 1,000 km (620 miles) from South America, this region attracted commercial whaling and seal hunting expeditions. The first aerial surveys by the British Graham Land Expedition (1934-1937) finally confirmed this area to be a peninsula and not just an island connected to the Antarctic Continent by an ice sheet. The term “Antarctic Peninsula” has only been around since 1964, when a long dispute between the United States (wanting to name this territory Palmer Peninsula) and Britain (who insisted on Graham Land) was finally solved.

Antarctic Peninsula Map

Reaching out like a tail toward the southern tip of South America, the Antarctic Peninsula features the Bellingshausen Sea on its west coast and the Weddell Sea on its eastern side. It features five of the 15 major ice shelves on the continent (Prince Gustav Ice, Larsen, Wordie, Wilkins and George VI ice shelves). The Antarctic Circle runs through the northern tip of the peninsula and there are no people permanently living on the White Continent anywhere (although it’s home to many research bases). East of the tip of the peninsula are the subantarctic islands (such as South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands). Next to the eastern tip of the peninsula is James Ross Island, where you can still discover the expedition huts of explorers Scott and Shackleton. Sailing south from the South American Continent, the first land you will see is King George Island (part of the South Shetland Islands).

Antarctic Weather

It’s cold down there! While generally this is true, it all depends on where on the continent you find yourself. The Maritime Antarctic climate in West Antarctica and on the peninsula is milder, with average temperatures of +1°C (33 °F) in the summer months and -15°C (5 °F) in winter. The West Antarctic ice sheet has been warming over the last decades and the cooler climate from East Antarctica only partly offsets this trend. The British Antarctic Survey launched an international research project on Antarctic Climate Evolution (published in 2003) to study Antarctica’s climate and glacial history. The team links climate and ice sheet modeling studies with geological surveys around Antarctica to gain a better understanding of how the climate has changed over time.

November/December 

See Antarctica awaken after a long winter. Pack ice is melting and it’s the perfect time to see the biggest icebergs out there. See the peculiar mating rituals of penguins and pristine, snow-covered landscapes. This time is perfect to feel like a real explorer and to be one of the first in the season to explore!

This is the best travel time for photographers and wildlife lovers! Penguin chicks are hatching and the polar day gives you plenty of daylight to explore. See cute gentoo, chinstrap, adélie and king penguins in large colonies. Temperatures are rising, and you can see glacier calving.

As the days are getting shorter, you’ll witness the most incredible sunsets and sunrises on the White Continent. This is also the best time for whale watching as minke, killer and humpback whales return to the Southern Ocean to feed on krill.

How do I get to Antarctica?

Visit Antarctica as part of an Antarctic cruise. You’ll depart from the southern tip of Argentina and explore the peninsula with a professional expedition team on a comfortable ship. Some expeditions even cruise from the Antarctic Peninsula south, to cross the Antarctic Circle.

While temperatures and climate are relatively mild, no humans live permanently on the peninsula. Only research stations can be found on the continent.

No single country owns the continent. Over the decades, various nations made territorial claims to Antarctica. The Antarctic Treaty (signed in 1959) regulates internationals relations and countries who signed the treaty have since established research stations across the continent.

Where does the Antarctic Peninsula come from?

Western Antarctica (and the peninsula) originated in a similar way to the Andes Mountains in South America. Volcanic activity created Antarctica, which previously adjoined the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana. Eventually the peninsula separated from the South American continent.

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Discover the “Last Continent”

This ultimate adventure takes you to the Antarctic peninsula, where you will witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, immense icebergs and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing. In the footsteps of explorers such as Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott, you will be one of the few to discover the world’s last truly wild frontier. Each day brings new surprises and the opportunity to change plans to maximize wildlife sightings and adapt to ever-changing weather.

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More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call

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Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

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Kayaks, Zodiacs & Special Operations Boats — A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge

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All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions

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King-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

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ANTARCTICA CRUISES

The ultimate guide (2023/24), cruises to antarctica.

A quick search of Antarctica cruise options on the internet brings thousands of results back that can often seem a little overwhelming.

This is enhanced by the fact that there are literally hundreds of Antarctica cruise operators all offering different cruises and at varying prices.

So how do you decide on your perfect Antarctic Cruise?

With over 70 Antarctica cruise itineraries, we know it can seem daunting, so we’ve pooled all our resources and produced a detailed page that will help you choose the ideal Antarctica cruise.  

There are many factors that need considering, such as budget , itinerary , cruise size , destinations , what activities you’re looking to do and lastly, what to look for in a great Antarctica cruise operator.

This page deals with all of the above mentioned factors in detail and by the end of the page you should have a great idea of what Antarctica cruise you’re after.

We have also listed the most popular Antarctica itineraries to give you a flavor of what your typical Antarctica cruise operator might offer. Please use the quick-links below if you want to jump to a particular section. Otherwise, read on! 

To enquire about visiting Antarctica, please use this form .

Cruises To Antarctica

Types of Antarctica Cruises

Antarctica cruise budget, choosing the right antarctica cruise ship, antarctica cruise destinations, antarctica cruise activities, choosing an antarctica tour operator.

Antarctica Cruise 2021/22 Itinerary Options

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Antarctica Guide do not sell tours, we simply provide impartial advice . If you would like an exact quote with our recommended specialist click Get a Quote.

The first thing you need to decide upon when travelling to Antarctica is the type of cruise you’re looking for.

Assuming you want to see the wildlife-rich peninsula, you have three options: either a standard cruise from Ushuaia , a Fly-cruise from Punta Arenas or a luxury cruise .

All three options have their positive points as we discuss below.

Standard Cruise from Ushuaia

By far the most popular option for Antarctica tourists is a standard Antarctic cruise from Ushuaia.

This means sailing from the port of Ushuaia to the Peninsula and returning either straight back or via the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, depending on your itinerary.

All operators offer on-board lectures and, depending on your vessel size, you’ll have the option to go ashore.

To reach the Antarctic Peninsula via boat, you need to first cross the notoriously rough Drake Passage. This is an experience in itself and the more hardy travelers relish the crossing.

Not only do the rough seas make for an exciting journey, there is also the chance to see whales and seabirds on the crossing. The crossing usually takes 48 hours, depending on weather and many travelers consider the crossing as rite of passage to reach Antarctica.

Fly Cruise from Punta Arenas

If the Drake Passage doesn’t sound like your thing, then the other option is to do what is known as a fly-cruise .

This is a great option for people who suffer from sea sickness or for people who have less time on their hands .

A Fly-cruise allows you to fly (usually from Punta Arenas) to King George Island and then take a cruise around the peninsula before flying back to Argentina. Many operators also offer the option to fly one way and cruise the other.

The seas around the peninsula are much calmer than the Drake Passage and people who struggle with constant motion should be fine on the peninsula.

For more detailed information, please read our Drake Passage sea sickness page .

