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Our Antarctic Ports

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Antarctica Cruise Ports

All of our Antarctic and South Georgia expeditions depart and finish in small towns or cities in Chile or Argentina in South America. Many major airlines fly to either Santiago or Buenos Aires, with onward connections to our starting points. Find out more about your departure and finishing gateways and the best flight route for each.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Argentina’s ‘Gateway to Antarctica’ is a bustling, upmarket, Beagle Channel port, nestled amongst spectacular mountains. The town boasts great shops, cafés, restaurants, a museum and the historic “End of the World Train” to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Must try: locally-made chocolates, ice cream and for carnivores, parillada mixta (bbq mixed grill). Hike to a glacier above the town. We embark or disembark here for most of our Antarctic and South Georgia voyages. The easiest way to reach Ushuaia is via daily flights from Buenos Aires.

Punta Arenas, Chile

Tucked into the Strait of Magellan’s north coast; its red-roofs adding warmth to an oft-windswept landscape; Punta Arenas has long been known as a gateway to Patagonia. Easily reached by a 3.5-hour flight from Santiago, it has become our hub for flights connecting to our Antarctic and South Georgia voyages. Flights to or from King George Island spend a night here, while trips leaving from or returning to both Puerto Williams and Stanley include the Punta Arenas flight sector.

Puerto Williams, Chile

Our newest departure port is located on Isla Navarino, just down the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia, and a few hours’ sailing closer to Antarctica. Chile’s ‘Town at the End of the World’ is set against the dramatic Dientes de Navarino mountains. Our expeditions either fly into Puerto Williams from Punta Arenas (a short 45-minute flight) to begin a voyage or disembark here at voyage end for Punta Arenas flight. Either way, we enjoy a tour of this delightful port and its natural surrounds. Please note that sailing between Puerto Williams and Antarctica requires a Drake Crossing.

King George Island, Antarctica

Largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island (KGI) lies 65 nautical miles west of the Antarctic Peninsula and a comfortable two-hour flight across the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas. On clear days, views from the BAE-146 aircraft are spectacular as we fly to or from the airstrip at Chile’s Frei Base on KGI. Whether boarding or disembarking Polar Pioneer , we plan a short visit to Frei Base as well as Trinity Church, a small Russian Orthodox chapel near Bellingshausen Station. Flights are weather dependent and our voyage schedule is designed to allow for possible delays.

Stanley, Falkland Islands

Nestled into a north-facing hillside above a protected harbour, Stanley’s brightly-painted houses warmly welcome our arrival, whether it be by air or sea. If by air, we fly from Santiago or Punta Arenas and land at Mt Pleasant, a military base about an hour’s drive from town. If we arrive by sea, we disembark Polar Pioneer  at the FIPASS wharf, near the town centre. Each voyage includes a transfer between airport and ship. Ask our team about an extended stay in Stanley, the perfect base for exploring other wildlife-rich Falkland Islands.

Santiago, Chile

Many international airlines fly directly into Santiago, Chile’s capital, and largest city, which sprawls across a flat plain, surrounded on all sides by magnificent mountains. Enjoy great walks at Cerro San Cristobel and search out the city’s best barrios for delicious meals, quirky shopping and lively nightlife. If time allows, take a day trip to the mountains and wineries nearby. Expeditioners who start or finish their South Georgia and Antarctica voyage in Stanley will fly from or to Santiago on an included flight, with an opportunity to break the flight in Punta Arenas.

Getting to our ports

From australia & nz.

• Qantas and LATAM operate frequent services from Sydney and Auckland to Santiago, and Air New Zealand operate between Auckland and Buenos Aires with connecting flights to and from Australia.

From North America

• Major Carriers including LATAM as well as United, American, Air Canada and Delta Airways, who all have frequent services to Argentina and Chile from their North American hub cities.

From Europe

• All major European and South American Airlines operate services from Europe to our South American gateways. Popular carriers from Europe include KLM, Air France, Lufthansa and Iberia, as well as the South American carriers such as LATAM and Avianca.

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

Plan your next epic adventure to the White Continent.

The Top Antarctica Cruises

Yuri Matisse Choufour | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

Experience otherworldly beauty on an Antarctica cruise.

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

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

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

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

Atlas Ocean Voyages: 11-night Ushuaia Roundtrip

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

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

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

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

Aurora Expeditions: Antarctic Peninsula in Depth

Tyson Mayr | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

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

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

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

Read: Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress

Hurtigruten Expeditions: Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords Expedition

Dan Avila | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

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

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

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

Ralph Lee Hopkins | Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of Silversea

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

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

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

Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Viking: Antarctica & South Georgia Island

Courtesy of Viking

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

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

Find an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea.

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Expert tips on Antarctica expeditions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other items you'll want to pack:

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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TOP ANTARCTICA CRUISES: Destinations, Ports, Itineraries, and Resources

by development | Aug 11, 2021 | places , Top 21 | 0 comments

TOP ANTARCTICA CRUISES:

Destinations, ports, itineraries, alternatives, and resources.

In this article you will find:

Antarctica Cruises and Travel

Exhilarating and expensive polar tourism, 44 interesting facts about antarctica, pros and cons of cruising the antarctica, popular embarkation ports and ports of call, things to see and do, pre- and post-trip extensions, sample itineraries of companies operating in antarctica, recommended resources: books, movies, videos.

By   Ronald L. Krannich, Ph.D.

The Antarctica has become a popular bucket list destination for many people in search of unique water, ice, wildlife, and outdoor experiences in a beautiful blue and white, but cold and desolate, polar setting. Indeed, many travelers claim an Antarctica cruise was their “best ever” travel experience. This is an intriguing area of killer whales (orcas), cute penguins, beached seals, soaring albatross, turbulent seas, awesome icebergs, and a strange dead-cold desert.

Here’s what’s going on in this compelling cold, windy, and wild world that attracts nearly 60,000 curious visitors each year who come in a variety of research, expedition, and cruise ships to study, sightsee, kayak, trek, ski, climb, scuba dive, swim, camp, make new friends, visit research stations and old explorer huts, challenge themselves, and learn exciting new things.

Since rugged sea- and ice-worthy vessels are the primary way to reach this southern-most continent, everyone visiting Antarctica more or less becomes an expedition cruiser . Some arrive in private jets or high-tech luxury yachts equipped with submarines and helicopters (Scenic, Seabourn, and Viking). Others tour in small and aging exploration icebreakers with basic cabins fitted with bunkbeds and offering few creature comforts. And still others arrive in small and mid-sized expedition ships (100 to 500 passengers) that offer many comforts between these two extremes. Several small luxury cruise lines, such as Seabourn, Silversea, Ponant, Viking, Scenic, and Atlas Ocean Voyages visit the Antarctica with ice-class vessels. A few large mainstream cruise lines (Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and Norwegian), with ships carrying from 2,000 to 3,800 passengers and crew members, include sightseeing cruises to the Antarctica; their passengers do not set foot on land. And several expedition companies, such as Hurtigruten, Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, and Aurora Expeditions – the true polar expedition cruise pioneers offering both water and onshore adventures — have long been in this cold and windy business. And some well-heeled visitors skip the often turbulent 2-day cruise experience through the Drake Passage and quickly fly over the Passage in private jets that land on special landing strips on King George Island and at the South Pole.

The Antarctic is truly an exhilarating (amazing and weird) experience for travelers who now have many pricey sea, air, and land options to experience the wonders of this place from multiple embarkation points – Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa – that tackle different areas of the continent (Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, Ross Ice Shelf, and South Pole). The Antarctic Peninsula includes many research stations as well as such beautiful places as Paradise Bay and Dorian Bay. The most visited islands are the South Shetland Islands (includes King George, Elephant, and Deception).

Antarctica is unlike any other place you’ll ever visit – the world’s underbelly known for its water, ice, majestic scenery, winds, and wildlife of marine mammals (whales, seals, and penguins) as well as a triumphant and tragic history of polar exploration during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration (1897–1922) when such explorers as Amundsen, Scott, Borchgrevink, Mawson, and Shackleton became world celebrities (see “Recommended Resources” section at the end of this article). It’s also a polar desert that receives less than .8” of precipitation a year. If you’re looking for polar bears, reindeer, fox, and wolves, you’re at the wrong pole – that’s the signature wildlife of the North Pole and Arctic Circle. Bring your cameras and put on your ship-issued foul weather gear – this is going to be an unusual experience you’ll want to document as evidence supporting your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic adventure stories.

It’s an adventure, it’s exhilarating, and it’s not cheap. Indeed, get ready to spend $1,000 to $3,000 a day to cruise this fascinating world of water, ice, aquatic wildlife, scientific outposts, traces of exploration madness, new climate challenges, luxury yachts, and annual marathon footrace. But that’s just for starters. For a lot more money ($10,000 per day) you can fly into the South Pole from Cape Town, South Africa on a Gulfstream jet and camp and trek there for a few days ( White Desert ) – the ultimate luxury adventure in Antarctica. Or, if you’re part of the adventuresome super-rich class, you can skip cruising altogether and fly your private jet onto the only runway designed for private jets in Antarctica! Perhaps this is another place where billionaires go to escape from millionaires – the ultra-rich who may also occasionally escape to exclusive private Caribbean islands , such as Petit St. Vincent, Canouan, Neckter, Moskito, and Mustique.

Whether you embark from the tip of South America or New Zealand, fly in from Chile or South Africa, survive the challenges of the turbulent Drake Passage, or learn to walk and trek on ice without the convenience of restroom facilities, the Antarctic is simply an adventure of a lifetime – a trip that makes bucket list-travel both exciting and worthwhile.

