antarctica cruise how long

Protect Your Trip »

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 Newsletter

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

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

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

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best florence tours.

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Our Best Tips for Choosing the Right Antarctica Expedition for You

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Antarctica Cruise Company – Our Recommendations

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

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

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

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

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.

They are also B Corp certified , a testament to their commitment to sustainability.

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

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

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

In 2025 Aurora Expeditions will also be welcoming the brand new, 154pax X-BOW vessel, the Douglas Mawson, to their fleet, which will prove to be one of the most capable, luxury ships in the industry.

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

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.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

17 Awesome Things to Do in Antarctica (2024 Guide)

Quark Ultramarine Review – Best Polar Expedition Ship [2024]

What to Wear in Antarctica – Ultimate Travel Packing List

Related posts, akademik ioffe review – the world’s best polar cruise ship, the ultimate guide to camping in antarctica (2024), 26 fun antarctica facts that will blow your mind, 1 thought on “best antarctica cruise – ultimate guide to who & how [2024]”.

Such a beautiful blog. Please visit us if you want to visit Nepal and have an authentic experience of rural life. We are Community Homestay Network.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to choose an Antarctic cruise

Deciding to embark on a journey to the furthermost corner of the world is exhilarating, but the question of how to choose the right Antarctic cruise for you can leave you with a little anxiety.  Antarctica  isn't one of those on-a-whim destinations and the best way to pick a cruise you're going to get the most out of is by deciding on the time of year you want to go, looking at the itinerary, and choosing how long you want to go for.

Once that's done, your Antarctic adventure to the icy wilderness awaits.

One of the most important things to do when it comes to choosing your Antarctic cruise is to figure out the best time of year to go but you can't just go whenever you want to. The Antarctic season runs from October to March with each month promising unique sights, an abundance of wildlife, and life-changing experiences. 

While December and January are the most popular months to visit the White Continent, they are often the busiest and most expensive. If you want to avoid breaking the bank (as much as possible on a trip to Antarctica), opt for a cruise that departs earlier or later in the season. 

Whether you're dying to kayak your way around giant icebergs or you want to plunge into the icy depths of the Southern Ocean, deciding on your preferred itinerary narrows down which Antarctica cruise you should go on, and since this remote and breathtaking destination is a once-in-a-lifetime kinda place, you want to get it right. 

Choose from wildlife-focused cruises, cruises over Christmas and New Years, or cruises that promise an in-depth look at Antarctica to get the most out of this unforgettable corner of the world. 

It's super important to think about how much time you want to be away for when choosing an Antarctic cruise that's right for you. Most expeditions don't offer itineraries of less than 11 days purely because it can take up to 48 hours to cross the Drake Passage and reach the Antarctic Peninsula from Ushuaia in Argentina  (and then another two days back again).

While 11 days may be the shortest, some cruises can go up to 21 or even 23 days, so figuring out if you can handle being on the water for that long is a must before you pick an Antarctic cruise and start the booking process. 

As far as ships to the Antarctic go, the Ocean Endeavour is about as good as it gets. Our ship is well-equipped to deal with the harsh environment of Antarctica and boasts comfortable and spacious common areas and accommodations, so there’s no better place to be as you navigate the challenging waters of the Southern Ocean.

Your safety is also our biggest priority and with one crew member for every eight travelers, you can rest assured knowing you’ll enjoy a more personal and comfortable trip. As well as enough crew members to go ‘round, each expedition sets off with a naturalist guide, ornithologist, marine biologist, historian, photographer and geologist so you’re getting the right information from those who know it best (but more on that later).

Our vessel also has modern conveniences and offers the perfect home base for your Antarctic exploration, including a polar library, a polar boutique selling essentials and souvenirs, saunas, an onboard laundry service and a well-equipped gym. 

Nothing will prepare you for Antarctica (not even the many books you’ve poured over to ready yourself for the expedition). The good news? You can leave your guidebook at home. Every departure has a range of specialists onboard, from historians to marine biologists and hiking guides, so there’s always an expert (or two) on hand to answer all of your burning – or should we say freezing? – questions.

But there’s more. Every Intrepid trip comes with experienced leaders and the ones that make the voyage to Antarctica with you have done it hundreds of times before. Alongside our polar experts, our leaders will teach you about the region’s history, its geography and the wildlife you’re going to see, as well as provide information on pretty much everything white continent related. Why have one expert when you can have several? 

While our ship is so good that you might not want to leave, all of our Antarctica trips include frequent excursions so you can get up close to the wildlife that calls this magnificent region home. To fully experience what it’s like onshore, each shore day includes two excursions with our expert leaders so you can explore the sea ice and any fuzzy or feathery animal that might be waiting.

But don’t worry; you’ll be completely safe and comfortable. You’ll be given life vests, waterproof jackets and waterproof boots for the duration of the activities, so you’ll not only be traveling in style, you’ll also be appropriately dressed for Antarctic weather. 

Usually, one of the things you have to think about when you go on holiday is what you’re going to eat and where you’ll do it, but not on one of our Antarctic cruises. Our cruises provide three-course meals (whaaaat?) and 24-hour tea and coffee - perfect for when the notorious waters of the Drake Passage keep you up.

Our cruises also promise activities such as zodiac excursions (see above), onboard seminars so you can understand exactly what you’re experiencing and multiple shore landings. And, when you get back onboard, a tasty meal will be waiting for you courtesy of our chefs (they know exactly how to warm you up). All you have to do is prepare your stomach, it'll want a second serving. 

Your safety is our highest priority, and you can rest assured knowing that the Ocean Endeavour, and the teams that run it, undergo strict safety audits to ensure your trip to Antarctica runs smoothly. Or as much as it can – we’re looking at you Drake Passage. But the Ocean Endeavour is large, sturdy, ice-strengthened and perfectly suited to traverse the unpredictable Antarctic waters.

However, the passage won’t be without its bumps (read: waves) and some travelers may experience seasickness. You can bring seasickness medication if you’re prone to getting sick on the water, but we have a doctor on board if you need assistance. 

Our main goal at Intrepid is to not only be the best travel company in the world but for the world, and our Antarctic expeditions are no exception. But figuring out how to balance trips within the fragile Antarctic ecosystem while still meeting our environmental and social responsibilities as a sustainable tour operator isn’t without its challenges.

So, we’ve decided to focus on three areas that we believe will create the most significant positive impact: inspiring travelers, supporting science and protecting the environment. We can’t address everything (as much as we’d love to), but these three objectives will help us uphold our commitment to minimize environmental impact in Antarctica and promote conservation efforts. 

Find out how we balance operating trips in the fragile Antarctic ecosystem while meeting environmental and social responsibilities.

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

12 hours in the shoes (or muck boots) of a traveller visiting Antarctica  

When your day job is leading expeditions to the bottom of the earth in Antarctica 

Globetrotters share what it’s like to spend your birthday with Intrepid

This is what it’s like to collaborate with real scientists in Antarctica

Everything you need to know about the Ocean Endeavour

Arctic vs Antarctic cruises: How to choose your polar expedition

The 10 Antarctica questions you want answered

Pro tips and travel tales from Antarctica photography guide Andrew Miller

Antarctica Cruises & Expeditions

Antarctica Cruise Ships

Expedition cruise vessels are a world apart from your average ocean cruise liner; small, agile and exclusively designed for intrepid exploration, built to withstand the most extreme environs and climatic conditions around the Southern Ocean.

Select from the finest selection of polar class Antarctica cruise ships available below, operated by only the most trusted of partners, preeminent pioneers in polar exploration who offer exceptional itineraries, unrivaled knowledge, and utmost levels of service.

For more information to help you choose between ships, and to better understand the differences between vessel categories and their polar classifications, see our Antarctica cruise ship guide .

Ocean Albatros

Ultramarine

Greg mortimer.

Ocean Victory

World Explorer

Sylvia Earle

Magellan Explorer

Ocean Adventurer

Ocean explorer.

MS Fridtjof Nansen

MS Roald Amundsen

Ocean Endeavour

Le Lapérouse

Antarctica Cruise Routes

Part of the adventure of an Antarctic expedition is in the difficulty and anticipation of getting there, a rite of passage for the privilege of visiting one of the most spectacular, awe-inspiring places on the planet, its geographical prominence and vast scale affording a variety of ways to reach and witness its cornucopia of natural wonders.

Explore the most popular routes to cruise Antarctica, its prized peninsula, and its equally alluring sub-Antarctic island neighbors below.

Unsure which route you prefer? Learn more about their differences in our helpful Antarctica cruise routes guide .

Antarctica Fly-Cruise

Drake passage cruise, antarctic peninsula cruise, antarctica, falklands & south georgia cruise, antarctic circle cruise, weddell sea cruise, ross sea & east antarctica cruise, best-selling antarctica cruises.

Whilst most Antarctic voyages and expeditions entail exploration of the more temperate and accessible Antarctic Peninsula, the Seventh Continent and surrounds are privy to a plenitude of polar delights: the habitat for hardy penguin, pinniped and pelagic species; historic setting for the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration; and pristine playground for adventure pursuits of all kinds—from snowshoeing and kayaking, to camping on the ice itself.

Indulge in them all with the most popular Antarctica cruises available below.

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, antarctica cruise themes.

To help you filter the Antarctic forays above, we’ve curated a series of Antarctica cruise themes, subdividing the expedition cruise sector into styles of exploration to suit your preferred type of experience.

Are you a spellbound solo traveler or shutterbug , captivated kith and kin , or enthralled nature or history buff? Perhaps you’re someone seeking more active adventure , a guaranteed White Christmas , or the high latitude high life ? Or maybe you’re a large group of explorers ? Whatever your preference, discover the draws of this pristine, primordial polar paradise your way.

• Emperor Penguin
• Photography

The Antarctica Expedition Experience

There are no words to adequately describe Antarctica, no superlatives sufficient for capturing and conveying its ineffable immensity and importance, its sheer scale and significance too great to distill into logical sentences.

For centuries this glistening, glacial-encrusted continent has been a siren for sealers, scientists, and adventure seekers alike, a brilliant white beacon for brave explorers and pinnacle of polar odysseys exalting from pack ice.

Amid the haunting laments of calving icebergs and raucous calls of resident penguins, seals and seabirds, arresting, awakening and visceral experiences abound here, ones that you’ll eternally evoke as the trip of your lifetime.

Explore With Experts

As purveyors of pioneering, small-ship expeditions that optimize a passenger’s polar experience, we promise to minimize your time on ship and maximize your time on shore for a more immersive and authentic Antarctic adventure.

Guided by specialist advisors pre-trip to select the ideal expedition for you, and escorted by distinguished naturalists on excursion, you’ll actively explore this wild and wonderful frozen continent, gliding around enormous tabular icebergs and breaching whales by Zodiac or kayak, and walking along beaches peppered with penguins and seals. Let our experts take you deep into the heart of this majestic environment so it can get into yours.

Cross The Drake Passage

Antarctica doesn’t give up its prized natural treasures easily. Everyone who comes to this isolated continent must ‘earn it’, none more so than those embarking on an expedition cruise from South America’s “Land of Fire”, Tierra del Fuego , bound for Antarctica’s antithetical “Land of Ice”.

In your path, lies one of the world’s most violent bodies of water, the Drake Passage, where three seas converge in a frenzied cocktail of inconceivably strong currents and cyclones, whipping up ferocious waves and winds of frightening magnitudes. Crossing this legendary waterway is a rite of passage, following in the wake of many of history’s greatest explorers.

Meet The Penguins

Synonymous with this most southerly of continents, these ever-anthropomorphised birds fearlessly greet newcomers to the White Continent, a myriad of bustling miniature butlers in waiting, perhaps more accurately portrayed as the jostling and jovial jesters of this ice-crowned court with their playful, clumsy and comical antics.

From the perfect “tuxedo” plumage of the Adélie penguin and bushy-browed Macaroni to the fabulously debonair Emperor penguin, the world’s largest, the polar region of Antarctica offers an intimate look inside a world of unique avifauna and sea life that have adapted to survive the most extreme climate on earth. 

Live The Fairytale

Discover a frozen fairytale land whose very existence defies logic, a desert covered in prehistoric ice, dislodged from time itself, a dreamscape drenched in the eerie, eternal light of the austral summer sun where katabatic winds can remake the view before your very eyes.

Here, bizarrely no official time zone exists, and all the lines of longitude segmenting the planet converge at the South Pole, a singular, frigid focal point where confoundingly every hour on earth is happening instantaneously. It is a place preserved for peace and science that does not belong to any one person or nation, a paragon of cooperation, and shimmering symbol of hope for all humanity.

Follow In Their Footsteps

Antarctica’s shores echo with the travails of the great polar explorers from Shackleton and Mawson, to Amundsen and Scott. Follow in their frosted footsteps, feel their pioneering spirit of adventure on the sea air, and imagine their plight forging their way through pack ice on a creaking wooden boat or hauling sledges lionheartedly across the Polar Plateau.

Visit some of the historic huts that still remain, preserved in rime ice, literally frozen in time, to tell the story of Antarctic adventures long since past, and enjoy an honored front-row seat to their gallant scientific endeavors and the incredible history of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.

Go With The Floe

Antarctica is a destination that demands absolute adaptability, not just from the hardy species that have evolved to survive its seemingly uninhabitable climate but also from those visiting tourists who will find themselves at the whim of the White Continent’s capricious and formidable elements. Here it is ice and weather, not clocks and calendars, that dictate polar proceedings, and patience and flexibility are paramount.

Absolve yourself of preconceived notions of particular landings, scheduled pursuits and wildlife sightings—every expedition is unique—and instead embrace the unknown and blissfully freeing lack of a plan. Bow to the will of providence, surrender any semblance of control, and enjoy the spoils.

Pen Your Polar Experience

Commit your personal polar experience to paper and eternity, as Douglas Mawson, famous Antarctic explorer so eloquently did:

“The tranquility of the water heightened the superb effects of this glacial world. Majestic tabular bergs whose crevices exhaled a vaporous azure; lofty spires, radiant turrets and splendid castles; honeycombed masses illumined by pale green light within whose fairy labyrinths the water washed and gurgled.

Seals and penguins on magic gondolas were the silent denizens of this dreamy Venice. In the soft glamor of the midsummer midnight sun, we were possessed by a rapturous wonder: the rare thrill of unreality.”

Become An Antarctic Ambassador

Many visitors to Antarctica leave having been deeply affected by its humbling grandeur, experiencing soul-stirring epiphanies, and gaining profound new perspectives about the planet and their place within it.

To witness Antarctica’s beauty and fragility first-hand, to connect with it and its inhabitants, and learn of its centrality to life as we know, will undoubtedly inspire you to become an Antarctic Ambassador, championing the importance of protecting its spectacular biodiversity in the face of climate change and unsustainable resource consumption, educating and uniting others in its cause, and advocating the collective responsibility for its crucial conservation.

Antarctica Expedition Cruise Guide

Laying undiscovered to mankind until the eighteenth century, no continent is as remote or uncharted as Antarctica, an otherworldly, timeless realm steeped in heroic tales of human endeavor.

With its heady allure of unbridled adventure, inquisitive inhabitants, and dazzling icescapes, it’s perhaps easy to forget this is one of the world’s wildest frontiers, and an Antarctic expedition should not be undertaken lightly.

Prepare yourself properly for the voyage of a lifetime with our comprehensive Antarctica cruise guide.

Why Visit Antarctica? Top 10 Reasons To Go

Antarctica cruise routes: which itinerary is best for you, 8 best places to visit in antarctica.

Antarctica Cruise Ships: Which Expedition Vessel Is Best?

The most inhospitable travel destinations in the world.

Best Time To Visit Antarctica: Wildlife & Weather By Month

Optional adventure activities on antarctica cruises, 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.

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

Antarctica Cruise and Travel Information: The Long and Short of It

Antarctica cruises, short cruise, long cruise, want to go, antarctica travel guide.