If you suffer from sea sickness quite considerably then the only option open to you would be to fly into the interior of Antarctica and take an expedition camping tour. You’ll need to be quite hardy though as temperatures are extremely cold in the interior, however, you have the chance to see the elusive Emperor Penguins !

Luxury Antarctica Cruise

Like most cruises across the world, there is the option of a luxury cruise. Luxury Antarctica cruises cost more than your typical Antarctica cruise and not every operator has a luxury option.

A luxury Antarctica cruise provides better facilities with a higher on-board service. This means that all cabins will be larger than standard, have ocean views and private en-suite with a bath. Suite rooms and state rooms come with a personal butler and 24 hour room service.

You’ll be able to sit where you want in the ships dining room and all beverages, including fine wine and champagne, are included in the price.

The guides provided on the ship will be world experts and you’ll also have access to professional photographers , authors and destination experts on-board. If you have the money, a Luxury Antarctica cruise is certainly worth considering as the experience is like none other.

Because Antarctica is such a remote destination, cruises do not come cheap. The average price for an Antarctica cruise is US$10,000 per person. 

Price varies considerably depending on when you sail, what itinerary you take, and what ship you choose. Also keep in mind that you will need to budget for flights and optional activities such as kayaking or camping. 

The graph below gives you a broad idea of the price you can expect to pay for different Antarctica cruise itineraries. 

For more information on costs, please see our Antarctica cruise cost page . 

Lower Budget

Firstly, don’t be shocked by the high prices, Antarctica cruises cost far more to run than normal cruises and often provide more activities (like shore landings).

Most Antarctica cruises start at around US$8,500 . At that price you’ll be looking at a fairly short itinerary of around 11 days and you’ll also need to be in a cabin of 4 people.

If you are traveling solo then the price will be more expensive.

Some Antarctica cruise operators offer twin rooms for two solo travelers to share, however, this is not always the case and you will need to check before booking.

If you want to avoid crossing the infamous Drake Passage then you’ll need to budget for a fly-cruise which is more expensive.

Generally a fly-cruise trip will last 8 days and will cost roughly US$10,000 . Again, this is a budget price and you’ll be sharing a cabin once on-board your ship.

People often write that it’s possible to camp out Ushuaia and wait for a last-minute booking  price. Although this is possible, in our experience, it’s not as frequent and easy as people believe. You’ll need time on your hands – which costs money – and you’ll need to be lucky as most Antarctica cruises book out months in advance.

Please keep in mind that lower cabins tend to be less affected by motion and if you do suffer from sea sickness, a lower cabin will be the best option. Lower cabins will also be less expensive on average. Remember, not only do cabins cost different amounts, but also ships. Antarctica cruise operators will often run more than one ship and these vessels will usually be kitted out differently inside which will impact price. If you notice an operator offering two different prices for the same itinerary, this will usually be the reason.

Higher Budget

If you can afford to splash out a little more than your itinerary and cabin options open up considerably.

A standard cruise to the peninsula for 10 days in a nice double cabin will cost anywhere between US$10,000 – $15,000 .

Whilst it is considerably more, if you can afford it then go for it as it makes the whole experience much more pleasurable.

If your budget is above US$10,000 then you can potentially lengthen your trip to take in the spectacular Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Cruises to the peninsula via the Falklands and South Georgia usually start at around US$15,000 for 20 days.

Once again, this is in shared accommodation. If you would like a longer itinerary with your own well-appointed cabin, you should budget more towards $20,000.

Whilst the graph above is a good indicator of general itinerary prices, it is by no means a 100% accurate and every Antarctica cruise operator will charge slightly differently and offer slight variations in itinerary.

This is often the case where certain activities are offered such as Kayaking , camping , scuba diving , swimming etc.

Your cruise ship will impact your travel experience considerably.

Antarctica cruise ship sizes range from vessels that carry less than hundred passengers to vessels that carry over 500!

If your goal is to go ashore as often as possible then you should consider a small vessel as ships carrying less than 200 passengers have access to most landing spots along the peninsula.

Ships with more passengers are often heavily restricted on where they can land and vessels carrying over 500 passengers cannot land at all.

Whilst the smaller ships have the advantage of landing spots, larger ships are generally better appointed and have a much more luxurious feel.

Larger ships also have the added benefit of swaying less in the rolling seas – an important note for people who suffer from sea sickness.

If you want a cruise to Antarctica that allows you to go ashore and get up close and personal with some of the wildlife , then a smaller vessels may be your best option. Cruise boats that carry less than 200 passengers have the right to land at most places, whereas larger ships are more restricted. Cruise ships carrying over 500 people cannot land at all.

Another option is a small yacht. This is not a common option and tourists generally stick to bigger ships. However, there are several registered yacht tours and these tours have great versatility in terms of landing options. Yachts are more affected by sea motion though and tend to cost far more than a cruise – generally in the region of US$1,000 per day per person.

Find out more information on our  Antarctica cruise ships page .

Here are some of our favourite ships.

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Orion

Choosing what you specifically want to see and do on your Antarctica cruise can go a long way in helping you decide what tour itinerary to choose.

Below we have listed the most popular destinations and which itineraries include them.

For more information on popular destinations in Antarctica, read our top things to see in Antarctica . 

Antarctica Peninsula

All Antarctica cruise itineraries will visit the Antarctic Peninsula. However, as the route itinerary images above demonstrate, different itineraries will see different points on the peninsula.

The Lemaire Channel

Without doubt one of the most stunning sections of the Antarctica Peninsula. Huge ice cliffs surround you on a narrow channel and provide an ‘out of this world’ landscape. All standard itineraries should visit the Lemaire Channel as it is located at the tip of the peninsula.

The Antarctica Circle

Few people venture past the Antarctica Circle. However, it well worth considering as it takes you further down the Antarctic Peninsula and allows you to explore less-visited sites like the historic research stations at Marguerite Bay. You’ll not cross the Antarctic Circle on a classic itinerary as it is much further south than most cruises go. However, almost all Antarctica cruise companies will operate an Antarctic Circle tour . They’re often called exactly that in fact. You’ll find the price is more expensive than a standard cruise, but less than a cruise that takes in South Georgia and the Falklands.

Known as Iceberg Alley, Hope Bay is home to some stunning ice formations and incredibly large icebergs. The icebergs glow a light blue in the water and you’ll have the opportunity to go ashore and visit the historical expedition huts from the Swedish Antarctic Expedition that wintered in the bay in 1903. All Antarctica cruise operators stop here.

Paradise Harbor (or Paradise Bay)

A great place to visit for wildlife lovers! The ice floes provide great lounging spots for seals and whales are often seen in the deep bay. Lovely ice formations make this one of our favourite spots and ideally, you should see it in a zodiac. All Antarctica cruise itineraries stop here.