The Antarctica is different. It’s a “Travel-Plus” destination – filled with the unexpected and unpredictable, starting with the weather, which can go through four seasons in a single day! So be prepared to encounter some of the following realities when you visit the world’s driest, highest, coldest, windiest, most barren, inhospitable, darkest (winter), brightest (summer), timeless, directionless, and weirdest place on Earth:

• The 5th largest continent (5.5 million square miles) — 1½ the size of the U.S., twice the size of Australia, and much larger than Europe.
• Boasts the highest elevation of all continents.
• A dry polar desert that receives less than .8” precipitation each year, which primarily falls in milder coastal areas.
• Embarking from Ushuaia, Argentina, the Antarctic Peninsula is the best place to start your onshore visit. It offers the most beautiful settings, the most diverse wildlife, the least frigid climate, the most inviting shorelines and base camps, and the shortest distance between continents (South America and Antarctica). The inhospitable desert interior is cold, windy, and devoid of wildlife.
• Rules for visiting the Antarctic are governed by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) . Always remember to “leave no crumbs behind,” “take your poop and pee with you,” and “penguins have the right away.”
• Southern-most active volcanos are found on Ross Island and Deception Island .
• Surrounded on all sides by the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean).
• The Earth’s most alien landscape comparable to another planet; visitors walk unsteadily on ice and rocks.
• Coldest place on Earth – lowest temperate ever recorded of 128.5˚ Fahrenheit in 1983 at Vostok Station . The Antarctic Peninsula (“ banana belt ”), which is the size of the UK and the target area for most cruises, has the mildest climate because of its warm ocean location. Antarctica’s interior is unbelievably cold and windy, forbidden territory for most humans and animals.
• Windiest continent – up to 200 mile per hour winds called the  katabatic winds .
• The interior Dry Valleys are the driest places on earth – low humidity, gravel, dust, and almost no snow or ice cover.
• Antarctic has no time zones – research stations adapt the time zones of their host countries.
• All directions in Antarctic are North.
• Antarctic first discovered in 1820 by Russian naval officers, cartographers, and expedition explorers Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev . They and several subsequent explorers were part of the famous Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration that began at the end of the 19th century and ended after World War I (with the failed Shackleton–Rowett Expedition  of 1921–1922).
• Norwegian Roald Amundsen was the first to reach the South Pole in 1911.
• Famous British polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott and his party starved and froze to death in 1912 during a failed exploration at the Ross Ice Shelf . This critical expedition is chronicled in Apsley Cherry-Garrard’s 1922 memoir of Scott’s tragic Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole in 1910–1913 — The Worst Journey in the World .
• The legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton made three failed attempts to cross Antarctica via the South Pole. His final attempt in 1916 ended in disaster, but he and his party of 28 (27 crew + 1 stole away) survived beyond all odds and became the subject of one of the most exciting polar exploration and leadership books ever written – Alfred Lansing’s Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage   (1959).
• Largest gateway city to Antarctica is Buenos Aires, Argentina, but the major departure port for cruise ships is Ushuaia, Argentina, a 3-hour flight south of Buenos Aires.
• You can fly into Antarctica (land on King George Island) via Punta Arenas, Chile; one company ( White Desert ) flies from South Africa to a special jet-friendly landing strip at the South Pole.
• Three luxury cruise lines (Scenic, Seabourn, and Viking) come equipped with submarines and helicopters to explore the Antarctic.
• Scuba diving, swimming, and camping are increasingly popular activities for brave and adventuresome visitors to Antarctica.
• Antarctic lands and seas are home to over 9,000 animal species. The predominant species are whales, seals, penguins, and birds. The penguin colonies alone include 5 million penguins.
• Orcas are also known as killer whales. But they are not whales — just big and ferocious porpoises.
• Leopard seals (also known as the sea leopard), which can weigh 440 to 1,320 pounds, are the most dangerous Antarctic animals – not to be petted! Their only natural predator is the killer whale (orca).
• There are no indigenous peoples or permanent residents native to Antarctica.
• Antarctic is home to over 4,000 temporary residents in the summer and 1,000+ temporary residents in the winter – primarily researchers assigned to the 80 research stations operated by 30 countries. The majority of researchers represent five countries – USA, Russia, Chile, Argentina, and Australia.
• You can visit several active Antarctic research stations through Polar Latitudes and a few other tour operators.
• You can have your passport stamped and mail a postcard from the world’s most remote post office at Dorian Bay (don’t hold your breath – the mail may take 8 weeks to arrive).
• Over 50 research, expedition, and luxury cruise ships cruise to Antarctica each year. Some are small research vessels with fewer than 25 passengers whereas others are large mainstream cruise ships with more than 3,000 passengers. Most expedition ships carry fewer than 500 passengers; many of these are in the 100 to 200 passenger range.
• Nearly 60,000 tourists visit Antarctica each year – representing a 100% increase in tourist traffic over a 10-year period. More and more cruise lines are planning polar expeditions as part of their adventure and bucket list collection of cruises experiences.
• Ushuaia, Argentina , at the very tip of South America, is the major embarkation port for cruises to Antarctica. It’s an attractive city for planning a 2-3 day extension.
• The Drake Passage is one of the most challenging areas to cruise because of the often-turbulent convergence of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans (can expect to ride 20-40’ waves). Taking a cruise from Ushuaia through the Drake Passage may result in two days of seasickness each way. Be forewarned and prepared with medications, although it may not be as bad as the 19th century stories of ill-equipped wooden boats navigating this area. It definitely is a “Right of Passage” for tourists. An alternative (more expensive but a real time-saver) is to fly over the Drake Passage. A two-hour flight offered by  Antarctica21  and  Intrepid Travel  goes from Punta Arenas (gateway to Chilean Patagonia ) to the South Shetland Islands (King George Island is the largest island) where visitors initially board their Antarctic expedition ship.
• Most cruise ships visit the Antarctic Peninsula that stretches north to South America and is known for Lemaire Channel , Paradise Harbor , and Port Lockroy with its many icebergs.
• Covered by an average of 1-mile-thick ice; in some areas the ice is 3 miles thick.
• Includes over 400 underground (subglacial) lakes. Lake Vostok is about the size of Lake Ontario and is found 2.5 miles underground.
• Holds 70% of the world’s fresh water and 90% of the world’s ice.
• No plant life exists.
• Includes a massive mountain range, Gamburtsev Mountains .
• 10 people born in Antarctica – first birth took place in 1979.
• No one owns Antarctica, but visitors need permission to go there from one of the 53 countries that signed the Antarctic Treaty (most tourists receive de facto permission through their cruise line).
• Only ships with 500 or fewer passengers can land in Antarctic; larger-sized ships can only cruise by (the water equivalent of a “drive by”).
• The Antarctic Peninsula is the staging area for the annual (since 2011) 250-kilometer multi-stage desert footrace sponsored by RacingthePlanet . In November/December, participants spend up to 12 hours a day onshore where no one has yet to complete all 250 challenging kilometers in the ice, snow, and sketchy weather conditions! Calling the Antarctic “The Last Desert,” participants in this ultramarathon also must complete similar footraces, crossings, and marches through three other grueling and hot deserts – Atacama (Chile), Gobi (Mongolia), and Namib (Namibia).
• Only 100 passengers can go onshore at a time; small ships with fewer than 100 passengers are ideally suited for everyone boarding zodiacs and going onshore together.
• The ice cover is melting at an alarming rate, especially around the fast warming Western Antarctic Peninsula, due to climate change . If all of Antarctica’s ice melted, the Earth’s sea level would rise by 200 feet!

Pros and Cons of Visiting the Antarctica

• Many different types of cruises – from luxury to exploration – are available from two major embarkation points – South America (Chile and Argentina) and the lower South Pacific (New Zealand and Australia). A few cruises now depart from South Africa – Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The shortest, least expensive, and most interesting cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina.
• Intimate small ship experiences.
• Offer cruising, trekking, and even camping opportunities.
• Interesting onboard enrichment programs and experts related to the Antarctica.
• Amazing visual experiences and great photo opportunities.
• Fascinating wildlife, especially majestic Killer, Humpback, and Sperm whales (7 species), 17 species of penguins (most common being Emperor, Adelie, Gentoo, and King), and 46 species of birds, including the seemingly forever aloof albatross (can stay in flight for 10,000 miles in a single journey and circumnavigate the globe in 46 days!).
• Very experienced expedition cruise companies.
• Interesting cruise mates concerned with environmental issues.
• Unusual and unforgettable travel experience.
• Unexpected fine dining experiences.
• Few people but lots of fascinating wildlife and ice formations.
• A unique and satisfying personal adventure.
• Photographer’s paradise.
• Pristine and transforming landscapes.
• Great embarkation cities – Santiago and Buenos Aires .
• Wonderful cruising through the Chilean fjords ( Patagonia ) prior to departing from Punta Arenas (Chile) or Ushuaia (Argentina) for crossing the Southern Ocean to Antarctica.
• Focus on science and ecology.
• Cute, picturesque, and friendly penguins.
• Interesting kayaking and trekking activities.
• Learn a great deal about the environment and climate change.
• Very educated, experienced, and likeable cruise mates, crew, and staff members.
• Survive the challenging Drake Passage cruise experience which wasn’t bad at all.
• Experience the Southern Lights (Aurora Australia) between March and September.
• Ecotourism in action – several expedition cruise companies minimizing impact of tourism on a fragile environment by practicing responsible tourism.
• Very expensive cruises – expect to pay luxury cruise prices of $500 to $10,000 per person per day for what may turn out to be less these luxurious adventure experiences (“roughing it gently”). Here’s what the really rich get for $10,000 a day!
• Limited onshore experiences – after seeing whales, seals, and penguins, and not interested in scuba diving, swimming, and camping, what else is there to see and do?
• Zero Internet connections and limited international communication.
• Very cold, windy, and barren place – but cold may be a “pro” for some who find the climate exhilarating.
• Few standard onboard cruise ship experiences.
• Long wait time to go onshore because of the large ship size.
• Dreaded two-day Drake Passage crossing + major bouts of seasickness – but a Drake Passage experience is a “pro” for some cruisers who have it on their bucket list of adventuresome water experiences.
• Lack of onshore restroom facilities – may need to wear adult diapers (Depends) if you’re unable to make it back to your ship in time to “go”.  Relieving yourself on the ice will get you confined to your ship for the rest of your Antarctic adventure!
• Long cruises ranging from 12 to 30 days (longest depart from Australia and New Zealand).
• Very fragile eco system.
• Cut off from communication with the rest of the world – a “pro” for some.
• Bright all day long during the summer; dark all day long during the winter.
• Unpredictable and sometimes miserable weather – can experience all four seasons in a single day!