• All Antarctica Trips
• Antarctica Luxury Cruises
• Best Time of Year to Travel to Antarctica
• Comparing the Two Polar Regions: Antarctica and Arctic Cruising
• Antarctica FAQs
• Antarctica Weather
• Antarctica Fly + Cruise
• Punta Arenas
• Falkland Islands
• Antarctica Adventure Cruises
• Kayaking in Antarctica Tours
• Camping in Antarctica

Favorite Antarctica All Trips

• Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings
• Antarctica Express Air Cruise
• Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

Top Antarctica Travel Destinations

• South Georgia

Antarctica Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 Antarctica trips (111)
• 2025 Antarctica trips (147)
• 2026 Antarctica trips (61)
• November 2024 (52)
• December 2024 (68)
• January 2025 (66)
• February 2025 (51)
• March 2025 (34)
• November 2025 (33)
• December 2025 (34)
• January 2026 (36)
• February 2026 (30)

Top Experiences in Antarctica

• Antarctica Cruises (205)
• Antarctica Wildlife & Safari Exploration (177)
• Antarctica Luxury (56)
• Antarctica Solo Travel (25)
• Antarctica Active (13)
• Antarctica Family (11)
• Antarctica Land Tours (9)
• Antarctica Scheduled Group Tour (4)
• Antarctica Cultural (3)
• Antarctica Most Popular (3)

Antarctica Trips by Duration

• 6 day trips (4)
• 8 day trips (7)
• 9 day trips (6)
• 10 day trips (15)
• 11 day trips (17)
• 12 day trips (35)
• 13 day trips (22)
• 14 day trips (12)
• 15 day trips (11)
• 16 day trips (4)
• 17 day trips (8)
• 18 day trips (10)
• 19 day trips (10)
• 20 day trips (12)
• 21 day trips (12)
• 22 day trips (10)
• 23 day trips (7)

Antarctica Trips by Activity

• Antarctica wildlife viewing (210)
• Antarctica small ship cruises (170)
• Antarctica whale watching (143)
• Antarctica adventure options (104)
• Antarctica kayaking (99)
• Antarctica camping (36)
• Antarctica photography seminars (36)
• Antarctica hiking (32)
• Antarctica snorkeling (20)
• Antarctica fly cruises (16)
• Antarctica land & sea exploration (10)
• Antarctica skiing (9)
• Antarctica stand up paddle boarding (9)
• Antarctica spa relaxation (8)
• Antarctica helicopter tours (6)
• Antarctica scuba diving (5)
• Antarctica wilderness lodge exploration (4)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

• Find an Expedition
• Voyage Calendar
• Travel Advisors
• Manage My Booking
• Call Now: +1-833-826-5828

Home > Destinations > Antarctica

Antarctica Cruises

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

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

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

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

Antarctic Peninsula

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

Explore Antarctica

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Antarctica cruises usually span between 9 to 21 days, with most falling within the 10 to 14-day range. The duration of an Antarctica cruise can vary based on factors like the departure point and the specific itinerary chosen.

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

The price of a voyage to Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions starts from around $12,500 USD per person twin share in an Aurora Stateroom. Read about what is included in your Antarctica cruise .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find out more information about  how to get to Antarctica .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Request a customised quote

Privacy Overview

Matador Original Series

18 Things You Need to Know Before Taking an Antarctic Cruise

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

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

Photo: Laura Grier

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

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

2. Cruises are long. And expensive.

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

3. You’ll spend a LOT of time at sea.

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

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

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

5. Drake’s Passage is no joke.

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

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

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

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

7. Color in Antarctica is all or nothing.

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

8. Antarctica takes cross-contamination very seriously.

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

9. Animals are not afraid of you.

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

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

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

11. Antarctica is full of mountains.

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

12. Your itinerary is flexible.

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

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

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

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

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

15. The water in Antarctica is insanely clear.

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

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

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

Photo: Cha Kar Pa /Shutterstock

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

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

Photo: Christian Wilkinson /Shutterstock

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

More like this

Trending now, the 9 best hotels inside airports where you can actually rest, steveston village comes alive in spring. here’s how to enjoy it on a trip to richmond, bc., where to play, eat, and stay in cincinnati if you love baseball, bourbon, beer, and more, the 9 best countries for safari vacations around the world, dunkirk is the small city that proves northern france is very much worth a visit, discover matador, adventure travel, train travel, national parks, beaches and islands, ski and snow.

How to Plan a Trip to Antarctica- Things to Consider When Choosing an Antarctica Cruise

Purchases made through links earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

A trip to Antarctica is without a doubt a bucket list worthy experience. From towering icebergs and majestic glaciers, to close encounters with an extraordinary amount of wildlife, Antarctica will fill even the most seasoned of travellers with wonder.

The far-off, remote location, and the high cost of travel to Antarctica, mean that the White Continent is likely a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most people. Such an important trip requires thoughtful planning and crucial decisions to be made so that your dream vacation turns out to be everything you expected and more.

How to Plan a Trip to Antarctica- Tips and Things to Consider When Choosing a Cruise to Antarctica

Since the most common and easiest way of travelling to Antarctica is by cruise ship (how we visited the continent), we wanted to share some things we took into consideration when choosing a cruise to Antarctica. 

There were a lot of decisions to be made when planning a trip to Antarctica, including determining our budget, how long to be away from home, what wildlife and scenery we most wanted to see, and the type of ship we wanted to travel on. 

Once we determined the kind of experience we hoped to have, it made it easier to choose a cruise to Antarctica that met our wishes.

As you start to plan a trip to Antarctica, here are some essential things to consider before choosing a cruise to Antarctica.

Choosing an itinerary is not as daunting as it appears when you first start to plan a trip to Antarctica. Yes, there are a lot of options, but the main differences are cruise length (from 8 to 30+ days) and price. 

Most cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina and less often from Australia or New Zealand. You can also find shorter “air cruise” itineraries which involve a 2 hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to the South Shetland Islands where you then board a ship.

All cruises departing from South America will visit the Antarctic Peninsula, since it’s only about 1,000 km from the southernmost tip and has the mildest climate in Antarctica. Cruises leaving from Australia and New Zealand explore the Ross Sea and East Antarctic coastline. 

A classic Antarctic cruise that only visits the peninsula is done in 10 days, only 4 of which are typically spent on land. Longer itineraries will add in a visit to the South Shetland Islands and perhaps more time on the peninsula.

If you have the budget and time for a 17- 21 day trip, we recommend choosing an Antarctica itinerary with South Georgia and the Falkland Islands . This option allows you to see a subantarctic landscape, a larger variety of wildlife (including king penguins which don’t live in Antarctica), and some important historic sites like the Grytviken whaling station where famed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton is buried.

If you want to up your budget and trip length even more, you could choose a cruise that will attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle or one that will visit the Ross Sea.

When planning an Antarctica trip, you’ll notice that the itineraries are not as specific as cruises to other destinations. For example, they’ll say “Days 3-4 cruising the Drake Passage, Days 5-9 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.” This is because expedition cruising is very dependent on the weather, so the itinerary will be flexible without guarantees about where you visit and how much time you spend there.

For that reason, you can pick an itinerary that will attempt to explore certain regions, like South Georgia Island, but you won’t be able to choose specific places you visit there, such as the Salisbury Plain king penguin colony . The ship will land wherever conditions at the time allow. 

When choosing a cruise to Antarctica, you should definitely consider the rough itinerary and select something that is aiming to have more days in areas you’re most interested in, but realize that Antarctica trips are very much “go with the flow” and “you get what you get” type of experiences.

Time of Year

A big decision you have to make when planning a trip to Antarctica is what time of year you want to visit. You’ll be limited to November through March, since the Antarctic cruise season takes place when the weather is the warmest.

The month you choose to travel to Antarctica not only determines the price, but the type of scenery and Antarctic wildlife you’re more likely to see.

November and March are typically the least expensive months to go to Antarctica. Early in the season you’ll see a lot more snow and ice, since the pack ice is just starting to melt, so ships may be limited where they can go. Later in the season (February and early March) is great for whale sightings, but penguins start returning to sea so you’ll see less of them at rookeries. The icebergs are also smaller and beaches aren’t snow covered.

December and January are popular (and more expensive) months to travel to Antarctica. In December the weather is warming up, whales are arriving, and penguins are laying eggs. January is one of the warmest months in Antarctica and the best time to see penguin chicks. There’s also less sea ice during this time so ships can visit more places. 

You’ll pay a premium to cruise to Antarctica in January, but we recommend it if it’s your first trip to Antarctica . We went in January and felt like we had the complete experience, getting to see icebergs, glaciers, whales, adult penguins (some still nesting with eggs), penguin chicks, seals, and more.

A trip to Antarctica is a major investment, so of course price is going to be a deciding factor when choosing a cruise to Antarctica.

Since prices are determined by many aspects, including the itinerary, time of year, type of ship, and the amount of people in a cabin, you’ll find a wide range of price points when you start to plan a trip to Antarctica. 

On the lower end, you can expect to pay around $5000 US for a shorter cruise to the peninsula. Mid-range prices are typically $6,000- $13,000 US. Longer cruises that include the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, and Antarctic Circle can go for around $18,000 US and more. The most expensive Antarctica cruises I found were over $50,000 US for journeys of 30+ days. 

Sometimes you can get last minute discounts on cruises to Antarctica while in Ushuaia. If you have a flexible travel schedule and aren’t picky about your ship or cabin, then booking last minute in Ushuaia could be a way to save money.

Another way to save money is by planning your trip to Antarctica way in advance, like 1.5 years before you intend to travel, because many companies offer early booking discounts.

When I started to plan a trip to Antarctica, I quickly realized that ship size was going to be one of the most important factors, after the itinerary, that we would take into account when choosing a cruise to Antarctica.

Travel in Antarctica is highly regulated to protect the environment, so there are rules limiting cruise ship access and the amount of people that can disembark the boat. Only 100 people can be ashore at a time (less at some landing sites) and vessels with over 500 passengers aren’t allowed to make shore landings at all.

These restrictions mean that if you’re on a ship with over 100 people, you will get less time on land with the wildlife. Passengers will be arranged into groups and then take turns going on land at each stop. When it’s not your group’s turn to be on land, you could be doing a zodiac cruise (which is also fun) or waiting on the ship.

If you’re on a cruise ship with over 500 people, you won’t be able to set foot on the continent and will instead have to admire the scenery from the boat. That’s obviously not ideal if you want to truly experience Antarctica.

For us, a small ship was crucial and I wanted one in our price range that had as close to 100 passengers as possible. We ended up choosing a 114 passenger ship and were happy with the amount of time we got to spend on land. I wasn’t going to travel that far and spend years worth of savings if I could only go on land half the time!

Another reason to choose a small ship cruise to Antarctica is that disembarking at landing sites is faster with less passengers. Boarding the zodiacs that shuttle people to land can take a while and we didn’t want to spend our time in Antarctica waiting in line. 

Another thing you’ll have to consider when planning a trip to Antarctica is the type of ship you want to be on. You’ll be spending a couple of full days at sea, so choosing a ship that’s comfortable for you is important.

Antarctica ships can be divided into three main categories- luxury ships, expedition ships, and luxury expedition ships. The ship you choose will depend a lot on your budget and the type of experience you want to have.

Luxury ships are typically the most spacious and well-appointed. They have more facilities and amenities like a pool, hot tub, fitness centre, spa, lounge, library, theatre, sun deck, staterooms with private balconies, several restaurant options, and refined service.

Expedition ships tend to be smaller with more basic decor, but still have facilities for socializing and recreation like a library, lounge, lecture/presentation room, and plenty of deck space.

Luxury expedition ships offer the best of both worlds, mixing onboard comfort with a focus on off-ship adventure. We chose an older, but refurbished luxury expedition ship because the cabins were spacious and outward facing, it had an outdoor hot tub, and the ship was small and designed for adventure. The ship also had an open bridge policy so we could go see the captain at work.

A few other things to look for when choosing your ship are deck space (a deck that wraps around the ship makes wildlife viewing easier), and ship stability (a hull that is ice-strengthened with stabilizers can decrease ship sway and the risk of sea sickness).

After you choose your ship, the next decision is the type of cabin you want. Antarctic cruise ships have everything from three and four person cabins with bunk beds to superior staterooms and suites with king beds.

The location of your cabin on the ship is important too. Lower deck cabins will have portholes instead of full windows, but won’t experience as much sway in rough seas, especially if in the centre of the ship. Staterooms on a higher deck will have bigger windows and possibly even a private balcony.

Activities- Included and Optional

As you plan a trip to Antarctica and start to compare cruises, you’ll want to consider what activities are included in the price and what costs extra.

Activities that are always included are shore excursions, zodiac tours, lectures, and onboard social events. Other activities that are typically included are guided hikes, photography instruction, interactive citizen science programs, and the polar plunge. You may find kayaking included on some of the very expensive luxury cruises.

Activities that usually cost extra are kayaking, camping, stand up paddle boarding, polar diving and snorkeling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. These activities may not be available on all cruises and require signing up in advance of your trip.

Once you find some Antarctica cruises that have the optional activities you want, then you should compare prices for those activities. I’ve seen full kayaking programs offered for $900- $1000 US! 

The expedition crew on an Antarctica cruise can really enhance your trip if they are experienced in polar region travel, are well-educated naturalists, and have a passion for their field of expertise. You may want to ask about staff qualifications, as well as the staff to passenger ratio, before you choose a cruise to Antarctica. 

A crew that includes biologists, historians, anthropologists, and geologists will ensure that you get a well-rounded education about Antarctica during your trip. An expert photographer on staff is a nice addition as well.

Other Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Antarctica

Here are a few more things you should look for when choosing a cruise to Antarctica:

• Includes one pre-voyage hotel night and transfer from the airport to hotel
• Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day and from ship to airport at the end of the cruise is provided free of charge
• Parkas are included in the price and are yours to take home
• Rubber boots are available to use during the cruise for shore landings
• Sea sickness medication is available on board free of charge
• The ship has a 24 hour tea and coffee station
• A welcome and farewell cocktail is provided
• Organized social activities are planned such as quiz nights, live music, wine and dessert tastings, movie nights etc.
• A digital voyage log and photos of the trip (taken by the ship’s photographer) are provided at the end of the trip for free

More Tips for How to Plan a Trip to Antarctica

Planning a trip to Antarctica can be both fun and overwhelming. Reading the different itineraries and trip descriptions gets you excited for what you’ll see, but all the ship choices can lead to analysis paralysis.

It helps to have an itinerary in mind before you seriously start to plan a trip to Antarctica. Do you just want to visit the peninsula? Or do you also want to travel to the Falklands and South Georgia Island? Is crossing the Antarctic Circle important to you?

Once you know the regions you want to visit, this narrows your cruise choices so there’s less information to sift through.

To eliminate more options before you dive into looking at cruise trips to Antarctica, set a budget as this will determine whether you look at luxury or expedition ships, as well as decide the length of your trip.

Travelling to Antarctica is a rewarding experience and we had no doubt that it was worth all the time and money it took us to get there!

Search, Compare and Book Cruises to Antarctica

Here is a helpful and reputable site you can use to search for and compare cruises to Antarctica . There’s a variety of tour operators, vessels, and itineraries all in one place for easy comparison. You can even read reviews from other travellers. Once you find a trip you love you can book it!

Accommodations in Ushuaia

For your convenience, here is a list of  HOTELS IN USHUAIA , departure point for cruises to Antarctica. Please consider booking your Ushuaia accommodations through the included link. It costs nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

More Antarctic and Subantarctic Destinations and Travel Guides

• Things to Do in Stanley- How to Spend One Day in the Capital of the Falkland Islands

Follow Us On Social Media

Facebook | Instagram | X | Pinterest

Join the Facebook Group

How to Choose the Best Antarctica Cruise & What You Can Expect

How to choose the best antarctica cruise & what you can expect.

 There’s no way your imagination can prepare you for the magnificence of Antarctica. Vast, pristine, and empty, but irresistible. Antarctica is the 5th largest continent on earth and also the largest nature reserve on the planet. A place for scientific research, exploration, and, more recently, tourism. It’s a fragile ecosystem and one that needs to be further protected for the future of our planet. If you’re thinking of visiting the ice and snow covered continent of Antarctica let this be your ultimate guide helping you to choose the right company and providing you with all the information you need on what to expect, what to pack, and what to know before heading south to the land of icebergs and penguins.