Deception Island

One of the most visited spots on the peninsula, Deception Island is home to a colony of Chin Strap penguins. The island is also home to one of the most famous whaler bays in the region – Deception Bay. Historically used by whalers, the bay is now a hot-spot for swimmers as the bay is a caldera of a volcano and provides ‘hot springs’. From our own personal experience, we can tell you the water is anything but ‘hot’ – in fact, it’s freezing! But still worth doing! Standard itineraries will stop here and all operators will give you the option of swimming.

South Georgia and Falklands Island

If you have the time and the budget, these islands should not be missed! Packed with wildlife, they’re often termed the ‘Arctic Galapagos’ as most species don’t mind people sitting close by. Perfect for photographers. Literally millions of seals and penguins gather on these islands and the vast array of sea birds will keep you busy for days! Standard itineraries do not visit these islands. All operators offer an extended cruise option that does visit the islands, however, it is usually the most expensive option.

Activities are another important factor when budgeting for your cruise to Antarctica. Zodiac rides and shore landings are usually included in the cruise price, however, if you want to go kayaking, scuba diving, skiing, camping or climbing, you’ll need to arrange this with your operator and pay extra.

Prices for each activity vary considerably and you’ll need to ask your operator.

Kayaking is the most popular activity and generally costs around US$750 – $1,000 on top of your base cruise cost.

Camping, skiing and climbing all cost in the region of US$500 per person. Paddle-boarding is usually the cheapest activity costing around US$150, however, not every operator offers this option.

Scuba diving is one of the most expensive option and will cost you upwards of a US$1,000.

When booking your cruise to Antarctica, make sure you consult with your operator as to what activities are included on your Antarctica cruise. Most operators are very transparent about this, but it’s always good to check. If you are very keen on activities then some companies operate ‘Adventure Tours’ which is a combination of skiing, camping, climbing and kayaking all rolled into one.

For more information, please read our detailed activities page .

The first thing to make sure of is that your Antarctica cruise operator is a member of The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) .

IAATO is an umbrella industry group that have set strict standards for all Antarctica cruise operators in an attempt to protect the pristine and unspoiled environment of Antarctica. Your tour operator should be a member of IAATO and adhere to their guidelines at all times.

Knowing Their Ship

All good Antarctica cruise operators should know their ship. This means being able to tell you exactly what cabin would suit you, what vessel would suit you and what on-board activities would suit you. For example: If you often feel slightly sea sick, but still want an ocean view, your operator should know which cabin is least affected by motion but still has an ocean view.

Food Quality & Options

All operators offer something slightly different when it comes to food. Make sure your Antarctica cruise company can cater to any specific food requirements you have. Ask how often hot meals are served. Some operators offer buffet style meals whilst others offer menu course. Dinner can range from one course to three – check with your operator.

Lectures & Guides

One of the most important aspect about your Antarctica cruise will be your lectures and your guides. When it comes to guides, a good ratio to look for is 1 guide for every 10 passengers. This varies slightly from operator to operator. As you’ll want tons of information on the Antarctic wildlife and scenery, the more guides the better. Most Antarctica cruise operators will provide highly knowledgeable biologists, naturalist and historians (depending on itinerary). On-board lectures should occur at least twice a day and really good operators will usually provide on-shore talks as well. Top cruises will often provide photography  experts also.

Eco-friendly

Choosing a conscientious Antarctica cruise operator is vitally important. The environment should be everyone’s number one concern and this should be reflected in your choice of operator. Many operators work with charities and there are several ships now that have a carbon neutral scheme.

Antarctica Video

Below is a stunning video detailing what it’s like to travel to the White Continent. Film by Chris Stanley.

Antarctica Cruise 2023/24 Itinerary Options

When choosing an Antarctica cruise itinerary, always make sure to look at the route map.

This is particularly important for the peninsula section as there are a number of varying routes around the region and some itineraries will simply visit the tip of the peninsula whilst other itineraries will explore further south.

Ones that explore further south are usually knows as ‘Antarctic Circle’ tours or something similar. Below are the most popular Antarctica 2023/24 cruise itineraries. 

Classic Antarctica Cruise

Prices from: US$7,000 pp | Trip Length: 10-12 days

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The Classic Antarctica itinerary is the quintessential Antarctic trip. By far the most popular option among travelers, the classic cruise takes its visitors across the Drake Passage, before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Highlights include several shore landings, swimming in Deception Bay and viewing whales, penguins and seals. Being the cheapest option, the classic cruise is the ideal option for tourists who want a first-time taste of Antarctica and for tourists on a budget.

Antarctica Circle Cruise

Prices from: US$8,500 pp | Trip Length: 14 days

The Antarctica Circle itinerary is the perfect option for those wishing to explore further down the continent’s peninsula. The circle cruise has a similar start to that of the Classic Antarctica Cruise. You begin by crossing the notorious Drake Passage before arriving at the peninsula. After exploring for several days, the circle cruise continues south taking in the western coast of Antarctica, an area that not many on earth have seen. You’ll celebrate with your fellow travelers and guides as you cross the Antarctic Circle.

Antarctica Via Falklands and South Georgia Cruise

Prices from: US$10,500 pp | Trip Length: 20-22 days

Probably the second most popular Antarctica itinerary available, the Antarctica via Falklands and South Georgia cruise offers travelers the chance to explore not only the stunning landscape of the peninsula, but also the wildlife rich islands to the north. The Galapagos of the Antarctic region, both the Falkland Islands and South Georgia are abundant in wildlife, often displaying over a million seals and penguins on one beach, including the charismatic King Penguins. This is generally one of the more expensive cruise, but certainly one of the best.

Antarctica Express Cruise

Prices from: US$8,500 pp | Trip Length: 8 days

The Antarctica Express itinerary is the ideal option for travellers who don’t have much time on their hands or for people who suffer from severe  sea sickness . The express cruise itinerary avoids the 2 day Drake Crossing, instead, travellers take a flight from Punta Arenas which then lands at King George Island. Once landed, you will have the chance to explore the island before embarking your ship to explore the peninsula region. Afterwards you take a flight back.

Antarctica Fly South – Cruise North Tour

Prices from: US$10,000 pp | Trip Length: 10 days

The Antarctica Fly South – Cruise North itinerary takes visitors one way by plane and the other by ship. The fly south -cruise north option is perfect for travelers who are short on time but still wish to experience the epic Drake Passage crossing. Many people believe the crossing is a rite-of-passage for Antarctic visitors and it’s certainly unforgettable. After flying in to  King George Island , you’ll board your  chosen ship and sail around the main peninsula attractions, viewing stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife.

Antarctica Circle via Falklands and South Georgia Cruise

Prices from: US$14,000 pp | Trip Length: 23 days

The Antarctica Circle via Falklands and South Georgia is one of the most in-depth Antarctic cruises that can be done. Not only do you take in the wildlife-rich islands of  South Georgia and the Falklands, but you also sail much further down south along the Peninsula than most other Antarctic itineraries to cross the Antarctic Circle! This really is one of the most amazing cruises on offer in the region and is a great option for  wildlife lovers and people with a real spirit for adventure.