Most expedition cruise ships specializing on the Antarctic depart from the tip of South America (Ushuaia). While some cruise lines make Santiago (Chile) and Buenos Aires (Argentina) their official departure points, in most cases these cities are only pre-cruise meeting destinations for flights elsewhere; clients initially gather at hotels, enjoy the cities, and then fly together for three hours to key embarkation ports where they board and familiarize themselves with their ship. A few large ships (2,000 to 3,800 passengers) actually depart from Santiago and Buenos Aires and make brief sightseeing passes near Antarctic, but the bulk of their cruise focuses on Patagonia — Chile’s Andes Mountains, fjords, lakes, and glaciers and Argentina’s deserts, tablelands, and steppes.

The major departure port (90%) for Antarctic expedition cruises is Ushuaia (Argentina). Other departure ports include Punta Arenas (Chile), which is also used for air-cruise trips of Antarctica21 (fly from Punta Arenas to South Shetland Islands where its three ships dock at King George Island ) and Stanley (Falkland Islands). Some cruise lines (Silversea and Aurora Expeditions) now use Punta Williams (Chile) as a departure port. A limited number of expedition cruises (Ponant, Oceanwide Expeditions, Heritage Expeditions, National Geographic Endurance) also originate in New Zealand and Australia. The embarkation ports include Invercargill / Port of Bluff , Dunedin , and Lyttelton-Christchurch in New Zealand and Hobart in Australia. Compared to the more popular South America-based Antarctic cruises, the Australia- and New Zealand-based cruises are much longer, more expensive, and less awe-inspiring. They go to the historic Ross Ice Shelf (where famous British polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott and his party tragically died in 1912). This is also the area of early Antarctic explorations. Here you can visit the huts of Scott, Shackleton, and Mawson. This is also one of the most remote areas of Antarctica with tall icebergs, extreme weather conditions, and turbulent seas. Some companies, such as Hapag-Lloyd, combine both areas in a single expedition cruise – embark in Ushuaia, Argentina and disembark in Lyttelton-Christchurch, New Zealand.

One cruise line – Viking Cruises – offers an ultimate 44-day Arctic to Antarctica cruise that includes stops in 9 countries.

The size of your cruise ship is very important to enjoying an Antarctic cruise adventure. Large ships (more than 500 passengers) are prohibited from landing in the Antarctic. If you’re on such a ship, you’ll only pass by land masses for wildlife watching and photo opportunities – no onshore experiences. For ships under 500 passengers, only 100 passengers are allowed to go onshore at a time. Therefore, passengers with smaller ships (under 100 passengers) are able to spend more time onshore as well as travel together in zodiacs from ship to shore. Ships between 101 and 500 passengers will need to limit the onshore time of multiple groups that go onshore. More of their time will be spent on the logistics of moving passengers back and forth to the ship. Time spend on shore may be only one hour unless you opt for overnight camping or join the annual footrace sponsored by RacingthePlanet (participants spend 12 hours onshore).

Depending on the ship you choose, Antarctica cruises offer a wide variety of onboard, on water, and onshore things to see and do. If, for example, you join a research vessel as a paying passenger, you may have an opportunity to participate in an ongoing research project related to wildlife and ecology. These can be Spartan ships On large luxury cruise ships that are prohibited from taking passengers ashore, most of your activities will be onboard — range from participating in enrichment (lecture/presentation) programs, shopping, gambling, and dancing to specialty dining, exercising, spa treatments, and entertainment. Since these are primarily scenic cruises, passengers have many opportunities to take photos of the Antarctic world around them, which means viewing amazing wildlife and beautiful ice formations and landscapes.

Expedition ships under 500 passengers organize many on-the-water and onshore activities. Ships under 100 passengers are able to simultaneously involve most passengers in these activities:

  ON-THE-WATER ACTIVITIES/EXPERIENCES:

• Zodiac safaris to explore waters and observe/photograph amphibious wildlife (whales, seals, and penguins)
• Zodiac safaris to view icebergs, glacial coastlines, mountains, and beaches.
• Ship-to-shore zodiac trips
• Photo shoots
• Swimming (polar plunges with photos)
• Scuba diving
• Submarining (special luxury yachts only)
• Bird watching

ONSHORE ACTIVITIES/EXPERIENCES:

• Snow shoeing
• Mountaineering
• Camping on snow/ice
• Flyovers/landings by helicopter
• Visiting research stations
• Stop at noted bases (church on King George Island, post office at Dorian Bay, historic explorer huts on Rose Ice Shelf)
• Special events and traditions (RacingthePlanet’s ultramarathon footrace in November/December and other celebrations and traditions )

Most pre- and post-trip extensions offered by cruise companies focus on spending two to four extra days in the four major gateway cities for Antarctic cruises – Buenos Aires, Santiago, Ushuaia, and Punta Arenas. If you’ve never been to Buenos Aires or Santiago, you’re well advised to take some extra time to visit these two delightful cities and perhaps use them as bases for visiting other interesting areas of South America, such as Peru and Brazil.

If you want to experience more outdoor adventures, plan to explore Patagonia, which spans both Chile and Argentina, although the Chilean side with the Andean Mountains and fjords is the most dramatic area to visit. Also consider trips to the Amazon region, Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and coastal areas, Peru’s Cusco and Machu Picchu, Chile’s and Argentina’s wine country, Chile’s Atacama Desert, Argentina’s Iguazu Falls, Chile’s Easter Island, Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, and cruise Chile’s and Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego. Your travel agent should be able to recommend several trip extension options.

If you take an Antarctic cruise from New Zealand or Australia, you’ll have many pre- and post-trip extension options in these two countries. In New Zealand, you’ll already be on the South Island which offers many interesting travel opportunities to wine country and interesting arts and crafts centers. In Australia, exploring Sydney and Melbourne should be “must visit” trip extensions. An extra four or five days in each of these countries will be well worth the trip.

Each year over 50 research, expedition, and luxury cruise ships offer a variety of Antarctic cruise and land experiences. Be sure to check out the detailed itineraries of each cruise line. While many small expedition cruise lines offer passengers hands-on water experiences (submarining, kayaking, scuba diving, and swimming), go ashore (zodiacs and trekking), and even camp on the ice, other companies (mainly large cruise lines) only do scenic cruises (the “drive-by” specialists) to sightsee and take photos rather than engaged in active water and onshore adventures. And some mainstream luxury cruise lines (Silversea, Crystal, Hapag-Lloyd, and Viking) now have small expedition-class ships to compete in this cruise space. One operator – Zegrahm Expeditions – decided after 30+ years in this business to fold up operations in 2022 because of the crowded field of competitors.

Here are some of the major Antarctic operators with sample itineraries (most are similar with Ushuaia being the key port):

