An Antarctica Cruise offers you the opportunity to explore Earth’s last untouched wilderness, featuring breathtaking ice landscapes and an opportunity to encounter unique wildlife, such as penguins, seals, and whales. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, and photography during your cruise. Read on to learn more about the Antarctica Cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line Antarctica
Norwegian Star sails Norwegian Cruise Line Antarctica itineraries, focusing on South America routes that reach the Antarctic Peninsula. These voyages depart from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and include Ushuaia and the Falkland Islands before crossing to Antarctica. Norwegian Star does not offer shore landings on the smallest continent, but instead provides opportunities to view iconic destinations from the comfort of the ship.
With 14-to 17-night cruises, the itineraries typically depart in late February to early March, featuring penguin sightings, glacier views, and Drake Passage crossings. The ship accommodates 2,300 passengers and offers freestyle dining, multiple pools, and a spa. Fares start at approximately $2,379 per person for an inside cabin.
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Viking Antarctica Cruise
Viking Antarctica Cruise offers luxury expeditions to Antarctica on their ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. The cruise liners focus on providing guests with an immersive polar experience. Most cruises sail from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Some cruises offered by Viking Antarctica include:
- Antarctica Explorer
- Arctic to Antarctica Explorer
- Into the Antarctic Circle
- Antarctica and South Georgia Island
- Antarctica Explorer and the Americas
- Longitudinal World Cruise
Antarctica Explorer cruises start at $12,000-$20,000 USD per person with inclusions such as international airfare, excursions, gear, and meals.
Princess Antarctica Cruise
Princess Antarctica Cruise offers voyages as part of their South America itineraries on the Majestic Princess. The Majestic Princess does not disembark in Antarctica; instead, guests get a view of imposing icebergs, glaciers, and spot wildlife from decks and balconies onboard.
Experts provide daily lectures and live commentary while you cruise. The ship features a spacious deck that includes wrap-around promenades and observation areas, providing unobstructed views. The 17-day cruise includes 4 days of scenic cruising around the Antarctica Peninsula. Fares start around $3,000-$6,000 USD per person for inside cabins.
Antarctica Expedition Cruise
Antarctica expedition cruises provide an immersive experience, featuring excursions and lectures on small, intimate ships. There is a range of options from adventure-focused voyages to air-cruises that fly over the Drake Passage. Expeditions primarily depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile, and operate from October to March.
The expeditions focus on active exploration rather than passive sightseeing. Enjoy guided shore walks as you explore gentoo and chinstrap penguin colonies. During summer, with 24-hour daylight watch calving glaciers and breaching whales.
Aurora Expeditions and Seabourn are two of the best options in this sector, focusing on sustainability and adventure. 13-day expedition cruise with 5 landing costs ~$12,000 USD.
Argentina To Antarctica Cruise
Most Argentina to Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia. The 10 to 19-day cruises, with the classic route providing the full Drake Passage thrill en route to Antarctica. Key itineraries include the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, and the Weddell Sea.
The Drake Passage separates South America from Argentina, and typically takes 2 days to cross. There are 4 to 5 focusing on the Antarctic Peninsula, with stops like Cuverville Island, Paradise Bay glaciers, and Vernadsky Base. Longer cruises may include the Falkland Islands or South Georgia.
Major cruise liners operating on this route include Viking Expeditions, Intrepid Travel, Swan Hellenic, and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Cost of 11-day cruises starts at $7,274 per person.
Antarctica Cruise From USA
There are no Antarctica cruises from USA; you will need to fly to South American gateways like Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. Most US passengers fly into Buenos Aires or Santiago first before proceeding to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.
Classic Antarctica cruises (10-22 days) begin in Ushuaia, featuring Drake Passage crossing and Zodiac landings. During the voyage, guests enjoy majestic landscapes, whale watching, and penguin spotting. Fly-cruise options are also available, with flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island in Antarctica. This option is ideal for travelers who are prone to seasickness.