Antarctica Basecamp Cruise

Prices from: US$7,500 pp | Trip Length: 11-12 days

The Basecamp Cruise is the ideal cruise for active people with an adventurous spirit! Unlike other peninsula cruises that explore the region, the Basecamp Cruise itinerary focuses on activities such as kayaking, mountaineering,  camping  and snowshoeing! The cruise is anchors in only one or two spots (basecamp) whilst you attempt all the fun activities on offer. Unlike other Antarctic itineraries, these activities are all included in the price. You not only conduct your activities, but you also get the chance to visit some of the most spectacular areas in the region including the  Lemaire Channel and Port Lockroy! You’ll also get the chance to get up close and personal with some of the amazing wildlife.

Epic Antarctica

Prices from: US$15,000 pp | Trip Length: 22 days (weather dependent)

The Epic Antarctica itinerary is probably the most comprehensive Antarctica itinerary ever offered! Only polar researchers spend more time on the ice. You take in both sides of the Antarctic Peninsula, including the much less visited Weddell Sea region. You explore the peninsula for an unprecedented 16 days whilst also heading further south to cross the Antarctic Circle! This is the perfect cruise itinerary for adventure lovers who want to explore every inch of the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands.

Antarctica via Chilean Fjords Cruise

Prices from: US$8,500 pp | Trip Length: 15-18 days

The Antarctica Peninsula via the Chilean Fjords itinerary provides a fantastic mix of landscapes! On the one hand you experience the incredible harsh and stunning environment of Antarctica, on the other you experience the isolated islands, tall green mountains and quiet bays of the Chilean Fjords. The contrast is something to behold! Your trip takes off from Punta Arenas where you explore the fjords for a few days before heading across the  Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula where you make daily landings.

East Antarctica Cruise

Prices from: US$16,000 pp | Trip Length: 27 days (weather dependent)

The East Antarctica itinerary is one of the few Antarctic trips that leaves from New Zealand. The journey explores one of the least visited places on earth – East Antarctica. Your cruise explores wildlife rich islands, historical huts and desolate landscapes of ice and rock. You’ll visit Mawson’s hut, see the only breeding area of Royal penguins and even spot an Emperor penguin or two! This is the perfect cruise for wildlife lovers and people with an adventurous spirit. Please note that this is a long cruise in ice conditions and exact shore landings cannot be guaranteed.

Antarctic Peninsula and Coastal Patagonia Cruise

Prices from: US$11,000 pp | Trip Length: 18 days

The Antarctica Peninsula and Coastal Patagonia itinerary is the perfect option for people who not only wish to explore Antarctica, but also explore the coast of Chile and Patagonia. The cruise sets out from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. After exploring the region and making a number of landings, the cruise then sail back across the passage and begins its journey northwards along the Chilean coastline. This Antarctica itinerary takes in stunning fjords, isolated villages and vibrant towns as you make your way up to  Santiago .

Ross Sea Cruise

Prices from: US$23,000 pp | Trip Length: 23-35 days

One of the most remote areas on our planet, the Ross Sea is a region steeped in human exploration history. Few people have ever stepped foot in the region and the area provides a fascinating mix between incredible  wildlife and polar exploration. The highlights are without doubt the Ross Sea ice shelf and the wildlife rich sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand. People with a sense of curiosity will be delighted every day as you visit  penguin rookeries, seal colonies and historic exploration huts.

Weddell Sea Cruise

Prices from: US$10,000 pp | Trip Length: 11 days

The Weddell Sea itinerary is a true expedition voyage. If you fancy something totally unique, then this may be the cruise for you. After crossing the Drake Passage, you begin by exploring the western peninsula like other Antarctic itineraries, however, you then sail around to the eastern side of the peninsula to explore a region less traveled. Here you will take several helicopter journeys and search for the famous emperor penguins, an animal that is rarely seen, even in Antarctica.

Antarctica Guide do not sell tours, we simply provide impartial advice . If you would like an exact quote with our recommended specialist please complete the form.

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Other Useful Resources

Antarctica Packing List

Things to do in Antarctica

How to get to Antarctica

Antarctica Travel Resources

If you would like to know more about Antarctica cruises please leave a comment below and we will endeavor to get back to you within 24 hours! Alternatively, please see our FAQ page here . If you would like to get a cruise quote, please use this form.

Thank you - AntarcticaGuide Team

Tags: Antarctica cruise, how to choose an Antarctica cruise, choosing the right Antarctica cruise, deciding on an Antarctica cruise, best Antarctica cruise

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inbal caspi says

3 years ago

Burnham Arlidge says

Larry Eisenberg says

2 months ago

How far is King George Island from the peninsular? How much time does that trip take? Is that sea rough and prone to causing seasickness?

Burnham says

• Destinations

Antarctic Circle Expedition

Cruise Overview

Antarctica cruise - antarctic circle expedition.

Spend 11 days exploring the wonders of Antarctica

With the milder summer weather, we'll aim to journey below the Antarctic Circle to the secluded and magnificent Marguerite Bay

There are opportunities for whale spotting, seeing young penguins, hiking, kayaking, ice-cruising, and even camping on the Antarctic snow

Enjoy 11 days in Antarctica 

Join your Expedition Team for ice-cruising activities, shore landings and fascinating lectures. You'll get close to colossal glaciers and icebergs. We'll observe Antarctic wildlife in their habitat – colonies of penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, maybe even kayaking or hiking past them. 

South of the Antarctic Circle 

During the Antarctic summer, new routes through the sea ice below the Antarctic Circle become possible. Aboard your hybrid-powered ice-class expedition ship, we'll set course for Marguerite Bay and islands along the way, looking out for Adélie Penguins and visiting remote historical stations. 

Know before you go

Practical information you need to know

• Expedition Health & Safety
• Travel Entry Requirements
• What to pack?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Life on Board

Health and Safety

Health & Safety Onboard

The safety of our guests, our employees, and the communities we visit is our top priority.  This is why we have partnered with leading experts in health and safety to design and implement protocols/procedures across our expedition fleet.

Searching for

Available dates.

We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay

The beat of Buenos Aires

Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires  

An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure.  

Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache.  

There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.  

Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer, or explore the region with our optional Pre-Programme.

Setting sail from Ushuaia

Fly to Ushuaia and start your adventure  

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where we'll meet your hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters. This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city. 

After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.

Get set for Antarctica

Centre on science before your Antarctic adventure  

On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition cruise. 

Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.  

There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Antarctica: another world

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty  

Nothing quite prepares you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder.  

Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them. Majestic, migrating whales glide among amazing icebergs, hunting the shoals of krill they feed on. Bird enthusiasts should look skywards to spot some of the 45 species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, such as skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns. 

Here, nature is king, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. You’ll spend an exciting 11 days busily exploring several of the many possible landing sites. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling.  