I traveled to Antarctica with Viva Expeditions , a tour company specializing in the polar regions of the world. I set sail on an expedition-style ship called the Ocean Albatros with around 140 other passengers for 10 days and 9 nights. We departed from the southern town of Ushuaia in Argentina. Ushuaia is home to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park and is the main cruise terminal for almost all ships heading to Antarctica.

Important Note : If you’re planning to depart on a cruise ship out of Ushuaia, make sure to arrive at least one night before your scheduled departure time. Delays and flight cancellations are common, especially if and when the weather is bad.

Why Cruise to Antarctica

 The main way tourists can visit Antarctica is on a cruise. While there are flights from Ushuaia to the Antarctic mainland, there is little to no infrastructure for tourists on the continent. That is unless you plan on joining an expedition to hike Mt. Vinson or wish to camp out at Union Glacier.

Given this, most travelers opt to visit Antarctica on expedition cruises, as they provide more options in terms of amenities and comfort. Although specific facilities and services can vary, cruises typically offer private and comfortable accommodations, fine-dining restaurants, full-service bars, on-board swimming pools, hot tubs, and a variety of entertainment.

In addition to this, many cruises provide the opportunity for passengers to explore Antarctica up close via sea and land excursions. And, of course, we can’t forget about the amazingly scenic views and vantage points that cruise ships provide from the open water.

What to Expect From an Antarctica Cruise

Here’s a more in-depth look at my experience aboard a cruise to Antarctica, and what you can expect from the moment you leave Ushuaia until your final days returning from the snow covered landscape.

What is the Ship Like when cruising to Antarctica

When heading to Antarctica there are alot of options for the size and style of the ship, ranging from intimate small ship cruises with less than 100 passengers to huge mega ships that won’t allow you to disembark on the continent itself. I was aboard the Ocean Albatros, an expedition style ship that at its max holds just under 200 passengers.

Small enough to never got lost, this ship has ample space for all the guests to spread out and relax. The ship featured a large lecture hall that was also used for all gatherings and games. Two lounges and bars on floor 5 and upstairs with views and access to the outer deck, one main dining area and two secondary restaurants that took reservations. There was also a sauna, small gym, two hot tubs and many outdoor areas to walk, look for whales be in the open air.

King Balcony Suite on the Ocean Albatros

I was staying in a king balcony suite on Deck 6 and I must say that the room was spacious and very well-appointed. Amenities included a mini fridge, television, desk for any work you might have, sofa, and a good-sized closet. Our balcony had two chairs and a table and was a place we spent a lot of time.

Leaving Ushuaia and Cruising Across the Drake Passage 

At this point in my life, I’ve been on a lot of ships and inside a lot of ports. Ushuaia is certainly a beautiful place, enveloped by snow-covered mountains and long fjords that stretch out to the sea. Boarding the ship around 4 pm, this first evening was one of beauty and relaxation as we sailed slowly out of the Beagle Channel and towards the open ocean.

Watching the last sunset I would see over land for more than a week and standing on deck to take in the passing views of Chile and Argentina was a truly magical experience.

The Drake Passage

Late in the evening of our first day on the ship, we started our voyage through the Drake Passage. The Drake Passage is one of the roughest ocean channels in the world, where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans collide. This meeting point creates an upwelling of currents and can be prone to strong winds and unpredictable weather. Sea waves can range from a few feet to upwards of 30 feet on any given day. The good news is the captain of our ship was excellent and made sure to time our crossing and our speed to have the least amount of rocking. Most expedition ships are also built with stabilizers so the ship stays upright even in rough conditions. We encountered waves somewhere around 6 feet for around 36 hours. This was the toughest part of the trip for most, and many people stayed in their cabins riding out the rocking sea from bed, watching a movie, or listening to one of the many presentations that took place throughout the journey south.

It is advisable to wear a motion sickness patch or take some sort of Dramamine or motion sickness medication before the ship hits open water. I spent much of the second day splitting time between my room and outdoors on the upper decks looking for birds. Albatros were a common companion as we edged closer and closer to land.

The South Shetland Islands

After a full day and a half at sea, we finally closed in on land and heard the announcement that the South Shetland Islands would be coming into view within the next few minutes. The South Shetland Islands are a small chain of 11 islands located around 65 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula. This is a popular stop for almost all expedition cruises and our ship would be stopping at three of the various islands, Barrientos Island, Deception Island, and Elephant Point.

What Can You See in the South Shetland Islands?

There is plenty of wildlife to see in the South Shetland Islands. Teaming with wildlife like penguins, seals, and birds, this is one of the best places in summer to spot leopard, Weddell, and elephant seals, as well as several species of penguins too. Of the 17 penguin species in the world, 8 can be found between South America and Antarctica.

Gentoo Penguins on Barrientos Island

Barrientos Island

Barrientos Island in the South Shetlands is home to 2 penguin species and several large breeding colonies for both. The Gentoo penguin and the Chinstrap penguin. Gentoo penguins are the third largest penguin and the scarcest with just 300,000 breeding pairs in the region. These penguins make nests out of small volcanic rocks and mate for life. Chicks take 35 days to hatch and eventually grow to reach a height of 30 inches, weighing in at an average of 12 pounds.

Chinstrap penguins, which are the most abundant penguins in Antarctica, were also seen in great numbers. Easy to identify with the black strap that goes under their chins, these penguins were often seen sliding on their bellies on the snow instead of walking. Similar to Gentoo penguins, Chinstrap chicks take about 37 days to hatch. However, they are a bit smaller in size, growing to a height of 28 inches and weighing between 7 to 11 pounds.

Elephant Point

On Elephant Point, you can see the mighty elephant seal, named for the bulbous appendage male seals have on their heads. This island in particular is one they use yearly for breeding. On my visit, it was home to dozens of adolescent elephant seals, mothers with pups, and a few younger males. Male Antarctica elephant seals can reach upwards of 8000 pounds while females usually top out at 2000 or 3000 pounds. If you’ve never seen one of these massive seals then be prepared to fall in love with them. The pups are especially cute and will absolutely melt your heart.

Old vats used for storing whale fat and oil on Deception Island

Deception Island

Deception Island is another island in the South Shetlands that’s a common cruise stop. This island is entirely unique in that it is the volcanic caldera of a still active volcano. Shaped in a horseshoe, ships have one way they can enter and exit into the cone itself. A popular kayaking and walking destination, this island is also home to an old whaling station that was in operation in the early 1900s. Many remnants of old whaling buildings, vats, and ovens still remain on the land as well as a small cemetery. Because of the volcanic nature of this island, the water and the grounds here are much warmer than anywhere else in the South Shetlands. Steam and sulfur rise like smoke off the ground throughout the interior making for a landscape straight out of a Star Wars movie.

Want to see more photos from Antarctica? Then you’ll love these!!!

The Antarctic Peninsula

In addition to the South Shetlands, I would spend 3 full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Because Antarctica is so far from South America, over 800 miles, reaching this continent takes up a large part of the journey. Most ships never reach the continent itself but merely visit the peninsula or the arm that reaches upwards towards South America. This region is home to the largest amount of wildlife and is incredibly diverse in landscape too. Here are some of the things you may see and experience while visiting the Antarctic peninsula.

icebergs in antarctica

Icebergs & Glaciers

My first thought, as I reached the landmass of ice and snow, icebergs all around, was “The snow is falling again and I am officially on the ice-covered mainland of Antarctica.”

We had sailed into an icy strait heading to make landfall on the continent itself. There were icebergs and huge chunks of floating ice cruising by us at every turn. Some were massive, spanning hundreds of feet long. Most had broken off from one of the many ice shelves or down-flowing glaciers.

These ice chunks, which get bluer with age, are known to float for years getting trapped in the currents that circumnavigate the continent. Here, they slowly melt, break apart, or get stuck in shallow water. It’s a truly magical sight to see and Antarctica is one of the best places to witness it all, as the continent houses approximately 90% of the world’s glacier ice.

In fact, Antarctica and its far-reaching ice, span more than 5.2 million acres, making it the fifth largest continent in the world. To put it in other words, Antarctica is 1.5 times bigger than the continental United States. Meaning there is so much of this icy environment to experience and explore!

Be sure to watch my video here , to check out this incredible landscape for yourself.

Zodiak Rides

Zodiak rides were some of my favorite activities as they took passengers close to the continent’s massive icebergs. We’d cruise by colonies of birds and right along the water’s surface to see penguins swimming quickly through the crystal clear and icy waters.

Speaking of penguins, you will see so many penguins. On Cuverville island, which lies just off the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the largest Gentoo penguin colonies on the planet covers the snow. Here, you can see them as they travel back and forth along their “penguin highways,” trails that zig-zag through the snow down to the water’s edge.

Research Stations

We had the opportunity to stop at several research stations. However, since COVID no one has been able to go inside any of the stations. Instead, we merely walked around the grounds, which was quite interesting.

We visited Brown Station, an Argentinian research station which is located in Paradise Bay. This bay is one of the most beautiful inlets I have ever seen, full of sparkling icebergs, and penguins swimming in the icy waters.

There are 70 research stations in the Antarctic Peninsula owned by different countries. Some are open year-round while others are only open in the summer.

  Stunning Landscapes

Most of all the spectacularness of the pristine landscapes will just blow your mind. The most pristine white snow blankets untouched mountains in all directions. On calm days, some of the bays we parked in were so still, flat, and glass-like it felt like you could step right off the boat and skate across the water. With almost 24 hours of summer light, the evenings brought strange and otherworldly colors to the sky. Sometimes inverted clouds would meet the sea, cutting out the light and creating a grayish-blue twilight that hung over the water like a layer of cool whip on a blueberry pie. Other nights when the sky was clear, the reflections from the sun would paint bright yellows and pinks across the sky.

What Activities Can You Do on an Antarctic Cruise?

It is important to note that not all ships going to Antarctica offer off-board activities. Our ship, however, was less than 200 passengers which allows for the most access to shore excursions and locations. Many of the activities also cost an additional fee depending on the ship. Here is a sampling of some activities that may be offered on a cruise expedition.

Important Note: Because the weather is unpredictable, activities can be canceled at any time due to weather conditions.

Snowshoeing: One of the best ways to explore Antarctica is on a guided snowshoe tour. Through this experience, you’ll be able to travel across the icy landscape, take in unforgettable views, and maybe even run into a penguin colony or two.

Kayaking: While kayaking in Antarctica, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with countless icebergs and floating sea ice. Glide among and around them, but also be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife. You may just happen upon a penguin or maybe even a whale if you’re lucky.

Camping: For those interested in sleeping on land, you may just have the opportunity to spend a night camped out on the ice. Depending upon the weather conditions, you can either sleep in a tent or wrapped up in a bivvy bag under the stars – either way, be sure to wear lots of warm clothes.

Polar Plunge: A truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the polar plunge provides participants with the chance to jump into the icy cold waters of Antarctica. It only lasts a few seconds, but that’s really all you need to appreciate how truly cold this water really is!

Choosing the Right Ship to Cruise Antarctica

Lots of cruise companies are now offering itineraries to visit Antarctica. Choosing the right ship can make a big difference in your experience.

To begin with, not all ships are allowed to do shore landings. Only those with fewer than 500 passengers can offer land excursions. Furthermore, only 100 people are allowed on shore at any one given time. This means larger ships typically make fewer landings and passengers are allotted less time to explore. If you wish to spend more time on land, it’s in your best interest to choose a smaller ship, ideally one with 200 or fewer passengers.

In addition to this, most itineraries will only take you along the Antarctic Peninsula. This is a small arm of ice that extends north towards South America. Most animal life lives within this zone, in the South Shetland Islands and near and around the Peninsula. Popular stops around this area include Elephant Point, Deception Island, Barrientos Island, Paradise Bay, and Port Lockroy, among others.

If you wish to explore beyond the Peninsula, there are cruises that depart from New Zealand and travel to Ross Sea. That being said, these cruises are typically much longer, as the destination is quite far away, and they are much more expensive. Alternatively, some cruises travel deeper along the Antarctic Peninsula and end beyond the Antarctic Circle. Again, however, these cruises are typically longer and very weather-dependent.

Finally, it’s important to note that not all ships are created equal. There are a variety of different ships out there that offer different amenities, services, and excursions. From luxury cruises to mid-range cruises, standard expedition cruises, and fly-in cruises (where you skip the Drake Passage), there are lots of options to consider. Given this, it’s best to be mindful of your priorities and to choose accordingly, so you can be sure to select the best cruise to Antarctica.

As a side note, keep in mind that activities like kayaking, camping, and snowshoeing are not always included in the price of cruises and tend to be limited in number. They can also be canceled due to weather at any time.

What to Pack for Antarctica

Antarctica can have wild weather and huge swings in temperature, which means the best way to prepare is similar to how you would to hike a snow covered mountain . Having a good range of layers within your wardrobe is best, and outerlayer that is wind and waterproof. Ships will provide waterproof boots suitable for shore landings, but you will need waterproof pants, jacekt and hat, as well as some layers to go underneath. For midlayers a great option is either a smartwool long underwear or I also love the travel shirts in merino wool from Unbound Merino . The ozone layer in Antarctica is also quite thin, and the landscape can be very bright so a great pair of UV protective sunglasses or ski goggles is a must and some suncreen. 

If you get cold easily I highly reccomend a pair of heated socks or a heated vest that uses a recheable battery to stay warm for several hours.  Ororo has a great selection of both heated socks and vests.

For more ideas on what to pack Viva Expedtions has a great downloadable packing guide for Antarctica, snag the packing guide right here. 

I have also put together a gear locker with some of my favorite items for winter and cold weather. 

Why Can’t You Go in Winter?

Summer is the only time ships are allowed to travel to Antarctica, because in winter the ocean around it freezes, making the land mass 100 times bigger. That packed ice can easily crush ships to pieces, making it a dangerous journey. On top of this, Antarctica experiences polar night during the winter months, which means a ship would have to cross in complete darkness for days on end. Which in turn, makes the Drake Passage that much more dangerous.

It’s not until October or November that the packed ice finally starts to break up. Around this time, cruise ships can resume their expeditions out to Antarctica, even though some sea ice still remains.

Go to Antarctica with Viva Expeditions

I traveled to Antarctica with Viva Expeditions who are experts in polar travel. A full-service tour and travel company. They work with a variety of ships in Antarctica and can get you booked on the best ship for you.

If you book with Viva, you can save 5% by using my code VIPALICE!

You Might Also Like these articles 

Embark on an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime with the best Antarctica cruise. Choose a smaller ship that allows for more land excursions and ample exploration time. Experience incredible wildlife sightings and visit iconic locations like Elephant Point and Port Lockroy along the Antarctic Peninsula. For a more extensive exploration, consider cruises beyond the Peninsula or departing from New Zealand to reach the Ross Sea. Prioritize your preferences, as not all ships are equal. Pack wisely with layers, waterproof gear, and UV protective sunglasses, and get ready to witness the beauty and wonder of the White Continent. Book your Antarctic adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

20 Photos That Will Inspire you To Visit Antarctica

Antarctica , Photography

Dive into the icy wonders of Antarctica through our collection of 20 stunning photos 📸. These captivating snapshots are sure to leave you in awe and inspired to book your own adventure!

Need a Travel Agent? Look no Further! I am here to help you create the trip of your dreams! Fill out my travel survey and let me know your plans or contact me below. 

Email Address

The post How to Choose the Best Antarctica Cruise & What You Can Expect appeared first on ALICE'S ADVENTURES ON EARTH .

Antarctica Cruise From Ushuaia – A Full Day By Day Itinerary

What to expect on an antarctica cruise.

When contemplating visiting a place that less than 1% of the world’s population has visited, there are bound to be some questions. Initially, the potentially rough water of the Drake Passage crossing made Kim hesitate to take this trip but after talking it over we decided to take the plunge and travel to the White Continent. And to be honest, our experience in Antarctica was truly exceptional.