• Adventure Canada (Ocean Endeavor) : “Ushuaia to Ushuaia.” 14 days. Includes Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Drake Passage, and Ushuaia.
• Antarctica21 (fly-cruise – BAE-146 + Ocean Nova) : “Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas.” 8 days. Includes flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, and return flight to Punta Arenas.
• Atlas Ocean Voyages (World Navigator and World Traveller):   “Ushuaia to Ushuaia.” 11 nights. Includes Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, and Ushuaia.
• Aurora Expeditions (Greg Mortimer) : “Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams: Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula.” 22 days. Includes Punta Arenas, Chilean Fjords, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, Falklands-Malvinas, and Puerto Williams.
• Azamara  (Azamara Pursuit) : “Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires.” 17 nights. Includes Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, Elephant Island, Port Stanley, Puerto Madryn, and Buenos Aires. A “drive by” scenic cruise.
• Celebrity  (Celebrity Infinity) : “Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires.” 14 nights. Includes Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Paradise Bay (Antarctica), Elephant Island, Port Stanley, Puerto Madryn, and Buenos Aires. A “drive by” scenic cruise.
• G Adventures (G Expedition) : “Ushuaia to Ushuaia.” 10 nights. Includes Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica Peninsula, Drake Passage, and Ushuaia.
• Hapag-Lloyd (Hanseatic Inspiration) : “Ushuaia to Lyttelton (Christchurch, New Zealand).” 33 days. Includes Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Ross Island, Terra Nova Bay, Victoria Land, Balleny Islands, Macquarie Island, Campbell Island, Snares Islands, and Lyttelton-Christchurch.
• Heritage Expeditions (Spirit of Enderby) : “In the Wake of Scott and Shackleton: Rose Sea Antarctica.” 30 days. This is a Russian research vessel (not luxury) that accommodates paying tourists. Includes Invercargill, Port of Bluff, The Snares (North East Island), Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island, Campbell Island, and Invercargill or Christchurch.
• Holland America (Westerdam) : “Santiago to Buenos Aires.” 22 nights. Includes Santiago, Puerto Montt, Puerto Chacbuco, Chilean Fjords, Amalia Glacier, Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Antarctic, Port Stanley, Puerto Madryn, Punta del Este, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires. A “drive by” scenic cruise.
• Hurtigruten  (MS Fridtiof Nansen) : “Santiago to Buenos Aires.” 17 nights. Includes Santiago, Castro, Puerto Eden, Puerto Natales, Chilean Fjords, Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia, and Buenos Aires (fly).
• Lindblad Expeditions (Endurance) : “Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires.” 24 nights. Includes flying from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic, South Shetland Islands, South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, and flight back to Buenos Aires.
• National Geographic Expeditions (Endurance) : “Epic Antarctica Voyage: Peninsula to the Ross Sea.” 35 days. Includes Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, Western Antarctica, Ross Sea, Macquarie Island, Australia, New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, Dunedin, and Auckland.
• Oceania  (Marina) : “Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires.” 20 nights. Includes Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta del Este, Puerto Madryn, Port Stanley, Antarctica, Drake Passage, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Chilean Fjords, Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco, Puerto Montt, and Santiago. A scenic “drive by” cruise.
• Oceanwide Expeditions (M/V Hondius) : “Puerto Madryn to Ushuaia.” 20 nights. Includes Puerto Madryn, Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, and Ushuaia.
• Polar Latitudes (MS Seaventures) : “Ushuaia to Ushuaia.” 13 days. Includes Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, and Ushuaia.
• Ponant (Le Soleal) : “Dunedin to Dunedin (New Zealand).” 21 nights. Includes Dunedin, Campbell Island, Ross Sea Region, Balleny Islands, Macquarie Island, Snares Islands, and Dunedin.
• Poseidon Expeditions (M/V Sea Spirit) : “Ushuaia to Ushuaia.” 11 days. Includes Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, and Ushuaia.
• Princess (Sapphire Princess) : “Santiago to Buenos Aires.” 16 nights. Includes Santiago, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Antarctic Peninsula, Port Stanley, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires. A “drive by” scenic cruise.
• Quark Expeditions (Ultramarine) : “Buenos Aires to Santiago.” 14 nights. Includes Buenos Aires, Ushuaia (fly), Cape Horn, Diego Ramirez Islands, Glacier Alley, Dainelli Glacier, Chilean Fjords, Puerto Natales, Canal de las Montanas, Tuckers Islets, Ainsworth Bay, Bahia Brookes, Marta Island, Punta Arenas, and Santiago (fly).
• Seabourn (Seabourn Quest) : “Santiago to Buenos Aires.” 21 nights. Includes Santiago, Puerto Montt, Castro, Chilean Fjords, Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Beagle Channel, Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, Port Stanley, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires.
• Scenic  (Scenic Eclipse) : “Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires.” 11 nights. Includes Buenos Aires, Ushuaia (fly), Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia, and Buenos Aires (fly).
• Silversea (Silver Wind) : “Ushuaia to Ushuaia.” 14 nights. Includes Ushuaia, New Island, West Point, Port Stanley, Elephant Island, Antarctic Sound, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage, and Ushuaia.
• Swan Hellenic (SH Minerva) : “Ushuaia to Ushuaia.” 10 days. Includes Ushuaia, Antarctic Sound, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, and Ushuaia.
• Vantage (Ocean Explorer) : “Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.” 12 nights. Includes Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Ushuaia, and Buenos Aires.
• Viking (Viking Polaris) : “Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.” 13 nights. Includes Buenos Aires, fly to Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Cape Horn, and Ushuaia.

Dozens of travel companies offer a variety of Antarctic travel adventures, from cruises to air-cruise combinations. Since these are travel rather than cruise line companies, most of these travel operators charter cruise ships owned by major Antarctic expedition and luxury cruise lines such as Quark Expeditions and Ponant. Here is a sampling of a few major travel companies offering Antarctic adventures:

• Abercrombie & Kent (Charters Ponant’s 199-passenger Le Lyrial) : “Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.” 13 days. Includes Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctica, Drake Passage, and Ushuaia.
• Adventure Life : Books cruises with many different Antarctic expedition and luxury cruise lines. A useful one-shop website for getting an overview of Antarctic cruise options, including reviews of individual expedition ships.
• Chimu Adventures (Fly-cruise, Ocean Adventurer — chartered from Quark Expeditions) : “Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas.” 8 days. Includes flight from Punta Arenas to South Shetlands Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, and return flight to Punta Arenas.
• Intrepid Travel (Ocean Endeavor) : “Ushuaia to Ushuaia.” 11 days. Includes Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, and Ushuaia.
• Overseas Adventure Travel (M/C Corinthian) : “Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires.” 14 days. Includes Buenos Aires, fly to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage, Ushuaia, and fly back to Buenos Aires.
• Polar Cruises : Offers numerous Antarctic cruises – from basic to luxury – conducted by a variety of expedition cruise companies. A good portal for surveying cruise options.
• Polartours : This is a booking portal that works with several expedition cruise and tour companies specializing in the Antarctic.
• Road Scholar (Fly-cruise — charters M/V Ocean Nova) : “Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas.” 11 nights. Includes Punta Arenas, fly to King George Island in South Shetland Islands to board M/V Ocean Nova, multiple visits to western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, and flight back to Punta Arenas.
• Swoop Antarctica : A specialty travel and booking agency that offers a wide range of cruises and flights to Antarctica.
• Tauck (charters 3 Ponant ships — Le Boréal, L’Austral, or Le Lyrial) : “Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires.” 13 days. Includes Buenos Aires, fly to Ushuaia and board ship, Drake Passage, 5 stops along Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Ushuaia, and return flight to Buenos Aires.
• Travel Wild Expeditions : Works with several expedition cruise lines in offering a variety of cruises and air-cruise combinations in the Antarctica.

The following resources will give you a good orientation into various aspects of the Antarctic, from the tragic and triumphant history of exploration to today’s best cruise experiences.

• Alone on the Ice: The Greatest Survival Story in the History of Exploration (David Roberts, 2014)
• Amundsen’s Way: Race to the South Pole (Joanna Grochowicz, 2019)
• Antarctic Cruising Guide (Peter Carey and Craig Franklin, 2018)
• Antarctica: A Guide to the Wildlife (Tony Soper, 2018)
• Antarctica: An Intimate Portrait of the World’s Most Mysterious Continent (Gabiella Walker, 2012)
• Antarctica: The Waking Giant (Sabastian Copeland, 2020)
• Antarctica Cruise Guide (online)
• The Birthday Boys: A Novel (Beryl Bainbridge, 2016)
• Chimu Antarctica Travel Guide (online)
• End of the Earth: Voyaging to Antarctica (Peter Mattiessen and Birgit Freybe Bateman, 2004)
• Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage (Alfred Lansing, 1959)
• Horizon Guide to Antarctica (online)
• Into the White: Scott’s Antarctic Odyssey (Joanna Grochowicz, 2017)
• The Last Place on Earth: Scott and Amundsen’s Race to the South Pole (Roland Huntford and Paul Theroux, 1999)
• Lonely Planet Antarctica (2017)
• The Lost Men: The Harrowing Saga of Shackleton’s Ross Sea Party (Kelly Tyler-Lewis, 2007)
• Madhouse at the End of the Earth: The Belgica’s Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night (Julian Sancton, 2021)
• Mawson’s Will: The Greatest Polar Survival Story Ever Written (Leonard Bickel and Edmund Sir Hillary, 2000)
• Responsible Travel Guide to Antarctica (online)
• Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica (Sara Wheeler, 1999)
• With Byrd at the Bottom of the World: The South Pole Expedition of 1928-1930 (Norman D. Vaughan and Cecil B. Murphey, 2016)
• The Worst Journey in the World (Apsley Cherry-Garrard, 1922)

Antarctic-Themed Movies

• Antarctica: Ice and Sky (2015)
• Antarctica: A Year on Ice (2017)
• Cold Skin (2017)
• Cry of the Penguins (1971)
• Desert Runners (2013)
• Dirigible (1931)
• Eight Below (2006)
• Encounters at the End of the World (2007)
• The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition (2000)
• The Great White Silence (1924)
• Hell Below Zero (1954)
• March of the Penguins (2007)
• March of the Penguins 2 (2017)
• Penguins (2019)
• Penguins: Life on the Edge (2020)
• Red Knot (2014)
• Scott of the Antarctic (1948)
• Shackleton’s Captain (2012)
• South (1919)
• The Thing (1982)
• Where’d You Go, Bernadette (2019)
• Whiteout (2009)
• With Byrd at the South Pole (1930)

Videos of Antarctica and Cruise/Travel  Experiences

You’ll find numerous videos about Antarctica online. Most cruise lines post videos of their expeditions on their websites as well as on YouTube. Lindblad includes numerous short videos on a variety of cruise subjects. Hurtigruten offers some of the most informative videos. A few travel experts, such as Gary Bembridge, also post informative videos about Antarctic cruises and cruise ships. For starters, sample some of the following videos to acquaint yourself with what’s going on in the Antarctic cruise and travel worlds:

• Antarctic Travel Videos
• Welcome to the Antarctica
• Is Hurtigruten the Right Antarctica Cruise for YOU?
• Silversea: Antarctica
• Silversea Silver Cloud Expedition Ship: What You Need to Know Before Cruising
• How to Choose Your Antarctica Cruise Ship
• MA Roald Amundsen Antarctica
• Quark Expedition Videos of Antarctica
• Lindblad Expeditions: Antarctica
• Aboard National Geographic Explorer: Antarctica
• Luxury 10- Day Antarctica Cruise on Board Le Lyrial by Ponant
• Seabourn’s Antarctica and Patagonia Experience
• Antarctica21 Air-Cruise to Antarctica
• Scenic Eclipse Antarctic Discovery Yacht with Submarine and Helicopter
• Viking Cruise Antarctic Expeditions
• Abercrombie & Kent Cruise to Antarctic
• Poseidon Expeditions Videos of Antarctic Cruises
• Expedition Antarctica with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
• Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruise on Crystal Endeavor
• Tauck Cruising in Antarctic
• Hapag-Lloyd in Antarctica
• Swoop Antarctica Cruises
• Overseas Travel Adventure Video Library on Antarctica
• White-Desert Pioneering Luxury Travel in Antarctica
• Land of Pure Silence
• Amazing Antarctica: World’s Nature Laboratory
• 360° Antarctica: Journey Through the Ice
• Antarctica: Exploring Oceans
• The Secrets of Antarctica
• Best Antarctic Animal Moments
• Expedition Antarctica
• Antarctica: A Message From Another Planet
• National Geographic’s Antarctic Peninsula
• The Antarctic Peninsula
• Cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula
• 6 Greatest Cruises in the World
• 5 Worst Things About an Antarctica Trip: Should They Stop You Going?
• RacingthePlanet’s Annual 250-Kilometer Footrace in the Antarctic

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The Antarctica Explorer

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

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

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

• Ocean Albatros

Standard Activities

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

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

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

At Sea, crossing the Drake Passage Southbound

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

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

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

The Antarctic Peninsula - Adventure awaits

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

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

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

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

At Sea, crossing the Drake Passage Northbound

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

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

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

Return to Ushuaia and Disembarkation

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

Departure Dates

• 2024 Departures
• 2025 Departures
• 2026 Departures

Enjoy special rates on selected cabins – 30% off

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Terms & conditions.