Crossing the Antarctic Circle and continuing well south to Marguerite Bay, we’ll explore various islands along the way. You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice-cruises whenever opportunities present themselves. You may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs. 

Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights into the frozen continent.

Back through Drake Passage

Reflect on your adventure  

After 11 days of exhilarating exploration, your expedition cruise, taking in the wonders and wildlife of Antarctica, nears its end. As we make the return trip to Ushuaia, enjoy this time at sea. 

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to delve into areas of interest in more depth and contribute your observations to Citizen Science projects. Enlist the help of our onboard photographer with the editing of your photos. 

Relax with a treatment in the spa and wellness area or take in the fresh sea air from the on-deck hot tubs. Spend time in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.

Ushuaia and Buenos Aires

Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires  

Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure. 

Why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.

- - - Attempted route, ice conditions dependent

Our Attempts are voyages where we challenge the elements in true expedition style. As we explore these remote and captivating areas in a safe way, our adventure will ultimately be guided by nature. If weather, sea or ice conditions do not allow our planned navigation, our experienced crew will deliver an adapted itinerary. Flexibility and our deep knowledge of the area combine to give you an amazing exploration experience.

What's included

• Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast 
• Flights in economy class between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia 
• Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise 
• Transfers between the Ushuaia airport and the ship, including a brief tour of the town 

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
• All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
• Meals and take-away available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
• Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
• A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
• Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
• Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
• Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
• Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
• Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research 
• Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements 
• Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)

What's not included

International flights 

Travel insurance 

Luggage handling 

Optional shore excursions with our local partners 

Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team 

Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

Special offers

Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.

* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise

Book early for 2025/2026 and save up to 25% with Price Promise

92 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee

Limited Time Offer | Save up to 15%

on expeditions to Antarctica, Alaska, Galapagos & more*

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Included Programmes

It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages

Landing sites in Antarctica

An endless white wilderness, Antarctica is nature at its most sublime and haunting. Read more about some of the possible landing sites you could explore on a sailing to Antarctica with Hurtigruten.

During our astonishing Antarctica voyages you will learn of the great explorers who paved the way into these southern oceans, gazing out across landscapes that have remained as awe-inspiring and unchanged as the day that man first set eyes upon them.

Four of Hurtigruten's explorer ships take you as close as possible to Antarctic wildlife and untouched wilderness. Each of our vessels offer a fascinating and varied schedule of  landings, all designed to create unforgettable memories. MS Fram will carry only 200 guests, while MS Roald Amundsen and MS Midnatsol (MS Fridtjof Nansen from 2019) will carry 500 each. This relatively small passenger size allows Hurtigruten explorer ships to make landings in some of the most spectacular scenery of the area, following IAATO regulations. MS Fram is a category 1 vessel, offering the widest possible range of landing sites.

How Hurtigruten does landings

Completing successful landings require experience - in Hurtigruten we have over 128 years of it, and take pride in offering seamless landings to all our guests. From our tender pit - a small pier folded out on the side of the ship - you board small rubber boats that take up to 20 people. Then we take you ashore. But before this happens, we make sure to follow a few simple principles to make every landing run smoothly:

Guests are divided into boat groups of approximately 40 guests

Groups are called by name over the ship's speakers to avoid lines

Groups are put together by the Expedition Coordinator by language. Friends and family

All guests can eat whenever they want - before or after their outdoor activity. We put expeditions first, and fit your meals around them , which is what our explorer guests really love.

Once ashore, you will be greeted by the Expedition Leader or Assistant Expedition Leader at the landing site, offering you steps and helping hands to make the landing easier. Information about the landing site is provided, with tips on where to go and where to see animals. All guests are free to walk around the landing sites on their own, with the Expedition Team members nearby to answer questions or provide information. Special hikes and other excursions are always guided by experienced lecturers and team members.

Weather, wind, ice and local conditions will determine the exact nature of your programme and schedule. Safety is paramount and the ship’s captain will decide the final sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore every voyage is unique and all advertised routes, by the very nature of the region, can only be indicative.

Below you will find a selection of some of the possible landing sites in Antarctica depending on your voyage’s planned itinerary:

Deception Island, South Shetland Islands

One of the highlights of the South Shetlands, Deception Island is a distinctive ring-shaped volcanic caldera, a portion of which has collapsed and created a navigable opening into the flooded interior. The natural harbour within includes Whalers Bay, home to an abandoned whaling station known as Hektor, as well as a derelict British base.

Half Moon Island, South Shetland Islands

Staggeringly photogenic and blessed with some of the most spectacular Antarctic scenery imaginable, Half Moon Island is a glittering gem amongst these island treasures. Its serrated and creviced cliffs are home to a large colony of chinstrap penguins, as well as Antarctic terns, kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Wilson’s storm petrels and several species of seals who are regular visitors to the island.

Yankee Harbour, South Shetland Islands

Early sealers in the area used Yankee Harbour on Greenwich Island as a frequent base of operations, its remarkable setting providing a natural safe haven for the sailors. Remnants of those early days can still be seen littering the shoreline, but the big draw for visitors here is the large colony of Gentoo penguins, whose numbers are estimated to be around 4,000 breeding pairs.

Cuverville Island

Situated in the scenic Errera Channel, Cuverville Island boasts the largest known colony of Gentoo penguins. The narrow Errera Channel offers a spectacular passage to and from Cuverville as icebergs become trapped and grounded in the nearby shallows. Watching from the observation decks as our navigators weave the ship carefully between the icebergs is as exciting as being surrounded by the throngs of nesting penguins onshore.

Neko Harbour

Neko Harbour with its Gentoo penguin colony lies nestled in Andvord Bay, surrounded by the mountains and high glacier walls of the peninsula. Named after a factory whaling ship from the early 1900s, Neko is one of the rare places in this area where you may land on the Antarctic mainland.

Paradise Bay

The harbour is paradise not only in name, but in splendour and scenery as well. Protected from the winds of the nearby Gerlache Strait, Paradise Harbour offers another rare opportunity for a mainland landing and some of the finest vistas the Peninsula has to offer. Here you can find the Argentine base Almirante Brown and the Chilean base Gonzalez Videla, as well as colonies of neighbouring penguins.

See more videos from our possible landing sites on our  Youtube channel.

Lemaire channel.

This 11 kilometre long and 1.6 kilometre wide channel is one of the most beautiful passages in Antarctica. It bestows upon the traveller a glimpse into what fascinates us most about this incredibly contrasting environment; it is sublime yet imposing, delicate yet daunting, alluring yet inhospitable.

Petermann Island

Its location in the picturesque Penola Strait makes Petermann Island a great spot for iceberg- and whale-spotting and offers spectacular views across the channel to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Port Lockroy

The British base of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island was built in 1941 and abandoned in 1962. It lay empty until 1996 when it was refurbished as a museum by the Antarctic Heritage Trust. It has since become one of the most popular sites in Antarctica and offers a unique peek into life in an Antarctic base in the 1950's.