We have seen some beautiful places and until now would have said New Zealand is the most scenic place we have seen. But never have we experienced such pristine, untouched beauty with breathtaking landscapes and such awesome sights as what we saw in Antarctica.

Since, itineraries are typically fluid and most stops are at the discretion of the Captain, at the time we were planning this trip, we didn’t know what each day would look like and what to expect for the trip overall.

So, during the trip, we documented our experience in detail and are sharing it here so you can see exactly what can be expected on an Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia. We hope this will help those with planning a voyage to this amazing location.

Don’t Have Time To Read This Right Now? Pin It For Later:

Top Highlights Of An Antarctica Cruise From Ushuaia

✅ The ability to view spectacular, pristine landscapes that no one has walked upon

✅ Interactions with wildlife in their environment including breaching whales, nesting penguins, lazy seals and majestic birds

✅ Listening to the sound of glaciers calving, icebergs tipping and adjusting and penguins chattering

✅ Educational opportunities to learn about our changing planet

Best Antarctica Cruise From Ushuaia

We may be biased based on our amazing experience but we feel that Atlas Ocean Voyages provides an excellent expedition experience coupled with the utmost in comfort. We enjoyed cruising through this incredible area, learning from our expedition team about what we were observing and enjoying a pleasant onboard experience of a spacious stateroom, terrific dining, and top-notch service.

This cruise line offers an expedition experience with a level of luxury, and this was a perfect match for us.

How Long Is The Cruise From Ushuaia To Antarctica?

If you are wondering, can you visit Antarctica from Ushuaia – the answer is yes. This is where most Antarctica cruises depart from. Crossing the Drake Passage can take between 1 ½ to 2 days . The journey time depends completely on the weather at the time of the crossing.

We were fortunate that our crossing on the way down was relatively smooth, and we made it to the South Shetland islands by mid-day of the second day of sailing.  On the way back we had two full days of sailing.

Ushuaia To Antarctica Distance

It is just under 1000 kms from Ushuaia to the first stop that Antarctica cruises usually make in the South Shetland Islands.

Ushuaia To Antarctica Map

Below is the map of our journey. The Drake Passage – is 1000km from the tip of Argentina to our first stop on the South Shetland Islands – the most northern part of the Antarctica area.

Our Personal Experience On An Antarctica Cruise From Ushuaia

Our adventure to Antarctica started with a direct flight to Buenos Aires where we spent three nights in advance of the cruise.  Having been to Buenos Aires previously, we were excited to be going back to our favourite South American city.  We toured around to enjoy parts of the city that we hadn’t seen before and joined the group at the Hilton the night before the cruise. 

Atlas Ocean Voyages provides a pre-stay night so everyone is in the same location for an early morning flight. The Hilton is a very nice property but located a little more out of the way from the major sites.  We were thrilled that our rooms were ready for an early check-in and once those formalities were complete, we found the Atlas courtesy desk to receive our package of information for the trip. 

We were advised of the process for luggage – it needed to be left outside rooms by 8:00pm for collection – and the times for the multiple buses for group transfers to the airport for our 7:00am flight.  Buses were scheduled to begin at 4:20am but then later in the evening, we were informed our flight would be an hour later so our pick-up time was moved forward by one hour as well.

We enjoyed our last evening in Buenos Aires and had drinks with friends before retiring for the night in anticipation of our early morning start.

Atlas provides a pastry and coffee, tea, or orange juice in the morning, in the lobby of the Hilton, while people are waiting to be loaded into the coaches. Being one of the last scheduled buses, we were fortunate to have some time to grab a quick bite and then load onto the bus.

The ride to the international airport is approximately 30 minutes . It was well organized, and the ground personnel provided our airline boarding passes as soon as we were seated on the bus.

We had only carry-on luggage but for those who had checked bags, it had already been taken through and checked in, so it was a nice seamless process. Upon arrival at the airport, we had a small queue for security and were through quite quickly to the lounge to wait for the call to board.

The FlyBondi flight was a charter so everyone on the flight would also be aboard our ship along with us. The flight attendants were pleasant and offered us a choice of snack or sandwich along with an option of coffee, water, or orange juice. There is no entertainment system on the flight , but we found it was quick – approximately 3 ½ hours.

Once we arrived in Ushuaia we were reminded of the beauty of the surrounding area with the mountains and sea and the small town nestled at the edge of the water.  Once everyone had collected their luggage, we were advised to leave it in a designated spot for it to be transferred to the ship. 

From there all the guests were loaded onto coaches for a tour of Tierra del Fuego. Having been to Ushuaia previously and having done a similar tour, we opted to explore Ushuaia on our own, but we can confirm what was included since we had visited all the planned stops.

The tour is perfect for the first-time visitor and a box lunch is provided at the start. There is a stop at the End of the World Post Office which is located at a beautiful lake. It is a great place to visit and from here you can send a postcard home that shows you were at this unique location.  You can also receive a souvenir stamp on your passport.

Insider Tip

We have heard that souvenir stamps can cause issues for some passport holders concerning validity so be sure to check on this in advance. You could always have the stamp and stickers applied on a separate piece of paper as well.

The tour continues with a stop at the Bahia Lapataia – the location of the end of Highway 1 which starts in Alaska 17,000 kms away – this is a great spot for a photo opportunity.

It then continues up to the visitor centre which is surrounded by some incredible scenery and a stop at one of the numerous lakes in the area. It gives one a nice introduction to this very beautiful area.

Once the tour was complete, the group headed to the ship – for our embarkation day this was around 4:00pm.

It is a very simple check-in onboard. You are taken to the lounge area and given sparkling wine and appetizers while you relax in the lovely room with glass windows all around. An Atlas crew member comes to verify your passport details and add a credit card to your onboard account. Within just a few minutes you are issued your key card along with a small, printed deck plan. 

Then another friendly crew member escorts you to your cabin and gives you a quick tour of the amenities. Your luggage is waiting for you when you arrive to your cabin .

The cabin was beautifully appointed and very spacious. At 270 sq feet, our Horizon balcony was a great option for us. We loved the ability to have the half window open and look out but also have a nice sitting area.  Given we were sailing in Antarctica we found this to be perfect since the cooler temperatures weren’t typically conducive to sitting outside on a traditional balcony.

We settled in, unpacking and exploring the stateroom and then headed off to the muster drill where it was required to check in while wearing your life jacket. It had been some time since we had done an in-person muster drill, but we figured the safety element of this ship was important given the body of water we would be crossing.

Then we attended our first briefing in the auditorium. Here we were introduced to the officers and the expedition team . It was the first glimpse into what we could expect over the next couple of days. 

This was followed by dinner in the dining room. Service was great and we enjoyed a nice meal from various options on the menu. The ship departed at 7:00pm. It was early to bed since we had been up quite early.

Going to bed the seas had been relatively calm, but we were awoken around 2:00am with a lot of increased movement. Depending on your sensitivity to motion it may prove to be challenging. Kim had taken preventative medication but found the motion was quite intense. For Denis, it wasn’t a big deal.

It was an intermittent night of sleep and the rocking continued until approximately noon that day.  This was combatted by taking some Bonine motion sickness medication.

It was a quiet and late start to the day as Kim was feeling a bit woozy. It was highly recommended by the crew that you not skip meals, so we made sure to make it to a late breakfast. It was then off to a mandatory zodiac briefing to cover the process of making landings. These sessions were followed by briefings for those participating in the kayak and camping optional activities.

After lunch, most of the early afternoon was spent resting and attending a lecture on whales delivered by a member of the expedition team. There was also a time assigned to each cabin to complete a biosecurity check .

This is where you bring down any of your gear that has been utilized previously so they can check it for any foreign materials. All items are reviewed and thoroughly checked and, in some cases, vacuumed to remove any materials from being brought onto the continent.

We then had a boot and parka fitting to ensure all our gear that was being provided fit correctly. Atlas provides a warm, high-quality parka that each guest can take home with them. It was good practice to try on the gear with a life jacket as this would be the process for several days to come.

We suggest that you bring along a pair of slides to wear from your stateroom to the mud room. Having slip on footwear is great when you are wearing two pairs of socks. They can be left in your locker when you are out on excursion.

By 6:30pm it was time for the evening briefing where we were advised what was planned for the next day. There was also a session about what types of services and amenities we could find onboard this incredible ship. This was followed by a wonderful dinner in the dining room.

By this time, we had covered a significant amount of the Drake Passage and it was anticipated that we would be arriving early and be able to participate in an afternoon excursion in the South Shetland Islands. Everyone onboard was super excited and anticipating the next day.

We woke to some calmer seas and after enjoying our breakfast there were some lectures available including one on the Antarctica Treaty and another on identifying whales. It was a quick morning followed by lunch and then the excitement of arriving in the South Shetland islands. Along the way, we started to see penguins darting along in the water.

It was a bit of a dreary day with very overcast skies and some light snow, but it didn’t matter as this would be our first opportunity to step on the Antarctica continent! 

Rules are in place that limit the number of people on the landings to 100 at a time . So, each cabin is assigned a group – A, B, C & D.  Those travelling together can ask to be assigned to the same group. Every day each group is assigned a specific time based on their group and this rotates each day to give each group equal opportunity for touring first.

We were one of the later groups on this first excursion. We assembled in the mud room for the first time to dress in all our gear.  It is quite the process for getting ready and takes a little getting used to. The Atlas crew is great and helps to get you sorted – even doing up your zipper and assisting with getting your life jacket on over top.

The mud room had dance music playing and a tremendous air of excitement as we all prepared to board our first zodiac.  Before going ashore, each person walks through a boot cleaning system with bristles that remove any contaminants from your boots.

Once you walk through that, you are assisted down the stairs by the crew and walk onto a platform from which you step on the edge of the zodiac and then down onto a step in the boat. The water was quite calm on this first transfer, so it was super easy.

Each person takes a seat on the edge of the zodiac – up to 10 people and then we were off! Our first step onto land was on Barrientos Island and it was a wet landing . This means you enter the water after sliding your legs over the side of the zodiac .

The island is located on the west side of the South Shetland Islands and is completely free of ice. It was quite surprising to see since it was very green. This was due to the location and how much sun it receives combined with the large number of penguins here trampling over the snow. However, it was snowing lightly so it wasn’t exactly tropical.

Interestingly this island is part of the Andes Mountain range that begins up in South America and continues down under the water with a large loop called the Scotia Arc and then resumes above water in the Shetland Islands. The island is a volcanic terrain with basalt columns and since it sits on its own plate between the South American and Pacific Plates there is volcanic activity in this area. Really fascinating geography!

The island was small – only approximately 2 kms squared – with landscape that was rocky with a lot of moss and penguin poop covering the ground. There is no way around stepping in the poop – you just need to think of it as mud. As a result, there is quite a strong smell too. We were able to observe both Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins here – 1000s of them!

The crew had laid out a path in a loop for us to follow that provided an excellent opportunity to view the penguin groups amongst the hills and overlooking the beach where they were congregated. It was amazing to watch them waddling around, squawking at each other, and generally making a raucous.

We saw many sitting on nests with eggs and varying ages of chicks that are so adorable with their soft, fluffy fur.  Such an awesome first glimpse of what we could expect for the days to come.

After walking around the island for 75 minutes, our boots were quite messy, so the crew had a portable boot washer at the water’s edge for us take as much off as we could. We found out that it was very important to remove everything from our outerwear to ensure we weren’t bringing anything on to the ship.

At the time we were visiting, there was an issue with Avian Bird flu and it was important that we didn’t contribute to the ongoing problem. We then boarded the zodiac from the water and headed back to the ship.

We boarded the ship from the platform and after changing out of our gear in the mud room were offered hot towels and hot cinnamon apple tea. A perfect warm up after the chilly excursion.

After a brief rest we went to the day’s recap and briefing. This is where the expedition leaders present some highlights from the day and also provide an overview of the next day’s activities.  Then we were off to the Captain’s Reception to meet the officers and enjoy a glass of bubbly with appetizers.

The evening continued with dinner and afterwards the cruise director entertained us with Italian opera singing in the lounge. It had been a great first day.

Our next day started with the sighting of our first major icebergs.  We woke to see a large one floating by our window and this was a very exciting moment – it kind of made it real in a sense.

After our breakfast, we went to the mud room to get our gear on and proceeded to the zodiacs when called for our excursion to Palaver Point. The surrounding scenery was much different than the previous day with large glaciers and icebergs everywhere .

It was very exciting to speed across the water to our wet landing on to rocks. 

The expedition crew had already gone ahead to prepare the site for us, and they created two paths for hiking.  One was very steep and quite a way up a hill and the other was still uphill but not as high. We chose the lower walk which was still challenging in its own way.

The snow was fresh and powdery making it deeper in some areas and as more people started to walk on it, it became more slippery. We worked our way up the hill gradually and took in the incredible glaciers around us.

We were advised that the island we were walking on was connected to another island by an ice bridge. But it was not recommended to cross it due to the large number of crevices. But it was truly spectacular to look at.

Our walk was rewarded at the end by clear viewing of a Chinstrap penguin rookery and their penguin highway that ran from the water’s edge up the side of the mountain. Watching them toddle along their paths is super cute. Sometimes they trip and then do their best to right themselves, but it seems difficult given their body structure.

It is hard to walk away from watching them, but we eventually had to make our way back down the mountainside and onto the zodiac to return to the ship.

The vantage from the zodiac was great as it gave us a full view of the penguin highway and the penguins at the bottom where they were jumping into the water from the rocks. We bounced around in this area for a while and enjoyed the view.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch while the ship repositioned to Charlotte Bay.  This area was discovered on a Belgian expedition between 1877-1879. The afternoon excursion would be a zodiac ride around the Bay to take in the stunning icebergs and a magical experience with humpback whales.

Our guide was able to find some whales in the area so we could watch them breaching, rolling, and playing in the waves . Our entire group was mesmerized by these massive creatures who were incredibly graceful. 

This was also our first time to see the icebergs up close. Our guide Fabrice sped through the water navigating over some of the smaller chunks of ice in a zig zag formation to keep the ride as comfortable as possible given the wind and temperature.  It was exhilarating.

Back at the ship, we spent some time in the Dome observatory just loving the scenery and were told that an Atlas sister ship the Traveller would be passing by in the same area. We waved at the ship and then were off to the recap for the day and briefing for the next day’s exciting itinerary.

Following dinner there was music being played by the onboard musician as well as a showing of the documentary “March of the Penguins” in the auditorium complete with popcorn. It had been a full and exciting day with two successful landings.

This evening was one of the only ones where we observed a slight sunset . We went up on the Water’s Edge observation deck to see the beautiful sky and take a few pretty pictures. Most nights there wasn’t an obvious sunset. And in fact, as we progressed further south it didn’t actually get dark at night. There was a dusk and then it would almost immediately start to get light again. It made for nice long evenings.

This morning we woke up early to watch as the captain expertly guided us through the Lemaire Passage. This area was gorgeous, and we were so happy we went down in the early morning to observe it. The entrance to the channel was narrow and had huge, snow topped mountains on either side. The many glaciers were undisturbed and made for a truly spectacular sight.

We sailed through the channel admiring the large icebergs, the smaller chunks and were shocked when we passed over the larger pieces and heard them smash on the underside of the ship. There was a lot of ice in the passage, so the ship had to proceed slowly but it was a great opportunity to really enjoy this entire area.

Along the way were whales, penguins, and seals all swimming or resting in this serene area. It was hard to leave it but we had ordered room service breakfast, so we went back to our cabin to enjoy the view from our balcony.  And to our surprise, we had a whale swimming right by our cabin window. So unexpected and exciting!

The ship was a little late arriving to the first open area for the day due to the large amounts of ice in the water and careful maneuvering that was necessary.

Everyone was excited to move down to the zodiacs for a fabulous ride through this area of the Berthelot Islands. The water was like glass and the icebergs immense.