• — This offer applies to new bookings and cannot be combined with any other promotions, discounts, or group deals.
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• — Promotion is applicable for single travelers travelling in a single cabin or single with a single supplement.
• — 30% off also applies to a single supplement.
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Extra Activities

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

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

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

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

What's Included

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

What's Excluded

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

Related Itineraries

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Antarctic explorer: discovering the 7th continent.

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

South shetland islands & antarctic peninsula.

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Antarctic Circle Expedition

Antarctic express: fly the drake, classic antarctica, spirit of antarctica, highlights of antarctica.

Antarctic Explorer: Fly-Sail (12D)

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

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

Listen & Match

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

Reserve & Relax

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

Prepare & Travel

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

Give us a Call

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

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Antarctica Cruises

Save up to 20% on all-inclusive Antarctic adventure in 2025 and 2026 with the HX Price Promise*

Go with the global leader in expeditions to Antarctica

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

20 years and counting

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

Explore Antarctica on our small, well-equipped, hybrid expedition ships, where safety and sustainability come first. PLUS with our Price Promise, if you find the same cabin available for a lower price after you've booked, let us know and we'll give you back the difference.

Meet the locals

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

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

Exploring Antarctica

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

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

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

A symphony of ice and sky

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

Cruises to Antarctica

In-depth Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition | Southbound

Departure date

Price from £11,991

Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition | Southbound

Departure Dates

21 Oct 24, 1 Nov 24

Price from £10,088

MS Roald Amundsen +1

MS Roald Amundsen MS Fridtjof Nansen

Adventure is All-Inclusive

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

Active exploration

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

Activities in Antarctica

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

Snowshoeing

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

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

Camping | Amundsen Night

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

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

Wildlife on ice

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

Wildlife in Antarctica

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

Where science and learning meet nature

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

Your Antarctica Expedition Team

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

Expedition Ships | The perfect balance

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

A favourite within our fleet, MS Fram is a purpose-built expedition ship named in honour of the Original FRAM - the world's greatest exploration ship between 1893 to 1912 and has been captained by both Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen during her years at sea. With 119 cabins, she is one of the smallest ships in the fleet and spends her time between the Arctic in the summer (May-August), before heading south to Antarctica for the winter (November-March). Her small size, allows her to bring you closer to nature - and with key expedition features such as smaller expedition boats and Science Center, she is perfect for creating an unforgettable expedition experience.

MS Roald Amundsen

Named after the legendary Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen - the first man to traverse the Northwest Passage in 1903, and reach the Geographical South Pole in 1911. MS Roald Amundsen is as pioneering as the man it is named after, the state-of-the-art ship features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that reduces fuel consumption and shows the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible.

MS Fridtjof Nansen

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

Make a difference

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

Stories from Antarctica

Explore Antarctica with HX

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

15 Interesting Facts About Antarctica

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

Seven Incredible Drake Passage Facts

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

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

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Antarctic Experience

After a day and a half crossing the Drake Passage, which separates South America from Antarctica, your Holland America ship will arrive at the White Continent. On your Antarctic Expedition you will sail through the bays and islands of the Palmer Archipelago, off the northern tip of the long Antarctic Peninsula, which reaches out toward South America. Encircled in a landscape of snow and ice in every direction, your ship will slowly navigate the iceberg-dotted waters. The surroundings are hauntingly quiet as well, an aspect of the continent that comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors. Along the way, the ship's naturalists will point out the birds—terns, petrels, and gulls—found on the coast and on small islets at stops like Dallmann Bay. As you pass dark, rocky Cuverville Island, you’ll see some of the 6,500 pairs of gentoo penguins that make their home there, the largest known colony in the world. Continuing on to Paradise Harbor, you'll have a chance to observe not only gentoo and chinstrap penguins but possibly humans as well: Both Argentina and Chile have manned research stations here.

The terms “bucket list” and “expedition cruising” go hand-in-hand with the exponential growth over the past several years of tourism to Antarctica , the enigmatic seventh continent located within the Antarctic Circle and home to the South Pole. Passengers on Antarctic itineraries won’t make it that far south, but experiencing otherworldly landscapes of blue-tinged glaciers and icebergs, playful regiments of penguins and, yes, often topsy-turvy seas during a crossing of the unpredictable Drake Passage, are all part of the Antarctica cruise experience.

With more than a dozen cruise lines and adventure operators offering sailings to Antarctica, there are lots of factors to consider — the type of ship, the length of the cruise, the activities offered both onboard and ashore, and the actual itinerary itself — so knowing all the variables is important.

Here’s a guide to cruising to Antarctica that explores what’s currently offered.

When can you cruise to Antarctica?

The cruise season for Antarctica begins in late October/early November and ends in mid-March. This is spring/summer in the Southern Hemisphere, and it's also the only time of year that Antarctica is accessible to cruise ships. Passengers who book in late October and November are likely to see penguins courting and nesting while those who cruise in December and January will see chicks hatching. February or March is the ideal time for whale watching. 

Where do cruises to Antarctica embark and disembark?

The main port of embarkation and disembarkation for Antarctica itineraries is Ushuaia , a remote city located on the southern tip of Argentina on the Beagle Channel. Some longer itineraries, however, begin and/or end in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires , or ports in Chile such as Santiago ( Valparaiso ), Puerto Williams, or Punta Arenas .

Do passengers actually step foot on the continent?

It depends. Some longer expedition itineraries do take passengers to landing points below the Antarctic Circle at 66°30′ S, while many classic sailings visit the more accessible tail-shaped Antarctic Peninsula at the continent’s northernmost end, landing passengers ashore via Zodiac. Other itineraries, mainly those on non-polar-rated traditional cruise ships, offer only scenic cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula without a chance to step foot on land.

Which cruise lines offer Antarctica itineraries and how do they differ?

More than a dozen cruise lines offer Antarctica itineraries on ships that include smaller ice-rated vessels, sleek and luxurious polar-class expedition ships carrying 200 to 500 guests, and traditional cruise ships accommodating as many as 2,800 passengers. Here, alphabetically, are the cruise lines that currently visit Antarctica.

Abercrombie & Kent: Britain-based luxury tour and expedition company Abercrombie & Kent offers chartered 13- to 19-day  Antarctica itineraries aboard Le Lyrial (a Ponant ship, see below) with five days of expert-led landings via Zodiac along the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands; longer itineraries also visit South Georgia Island and the Falklands.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: Newcomer Atlas Ocean Voyages offers seven- to 14-night Ushuaia Roundtrip itineraries on its two polar-rated, 196-guest ships, World Navigator and World Traveller . Purpose-built for expedition cruising, these vessels visit the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, the Falkland Islands, and even cross the Antarctic Circle. Expedition guides lead Zodiac landings and kayak excursions focused on sighting wildlife, from fur seals to humpback whales to, of course, penguins.

Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity , better known for its Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries, does offer a 14-night  Antarctica itinerary  that sails roundtrip from Buenos Aires in January 2026. These cruises combine port calls in Argentina, Uruguay, and the Falkland Islands with a Drake Passage crossing to the Antarctic Peninsula and scenic cruising past Elephant Island, Gerlache Strait, Schollart Channel, and Paradise Bay. Keep in mind that this means passengers do not go ashore in Antarctica: Rather, they simply enjoy the scenery and wildlife from the outdoor decks.

Holland America Line: Holland America will also offer several 22-day Antarctica sailings throughout 2025, embarking in either Buenos Aires or Santiago, that combine port calls in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and the Falkland Islands with four days of scenic cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula. However, keep in mind that passengers aboard 1,964-guest Oosterdam do not go ashore in Antarctica.

Hurtigruten: Norwegian expedition cruise line Hurtigruten has three polar-rated vessels — sister ships MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen , modern luxury vessels each accommodating 528 passengers, and 250-guest MS Fram — cruising Antarctic itineraries. These range from the 12-day  Highlights of Antarctica , which offers landings along the Antarctic Peninsula, to the 23-day  In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition . The latter sails roundtrip from Punta Arenas, Chile, and spends several days in the Falkland Islands before cruising to South Georgia Island (known as the Southern Serengeti for its massive penguin population) and then heading to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands for five days. Hurtigruten’s 18-day  Antarctic Circle Expedition attempts to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and visit the rarely-seen Marguerite Bay. An expedition team leads passengers on all landing excursions. 

Lindblad Expeditions: A pioneer in expedition cruising with more than 50 years of experience in the region, Lindblad Expeditions offers a half-dozen Antarctic itineraries from November to March aboard three ships, including the recently launched Polar Class 5-rated sister ships National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution , each accommodating 128 guests. The 14-day  Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent features a classic exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula while the 34-night Epic Antarctica: From the Peninsula to the Ross Sea & Beyond promises a chance to venture far west to the Ross Sea to set foot on ice no other humans have touched and on to the remote sub-Antarctic islands of Australia and New Zealand.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Antarctic itineraries are also offered by Norwegian Cruise Line aboard the 2,348-guest Norwegian Star.  While these 13-night roundtrip cruises from Buenos Aires visit Ushuaia, Argentina; Montevideo, Uruguay; Punta Arenas, Chile; and the Falkland Islands, the Antarctica portion of the itinerary involves only scenic cruising in Admiralty Bay and Elephant Island with no actual landings.