Wilhelmina Bay

The mountains and high glaciers around Wilhelmina Bay ensure plenty of dramatic scenery and sculpted ice from tiny floating pieces to large bergs. The bay is a choice feeding ground for whales and seals and therefore was a rich hunting ground for the whalers of the past.

Antarctic Sound

The huge ice shelves of the Antarctic continent give birth to mile-long tabular icebergs. The strong currents of the Weddell Sea conspire to bring these massive flat-topped bergs north into the Antarctic Sound at the north-eastern end of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Brown Bluff

Brown Bluff lies on the coast of the Antarctic Sound at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. As the name suggests, the landscape is dominated by an ominous 745 metre high cliff. The towering, rust-coloured bluff is volcanic in origin and the beach is peppered with lava “bombs”. Adélie penguins, Gentoo penguins, kelp gulls, and cape petrels can be found breeding here and Weddell seals are also regular visitors.

Onboard Science Programme

Our Science Programme has one goal: to increase your curiosity, knowledge and interest of the areas you are sailing to.

Our expedition ships serve as the perfect platform for scientific research; with access to remote regions of the world and onboard experts, we can provide invaluable data to the scientific community - with help from our guests!

We invite our guests to participate in science activities, developing a greater understanding of the region in which they travel, becoming true ambassadors, and returning home to champion the protection of our planet's most fragile ecosystems.

The core of the Citizen Science programmes

Delivery of our own lecture programme.

Interacting with guests in our Science Centers to reinforce the lecture programme with practical hands-on guest experiences.

Citizen science programme involving guests in programmes for third-party organisations.

Carrying scientific equipment for sample collection on behalf of research institutes.

Hosting scientific personnel on board to conduct collaborative science programmes.

Examples of Scientific Research Onboard

Seabird Distribution with the Antarctic Site Inventory  — Surveys throughout the Antarctic Peninsula help scientists understand how seabirds are using different habitats and provide valuable information about their life cycles.

Cloud Observations with the Globe Program  — By observing and recording cloud cover timed to NASA satellite fly-overs, guests can help scientists understand how surface and air temperature are affected by cloud cover, and how clouds will respond to a changing climate.

Happywhale  — We assist in tracking individual whales throughout our world’s oceans by harnessing the power of whale watching enthusiasts - our guests - expanding our scientific knowledge of their behaviour and distribution. 

Sea Leopard Project  — A non-profit study aimed at a better understanding of the behaviour, ecology, and population dynamics of leopard seals on the Antarctic Peninsula to promote their conservation and safe human-seal interactions.

Fjord Phyto  — Study phytoplankton to better understand how they respond to water temperature changes in the polar regions, providing a key to help mitigate future environmental impacts. 

Science Center

Join the Expedition Team here for a range of lectures, photography workshops, and Citizen Science Projects. The area also features scientific and educational equipment, such as microscopes and interactive maps.

Lecture Hall

In-depth talks on history, climate change, sustainability, wildlife, Earth science, culture, and other topics specific to the destination you are visiting are held here. Learning more about each subject is certain to enhance your expedition experience.

Webinar: Science Programme

Our Science Programme has one goal: To increase your curiosity, knowledge and interest of the areas you are sailing to. 

In this webinar you can learn more about:

What the Science Programme is about 

Learning from the experts on board

Facilities, equipment and activities

Citizen Science research projects- and how you can contribute

Speaker: Verena Meraldi

Excursions & Activities

Learn more about what you can experience when going with us

Pre-post programmes

The Highlights of Buenos Aires (Pre)

Join our guided coach tour and discover the highlights of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant capital.

Explore Trendy Buenos Aires (Pre)

Discover the attractions of Buenos Aires' most fashionable districts on a guided coach tour.

Post-excursion: Tigre Delta Tour

Take in the spectacular rainforest scenery of the Paraná Delta on this river cruise from Tigre.

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You Could Run a ‘Penguin Post Office’ in Antarctica

Three new hires will spend five months living among gentoo penguins and sorting postcards at the world’s southernmost post office

Daily Correspondent

Help wanted: Charity seeks hard-working, self-motivated individuals for temporary positions. Must be willing to relocate—and stomach the smell of penguin poop.

That’s the gist of the latest job descriptions posted by the U.K. Antarctic Heritage Trust , the organization that runs a famed “ penguin post office ” in Antarctica. The group is hiring three coveted positions for the upcoming Antarctic season, which runs from November 2024 to March 2025.

The post office is part of Port Lockroy , a historic British base on Goudier Island, near the Antarctic Peninsula . It’s the southernmost post office in the world, but despite its remote location, it processes up to 80,000 letters and postcards each season. These missives, in turn, are sent by the roughly 18,000 cruise ship passengers who stop by during summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (@ukantarcticheritagetrust)

The trust oversees the site, which celebrated its 80th birthday last month. But the organization needs on-the-ground employees to sort mail, sell postage stamps, care for the aging buildings and run the small onsite gift shop. These staffers also have another important duty: counting the roughly 1,500 gentoo penguins that live in a colony at Port Lockroy.

The organization is looking for a base leader, a general assistant and a shop manager. Applicants must be residents of the United Kingdom.

Whoever lands the positions will be in for the adventure of a lifetime. After undergoing extensive training in the U.K. in August and September, they’ll deploy to Port Lockroy in late October or early November. Once they arrive, they’ll be mostly cut off from the outside world, as there’s very little phone and internet access on the island. They’ll also be sharing a bunk room with up to five other people throughout the season.

Port Lockroy has no running water, so staffers will have to be comfortable using a bucket instead of a toilet. They won’t be able to take baths or showers, except when passing cruise ships invite them onboard (and send them back to the base with a resupply of fresh food). Since the island is so small, they’ll have to make do without much alone time.

“Due to the terrain, it is not possible to go for a run or take a long walk if you need time on your own,” the application states. “Could you cope with being confined to a small island with four teammates for five months?”

The trust has staffed Port Lockroy since 2006. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the group shut down the site for two years, but eventually reopened it in 2022. For that first post-Covid season, around 6,000 people applied for the jobs—more than twice the number of applicants than in years past. Ultimately, the trust chose an all-woman roster .

During World War II, the British government sent a top-secret expedition team to Antarctica to set up strategic bases on Goudier Island, Deception Island and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Their mission? To “deny safe anchorages to enemy raiding vessels” and gather meteorological data that might serve as useful intel for Allied shipping vessels sailing through the South Atlantic, according to the British Antarctic Survey .

Today, the charity that runs Port Lockroy has friendlier aims. The trust wants to preserve historic buildings and artifacts in Antarctica, with an overarching goal of helping future generations “discover, understand, value and protect this precious wilderness,” according to its website . In addition to Port Lockroy, the trust maintains five other historic sites on the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Port Lockroy jobs aren’t for everyone. But for individuals with the right skills and experience, the positions are a “unique opportunity to live in a landscape that makes you feel pure awe and wonder, where pioneering generations have gone before us, making groundbreaking discoveries about our planet,” Camilla Nichol, the trust’s CEO, tells Time Out ’s Liv Kelly.