Our first order of business was to find the crab eater seal that had been spotted from the ship. Our leader Jonathan was able to bring us close to an ice floe to observe the animal. Crab eaters are the most abundant seals in Antarctica and it is estimated there are between ten to thirty million.

It is the smallest of the seals in Antarctica and has very sharp teeth. Their name would suggest that they eat crab but that is not accurate – they eat mostly krill.

After observing this seal that was lounging on the ice, we heard a call from the ship that there were leopard seals also in the area. Jonathan was quite excited when over the course of the morning we eventually saw four leopard seals , since in the entirety of Antarctica there are only tens of thousands of them.

They are a top predator since there is nothing that eats them. They are quite distinctive with a very large head and a slim neck so you can see their shape quite easily. They have a long flipper that they use for steering when they are following prey.

We cruised around in the beautiful bay and were excited to see some whales playing in the distance. After approaching quietly and keeping our distance, the whales (a mother and calf) made their way close to us and we spent some magical moments just watching them enjoying their morning.

From here we admired the landscape around us and appreciated the large icebergs, bergy bits (1-5 m in size) and growlers (small pieces of ice) floating in the water around us.

We ended up on an extended zodiac ride when it was radioed in that there were several elephant seals sitting up on a rocky area. They climb up on the land to shed their skin and must stay there for approximately a week since they cannot swim in the cold water until some of their fur has grown back.

They were nestled in among a lot of Gentoo penguins with many chicks – all of them were busy squawking and feeding their young. It was a great site to see.

After observing this awesome wildlife, we received an interesting talk about the water and how the ice is a different colour depending on the size and number of trapped air bubbles in the ice.  Ice at the top of the iceberg is not as compressed and has larger air bubbles than ice at the bottom of the iceberg.  The less compressed ice appears white and the more compressed ice with smaller bubbles appears blue in colour.

We held a piece of ice to see the differences and even enjoyed a bite from the smaller pieces – it was not salty as we expected but cool and fresh. We were told that some of the oldest ice in this area is 4 million years old ! And the largest iceberg has been in existence for around 37 years.

Upon our return to the ship, we enjoyed a couple of hours rest and some lunch, and then the ship had brought us to the Yalour Islands. The Yalour Islands were discovered by a French expedition in 1903-1905. This area has some interesting geology with the rocks mainly composed of a grey or black gabbro giving it a fascinating appearance. Much of this area was formed by the Pacific plate sliding under the Antarctica plate creating these striking islands.

We were moored only about 100m from a small island on an inlet. Here there is a large rookery of Adelie penguins. This penguin species is endemic to Antarctica and it is estimated that there are approximately 4 million in existence.

On this archipelago that we were visiting there were approximately 2500 pairs. After a wet landing to the island, we had a great walk around in a loop with some stately mountains as a backdrop. It was quite a beautiful setting.

We immediately noticed that the Adelie penguins like to slide around on their bellies which made them super cute. This is their most efficient way for transportation when the snow is icy. It was fascinating to watch them zooming around on their bellies sliding down their penguin highways.

There were many with nests made of stones and all the colonies are clustered on the tops of hills.  They will lay one or two eggs at a time and the incubation period is approximately 40 days followed by a 20 day period for maturing during which time the father and mother take care of the chick.

By this time in the trip, we had now seen the three types of Brush tailed species that are available to see on the Antarctica peninsula. Here are some interesting common facts about these penguins:

✦ They are the most highly evolved aquatic animals in the world

✦ Most of their life is spent at sea – they only come on land during breeding season

✦ Penguins have hydrophobic feathers like overlapping scales that form a wet suit that is almost waterproof

✦ Down underneath their feathers keeps them warm

✦ They are made of all muscle and have very dense bones

✦ Penguins have excellent underwater vision

✦ Their bodies are shaped for swimming – their flippers are made of fused bones that are very strong and dense to counteract being buoyant in the water

✦ Their beaks are adapted for fishing

✦ There are papillae bristles that trap prey in their beaks

After we had made our loop to take in the many clusters, we headed back to the zodiacs for our ride back to the ship. We spotted a single penguin who had come down to the edge to wave everyone off. He was super cute!

Since the weather was quite mild, we decided to try out the pool and hot tubs on our ship. This was a nice way to continue to enjoy the stunning scenery around us as our ship repositioned slightly to another landing area. Our evening finished off with the recap for the day, briefing for the next morning, and another tasty dinner. 

Since the weather was excellent, those that had signed up for camping were getting ready for a night under the stars. We waved off the campers and wished them well as we headed off to our warm beds.

We woke to a beautiful sunshiny day with bright blue skies. After having had several overcast days in a row it was a treat to see this region bathed in sunlight. The snowy peaks and beautiful icebergs look that much more lovely with the sun sparkling all around us.

Be sure to bring sunglasses. The sun reflecting off the ice and snow can be very strong and it is best have some kind of protection for your eyes.

Our group was excited to get out and start the day with a zodiac ride around Flanders Bay. This area is located along the west coast of the peninsula and was discovered by a Belgian explorer in 1898 who named it after the historical area of Flanders.

This is a wide-open bay with five coves, many glaciers and majestic mountains making for stunning scenery.  This area has a lot of icebergs because it is a closed bay so the large pieces of ice stay here longer and remain intact.

We spent a little over an hour cruising on the calm waters of the bay taking in the massive icebergs. Some of them were the largest we had seen on the trip so far and seeing them reflecting in the sea was fantastic.

We had the incredible experience of watching an iceberg start to calve and turn slightly to settle once again . We could see the smooth areas that had originally been underwater, and several different levels created as it shifted over time. 

One of the great things about expedition cruising is learning from the experts about the region we were visiting. Here we learned that in the wintertime, the coastal areas of the peninsula receive between 5-6 metres of snow each year and since it is the warmest and wettest area the coldest it will get is -18.

This is compared to the interior of Antarctica that only receives approximately 1 inch of snow per year. However, the temperatures are approximately -30 in the summer and can go as low as -70 or -80 in the wintertime. Not a place we will ever find ourselves visiting!!

Some other interesting facts are that 98% of the continent is completely white and flat – only 2% is mountains.  Additionally, there is 3200m of ice to the bedrock and the Antarctica continent is 50% under sea level.  How amazing is that??

When we came back, we enjoyed the views of the mountains surrounding the bay from the comfort of the Dome Observatory where you can see a 180-degree view through the glass windows. We just couldn’t get enough of this gorgeous location.

Due to some extra time required for travelling to our next stop, our recap and next day briefing was held at 3:00pm.  Our next planned excursion was to be Neko Harbour. This location was discovered by a Belgian explorer during the early 20 th century. It was named after a Scottish whaling boat.

Once the ship had arrived and the spotting teams had prepared the landing, we headed out on the zodiacs to our next adventure.

Arriving at this location, we immediately saw a Weddell seal basking in the sun.  There were many Gentoo penguins down by the water’s edge and they also darted on to the beach after their swim.

Our team leaders had created a path for us to take to climb up the hill and observe the area. This is an important place for Gentoo penguin breeding with more than 250 pairs, and we could see multiple penguin highways crisscrossing the snow. Penguins always have the right of way so it can take some time to make it up the hill if they are working their way up or down at the same time.

After trekking up the hill we found many nests and lots of small chicks. The penguins make their nests high up from the beach area to avoid having them washed away by the large waves that can wash ashore when the huge glacier in this area calves.

The day we were there was 9 degrees and we witnessed multiple pieces of the glacier crashing into the water. The sight and sound are magnificent and can be heard from quite a distance.

Once we had spent some time taking in the glacier and the penguins, we made our way back down to the bottom of the hill.  There were some other guests that had a banner that indicated we had made it to the 7 th continent so our group took a great picture.

Our guide told us that this was one of the places on the peninsula that was part of the mainland. This meant that should be want to – we could actually walk to the south pole. This was different than the other locations we had visited that were islands.

When we boarded our zodiac, it took a while longer for our leader to navigate around the many pieces of ice that were now between the shore and our ship.  This was from the constant calving on the glacier.  It doesn’t cause a concern when you are farther out in the water when it calves but can cause an issue if your boat is closer to the shore when these large waves come up.

Upon our return it was just about time for dinner. While in the dining room, there was an announcement that there were several orca whales being sighted from the ship.  Nearly everyone in the dining room rushed to see these animals that are not often viewed.  They are super fast but we managed to capture some video of them swimming along beside and in front of our vessel.  It was very exciting.

After dinner we enjoyed the cruise director Aleks singing music from the 80s. It was a fun ending to the day.

Due to some weather concerns, the Captain had decided that he would take the ship back towards the Shetland Islands for our last day. This was to avoid two storms that were coming into the area. 

On our approach to Deception Island, the crew advised the entrance into Port Foster caldera would be an interesting sight to see . The weather was quite foggy and rainy, so we sat to watch the entrance from the Dome Observation deck. 

The scenery was very different than other stops during this trip and it was very cool to see an entire caldera filled with water because of a volcano that imploded more than 10,000 years ago.  This is quite different than the Ngorongoro Crater , also a caldera, we had visited in Tanzania that had a grass bottom.

Our first stop was to Pendulum Cove where we landed by zodiac. The name of the Cove was declared by a British expedition that observed pendulum and magnetic research in the area. As you come to the water’s edge you can see the black sand beach and steam rising from the water . This is a phenomenon that takes place only at low tide.

After our wet landing, we were advised to touch the water and it was very hot.  Of course, once you go out further, it again turns to extremely cold temperatures.

Our guide took us on a walk around the cove telling us about the volcano that erupted here in 1969 and then another in 1971.  This was a devastating eruption and spewed enormous amounts of black ash all over the land.  There was a Chilean research station in this location that was completely buried.

Thankfully there was enough warning that the 80 people at the station were able to flee over the hills to another station at Whalers Bay where they were ultimately rescued by helicopter.

It was quite chilling to see the remnants of the station – some of it such as light posts and building structures – peeking up from under the ash. There is still research going on in the area as they continue to monitor the active volcano.

After our walk, we were allowed to do a Polar Plunge from the beach. We both decided to do this as it seemed a little easier to walk into the water. The water was really cold, and it was a brief submersion, but we did it. After coming out of the cold water, the water at the edge felt like it was burning our feet! We quickly dressed, enjoyed some hot chocolate on the beach and headed back on the last zodiac.

It was time for some lunch and the ship repositioned to Whalers Bay which is still within the caldera.  From here we took the zodiacs out again and after a wet landing explored the abandoned whaling station. With all the buildings and tankers left in this area, it has become an open-air museum of sorts.

Our guide took us to see whale bones, discarded buildings, the tanks that would have held whale oil and even some graves of the people who didn’t make it home.

It was an interesting place to see but the weather was not pleasant – it was snowing and there were strong winds so after walking around for approximately an hour we were happy to head back to the ship.

Once back onboard, it was announced that the crew would also hold a traditional Polar Plunge from the side of the ship.  Kim also participated in this one and found it to be easier given the entry into the frigid water is immediate. The crew plays loud music and there is a lot of excitement as they line the passengers up to jump into the 1-degree water.  The harness ensures that no one drifts away , and it helps to pull you back out of the water very quickly. 

You are then rewarded with a warm hot chocolate (and it can have a shot of Baileys in it if you like). Quite the experience!

After the recap for the day, we had a very nice dinner and the ship departed through some rough seas.  The crew talent show was great entertainment for many and showed the personal side of some of the wonderful people who were so dedicated to taking care of us during our time onboard.

The seas were quite rough during the majority of this day as we started our return crossing of the Drake Passage so Kim spent quite a bit of time resting. There were numerous things to do while at sea including several lectures – a leadership lecture about Shackleton, separate lectures on penguins, humpback whales, and seals.

Additionally, there was a galley tour given by the hotel manager and chef. It was fascinating to see the small kitchen that creates amazing meals every day for the crew and passengers onboard. They provided some insight into how things run down underneath the dining room and it gives you true gratitude for the work needed to make the meal service run well.

Today also provided an opportunity to watch a documentary created by our expedition leader Jonathan Zaccaria of his year spent in Antarctica. 

The day finished up with the recap, dinner, and live music in the lounge.

On our final day at sea, the swells were much lower and we were both able to participate in the full program of lectures that were offered. Lectures covered a variety of topics including the Tierra del Fuego, The Bridge and Engine Operations, Antarctic glaciers and sea ice.

We also went to High Tea in the Dome Observation lounge and enjoyed crepes suzette before settling in for the recap and some live music by the cruise director Aleks.

The final night was celebrated with a Captain’s Farewell cocktail reception and a wonderful dinner. We were entertained by our incredible head waiter Bill who had come out of his quiet shell over the time we had spent together. It was sad to say goodbye.

We did some quick packing and went to bed in anticipation of a long day of travel ahead of us.

Since Atlas includes a private charter flight from Ushuaia it is scheduled at a reasonable time, giving us ample time in the morning to enjoy the last breakfast onboard. Then we caught the transfer to the airport and watched as the crew waved us a fond farewell.

We were transferred to the Ushuaia airport and boarded our flight to Buenos Aires for an onward flight home.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Antarctica?

The season of cruising in Antarctica is technically from October to March. However, weather can be tricky in the early and later parts of the season. The end of November through January is typically the best recommended time to visit as the ice is starting to break up, providing more access to different locations and the penguins are nesting so there is ample opportunity to see the newborn chicks.

February and into March there is much less snow and ice which provides easier access, but the days are getting shorter, and the storms can be more prominent.

How Long Is An Antarctica Voyage?

We took a 9-night cruise and found this to be a perfect length to explore the Antarctica Peninsula. However, there are longer cruises available that cover other areas such as South Georgia or the Falkland Islands and these range from 11 to 18 to 21 nights.

Is An Antarctica Cruise Suitable For Everyone?

Visiting Antarctica on an Expedition ship requires good mobility as you must be able to transfer from the ship to a moving zodiac. The water can be rough so good balance is necessary. There are also treks up hills and over uneven, slippery surfaces. Some cruise lines have a minimum age requirement of 8 years old.

For those with mobility issues, you can choose a more traditional cruise ship.  While these ships sail through Antarctic waters, they are not allowed to make shore excursions but still offer an opportunity to see the continent’s spectacular landscape and wildlife from the decks and staterooms.

What Wildlife Can I Expect To See?

Since Antarctica has some very rough conditions the number of animal wildlife is relatively limited. If you are visiting the Antarctica Peninsula you can expect to see various types of whales, several types of seals and penguins. Additionally, there are a few species of birds in this region.

What Other Destinations Can I Combine An Antarctica Cruise With?

Spending time in Argentina before your cruise is a perfect complement to your cruise. Buenos Aires is one of our favourite cities to visit but you could also include time in Iguazu Falls or explore further into Patagonia.

The Final Word…On An Antarctica Cruise From Ushuaia

This type of expedition cruise is not for everyone and that is perfectly understandable. There are options for taking a larger, scenic cruise to this region that don’t make stops on the Peninsula. However, if you are looking for an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience, we highly recommend an Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia .

There is nowhere in the world that is as untouched or beautiful that provides intimate, up close experiences with nature as this remote part of the world. We highly recommend putting this unique location on your bucket list.

Need help with planning your Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia? Contact Kim at Explore The World Travel.

Kim has been travelling since childhood and is on a mission to visit 100 countries. As an independent Travel Advisor, she enjoys sharing her travels with clients to provide amazing, memorable experiences. Her top 3 favourite places visited are the Galapagos, Tanzania and New Zealand. She is known to research a destination to its fullest in search of exciting activities, historical and cultural learning, unique dining options, and usually, some kind of wine!