Oceania Cruises: Oceania Cruises ' 24-day Antarctic & Patagonian Joy voyage, which takes place aboard the 1,250-guest Oceania Marina , sails from Lima to Buenos Aires. It crosses the Drake Passage for scenic sailing along the Antarctic Peninsula near Half Moon Island, Deception Island, and Paradise Bay; however, there are no actual landings. 

Ponant: French cruise line Ponant has been growing its fleet of expedition-class ships and currently offers 10- to 21-night Antarctica sailings  aboard Le Lyrial , Le Boreal , L’Austral , Le Soleal , and the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot . The 10-night Emblematic Antarctica  itinerary cruises roundtrip from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage to landing points along the Antarctic Peninsula, while the 21-night Scott & Shackleton’s Antarctic - Ross Sea Expedition itinerary sails roundtrip from Dunedin (New Zealand).

Princess Cruises: Princess offers a 16-night  Antarctica cruise aboard the 2,670-passenger Sapphire Princess , which sails roundtrip from Buenos Aires on select dates in December 2024 and January 2025.  The cruise features four days of scenic cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula (with no landings) as well as port calls on Montevideo, Uruguay; Ushuaia, Argentina; the Falkland Islands; and Punta Arenas, Chile.  

Quark Expeditions: Polar specialist Quark Expeditions offers Antarctic itineraries that range in length from eight to 23 days aboard several expedition-class ships. Options include the 22-night Epic Antarctica cruise, which sails roundtrip from Ushuaia aboard 199-guest Ultramarine and includes crossing the Antarctic Circle and visiting South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands. The more classic  Antarctic Explorer , which takes place aboard the 128-passenger Ocean Adventurer or the 172-passenger World Explorer , offers four days of Zodiac exploration, guided kayak paddles, and hikes on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Scenic: When Scenic Eclipse began cruising to Antarctica in December 2019, the Polar 6 class-rated luxury expedition ship offered amenities not seen before in the region: two state-of-the-art onboard helicopters that can take guests soaring above the glacier-and-iceberg-studded landscape and a submarine, Scenic Neptune , that can carry them beneath the surface for unparalleled views. On the ship’s Antarctica itineraries — which range from 13 to 25 days, including some that cross the Antarctic Circle and others that visit South Georgia Island — adventurous guests can also try their hand at kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, guided by a 20-member Specialist Polar Discovery Team. Scenic Eclipse II , which launched in April 2023, also offers Antarctica sailings. 

Seabourn: Seabourn Expeditions , a division of small-ship luxury line Seabourn , introduced its second 264-guest polar-rated expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit , in 2023, joining 2022’s Seabourn Venture in offering Antarctica itineraries. The 11-day  The Great White Continent and 13-day  Antarctica Exploration sailings include landings along the Antarctic Peninsula, while longer voyages call on the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island. Both ships carry two submarines, 24 Zodiac, kayaks, and a 26-person expedition team.

Silversea Cruises:   Silversea Cruises , another small-ship luxury line, entered the adventure cruise market with Silversea Expeditions , which now features sailings on three ships: 200-guest Silver Endeavour , 254-guest Silver Cloud , and 274-guest Silver Wind , all known for Silversea’s signature focus on exceptional dining and five-star service. Antarctica itineraries range from 10 to 40 days. For passengers who prefer to skip a Drake Passage crossing but still set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, Silversea offers five-night King George Island sailings with air transfers to/from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island and five days of Zodiac landings along the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

Viking: With Viking Expeditions , river and ocean cruise line Viking has added two 378-guest Polar Class 6-rated expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris , to its ever-growing fleet. Both ships offer Antarctic itineraries ranging from the 13-day  Antarctic Explorer cruises (roundtrip from Ushuaia) with eight days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula to 19-day  Antarctica & South Georgia Island sailings that also visit the Falklands and South Georgia islands. All itineraries include expedition-team-led Zodiac landings, kayak tours, and scenic outings by Special Operations Boat. Equipment, including two submarines, is stored in The Hangar, while onboard lectures take place in the Aula, which offers 270-degree views, and the onboard spa is an oasis with picture-window views and soothing hot tubs and saunas.

Is the Drake Passage as bad as everyone says it is?

It depends. This roughly 500-mile stretch of the Southern Ocean between Ushuaia and the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula can be either the Drake Lake (calm and smooth as can be) or the Drake Shake (a rocking and rolling journey with pounding waves). Which you experience depends on the weather, especially the wind, which can be highly unpredictable at these lower latitudes. Passengers are advised to pack seasickness medication.

What will the weather be like?

Yes, it will be summer in Antarctica, and that does mean the best weather of the year with some sunny and potentially warm-ish (think: 50 or so degrees) days, but for the most part travelers can expect daytime temperatures just above freezing during the daytime. It’s important to know that the weather in the region is highly unpredictable and can change at a moment’s notice.

What do I need to pack for a cruise to Antarctica?

Casual and comfortable layers in a mix of natural and performance fabrics —moisture-wicking or thermal base layers, polar fleeces, thermal leggings, waterproof jackets and pants, hats, gloves, and casual elegant evening attire — is optimal. While you’ll need to supply your own weather gear on large-ship sailings that don’t include landings, many of the luxury expedition cruise lines provide polar-tested jackets, pants, gloves, boots, and other equipment required for transfers via Zodiac across sub-zero waters. 

How much does a cruise to Antarctica cost?

No other cruise destination has such a wide range of cruise fares. Travelers who opt to book an Antarctica itinerary on one of the major cruise lines, such as Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, or Princess, for a scenic cruising experience along the Antarctic Peninsula with no landings can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 per person for an inside cabin and $2,500 per person and up for a balcony cabin. Most eight- to 13-night itineraries aboard luxury expedition ships, such as those operated by Atlas, Hurtigruten, Lindblad, Scenic, Seabourn, Silversea, and Viking cost between $8,000 and $17,000 per person. And when booking a longer voyage that visits South Georgia Island or cruises below the Antarctic Circle, fares can range from $15,000 to more than $50,000 per person.

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9 Things to Know About a Cruise to Antarctica: Cost & Tips Guide

Antarctica is one of the most remote and pristine places on Earth, and an Antarctica cruise to this icy, polar continent is an adventure like no other.

But there are some things you should know before you sail to this incredible place.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, an explorer who loves rugged landscapes and towering mountains, or just seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a cruise to Antarctica is an incredible journey that requires careful planning and preparation.

A continent shrouded in mystery and intrigue, Antarctica is one of the most isolated regions in the world. As such, one of the best ways to visit Antarctica is on a cruise, where you can have an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience with the comfort and ease of a luxury ship.

However, before embarking on such an adventure, there are a number of things you should be aware of to ensure that your trip is both safe and enjoyable.

A cruise to Antarctica is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it can also be a significant financial investment, so it is important to consider the cost and logistical implications to ensure that you are able to fully enjoy the experience.

Below we will discuss 9 things you should know so you can have the best Antarctica cruise imaginable.

1. The best time to go to Antarctica

Antarctica has a short cruising season that runs from late October to March, with the peak season being December to February. During this time, the ice has melted enough to allow ships to navigate around the continent, and the weather is mild enough to make it possible to disembark and explore.

Fortunately, cruises run during Antarctica’s summer months, so the conditions are as calm (and warm!) as possible. During this time, the weather is relatively mild and the days are longer, which allows for more time to explore the region.

Regardless, Antarctica is a harsh and unforgiving environment, and the weather can be incredibly unpredictable. It is important to plan your trip carefully to ensure that you are traveling during the best possible weather conditions.

The cost of a cruise to Antarctica can also vary depending on the time of year you choose to travel. The peak season, December to February, is often the most expensive time to travel, while the shoulder seasons, October to November and March, may offer more affordable options.

You also may want to consider your preferred wildlife sightings when choosing the best time to travel. One of the perks of traveling to Antarctica in October is that you get to see the start of the penguins’ mating season, although you will have to push your way past some sea ice near the Antarctic Peninsula.

In November, the ice breaks up, forming gorgeous icebergs and sculptures. Wildflowers in the Falklands are in bloom, and seals begin their breeding season.

December is also an excellent time to visit because it’s the peak of the breeding season for penguins, and there’s plenty of activity on the beaches. December is also the busiest time for cruise travel, so if you want to visit at this time, be sure to book well in advance.

February to March is the best time to see humpback whales, sperm whales, and orca whales fill the Antarctic seas and can be easily spotted from aboard cruise ships.

2. Choosing the right cruise

Choosing the right cruise is crucial when it comes to a trip to Antarctica. There are various types of ships that sail to Antarctica, ranging from small expedition ships with expedition teams to larger, more luxurious vessels. Small ships are better for exploring more remote locations, while larger ships can offer more amenities and comfort.

When planning your trip to Antarctica, it is important to choose a reputable tour operator. Look for operators that have experience in the region, and that prioritize safety and environmental responsibility.

While a more reputable operator may charge a higher price, it can be worth the extra expense for the added peace of mind and quality of service. It is also important to read reviews and seek recommendations from other travelers before making a decision.