Fly-cruise fares for 8-days typically start at $14,000, while 11-16 day cruises start at $9,000. Tour operators like Lindblad Expeditions, Quark, and Viking offer round-trip flights from US hubs like Miami.
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14 Day Antarctica Cruise
There are several 14 Day Antarctica Cruise focusing on the Peninsula route, departing from Ushuaia, also called the gateway to Antarctica and Patagonia, with 4 to 6 days of landing among penguins and icebergs. Sail through the iconic Drake Passage and explore the Zodiac. Guests can try hiking, kayaking, mountaineering, or the unique opportunity of camping under the Polar sky. Highlights include visiting the Historic Research Stations, emperor penguin colonies, or exploring South Shettland Island.
These cruises are primarily offered on mid to small-ships under 200 passengers for Zodiac landings and comply with IAATO rules. Popular ships Ocean Nova, Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer, and MS Expedition offer 14-day sailings. Prices start at $9,669
Patagonia Antarctica Cruise
Patagonia Antarctica Cruise gives guests a unique opportunity to explore the Chilean Fjords, glaciers, and wildlife as they cross the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. The cruise is a perfect blend of spectacular landscape and unique wildlife, such as penguins and whales, with the cruise duration ranging from 15 to 22 days.
The cruises often set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, giving guests an opportunity to explore Cape Horn, Torres del Paine, and penguin colonies. Operators like HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, Quark Expeditions, and Swoop Antarctica operate in this sector. Basic cabins start at $11,000, while suites can exceed $23,000.
Best Antarctica Cruise
The best Antarctica cruises are usually small ships that carry under 200 passengers for 10-12 days or longer trips, typically around 20 days to South Georgia. The ships have expert guides, Zodiac access, and high guest ratings. Viking Polaris and SH Diana have consistently been receiving high ratings. Some of the best Antarctica Cruises are:
- Silversea (Silver Wind/Cloud/Endeavour) is considered the best luxury and modern fleet.
- The Magellan Explorer (Antarctica21) is considered a small boutique ship designed for a fly-cruise option.
- Oceanwide Expeditions and G Adventures are the best budget cruises.
- Antarctica Express Cruises Air Cruise is the best option for those with limited time, offering 6 to 8-day cruise options.
Antarctica Cruise Cost
Antarctica cruise costs anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 USD per person for a 10 to 12-day cruise. The cost is inclusive of meals, excursions, and lectures. The prices may vary depending on the ship, cabin type, and duration.
Adventure activities, international flights, specialized weather gear, and travel insurance are usually not included in the base fare. Tips and Gratuities are extra and should be factored into your budget.
For the best deals, book early and secure discounts of up to 25%. Alternatively, consider traveling in the early or late season and choose smaller ships, which often offer better value and more competitive pricing.
Best Time To Cruise To Antarctica
The best time to cruise to Antarctica is between November and March, when the melting ice allows access to the region, and daylight can extend up to 24 hours. The Antarctic summer months extend from early November through to late March. The best time to visit is from December to February when temperatures are above zero, and wildlife activity is at its peak.
The shoulder season from late October to November is the best time for photographers looking for majestic snow landscapes and dramatic ice formations. Although temperatures are colder, access to some landing sites. may be restricted.
A small number of travelers visit Antarctica in winter to observe emperor penguins. However, winter temperatures can drop to around -50°C, making travel extremely challenging and rare.
Antarctica Cruise Reviews
Antarctica cruise reviews are largely positive. Passengers praise the stunning, untouched scenery and the opportunity to see unique wildlife such as penguins and whales. Many travelers also enjoy the educational lectures delivered by scientists and expedition experts during the voyage. Smaller ships are often preferred, as they can navigate closer to ice formations and landing sites. Guests frequently describe the crew as helpful, knowledgeable, and highly experienced in polar travel.
Some passengers note that sailing through the Drake Passage can bring rough seas, although most say seasickness is manageable with preparation. Weather conditions may also affect the itinerary, occasionally causing changes to planned landings. The high cost of the cruise may not match the experience for some passengers.