18 Things You Didn't Know About Cruising to Antarctica

Antarctica Cruise Is a Trip of a Lifetime

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

Size Matters on an Antarctica Cruise

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

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

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

Yes, You Can Go Swimming in Antarctica

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

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

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

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

You Can Exercise on Some Ships

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

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

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

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

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

You Can Mail a Postcard Home and Get Your Passport Stamped

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

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

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

Antarctica Is Warmer Than You Think

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

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

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

Cruise Timing Makes a Difference

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

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

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

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

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

Penguins Are Even Cuter Than Expected

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

You'll See More Than Penguins in Antarctica: Seals

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

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

You'll See More than Penguins in Antarctica: Whales

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

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

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

Icebergs Are Bigger and More Plentiful Than Imagined

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

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

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

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

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

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

You Might Not Get Seasick

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

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

Antarctica Is More Spectacular Than You Ever Imagined

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

You'll Come Away From Antarctica With Lifelong Memories

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

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

13 New Ocean Cruise Ships in 2018

What to Expect on Your South Island, New Zealand Cruise

Cruising to Antarctica: Ships and Time of Year to Go

Small Ship Alaska Cruises in 2018

IAATO Announces Antarctic Tourism Statistics

The 10 Most Romantic Adventure Trips You Can Take

Where to Go in 2021: 10 Future Trips You Can Start Planning Now

The Arctic Circle

The Different Types of Adventure Travel

10 Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise

Alaska Cruise Pictures

Maps of Countries With Cruise Ports of Call

The Best Alaska Cruises

Where to Go in 2023: The Most Exciting Destinations to Explore This Year

Should You Visit Alaska by Land or on a Cruise?

Why Cruising Solo Is Worth it

Ushuaia to Antarctica Cruise: the Complete Guide

Posted on Last updated: August 23, 2023

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Picture this: cruising from Ushuaia , the southernmost city in the world, all the way to Antarctica. It’s a great cruise choice where you’ll discover breathtaking destinations like Tierra del Fuego National Park. Explore pristine wilderness and enjoy the luxury of a comfortable cruise ship on one of the many Ushuaia to Antarctica cruises.

Ushuaia, the “Gateway to Antarctica,” is a vibrant city in Tierra del Fuego, offering easy access to the remote and beautiful Falkland Islands. From this peninsula, embark on a journey through icy waters to explore the unparalleled beauty of Buenos Aires.

Imagine yourself aboard a state-of-the-art ship designed specifically for adventure cruises to Antarctica. Every moment on this perfect trip on on of the best Ushuaia to Antarctica cruises is filled with wonder and excitement. So grab one of our free cruise planners and grab  a warm coat.. let’s go south!

Planning a Trip from Ushuaia to Antarctica

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime on a great cruise choice? Embarking on a trip from Ushuaia to Antarctica, aboard a cruise ship, is an experience like no other. However, before you set sail, it’s essential to understand the logistics involved in planning your Antarctic expedition to these amazing destinations. Let’s dive into some key points that will help you make the most of your journey on the Antarctic peninsula.

Logistics and Travel Options

There are several Antarctic destinations to choose from. One popular choice is taking a tour on the Ushuaia ship, as it allows you to witness the stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife on the peninsula. Another great option is enjoying a Disney adventure to Antarctica ! Once you figure out who is going on your journey and what your goals are, finding the perfect travel option will come with ease.

Before booking your trip, consider how many hours you want to spend exploring Antarctica on a tour. Some cruises on the Ushuaia ship last around ten days, while others can extend up to three weeks or more. Take into account factors such as available vacation time and budget constraints when deciding on the duration of your journey on the peninsula.

Visa Requirements and Health Considerations

When planning a trip on an Ushuaia to Antarctica cruise, it is important to consider visa requirements. Since most sea cruises depart from Argentina, make sure you have the necessary visas for entering Buenos Aires if required by your nationality. This will ensure a smooth journey lasting several hours with meals provided.

Don’t forget about health considerations when planning your cruise ship tour to Antarctica from Buenos Aires. It is recommended that children and adults receive certain vaccinations before visiting remote regions like Antarctica. Consult with your healthcare provider well in advance of your trip to ensure you are up-to-date with vaccines such as tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and influenza.

Packing Essentials for Your Antarctic Adventure

Packing appropriately for Ushuaia to Antarctica cruises is crucial for staying comfortable during your journey. Here are some essentials, including meals, that should make their way into your suitcase. Don’t forget to check out the Ushuaia group and read reviews on Cruise Critic before you go.

• Layered Clothing for Ushuaia Group: In Antarctica, the weather can change within hours. To prepare for the unpredictable conditions, it is essential to pack multiple layers of clothing. This includes thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell.
• Antarctic Wildlife Tour: To explore the icy terrain comfortably during your Antarctic wildlife tour, invest in sturdy, insulated boots that provide warmth and traction. These boots will ensure you can enjoy your meals and explore for hours without discomfort.
• Don’t forget to pack waterproof gloves, hats, and pants for your Antarctic wildlife tour. These will keep you dry during zodiac cruises or landings that can last for hours or days.
• Sun Protection: Despite the cold temperatures, the Antarctic sun can be intense. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF rating to protect yourself during the long hours of sunlight. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the strong sun rays during your days in Ushuaia group.
• Camera Equipment: Capture stunning moments of your Antarctic adventure with the Ushuaia Group by bringing along a camera with extra batteries and memory cards. Consider investing in a waterproof camera or housing for water-based activities. Ensure you have enough equipment to last for the duration of your trip, which can range from a few hours to several days. Don’t forget to pack a sketchbook to capture the beauty of the landscapes you’ll encounter.

Choosing the Best Time of Year

When planning your trip from Ushuaia to Antarctica, timing is everything. The Antarctic climate varies significantly throughout the year, so it’s essential to choose the best time for your adventure based on your interests. Consider the number of hours and days you have available to sketch out your ideal itinerary.

• During the summer season (December to February), tourists can enjoy relatively milder temperatures (-2°C to 8°C) and abundant wildlife. It is the perfect time to explore and sketch the beautiful surroundings for hours or days.
• Shoulder Seasons (October-November & March-April): These months offer slightly colder temperatures but also fewer tourists. It’s an excellent time for birdwatching as penguins begin their mating season. The colder temperatures and fewer tourists make these days ideal for birdwatching and sketching penguins during their mating season.
• Winter (May to September): The coldest time of year (-40°C), winter offers unique experiences like witnessing the mesmerizing Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) and exploring ice caves. These experiences can be enjoyed during the colder days of winter, when temperatures can drop as low as -40°C. One of the highlights of this season is witnessing the mesmerizing Southern Lights, also known as Aurora Australis. Another exciting activity is exploring ice caves, which are only accessible during the winter months.

Consider what activities you’d like to participate in during your Antarctic expedition. Whether you prefer warmer weather or more solitude, it’s important to plan accordingly. Take into account the number of days you have available and sketch out your itinerary accordingly.

Careful Planning and Preparation

Embarking on a trip from Ushuaia to Antarctica requires careful planning and preparation. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations or delays. Familiarize yourself with the cruise operator’s policies regarding refunds and itinerary changes for your days at sea. Don’t forget to bring your sketchbook to capture the breathtaking landscapes along the way.

It’s also essential to educate yourself about the incredible Antarctic wildlife you may encounter during your days on the cruise, such as penguins, seals, and whales. Take advantage of educational resources provided by your cruise operator or do some research beforehand to maximize your appreciation of these magnificent creatures. Don’t forget to capture their beauty in a sketch.

Comprehensive Guide for Traveling from Ushuaia to Antarctica

Transportation options: flights and cruises departing from ushuaia.

So, you’ve decided to embark on an unforgettable journey on Ushuaia to Antarctica cruises. But how do you get there in just a few days? Well, lucky for you, there are a couple of transportation options available – flights and cruises. And don’t forget to bring your sketchbook to capture the stunning landscapes along the way.

Flying is the quickest way to reach Antarctica from Ushuaia in just a few days. Several airlines offer regular flights that take you directly to King George Island, one of the main gateways to the Antarctic Peninsula. Flying over the Drake Passage not only saves time but also allows you to avoid potentially rough seas that can make even the most seasoned travelers queasy. Sketch the breathtaking views from above as you journey to this remote and stunning destination.

Ushuaia to Antarctica Cruises:

If you prefer a more leisurely approach and want to truly experience the beauty of the Southern Ocean, then hopping aboard a cruise is your best bet. There are numerous expedition cruises departing from Ushuaia that cater specifically to those seeking an adventure in Antarctica. These cruises typically range from 8-21 days and provide ample opportunities for wildlife sightings, excursions on land, educational lectures by experienced naturalists, and the chance to sketch the stunning Antarctic landscape.

Safety Measures, Environmental Regulations, and Wildlife Protection Guidelines

When traveling to Antarctica for a few days on Ushuaia to Antarctica cruises, it’s crucial to be aware of safety measures, environmental regulations, and wildlife protection guidelines in place.

Safety Measures:

Antarctica is known for its breathtaking beauty, but it can also be unforgiving. To ensure a safe trip, it’s crucial to come prepared with appropriate gear and clothing for extreme weather conditions. Thermal underwear, insulated jackets, and waterproof boots are essential items for your days in Antarctica. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the safety protocols provided by your tour operator or cruise company before embarking on your Antarctic adventure.

Environmental Regulations:

Preserving the fragile ecosystem of Antarctica is paramount during our days spent here. As visitors, we have a responsibility to minimize our impact and leave the environment as pristine as we found it. Adhere to the principles of “Leave No Trace” and follow guidelines set by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) to ensure the preservation of this unique region. Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance from animals such as fur seals and avoid disturbing their natural behavior.

Wildlife Protection Guidelines:

Antarctica is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. When encountering these magnificent creatures during your days in Antarctica, it’s important to remember that you are a guest in their habitat. Maintain a respectful distance and never attempt to touch or feed any animals. By observing from afar, you can witness their natural behaviors without causing harm.

Activities and Making the Most of Your Time on Land

While cruising through icy waters for days may be awe-inspiring in itself, stepping foot on land in Antarctica is an experience like no other. Here are some activities you can look forward to during Ushuaia to Antarctica cruises.

• Zodiac Cruising : Hop aboard a Zodiac inflatable boat for up-close encounters with icebergs and wildlife.
• Kayaking : Paddle through serene Antarctic waters surrounded by towering glaciers.
• Hiking : Embark on guided hikes led by experienced professionals who will take you through breathtaking landscapes.
• Photography : Capture stunning shots of ice formations, penguins waddling along the shorelines, or even catch a glimpse of polar bears if you’re lucky!

Weather Conditions, Wildlife Sightings, and Potential Challenges

Before embarking on your journey from Ushuaia to Antarctica, it’s essential to understand the weather conditions you may encounter and what challenges might arise along the way. The journey typically takes several days.

Antarctica’s climate can be harsh, with freezing temperatures even in summer months. Be prepared for strong winds and unpredictable weather changes during your days exploring this frozen continent. However, don’t let this deter you; witnessing the beauty of Antarctica under ever-changing skies is part of the adventure!

Wildlife sightings are the highlight of any trip to Antarctica. In just a few days, you can observe adorable penguins waddling on the ice and majestic whales breaching the surface. These incredible creatures in their natural habitat will amaze you.

Best Antarctica Cruises from Ushuaia: Finding the Perfect Experience

Explore a curated selection of top-rated cruises departing from ushuaia bound for antarctica..

Embarking on an Antarctic cruise from Ushuaia is a great choice for adventurers seeking the ultimate expedition to the white continent. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which cruise will provide the perfect experience. That’s why we have curated a selection of top-rated cruises that depart from Ushuaia, ensuring you embark on an unforgettable journey that lasts for days.

These Antarctic cruises offer unparalleled opportunities to witness breathtaking landscapes and encounter unique wildlife species in their natural habitat. From towering icebergs to playful penguins, each of the days brings new wonders to explore. By choosing one of these carefully selected cruises, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, with experienced crews and knowledgeable guides who will enhance your Antarctic adventure.

Compare different cruise ships based on amenities, comfort levels, and onboard services offered.

When selecting your ideal Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia, it’s essential to consider various factors such as amenities, comfort levels, and onboard services offered by different cruise ships. Each vessel has its own distinct features that contribute to the overall experience of your days in Antarctica.

Some ships boast luxurious accommodations with spacious cabins and cozy common areas where you can relax after a day of exploration. Onboard amenities may include gourmet dining options, wellness facilities like spas or gyms, and even libraries stocked with polar literature. Choosing a ship that aligns with your preferences ensures maximum comfort throughout your journey, whether it’s for a few days or several weeks.

Consider factors such as duration, itinerary highlights, and expert-led excursions when choosing your ideal cruise experience.

The duration of your Antarctic cruise, whether it be for a few days or longer, plays a crucial role in determining the depth of your experience. Longer trips allow for more extensive exploration and increased chances of encountering rare wildlife sightings. However, if time is limited or you prefer a shorter adventure, there are also options available that offer condensed itineraries without compromising on the highlights.

Itinerary highlights on Antarctic cruises typically include visits to iconic sites like the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, and Deception Island. These destinations offer stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and historical points of interest over the course of several days. Expert-led excursions led by experienced naturalists provide valuable insights into the region’s ecology and history.

Find out which cruises offer specialized activities like kayaking or camping onshore in Antarctica’s pristine wilderness.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, certain cruises offer specialized activities such as kayaking or camping onshore in Antarctica’s pristine wilderness. These unique opportunities allow you to connect with nature on a deeper level and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s a sunny day or a cold winter day, these activities provide unforgettable adventures.

Imagine paddling through serene waters surrounded by towering ice formations during the day or spending a night under the Antarctic sky in a cozy tent. These day activities provide an unparalleled sense of adventure and closeness to the environment. If these day experiences resonate with you, be sure to choose a cruise that includes them in their itinerary.

Discover how to make the most of your budget while ensuring an unforgettable Antarctic adventure.

Embarking on an Antarctica cruise is undoubtedly a dream come true for many travelers. However, it’s essential to consider your budget when selecting the perfect experience. Fortunately, there are ways to make the most of your money without compromising on quality or enjoyment. Whether it’s a luxury cruise or an expedition, planning ahead and comparing prices can help you have a memorable day in Antarctica.

One option is to look for early bird discounts or last-minute deals offered by cruise operators. By booking well in advance or being flexible with your travel dates, you can often secure significant savings. Another approach is to compare prices across different cruise lines and select one that offers excellent value for money based on amenities, services provided, and overall reputation. Whether you are planning ahead or looking for a great deal at the last minute, these strategies can help you save money on your next cruise day.

In addition to considering upfront costs, it’s important to factor in any additional expenses such as flights to Ushuaia and potential extra activities not included in the base price. By planning ahead and budgeting wisely, you can ensure an unforgettable day in Antarctica that fits within your financial means.

Exploring the Gateway to Antarctica: South America Travel Guide

Ushuaia: the southernmost city in the world.

Welcome to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the starting point for many unforgettable Antarctic expeditions. Situated on the picturesque Tierra del Fuego archipelago, this charming city is nestled between snow-capped mountains and the Beagle Channel. As you embark on your journey to Antarctica, take some time to explore all that Ushuaia has to offer during the day.

Discovering Unique Attractions and Natural Wonders

Ushuaia offers a plethora of unique attractions for travelers. Start by immersing yourself in history at the End of the World Museum, where you can learn about indigenous cultures and early explorers who braved these remote lands. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park is a must. Hike through lush forests, marvel at stunning lakes, and breathe in the crisp Patagonian air as you soak up breathtaking views of this pristine wilderness every day.

Nearby Destinations Worth Exploring

Before or after your Antarctic cruise, consider exploring nearby destinations that complement your adventure. Just a short flight away lies Punta Arenas, Chile’s gateway to Patagonia. Here, you can witness majestic glaciers and encounter diverse wildlife while enjoying modern amenities. Another intriguing option is South Georgia Island, located east of Tierra del Fuego. This remote island offers incredible opportunities for wildlife encounters with penguins, seals, and albatrosses amidst awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you choose to explore Punta Arenas or South Georgia Island, make the most of your day by immersing yourself in these captivating destinations.

Insider Tips for Your Ushuaia Experience

To make the most of your day in Ushuaia, here are some insider tips worth considering.