Below is a brief description of 12 major reputable tour operators and their Antarctic offerings for 2023 and beyond:

• Azamara Cruises : Offers an Antarctic cruise leaving from Buenos Aires, Argentina, that takes guests on a 21-day journey, including visits to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. The itinerary includes activities such as wildlife viewing, kayaking, and zodiac tours.
• Celebrity Cruises : Offers two different 14-day Antarctic cruise itineraries, both leaving from Buenos Aires, that take guests on an immersive journey through the region. Both cruises include visits to popular South American ports and the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring the glaciers.
• Holland America Line : Offers a 22-day Antarctic cruise that takes guests on a comprehensive tour of the region, including visits to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. The itinerary includes activities such as wildlife viewing, kayaking, and zodiac tours, as well as overnight stays in each port.
• Hurtigruten : Offers a 21-day Antarctic cruise that takes guests on a journey through the region, including visits to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. The itinerary is geared towards the adventurous cruiser, including activities such as hiking, camping, and lectures on wildlife.
• Lindblad Expeditions : Offers six Antarctic cruise itineraries that range from 14 to 35 days on these National Geographic Expeditions. These cruises take guests on an in-depth exploration of the region, including visits to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Depending on your cruise choice, the itinerary includes adventurous activities such capturing photos with National Geographic Photography Experts and cross-country skiing.
• Norwegian Cruise Lines: Offers a 20-day Antarctic cruise that takes guests on a journey through the region, including visits to Deception Island, Elephant Island, and the Falkland Islands.
• Oceania Cruises : Offers a 24-day cruise that takes guests on a journey largely around South America, but with a stop in Antarctica. This cruise is a great choice for passengers who are not yet sure if they would enjoy Antarctic antics.
• Princess Cruises : Offers a 16-day and 34-day Antarctic cruise that takes guests on a journey through the region, including visits to Elephant Island, the Antarctic Sound, and Gerlache strait. The 16-day cruise leaves from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the 34-day cruise leaves from Los Angeles, California, each with a slightly different itinerary of South America.
• Regent Seven Seas : Offers a 24-day Antarctic luxury cruise that leaves from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and ends in Santiago, Chile, taking guests on an immersive journey through Antarctica and South America, including visits to Argentina, Uruguay, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
• Seabourn : Offers 21, 47, 53, and 80-day Antarctic cruises that take guests on a comprehensive tour of the region, including visits to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. The itinerary includes activities such as wildlife viewing, digital photography workshops, and zodiac tours.
• Silversea : Offers an 18-day Antarctic cruise that takes guests on a journey through the region, including visits to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Silversea also offers an Antarctica Bridge Package, which allows passengers to fly to the heart of Antarctica rather than sailing the notoriously rough Drake Passage.
• Viking : Offers expedition cruises to Antarctica ranging from 13 to 71 days that take guests on a journey through the region, including visits to the South Shetland Islands, Cape Horn, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Viking also offers complimentary flights to the cruise port. The itinerary includes activities such as wildlife viewing, kayaking, and zodiac tours.

3. The cost

A trip to Antarctica is undoubtedly a significant investment, and it’s essential to factor in all the costs when planning your trip. You’ll need to consider the cost of the cruise itself, as well as flights, travel insurance, visas, and any additional activities you plan to do on the trip.

The cost of a cruise to Antarctica can vary greatly, depending on the length of the trip, the size of the ship, and the level of luxury offered.

The cost of the cruise itself is likely to be the most significant expense associated with a trip to Antarctica. The price of the cruise can vary widely depending on the operator, the length of the cruise, and the level of luxury and amenities provided.

On average, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 per person for a 10 to 14-day cruise to Antarctica. However, it is possible to find cheaper or more expensive options depending on your preferences and budget.

In addition to the cost of the cruise itself, there may be additional expenses to consider. This can include flights to and from the embarkation port, travel insurance, visa fees, and any pre- or post-cruise accommodation.

Some cruise lines offer discounted rates or free flights to your cruise port, but this may come with a more expensive per-passenger cruise rate. Therefore, it is important to factor in these additional costs to ensure that you have a realistic understanding of the total cost of the trip.

4. The weather

Antarctica is known for its extreme weather conditions, and it’s essential to be prepared for all types of weather. The temperature can range from below freezing to just above freezing, so it’s important to bring warm, waterproof clothing, including gloves, hats, and jackets.

The weather can change quickly, so it’s essential to be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.

However, almost all Antarctic voyages leave from tropical areas in South America in the heat of summer. This can make a trip to Antarctica difficult to pack for, so be prepared to dress for a range of temperatures and activities.

Additionally, you’ll want to consider what on-board activities your selected cruise line offers (e.g., formal nights, exercise classes, etc.) and pack for those, too.

5. Wildlife and the environment

Antarctica is a unique environment, and it is important to travel in a responsible and sustainable manner. This includes adhering to all environmental regulations, avoiding disturbing wildlife, and minimizing your impact on the environment.

Antarctica is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, elephant seals, orcas, humpback whales, and seabirds. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a trip to Antarctica is an incredible opportunity to see these animals in their natural habitat.

There are several types of penguins that can be found in Antarctica, including Emperor penguins and King Penguins. Rockhopper penguins are easily recognized by the unique “hairstyle” that waves in the breeze.

It’s important to remember that these animals are wild and should be treated with respect. It’s essential to follow the guidelines set by your cruise guides to avoid disturbing the wildlife.

It is important to consider the environmental impact of your Antarctica trip, and whether the operator you choose prioritizes sustainability and responsible tourism.

6. The activities

A trip to Antarctica offers a wide range of activities, including wildlife watching, hiking, kayaking, and even camping. It’s essential to consider which activities you’re most interested in and to choose a cruise that offers compatible excursions.

Some activities require a higher level of fitness than others, so it’s important to be realistic about your abilities to avoid potential injury. Potential Antarctic activities include:

• Zodiac tours : These inflatable boats take passengers on excursions to explore the coastline and nearby islands, and provide opportunities to see wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales up close.
• Kayaking : Many cruises offer guided kayak tours to explore the Antarctic waters and get a closer look at the icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife.
• Hiking : Guided hikes are a popular activity for those who want to explore the rugged Antarctic terrain, including walks to glaciers, ice fields, and scenic overlooks.
• Wildlife viewing : Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals on an Antarctic cruise, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds.
• Lectures and educational programs : Many cruises offer onboard lectures and educational programs to provide a deeper understanding of the region’s history, geology, and wildlife.
• Photography : Antarctic cruises offer breathtaking photo opportunities, with stunning landscapes, wildlife, and dramatic lighting.
• Camping : Some cruises offer the opportunity to camp on the continent itself, providing a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Many cruises to Antarctica offer a range of excursions and activities, such as kayaking, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching. While these activities can enhance your experience, they can also add to the overall cost of the trip. It is important to consider which activities you are most interested in, and whether they are worth the additional expense.

7. Health and safety

A trip to Antarctica is an adventure, but it’s important to remember that it can also be dangerous. It’s essential to follow the guidelines set by your cruise line and to be aware of the risks associated with the activities you plan to do. Before sailing, be sure that you have adequate travel insurance and have brought all of your necessary medications on board.

Antarctica is a remote and isolated region, and as such, it is important to be in good health before embarking on a cruise. You should consult with your doctor before traveling to ensure that you are fit to travel and be aware of the risks associated with the harsh environment.

Safety is of the utmost importance when traveling to Antarctica. It is important to be aware of the risks and take all necessary safety precautions while on your voyage. This includes wearing appropriate clothing, carrying emergency supplies, and following the advice of your cruise operator and expedition leader.

8. Tips on Packing for an Antarctica Cruise

Packing for an Antarctica cruise is different than for other types of cruises.  You will be traveling to one of the harshest and coldest environments on the planet.  Being properly prepared will ensure that you have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip. Antarctica’s climate can be extremely harsh, with temperatures ranging from -20°C to 5°C, and strong winds, snow, and ice.

It is crucial to have appropriate clothing and gear to keep you warm, dry, and protected from the elements. Packing the right clothing, such as layers, waterproof jackets and pants, warm hats, gloves, and scarfs, will help keep you warm and dry while you explore the region.

Also, it’s important to have the right equipment for activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. Waterproof boots, backpacks, and camera cases will help protect your gear from the harsh weather conditions.

In addition, packing the right medication, such as seasickness tablets and any prescription medicines, is important to ensure your health and safety during the trip.

Here are some packing items  and ideas in greater detail that will help you know what to throw into your suitcase.

Layers : Dress in layers as the temperature can change rapidly in Antarctica. Bring thermal underwear, fleece jackets, waterproof pants, and a windproof jacket.

Accessories : Bring a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect yourself from the cold. Also, pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF to protect against the intense sun rays.

Waterproof gear : A waterproof backpack, camera case, and dry bags are essential to keep your belongings dry while on shore or while taking a Zodiac ride.

Footwear : Bring waterproof boots that are suitable for walking on snow and ice. You can also rent boots on the ship if you don’t have your own.

Medications : Pack medications for seasickness, as the Drake Passage can be rough. Also, bring any other necessary medications you might need.

Camera equipment : Antarctica offers fantastic opportunities for photography. Bring a good camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries, and memory cards.

Other items : A water bottle, travel adapter, and a power bank can be useful during your trip.

9.  Most common ports of departure for Antarctica cruises

• Ushuaia, Argentina : Often referred to as the “Gateway to Antarctica,” Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and the most popular starting point for Antarctica cruises. It’s located in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, and has a small port with frequent departures to Antarctica.
• Punta Arenas, Chile : Another popular starting point for Antarctica cruises, Punta Arenas is located in the southernmost part of Chile and offers easy access to the Drake Passage, which is the main route to Antarctica.
• Puerto Williams, Chile : Located on Isla Navarino in southern Chile, Puerto Williams is the southernmost town in the world and offers access to Antarctica via the Beagle Channel.
• Buenos Aires, Argentina :  Buenos Aires is another popular starting point for some Antarctica cruises, particularly for those departing from South America. While it’s not as common as Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, Buenos Aires has a large port with many international cruise operators offering departures to Antarctica during the summer months.

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King George Island

Named after King George III, King George Island is recognized as the largest of the South Shetland Islands. It is surrounded by three major bays, including Admiralty Bay, which is a protected area for seabird breeding colonies. The surface of King George Island is nearly all ice and glaciers, but a small portion of the land acts as permanent bases for nations such as Chile to conduct research. During the summer months, visitors will find the inhabitants typically associated with Antarctica: Weddell and Leopard seals, Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins, and various other seabirds.