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Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

Which Polar Cruise is Better: Antarctica or the Arctic?

Posted: December 22, 2023 | Last updated: December 22, 2023

Pop quiz: Which of these photos is in Antarctica and which is the Arctic? (The answer is at the bottom of the article.)

Left image courtesy of Pia Harboure/Atlas Ocean Voyages; right image courtesy of Tyson Mayr/Aurora Expeditions

Hiking in a steady snow to the summit of Danco Island off Antarctica , I felt like I had stepped out of an extreme adventure film and straight into a Disney movie.

After days of sailing through the infamously rough Drake Passage, then in and around storms with winds as high as 100 knots, a welcome calm had set in, allowing one final landing among hundreds of adorable, waddling tuxedo-vested penguins.

Seemingly oblivious to our presence, many broke away from their colony to climb, parallel to us, up the peak. A few stopped to squabble with each other. Others were more polite and took a bow.

The encounter highlighted the answer to one of the most obvious questions that inevitably arises as travelers increasingly board a new generation of expedition ships to sail to the ends of the earth: What’s the difference between Arctic and Antarctic cruises?

Penguins versus polar bears, of course, and how up close and personal you can get with the flightless birds as opposed to the much more elusive majestic white ursine mammal.

While getting a glimpse of some of the estimated 20 million penguins that inhabit the coastal areas of Antarctica is almost guaranteed, exploring the Arctic is more like heading out on safari. There are many more species to see in the Arctic, they are just harder to find. But that’s part of the adventure.

There are many other differences between cruising in Antarctica and the Arctic, each with its own subjective pros and cons, including how to get there, the weather, onshore experiences, and the differences in their respective majestic and very dramatic landscapes. So how do you decide which and if one is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of the main difference between cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic, so that you can better choose.

Even in ships as beautiful and sophisticated as Atlas Ocean Voyages’ expeditions vessels, sometimes there’s no escaping the hardships of the rough seas in Antarctica.

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

Getting there

Less than 24 hours into my Antarctica sailing last month for the maiden voyage of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ newest yacht, World Voyager , the other very obvious difference between Antarctica and the Arctic, where I sailed in July on Aurora Expeditions’ new 132-passenger Sylvia Earle expedition vessel, became crystal clear: the process of getting there.

Just a few hours into the infamous two-day crossing of the Drake Passage from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Seventh Continent, passengers were scurrying from the lecture hall for sickness bags. That night at dinner, dishes seemed to be crashing all around us as we navigated what the captain said were 30-plus-foot waves.

We definitely spent much of the initial crossing experiencing the “Drake shake” versus the “Drake lake,” though we did get more of the Drake lake on the way home. But experiencing the roughness of the Drake Passage could be a pro or a con, depending on whether you get seasick . For those of us with strong stomachs, it’s a big part of the adventure.

For those without the stomach for rough seas , one other option, offered by numerous cruise lines and tour operators, is to fly, at least one way, to King George Island, the largest of the Shetland Islands off the coast of the northern tip of the Antarctic peninsula. Of course, the flights are still at the whims of the weather gods, and nowhere are said gods more fickle than in Antarctica.

In the Arctic, you can start your cruise from any number of cities, including Longyearbyen in Svalbard , which is already deep in the Arctic Circle and is the world’s northernmost settlement with a population of more than 1,000. Longyearbyen is about a four-hour flight north of Oslo, but once you get there you are just a few hours sailing away from the nine main islands of the archipelago. The only full sea day on my 14-day Arctic cruise this past summer was the last one, when we sailed across the Denmark Strait to end the cruise in Reykjavík, Iceland. And while we had a few windy days, we never experienced anything nearly as rough as in Antarctica.

The weather

“That looks kind of scary,” one friend said as I shared some of my photos of my Antarctica trip over cocktails after returning home.

“It looks cold. I’m not sure that’s going on my bucket list,” said another.

Indeed, polar cruises are not for everyone. Yes, it’s cold. And Antarctica is especially severe, with conditions like katabatic winds that can change from zero to 60 mph in a matter of seconds.

After our rough sailing through the Drake Passage, we awoke our first morning in the South Shetland Islands to a calm and mostly sunny day, where we hiked and saw our first penguins on Deception Island. But that weather didn’t hold.

The next morning, just as we finished boarding our Zodiac for a morning cruise, the captain’s voice came over the radio to halt operations. As the day wore on, conditions intensified, and despite the crew’s best efforts to find a calm in the storm, we ended up in 100 knot winds with snow around us literally blowing in every direction. Again, the captain—whose announcements came to be dubbed jokingly by one passenger as “the voice of doom”—came on the PA to let us know we wouldn’t be able to make any afternoon outings.

Tucked safely on our comfortable luxury yacht , however, no one seemed to really mind. In fact, cheers went up when the champagne came out because you’re not supposed to partake in Atlas’ unlimited alcoholic beverages policy on expedition days until the off-ship activities are over.

Arctic cruises, too, are unpredictable, though Antarctica is wilder in part because of its dramatic wind shifts. And while there is less ice in the north, it can still have a big impact. In July, for instance, we were almost unable to make any landings in eastern Greenland due to ice buildup along the shore.

So, whether you go north or south, the No. 1 rule is to be flexible when it comes to weather and sailing conditions.

The wildlife

Another major consideration when choosing between a cruise in Antarctica and sailing the Arctic is what animals you want to see, and how easy you want those viewings to be.

With so many penguins roaming the coasts of Antarctica during the southern hemisphere summer (which is winter in the northern hemisphere), you are guaranteed to see penguins in the wild—and lots of them—as well as whales and seals.

In the Arctic, you can spend days hiking and riding Zodiacs, hoping to get a glimpse of a polar bear, arctic foxes, reindeer, walruses, seals, and whales. That often means days of disappointment, only to be followed by euphoria when you finally get a chance to see one of the elusive white giants in the wild, swimming, hunting or simply resting on a rock. Or when a huddle of curious walruses bob alongside your Zodiac. Or you catch of a glimpse of an Arctic fox running along a river, a freshly caught bird in mouth.

But where the weather in the Antarctic dominates much of one’s activities, in the Artic it’s all about the polar bears because they are very fast—and very dangerous. Often times, sailings will need to change course to ensure the safety of the passengers and that of the polar bears. (link to my Arctic story).

Asked about the differences between Arctic and Antarctica cruises, our World Voyager captain said Antarctica is “much wilder.” And you truly are alone.

In the Arctic, many cruises start in Longyearbyen, where you can get a sense of what it’s like to actually live within the Arctic circle. While most of the cruises are spent in the wild, hiking on islands and taking Zodiac cruises around massive glaciers, ice caps and icebergs, they typically also make at least one stop on the remote shores of Eastern Greenland to visit indigenous communities—again offering some insight into life in the northernmost reaches of the world.