• Local Cuisine: Indulge in traditional Argentine dishes like succulent steaks or try regional specialties such as centolla (king crab) harvested from nearby waters.
• Accommodations: Ushuaia offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. From cozy guesthouses to luxury hotels with stunning views, you’ll find the perfect place to rest and recharge before your Antarctic adventure.
• Transportation Options: Getting around Ushuaia is easy with taxis and public buses readily available. If you prefer a more immersive experience, rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace.
• Exploring the City: Take a stroll along Avenida San Martín, Ushuaia’s main street lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Don’t forget to visit the iconic End of the World signpost for a memorable photo opportunity.

Immerse Yourself in History and Vibrant Atmosphere

Ushuaia’s rich history as an outpost for explorers adds another layer of fascination to this South American gem. Every day, as you wander through its streets, you’ll encounter remnants of past expeditions and hear tales of daring adventurers who set sail from here towards Antarctica. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is infectious, with bustling markets, lively bars, and friendly locals eager to share their stories.

Navigating the Drake Passage: A Challenging Journey

The journey from Ushuaia to Antarctica is an adventure like no other, but before you can set foot on the pristine white landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, you must first conquer the notorious Drake Passage. Brace yourself for a thrilling crossing of this legendary maritime route, as you sail through rough seas and face unpredictable weather conditions every day.

The Infamous Drake Passage

The Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake, is a challenging seafaring route that connects South America with Antarctica. Its tempestuous nature and unique mix of currents and winds make it one of the most renowned routes in the world.

Confronting Rough Seas and Unpredictable Weather

As you embark on your expedition ship, be prepared for an exhilarating ride across the Drake Passage. The day at sea here can be unforgiving, with towering waves crashing against your vessel. The weather conditions are highly changeable – one moment calm and serene, and in an instant transformed into a raging storm. This unpredictability adds an element of excitement to your journey while reminding you of nature’s raw power.

Minimizing Seasickness: Strategies for a Smooth Sailing

For many travelers venturing across the Drake Passage, seasickness is a concern. However, there are several strategies you can employ to minimize its effects. Firstly, choose a cabin located in the middle or lower decks where there is less motion. Staying well-hydrated and avoiding heavy meals before sailing can also help alleviate symptoms. Over-the-counter remedies such as ginger candies or wristbands may provide relief as well. On the day of sailing, follow these tips to reduce seasickness.

Moreover, modern expedition ships equipped with stabilizers help reduce motion sickness by counteracting wave movements, ensuring a more comfortable journey for travelers on their day at sea. Remember, seasickness is temporary and often subsides as you acclimate to the motion of the sea.

Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds and Whales

While navigating the Drake Passage, keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife sightings throughout the day. This stretch of water is teeming with diverse marine life, including numerous species of seabirds and possibly even whales. Majestic albatrosses gracefully glide alongside your ship, their wings spanning impressive distances. Petrels, shearwaters, and fulmars also make appearances, soaring effortlessly above the waves.

If you’re lucky, you may witness the awe-inspiring sight of whales breaching or spy-hopping near your vessel on your whale watching day. Humpback whales and orcas are frequently spotted in these waters as they migrate between feeding grounds. The thrill of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat adds an extra layer of wonder to your already extraordinary journey.

An Adventurous Voyage

Embarking on a Ushuaia to Antarctica cruise means embarking on an adventure like no other. As you sail across the Drake Passage, you become part of a long-standing tradition that dates back to the early explorers who braved these treacherous waters centuries ago. The journey itself is an experience worth cherishing – a testament to human determination and resilience.

The trip overall offers much more than just reaching Antarctica’s shores; it is about embracing the spirit of exploration and immersing yourself in nature’s grandeur. From witnessing towering icebergs to stepping foot on remote islands scattered along the way, every moment holds a sense of awe and discovery.

Unforgettable Experiences: Expert-led Excursions on Your Antarctic Cruise

Embarking on a cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica is the perfect trip for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. One of the highlights of this incredible journey is the opportunity to join expert guides on exciting excursions that allow you to fully experience Antarctica’s wonders up close. These expert-led expeditions are designed to provide you with an amazing experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Joining Expert Guides for Unforgettable Adventures

There’s no better way than joining knowledgeable naturalists and expedition leaders who are passionate about this unique destination. They will be your companions throughout the journey, sharing their expertise and enhancing your understanding of Antarctica’s ecosystem. With their guidance, you’ll have the chance to participate in a variety of activities that showcase the beauty and wildlife of this pristine region.

Participating in Thrilling Activities

Your Antarctic cruise offers a range of activities that cater to different interests and levels of adventure. From Zodiac cruises to hiking through ice-filled landscapes, there is something for everyone. Picture yourself gliding across crystal-clear waters in a Zodiac boat, surrounded by towering glaciers and stunning ice formations. As you explore hidden coves and channels, keep your camera ready for breathtaking encounters with curious wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales.

For those seeking even more excitement, hiking excursions provide an opportunity to step foot on the icy terrain of Antarctica. Led by experienced guides, these hikes take you through awe-inspiring landscapes where every turn reveals a new marvel. Imagine standing amidst vast colonies of penguins or coming face-to-face with magnificent elephant seals basking in the sun. These encounters offer a truly immersive experience that will leave you in awe.

Capturing Breathtaking Moments

As you venture deeper into Antarctica’s wilderness, prepare to capture some truly remarkable photographs. The combination of dramatic landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and unique lighting conditions create the perfect setting for stunning shots. Whether you are an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, the opportunities to capture unforgettable images are endless. From close-ups of penguins waddling on ice to panoramic shots of glaciers stretching as far as the eye can see, every frame tells a story of this extraordinary place.

Tailored Experiences for Lasting Memories

Your Antarctic cruise is not just about ticking off destinations from your bucket list; it’s about immersing yourself in an experience that will stay with you forever. The expedition staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every moment is tailored to enrich your journey. They curate activities that showcase the best of Antarctica’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage. Each day brings new surprises and discoveries, making every second aboard the cruise ship an adventure in itself.

Moreover, cabin sharing options provide an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers who share your passion for exploration. As you swap stories and experiences with like-minded individuals from around the world, friendships are forged that can last a lifetime. The sense of camaraderie onboard adds another layer of enjoyment to your Antarctic adventure.

Reflecting on Your Ushuaia to Antarctica Adventure: Conclusion

Congratulations on completing your Ushuaia to Antarctica cruise! It has been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable experiences and breathtaking sights. As you reflect on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, let’s summarize the key points and provide some final thoughts.

• Planning a Trip from Ushuaia to Antarctica Planning a trip from Ushuaia to Antarctica requires careful consideration of various factors such as budget, time of year, and cruise options. By doing thorough research and seeking advice from travel experts, you were able to make informed decisions that ensured a smooth and enjoyable voyage.
• Comprehensive Guide for Traveling from Ushuaia to Antarctica Our comprehensive guide provided you with valuable information about what to expect during your journey from Ushuaia to Antarctica. From packing essentials to wildlife encounters, we aimed to equip you with all the necessary knowledge for an enriching experience.
• Best Antarctica Cruises from Ushuaia: Finding the Perfect Experience Choosing the best Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia was no easy task, but by considering factors like itinerary, ship amenities, and expert-led excursions, you were able to find the perfect experience tailored to your preferences. This allowed you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the White Continent.
• Exploring the Gateway to Antarctica: South America Travel Guide Your adventure began in Ushuaia, often referred to as the gateway to Antarctica. Our South America travel guide introduced you not only to this charming city but also highlighted other must-visit destinations in South America that can enhance your overall experience.
• Navigating the Drake Passage: A Challenging Journey The crossing of the Drake Passage is known for its unpredictable weather conditions and rough seas. However, armed with tips on how to combat seasickness and stay comfortable during this challenging journey, you were able to navigate the Drake Passage with confidence and resilience.
• Unforgettable Experiences: Expert-led Excursions on Your Antarctic Cruise One of the highlights of your Ushuaia to Antarctica adventure was undoubtedly the expert-led excursions. These experiences allowed you to witness incredible wildlife, explore pristine landscapes, and gain a deeper understanding of this unique ecosystem. The expertise and passion of your guides enhanced your journey in ways that will forever stay with you.

In conclusion, embarking on a Ushuaia to Antarctica cruise is an extraordinary experience that offers unparalleled beauty and adventure. By planning meticulously, choosing the right cruise, and embracing every moment along the way, you have created memories that will last a lifetime.

Now that you’ve completed this remarkable journey, we encourage you to share your experiences with others and inspire them to embark on their own Ushuaia to Antarctica adventure. Remember, every traveler’s experience is unique, so spread the word about what made your trip truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for a ushuaia to antarctica cruise.

The best time for a Ushuaia to Antarctica cruise is during the Antarctic summer season from November to March when temperatures are relatively milder and wildlife sightings are abundant.

How much do Ushuaia to Antarctica cruises cost?

The cost of Ushuaia to Antarctica cruises varies depending on factors such as cruise duration, cabin type, and additional activities. On average, prices can range from $5,000 to $15,000 per person.

Can I see penguins during my Ushuaia to Antarctica cruise?

Absolutely! Penguins are one of the main attractions in Antarctica. You’ll have numerous opportunities for close encounters with various penguin species throughout your expedition. Feel free to check out other South American cruises for more penguin encounter experiences!

Is seasickness common during the crossing of the Drake Passage?

Seasickness can affect some travelers during the crossing of the Drake Passage due to its reputation for rough seas. However, with proper preparation and following advice from experienced crew members, you can minimize its impact.

Are there age restrictions for a Ushuaia to Antarctica cruise?

While there are no strict age restrictions, it’s important to consider that Antarctica cruises often involve physically demanding activities and long periods at sea. It is advisable to consult with your chosen cruise operator regarding age recommendations and any specific requirements.

These FAQs should address some common concerns and help you make informed decisions when planning your Ushuaia to Antarctica adventure. Safe travels!

Aurora Expeditions Announces 2025-26 Antarctica Season

• April 24, 2024

Aurora Expeditions released its new Antarctica 2025-26 season, featuring 32 voyages onboard the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and the new Douglas Mawson, according to a statement. 

In addition to Aurora’s Antarctic Explorer and Spirit of Antarctica sailings to the Antarctic Peninsula, the line added eight new itineraries exploring regions including East Antarctica, the Ross Sea and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, as well as a circumnavigation of Tasmania. 

“We have so much to be excited about with our most comprehensive and adventurous season yet,” said Hayley Peacock-Gower, CMO of Aurora Expeditions. 

“Not only will we be introducing our third purpose-built vessel, the Douglas Mawson, but we will explore more of Antarctica’s regions than we have before in a single season, visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, East Antarctica, the Ross Sea, Antarctic Circle, South Georgia, the Falklands and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands. 

  “We’re particularly thrilled to be offering passengers the chance to travel to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand for the first time in 13 years, reconnecting our company to its founding inspiration as well as opening up another lesser explored part of Antarctica to both local and international travelers,” added Peacock-Gower. 

“In these new regions,  passengers will have the chance to witness the Ross Ice Shelf – the world’s largest floating body of ice, some of the largest Adélie and emperor penguin colonies, follow in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest explorers, as well as witness the incredible biodiversity of New Zealand’s subantarctic islands. We also look forward to doing this the Aurora way, with our small ships and focus on responsible travel, adventure, and enrichment.” 

Justin Ewin, Aurora Expeditions’ global head of product, said: “There is something for first-time Antarctic visitors to seasoned explorers alike across this season, while adventure and exploration remain the core theme. We are offering a nine-day express itinerary, Antarctic expedition and Patagonia trek combinations, all the way up to an epic 34-day adventure departing Dunedin, sailing through the New Zealand subantarctic islands and the Ross Sea, traveling east to the Peninsula and ending with the Drake Passage to Ushuaia. Along with several new destinations and itinerary options, we are excited to be meeting our passengers’ frequent requests by offering two all-inclusive activity voyages to complement our existing individual activity programs, which are incredibly popular.”

New expeditions include:

• Mawson’s Antarctica, Dec. 11, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026, on the Douglas Mawson
• Ross Sea Odyssey, Jan. 16 – Feb. 9, 202, on the Douglas Mawson
• Subantarctic Discovery, an. 2 – Jan. 16, 2026, on the Douglas Mawson
• Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7 th Continent, Feb. 8 – March 12, 2026, on the Douglas Mawson
• Antarctica Active (All Inclusive Activities), two departures on the Greg Mortimer
• Coastal Tasmania: Untamed Wilderness, Dec. 1 – 11, 2025, on the Douglas Mawson.

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

54 Ships | 122,002 Berths | $36 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Pre-Order Offer
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

How Much Does It Cost to Go to Antarctica?

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

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

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

Make It Happen

Stay in the loop on Antarctica & save when you go.

Antarctica Trip Price Factors

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

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

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

Antarctica Cruise Cost Varies by Ship

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

Budget Antarctica Cruises

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

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

VIEW BUDGET CRUISES

See the full list of the most affordable itineraries.

Mid-Range Cruises

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

VIEW MID-RANGE CRUISES

See the itineraries that balance comfort & price.

Luxury Cruises

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

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

VIEW LUXURY CRUISES

See the White Continent’s finest itineraries.

Ship Size & Fleet Considerations

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

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

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

Get A Free Quote

1-on-1 consultation. Start planning today.

Cabin Category & Antarctica Price

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

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

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

VIEW ALL SHIPS

See the small ship options in Antarctica.

Antarctica Cruise Price: What’s Included?

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

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

Extra Antarctica Trip Costs

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

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

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

Travel Essential Expenses

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

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

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

Antarctica Cruise Cost for Solo Travelers

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

Antarctica Cruise Costs by Season

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

Antarctica Deals & Tips to Save

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

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

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

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

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

Comments will be moderated and will appear after they have been approved.

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.

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

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

What Travelers Say About Their Antarctica Trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodations Review

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

Meals Review

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

Crew & Guides Review

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

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

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

Traveler Advice

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

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Polar Circle Air Cruise
• Andrew Browning
• Antarctica21

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Classic Antarctica

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

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

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

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

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

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

• MS Expedition

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

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

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

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

Be prepared to be amazed!

• Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

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

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

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

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

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

Itinerary Review

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

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

Transportation Review

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

• Le Commandant Charcot Weddell Sea Voyages
• Le Commandant Charcot

Find an Expedition at All Price Levels

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

Contact Us - How Much Does It Cost to Go to Antarctica?

Travel is best planned one-on-one, and we’re here to help you with your specific needs.