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

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

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South America & Antarctica Cruises

Experience rhythms, passions and natural splendor, best itinerary south america & antarctica.

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Indulge in a feast for the senses on an epic South America cruise with Princess®. Feel the rhythm of more than a thousand years of history and culture while savoring an incredible variety of regional cuisine. Marvel at captivating views of the legendary Amalia Glacier, make friends with the famous Falkland Island penguins and sail to the very bottom of the world with our all-new Antarctica cruise itineraries. Spectacular monuments, stunning natural beauty and one-of-a-kind experiences from ship to shore will both inspire and surprise you. Embark on an unforgettable journey with Princess to explore South America and Antarctica.

Now Booking 2026 South America and Antarctica Voyages

Princess Cruises is a proud member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), a unique association comprised of members who are committed to the practice of safe, environmentally responsible Antarctic travel.

South America Cruises

From Fuerte Amador – the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, to Ushuaia – the world’s southernmost city, South America is a continent rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Journey outside San Antonio and discover a world of history and culture. Revel in the sights of Viña del Mar, known as the “Chilean Riviera.” Sip and savor the sun-kissed wine regions of Casablanca and Maipo. Watch a thrilling Chilean rodeo followed by a traditional meal. Experience this vibrant region on a Princess cruise to South America.

Antarctica Cruises

Visit the most isolated continent on Earth on an Antarctica cruise with Princess as you enjoy the feel of an expedition ship with the comfort and stability of a large ship. Sail along glacial waters, take in the views of Falkland Islands, Elephant Island, Antarctic Sound and Gerlache Strait, and listen to the alluring songs of sea birds and the ocean, all from the comfort of your stateroom. A cruise to Antarctica will be one of the most amazing adventures to have.

South America Cruisetours

One of the great cities of the world, Buenos Aires blends European elegance, cowboy culture and the sultry sounds of the tango. See Belle Époque palaces and visit Recoleta Cemetery before departing for such storied ports as Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia.

Cruises to Brazil

Listen for the rhythmic drumming of samba echoing in the ocean breeze on your cruise to Brazil. Spend the night in Rio de Janeiro, where historical architecture, quaint fishing villages, contemporary urban scenery, and exquisite natural beauty all wonderfully weave together. Discover diverse charms of Brazil’s golden beaches, vibrant jungles and colorful neighborhoods. Visit Christ the Redeemer, a quintessential landmark representing the country’s spirit watching over the city from atop Corcovado Mountain. Experience the diverse bioclimatic landscapes, urban rainforests, and lush wildlife of Tijuca National Park.

If you are interested in the Round Australia cruises, you’ll love Princess® Epic Voyages. Learn more about our expertly curated itineraries for your next extraordinary adventure.

Why Cruise to South America & Antarctica?

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Antarctica & Cape Horn

You’ll experience the distinct cultural offerings of Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta Arenas and Santiago — and witness the unforgettable beauty of Cape Horn and Antarctica.

Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan

Set sail on an amazing voyage around the legendary Cape Horn, embodying the determined spirit of the sailors who made the historic voyage in years past aboard small clipper ships. Along the way, your cruise highlights will include an encounter with the icy wonder that is the Amalia Glacier, and abundant wildlife. After embarking from Santiago or Buenos Aires, you’ll visit a plethora of unforgettable ports.

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5 to 6-day land tours for South America

Iguazu Falls

Stand in the presence of a waterfall taller and wider than Niagara Falls: Iguazú Falls. Experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site from both Brazil and Argentina, then gaze up at Rio de Janeiro’s revered Christ the Redeemer statue and iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Machu Picchu explorer

Touch the clouds over dramatic Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”. Tour ancient fortresses in the Incan capital of Cusco and view the extravagant architecture of the Historic Center of Lima – all three Peru highlights are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

2024-2025 South America & Antarctica New Cruise Itineraries. Learn more

South America and Antarctica Travel Articles

Explore the world-class wines, cuisine, and rhythm of the most diverse continent on the planet on a cruise to South America.

Explore Chile's Pristine Coastline on a South America Cruise

A selection of Chile's highlights that can be explored as part of a South  America cruise.

Explore the History of Chile on Your Next South America Cruise

Explore the rich history of Chile on your next South America cruise, journeying through sand dunes, islands, cities, and mountains.

Cruise to South America to Experience Buenos Aires, the Cultural Capital of Latin America

Experience Buenos Aires, a world-famous city for dancing, dining, and rich  colonial history, on your next cruise to South America.

2 Attractions to Visit on South American Vacations

There's no shortage of evocative sights to behold on South American  vacations. Two can't-miss attractions include Tijuca National Park and Tambo Colorado.

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Cruises to Antarctica

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An Antarctic Cruise Beyond Your Imagination

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

Cruise to Antarctica with Norwegian

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

Meet Some Friendly Locals

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

Discover Otherworldly Destinations Cruises to Antarctica

Deception Island, Antarctica

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

Elephant Island, Antarctica

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

Ushuaia, Argentina

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

Stanley, Falkland Islands

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

Discover FREESTYLE CRUISING

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

Explore Our ANTARCTICA CRUISE ITINERARIES

Antarctic Peninsula

Explore the least-visited and least-known continent in the world. Cruise past majestic blue icebergs, or maybe catch a glimpse of elephant seals and penguins along the ice. Depending on the cruise line, you may be able enjoy day trips to islands and bays, including King George Island, Deception Island, Paradise Bay, Torgersen and Anvers Islands, Port Lockroy, Paulet Island, Petermann Island and Lemaire Channel.

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Elephant Island Antarctica (South Shetlands)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Arctic - Antarctica

Local Time 2024-07-02 13:13

Port Elephant Island Antarctica cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Elephant Island Antarctica, South Shetlands. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Elephant Island is an uninhabited ice-covered mountainous island located off the coast of Antarctica in the South Shetland Islands' outer reaches, in the Southern Ocean. The name if the island was given by early explorers who sighted elephant seals on the shores.

The island has a total area of 558 km2 (215 mi2). It is situated 245 km (152 mi) north-northeast of Antarctic Peninsula 's tip, 1253 km (779 mi) west-southwest of South Georgia , 935 km (581 mi) south of Falkland Islands UK , and 885 km (550 mi) southeast of Cape Horn .

Most cruise ships to Elephant Island anchor off Half Moon Island .

Elephant Island is within the Antarctic claims of the UK, Argentina and Chile. Brazil has 2 shelters (Wiltgen and Goeldi) each supporting up to 6 researchers during the summer months.

The island is oriented east-west and has highest elevation 2800 ft/853 m (at Pardo Ridge). Important features include Cape Lookout, Cape Yelcho and Cape Valentine at the southern and northeastern extremes, as well as Point Wild, which is a spit located on the north coast. Endurance Glacier is the major discharge glacier. Because of the slow recovery and illegal whaling by Japan, the numbers of southern right whales visiting Elephant Island are on low level.

As most Antarctica islands, Elephant Island supports no native fauna or significant flora although migratory seals and gentoo penguins may be found. Chinstrap penguins nest during summer. The lack of safe anchorage prevented permanent human settlement, though the island is well placed to support fishing, whaling and scientific activities.

Point Wild contains Endurance Memorial Site, an Antarctic Historic Site with a bust of Capt. Pardo and a few plaques. Hampson Cove on the island's southwestern coast, including the intertidal and foreshore area, contains wreckage of a large wooden sailship. It has been designated Historic Site or Monument, following a proposal by the UK to Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.

IAATO regulations prompt NCL's ship Norwegian Star to change itinerary, skips Antarctica

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has made a last-minute adjustment to the itineraries of its ship, Norwegian Star, removing Antarctica from the upcoming...

Princess Cruises opens bookings for South America & Antarctica 2024-2025 season

The luxury travel brand Princess Cruises opened for booking an array of captivating voyages scheduled for South America and Antarctica season 2024...

Aurora Expeditions introduces Antarctica 2024-2025 itineraries

Aurora Expeditions Australia (fleet) unveiled its 2024-2025 Antarctic program of 25 voyages ranging from 9- to 23 days in duration. These voyages...

Celebrity Infinity ship bringing Celebrity Cruises back to Antarctica

Following the return of Celebrity Cruises to South America for the 2022-2023 season, the Celebrity Infinity ship will also bring the line back to...

2 cruise passengers die in Quark Expeditions' Zodiac boat accident in Antarctica

A couple of passengers aboard a cruise ship chartered by Quark Expeditions died after a zodiac boat overturned during a trip close to Elephant Island...

Silversea restarts Antarctica cruises with Silver Explorer from Puerto Williams (Chile)

The ultra-premium brand Silversea reached an agreement with Chilean authorities for homeporting in Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams...

Silversea Cruises restarts in Antarctica from Punta Arenas, Chile

The ultra-premium brand Silversea Cruises reached an agreement with Chilean authorities for homeporting in Punta Arenas for winter 2021-2022 season...

Silversea Cruises unveils Puerto Williams (Chile) as new departure port

Starting in November 2021 Silversea Cruises will debut Puerto Williams (Navarino Island, Chilean Antarctica), as the brand's new homeport for the...

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line's Extraordinary Journey itineraries 2021-2022-2023

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for itineraries in 2021-2022-2023, with 20+ new cruise port destinations across the 7 continents...

One Ocean Expeditions Announces 2019-2020 Antarctic Cruise Season

With the launch of line's 2019-2020 season, One Ocean Expeditions continues to bring innovation to its Antarctic expedition voyages.  One Ocean...

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Antarctica Cruises

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Luxury Cruises to Antarctica

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

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

Antarctica Cruise Highlights

Majestic mountains.

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

Whales and Wildlife

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

Icebergs and Bays

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

Antarctica Cruise Ports

Elephant Island, Antarctica

Paradise Bay, Antarctica

Schollaert Channel Antarctica

Gerlache Strait, Antarctica

Antarctica Cruise Itineraries

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

Itineraries

Why cruise to antarctica with celebrity cruises.

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

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

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