Antarctica, on the other hand, is as remote as you can get, with the only civilization revolving around a collection of research camps based there. And because of the many environmental protection rules that travel companies have agreed to follow, you may not be able get off the ship for more than an hour or two each day.

In the Arctic, I sailed with Aurora Expeditions on one of its small expedition ships with about the same number of passengers as World Voyager , yet we sometimes spent more than three hours off the ship twice a day, including a few challenging hikes.

In Antarctica, only ships carrying 500 passengers or less can let passengers off—whether on Zodiacs, kayaks or for actual landings. And no more than 100 passengers can be on land at a time, so you have to get off in shifts. That means ships with more than 200 passengers usually can’t let passengers off for more than about an hour or an hour and half a day.

We had just under 150 passengers on our sailing, and the most time we were able to spend off the boat was between 45 minutes and an hour-and-a-half, twice a day.

Both also offer some extreme adventures, weather permitting. For instance, in Antarctica, I had signed up to camp overnight under the stars, tucked into just a sleeping bag partially buried in the snow. Unfortunately (or fortunately) severe weather canceled that along with plans for kayaking and paddleboarding.

But with the number of new ships now sailing the polar regions, it’s easy to find one that is a good fit for varying tastes in both on and offboard activities. Some of the new luxury ships even offer helicopter and submersible experiences. And some operators offer more extreme adventures like scuba diving.

I’m partial to small ships like World Navigator , which provided intimate, casual luxury and spectacular views from just about every cabin and lounge on board. You really get to know your fellow travelers, crew members, and expedition team members, which is a real bonus for solo travelers.

Sustainability

There is one indisputable con to both Arctic and Antarctic cruises: the impact on the environment. Indeed, reports about the record number of ships cruising into these fragile environments and the increasing speed of ice melt gave me pause.

The good news is that the newest class of expedition ships sailing to polar regions—vessels both big and small—have the latest in green technology. For instance, World Voyager is equipped with some of the most advanced sonar, stabilization, and engine technologies, including a hybrid electric-diesel engine and a hydro-jet propulsion system for smoother, safer, and more energy-efficient rides.

And I’ve never met a group of people more committed to protecting the wildlife and the environment than the expedition team members I have sailed with in the world’s polar regions. Whether it’s onboard lectures or conversations while hiking or riding a Zodiac, they really provide a nonstop education about these environments, the wildlife, and the dangers humans and climate warming present.

The pro to the con? As one expedition leader told me, after sailing in the polar regions, most travelers go home hyper-aware of their environmental footprint and the real dangers we all pose to the majestic glaciers, ice caps, and wildlife in the fragile polar zones.

Indeed, as I sat in Word Navigator’s Dome Lounge watching a pod of whales playing off the bow as the light from the setting sun cast multiple colors across the stadium-sized icebergs, mountains, water, and clouds, I realized what people mean when they call a trip to Antarctica life-changing—and one that no doubt has created many lifelong stewards of the environment.

In the photo at the top of the story, the left image is of a Zodiac outing in Antarctica and the right image is a Zodiac group exploring Greenland in the Arctic.

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THE 10 BEST Moscow Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in moscow.

• Boat Rentals
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Water Sports
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Speed Boats Tours
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• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
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• Good for Big Groups
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• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Flotilla Radisson Royal

2. Moscow River Boat Tours

3. Sup-Club

4. Akvanavt Diving Centre

5. Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

6. CheapRussia Tours

7. Kite School Kiteclass

8. SUP Center

9. Erwin. Reka

11. Easy Russia Tour Guide

12. Lovely Russia Tours

13. Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre

14. Alfa Centr

15. Diving Club Divers

16. Sup Outdoor

17. MORE MOSCOW

19. Soho Sailing Style

20. Mosparokhodstvo

21. Dive-Project

22. Diving Center Crocodile

24. Kosinskiy Children Marine Club

25. Kayak Moscow

26. DIVECLUB CHE

27. FLOW Moscow

28. Moswake

29. Morskiye Volki

30. S-cruises

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Moscow (Russia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Russia Rivers

Local Time 2024-03-30 12:44

Moscow is a Volga River cruise port, Russia's capital and largest city (population over 12,2 million, metro 17 million). Moscow City covers a total area of approx 2610 km 2 (970 mi2). By population, the city is ranked the world's 14th largest. Moscow is one of the Russian Federation's all 3 federal cities - together with St Petersburg and Sevastopol .

Being Russian Federation's capital, Moscow is a major economic, political, scientific and cultural center, as well as Europe's biggest city.

According to Forbes 2013, Moscow has been ranked as the 9th most expensive city in the world by Mercer and has one of the largest urban economies, being ranked as an alpha global city according to Globalization and World Cities Research Network. It is also one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world according to MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index. Moscow is the northernmost and the coldest megacity and metropolis on the Earth. It's home to Ostankino Tower, the tallest free-standing European structure; the Federation Tower, the tallest European skyscraper; and the Moscow International Business Center. 

Moscow is situated on Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia, which makes it the most populated inland city in the world. Moscow city is well known for architecture, particularly its historic buildings like Saint Basil's Cathedral. With over 40% of its territory covered by greenery, it's one of the greenest capitals and major cities in Europe and the world. Moscow is the seat of power of the Russian Government, being the site of Moscow Kremlin, a medieval city-fortress that is now the residence of the President of Russia. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are among the several World Heritage Sites in the city. 

Moscow has 2 passenger terminals, North River Terminal (Rechnoy vokzal) and South River Terminal. The regular ship routes and cruises along Moskva and Oka rivers are used mostly for entertainment. North River Terminal (1937-built) is currently the main hub for long-range routes along the river. There are 3 freight ports that serve Moscow.

In late-July 2021 the city announced plans to incorporate a fleet (unspecified number) of fully electric passenger ferries into its public transportation network from summer 2022, the goal being to reduce the dependence on cars.

• The boats are designed with length ~22 m (72 ft), passenger capacity 42, modern amenities (Wi-Fi, USB charging points, tables for working commuters), spaces for storing scooters and bicycles.
• Moscow Transport confirmed that two routes (with max daily capacity ~16,000 passengers) have already been mapped out.
• Passengers will be able to pay via bank cards, the city’s Troika card (smart card for travel by any public transportation) or biometric payment cards. Those with monthly/yearly public transit tickets will use the boats at no extra cost.
• The new electric ferry service is up to 5 times faster (in comparison to other city public transports) and ~2 times faster than by car.

Moscow cruise terminal

Moscow's cruise terminal is called North River Terminal or River Station  ("Rechnoy Vokzal" / "речной вокзал").

The terminal was opened in 1937 and is one of 2 passenger terminals (the other being South River Terminal) of the city's river transport. North River Terminal is the main hub for long-range (including cruise) shipping routes. 

South River Terminal (above photo) was opened in 1985.

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