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Phone (required because some email replies get blocked) *
• Country of residence (required in order to comply with privacy laws) * United States of America - US Afghanistan - AF Aland Islands - AX Albania - AL Algeria - DZ American Samoa - AS Andorra - AD Angola - AO Anguilla - AI Antarctica - AQ Antigua and Barbuda - AG Argentina - AR Armenia - AM Aruba - AW Australia - AU Austria - AT Azerbaijan - AZ Bahamas - BS Bahrain - BH Bangladesh - BD Barbados - BB Belarus - BY Belgium - BE Belize - BZ Benin - BJ Bermuda - BM Bhutan - BT Bolivia - BO Bosnia and Herzegovina - BA Botswana - BW Bouvet Island - BV Brazil - BR British Virgin Islands - VG British Indian Ocean Territory - IO Brunei Darussalam - BN Bulgaria - BG Burkina Faso - BF Burundi - BI Cambodia - KH Cameroon - CM Canada - CA Cape Verde - CV Cayman Islands - KY Central African Republic - CF Chad - TD Chile - CL China - CN Hong Kong, SAR China - HK Macao, SAR China - MO Christmas Island - CX Cocos (Keeling) Islands - CC Colombia - CO Comoros - KM Congo (Brazzaville) - CG Congo, (Kinshasa) - CD Cook Islands - CK Costa Rica - CR Côte d'Ivoire - CI Croatia - HR Cuba - CU Cyprus - CY Czech Republic - CZ Denmark - DK Djibouti - DJ Dominica - DM Dominican Republic - DO Ecuador - EC Egypt - EG El Salvador - SV Equatorial Guinea - GQ Eritrea - ER Estonia - EE Ethiopia - ET Falkland Islands (Malvinas) - FK Faroe Islands - FO Fiji - FJ Finland - FI France - FR French Guiana - GF French Polynesia - PF French Southern Territories - TF Gabon - GA Gambia - GM Georgia - GE Germany - DE Ghana - GH Gibraltar - GI Greece - GR Greenland - GL Grenada - GD Guadeloupe - GP Guam - GU Guatemala - GT Guernsey - GG Guinea - GN Guinea-Bissau - GW Guyana - GY Haiti - HT Heard and Mcdonald Islands - HM Holy See (Vatican City State) - VA Honduras - HN Hungary - HU Iceland - IS India - IN Indonesia - ID Iran, Islamic Republic of - IR Iraq - IQ Ireland - IE Isle of Man - IM Israel - IL Italy - IT Jamaica - JM Japan - JP Jersey - JE Jordan - JO Kazakhstan - KZ Kenya - KE Kiribati - KI Korea (North) - KP Korea (South) - KR Kuwait - KW Kyrgyzstan - KG Lao PDR - LA Latvia - LV Lebanon - LB Lesotho - LS Liberia - LR Libya - LY Liechtenstein - LI Lithuania - LT Luxembourg - LU Macedonia, Republic of - MK Madagascar - MG Malawi - MW Malaysia - MY Maldives - MV Mali - ML Malta - MT Marshall Islands - MH Martinique - MQ Mauritania - MR Mauritius - MU Mayotte - YT Mexico - MX Micronesia, Federated States of - FM Moldova - MD Monaco - MC Mongolia - MN Montenegro - ME Montserrat - MS Morocco - MA Mozambique - MZ Myanmar - MM Namibia - NA Nauru - NR Nepal - NP Netherlands - NL Netherlands Antilles - AN New Caledonia - NC New Zealand - NZ Nicaragua - NI Niger - NE Nigeria - NG Niue - NU Norfolk Island - NF Northern Mariana Islands - MP Norway - NO Oman - OM Pakistan - PK Palau - PW Palestinian Territory - PS Panama - PA Papua New Guinea - PG Paraguay - PY Peru - PE Philippines - PH Pitcairn - PN Poland - PL Portugal - PT Puerto Rico - PR Qatar - QA Réunion - RE Romania - RO Russian Federation - RU Rwanda - RW Saint-Barthélemy - BL Saint Helena - SH Saint Kitts and Nevis - KN Saint Lucia - LC Saint-Martin (French part) - MF Saint Pierre and Miquelon - PM Saint Vincent and Grenadines - VC Samoa - WS San Marino - SM Sao Tome and Principe - ST Saudi Arabia - SA Senegal - SN Serbia - RS Seychelles - SC Sierra Leone - SL Singapore - SG Slovakia - SK Slovenia - SI Solomon Islands - SB Somalia - SO South Africa - ZA South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands - GS South Sudan - SS Spain - ES Sri Lanka - LK Sudan - SD Suriname - SR Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands - SJ Swaziland - SZ Sweden - SE Switzerland - CH Syrian Arab Republic (Syria) - SY Taiwan, Republic of China - TW Tajikistan - TJ Tanzania, United Republic of - TZ Thailand - TH Timor-Leste - TL Togo - TG Tokelau - TK Tonga - TO Trinidad and Tobago - TT Tunisia - TN Turkey - TR Turkmenistan - TM Turks and Caicos Islands - TC Tuvalu - TV Uganda - UG Ukraine - UA United Arab Emirates - AE United Kingdom - GB United States of America - US US Minor Outlying Islands - UM Uruguay - UY Uzbekistan - UZ Vanuatu - VU Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic) - VE Viet Nam - VN Virgin Islands, US - VI Wallis and Futuna Islands - WF Western Sahara - EH Yemen - YE Zambia - ZM Zimbabwe - ZW
• Newsletter Subscribe to our email newsletter
• By submitting this form, you consent to our privacy policy .
• Hidden IP Location

Talk to an AdventureSmith Travel Specialist Call us toll free at 1-877-620-2875 . Call us direct at 530-583-1775 .

Office Hours Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm Pacific Time.

Address 40169 Truckee Airport Road, Suite 201 Truckee, CA 96161

You can now cruise from the Arctic to Antarctica on this over-the-top new voyage

It may be the coolest cruise ever. Both figuratively and literally.

Adventure cruise specialist Hurtigruten on Tuesday unveiled plans for an epic "pole-to-pole" voyage from the Arctic to Antarctica that will take in some of the world's most spectacular -- and chilly -- polar regions.

Kicking off in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Aug. 8, 2022, the 93-day sailing will include a relatively rare complete crossing of the Northwest Passage, the fabled Arctic route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans first traversed in 1903 by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen.

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

It'll also include stops in the rarely visited Aleutian Islands along the Alaskan Peninsula; deserted St. Matthew Island, the most isolated place in Alaska; Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic; and ice-capped Greenland.

And that's just for the initial Arctic portion of the voyage. The ship eventually will make its way south to Antarctica for an exploration of the world's southernmost continent, also explored by Amundsen (the first person to reach the geographic South Pole, in 1911).

Dubbed the "Pole to Pole Adventure: The Ultimate Bucket List Expedition Cruise – In the wake of polar hero Roald Amundsen," the trip will, appropriately enough, take place on Hurtigruten's 2-year-old, 530-passenger expedition ship named Roald Amundsen.

During its passage between the Arctic and Antarctica, the ship will stop at more than two dozen destinations along the East Coast of Canada and New England; the East Coast of Central America and the West Coast of South America.

Port calls will include Belize City, Belize; Colon, Panama; Manta, Ecuador; Lima, Peru; and La Serena, Chile.

As part of the passage southward, the vessel will make a complete passage through the Panama Canal. The trip ends in Ushuaia, Argentina.

In all, the trip will include visits to 11 countries. Fares start at $64,581 per person.

Hurtigruten on Tuesday also announced plans for a shorter, 66-day "pole-to-pole" adventure kicking off Sept. 22, 2022. This second sailing will take place on the line's 500-passenger Fram.

The voyage will include stops in the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Caribbean, South America and Antarctica and also a passage through the Panama Canal.

Fares for the trip start at $50,143 per person.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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

Will I get seasick on a cruise? Here's what travelers should know.

Mackenzie Pollock had a feeling she’d get seasick on her first cruise .

The 29-year-old Oregon resident tends to get carsick, so when she felt nausea on a Caribbean sailing with Princess Cruises in February, it wasn’t a surprise. And she came prepared. 

Pollock talked to her doctor before the trip, who prescribed Scopolamine patches. She also stocked up on Bonine tablets after seeing videos about it online. “I’m a librarian,” she said. “I do copious amounts of research on everything.”

There were “days here and there” during the 20-day trip when she felt sick, like when they went in and out of Florida and sailed through a thunderstorm. But between the two medications and other coping strategies like sitting on her suite’s balcony, she was able to manage it and enjoy her time with family.

Getting seasick can put a damper on a cruise, but there are ways to keep it from ruining your trip.

Why do people get seasick?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness. That happens when there is a difference between the information you get from your visual system, your inner ear and receptors in your muscles, according to Dr. Kathleen Cullen, a professor of biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University. In a cruise ship cabin, for instance, the surroundings might appear stable even while the vessel is moving.

“And this mismatch between what your visual system is experiencing and what your balance organs are telling your brain about how you're moving is sort of an alert signal to your brain that something is wrong,” said Cullen. “So, it's a sensory conflict that actually is the big problem.”

Motion sickness symptoms can include nausea, dizziness and vomiting. 

Some travelers are more vulnerable than others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those include kids between 2 and 12, and people who have a history of migraines, vertigo and vestibular disorders. “Pregnancy, menstruation, and taking hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives have also been identified as potential risk factors,” the health agency said on its website .

On the other hand, people older than 50 are less likely to develop it, and toddlers and infants are usually immune.

What is the worst cruise for seasickness?

While modern cruise ships have stabilizers that reduce their roll, some itineraries are more prone to choppy waters.

“If you're doing a transatlantic over to England , the North Atlantic can be pretty gnarly, especially in the winter,” said Rusty Pickett, a travel adviser and owner of Shellback Cruises. The Drake Passage, a feature of many Antarctica expedition sailings , is also notoriously treacherous.

Travelers can seek out calmer seas, though. ( Click here for USA TODAY’s guide to the best times to cruise by region.)

Where is the best cabin to avoid seasickness?

The bow of the ship tends to bounce up and down, said Pickett. “Lower in the ship, middle (and just aft of middle) minimizes the movement,” he added.

Booking a stateroom with a window so you can keep an eye on the horizon or getting fresh air – like Pollock did on her balcony – could also be helpful, Cullen said.

Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you? Here's how they compare.

How do I stop being seasick on a cruise?

Travelers can bring medications and other remedies with them. Prescription Scopolamine patches can help get passengers “over the hump,” Cullen said. There are also other over-the-counter medications like Dramamine.

Those can make users drowsy. Travelers should talk to their doctor about their options ahead of their cruise.

Ginger candies or ginger ale – made with real ginger – and acupressure wristbands may also be helpful.

After you board, Cullen recommends watching the horizon on the ship’s outer decks. “That's a pretty good way to keep yourself, initially, from getting motion sick if you're prone to it,” she said.

The CDC offers other suggestions , including lying down, closing your eyes and sleeping; limiting caffeinated and alcoholic drinks; eating small portions of food often; and not smoking.

What other options do passengers have?

Cruise ships generally have onboard medical staff that can treat a range of ailments, and Pickett said the vessels keep a supply of seasickness medication on hand.

During an Antarctica expedition I took with Aurora Expeditions in December, crew members also placed barf bags around the ship that passengers could grab if they felt sick while outside their rooms.

Pollock said feeling seasick didn’t put her off cruising, and she and her family plan to take another. “It was frustrating when it happened, but it didn't overshadow the trip at all.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

• Expeditions

Press Release

Viking announces launch of initial public offering.

Los Angeles, CA (April 22, 2024) – Viking Holdings Ltd (“Viking”) today announced the launch of its initial public offering of 44,000,000 ordinary shares pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-1 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Viking is offering 11,000,000 ordinary shares and the selling shareholders are offering 33,000,000 ordinary shares. In connection with the offering, the selling shareholders have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 6,600,000 ordinary shares to cover over-allotments. The initial public offering price is currently expected to be between $21.00 and $25.00 per ordinary share. Viking has applied to list its ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “VIK.” The proposed offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering.

BofA Securities and J.P. Morgan (listed in alphabetical order) are acting as lead underwriters and representatives for the proposed offering. UBS Investment Bank and Wells Fargo Securities are also acting as lead book-running managers. HSBC and Morgan Stanley are acting as bookrunners for the proposed offering, and Rothschild & Co, Stifel, Drexel Hamilton, LLC, Loop Capital Markets LLC and R. Seelaus & Co., LLC are acting as co-managers for the proposed offering.

The proposed offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus, when available, may be obtained from: BofA Securities, NC1-022-02-25, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department, telephone: 1-800-294-1322, or email: [email protected]; and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, telephone: 1-866-803-9204, or email: [email protected].

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Viking

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™.

Email: [email protected]

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

Defence called on for potential airdrop supply mission to Antarctic expeditioners after icebreaker's cargo cranes fail

• In short: A defence aircraft could be deployed to Antarctica to deliver much-needed supplies to Mawson Station via an airdrop, a Senate inquiry has been told.
• It comes after Australia's icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, was unable to offload half its cargo last month when its cranes malfunctioned due to technical issues.
• What's next?  The Australian Antarctic Division is also developing a separate contingency plan to pick up expeditioners at Macquarie Island in case ongoing industrial action prevents the Nuyina from making the trip.

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is working with the Department of Defence on a potential airdrop to deliver much-needed supplies, including coffee, to expeditioners at a remote station on the frozen continent.

The plan is being developed because Australia's icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, was only able to offload half its cargo during a recent voyage to Mawson Station.

The ship's resupply mission was disrupted by bad weather and malfunctioning cranes, as revealed by the ABC earlier this month .

Details about the new contingency plan were outlined at a Senate inquiry in Hobart on Wednesday.

"We're having really positive conversations with Department of Defence about potentially doing an airdrop to Mawson," AAD boss Emma Campbell said.

"We are working through the logistics on that and hopeful that that defence asset will be available."

Ms Campbell said while some essential supplies were able to be delivered last month, other cargo including building materials and dry goods were stuck on board the vessel.

"The base has enough to get on with and they could manage for the winter," Ms Campbell said.

"But clearly having more equipment for the trades, and those personal effects and the coffee are really important as well for quality of life for our expeditioners."

Defence has previously conducted airdrops to Antarctica as part of Operation Southern Discovery, including the delivery of 10 tonnes of supplies to expeditioners at the remote Bunger Hills in 2022.

An AAD spokesperson said the timing and logistics for a potential airdrop had not been finalised.

Second ship could be leased due to industrial action

The inquiry was also told a separate contingency plan is being developed in response to ongoing industrial action that threatens to delay the Nuyina's upcoming resupply voyage to Macquarie Island.

The ship was originally scheduled to make the 1,500-kilometre voyage by the end of this month, but the departure has been pushed back until at least early May.

Ms Campbell said the AAD was considering leasing another vessel in case the dispute between private operator Serco and ship's engineers and marine officers was not resolved.

"One of the things we are doing is looking at contingency shipping again so that we can get our expeditioners home from Macquarie Island," she said.

"You can understand that people have been there for a year and are very keen to get home and we're certainly looking at options."

The cost of hiring a vessel had not yet been determined, Ms Campbell said.

Budget blowout under scrutiny

The Senate inquiry was called last year after leaked internal correspondence revealed the AAD had overspent its budget .

The blowout triggered concerns that science programs could be adversely impacted by subsequent efforts to rein in spending.

At Wednesday's hearing, Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam questioned officials about when federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek was first told about the AAD's almost $42 million overspend.

An official told the inquiry he phoned the minister's office in July, when it first became apparent the blowout was more than double that of earlier forecasts.

"What course of action was requested by the minister's office out of your flagging of this issue?" Senator Duniam asked.

"Well, none, it's for the department to manage, so it would have been a courtesy call to let them know," replied Rob Hanlon, chief finance officer of the department Ms Plibersek manages.

Following the hearing, Senator Duniam said the inquiry had uncovered "a great many troubling findings".

"The department themselves have said that $40 million is an extraordinary overrun in terms of this expenditure," he said.

"I know that if I'd have been in Ms Plibersek's position, I would have immediately sought an explanation as to how [the budget blowout occurred].

"I would have asked for immediate answers on how they intend to provide remedies for that … I wouldn't have just let it go."

In a statement, Ms Plibersek blamed the former federal Liberal government for "irresponsibly managing" Australia's Antarctic program.

"As a result, we've had to have three inquiries into the program in 18 months," she said.

"The Albanese government is working hard to clean up the mess and put the Antarctic program on a more secure footing.

"We've locked in significant long-term funding for the Australian Antarctic Program – its budget is going up, every year, for the next three years. And it is higher every year than it would have been under the Liberals and Nationals."

Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson, who chairs the inquiry, said he was "disappointed" to learn at Wednesday's hearing the AAD had not yet replaced its chief scientist.

The position became vacant in late December, but the AAD said it did not find a suitable candidate during a recruitment campaign in January.

A senior executive will act in the role pending the outcome of a second recruitment drive, which could take six months to finalise.

"The chief scientist plays a critical role in providing strategic advice on the prioritisation of science, so it's a critical issue," Senator Whish-Wilson said.

The inquiry's final report is expected to be released by May 8.

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Australian antarctic icebreaker hit by technical issues and industrial action.

The Sun is entering its 'solar maximum'. For aurora hunters in Antarctica, there's nothing 'quite like it'

'Catastrophic' spending cuts cause fears for Antarctic Division

Australian Antarctic Division 'struggling' to use $528 million icebreaker for dedicated science voyages

On a stunning Antarctic voyage, women confront the cold, hard reality of science's diversity dilemma

• Academic Research
• Defence Forces
• Federal Government
• Research Organisations