antarctica expedition cruises 2023

Antarctica Cruises & Expeditions

Antarctica Cruise Ships

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

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

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

Ocean Albatros

Ultramarine

Greg mortimer.

Ocean Victory

World Explorer

Sylvia Earle

Magellan Explorer

Ocean Adventurer

Ocean explorer.

MS Fridtjof Nansen

MS Roald Amundsen

Ocean Endeavour

Le Lapérouse

MS Expedition

Heritage Adventurer

Le Commandant Charcot

Antarctica cruise routes.

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

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

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

Antarctica Fly-Cruise

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

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

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

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

Antarctic explorer: discovering the 7th continent.

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

South shetland islands & antarctic peninsula.

Antarctica - Basecamp

Antarctic Circle Expedition

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

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

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

• Emperor Penguin
• Photography

The Antarctica Expedition Experience

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

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

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

Explore With Experts

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

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

Cross The Drake Passage

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

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

Meet The Penguins

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

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

Live The Fairytale

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

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

Follow In Their Footsteps

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

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

Go With The Floe

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

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

Pen Your Polar Experience

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

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

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

Become An Antarctic Ambassador

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

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

Antarctica Expedition Cruise Guide

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

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

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

Why Visit Antarctica? Top 10 Reasons To Go

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

Antarctica Cruise Ships: Which Expedition Vessel Is Best?

The most inhospitable travel destinations in the world, best time to visit antarctica: wildlife & weather by month, optional adventure activities on antarctica cruises, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

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

Listen & Match

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

Reserve & Relax

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

Prepare & Travel

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

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

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Antarctica Cruises 2023

All antarctica expedition cruises in 2023.

Discover below all 2023 Antarctic cruises featuring small expedition ships, breathtaking landscapes, and captivating wildlife encounters.

With daily updates on prices and availabilities, our platform allows you to compare every ship, route, and price, ensuring you find the perfect match for your ideal expedition. Book early to secure your spot as spaces fill up quickly, and contact us for expert guidance and personalized assistance!

Experience the White Continent's Magnificence in 2023

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Antarctica in 2023 and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the world's last pristine wilderness. Our carefully curated selection of cruises offers unrivaled experiences, from thrilling zodiac excursions to up-close encounters with penguins, seals, and whales. Explore the magnificent icy landscapes and witness the mesmerizing colors of the polar skies. Plan your expedition to Antarctica with Polartours.com, where our expert guides and comfortable expedition ships ensure a safe and unforgettable adventure.

Why Choose Antarctica Cruises 2023?

When it comes to Antarctic expeditions, 2023 is an exceptional year to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. By selecting a 2023 cruise, you benefit from optimal weather conditions, prime wildlife viewing opportunities, and the chance to witness unique natural phenomena. Our extensive knowledge of the region, combined with our selection of top-rated expedition vessels, guarantees an unparalleled experience. Trust Polartours.com to handle every detail of your trip, from personalized itineraries to expert guidance. Join us in 2023 and create unforgettable memories on your Antarctic expedition.

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Antarctica Destinations

Antarctic peninsula.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our Antarctic cruises. Explore the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula region, where majestic humpback whales gracefully roam. Our Antarctic cruises offer a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of this pristine wilderness while encountering remarkable wildlife. Join us for an unforgettable journey to the heart of Antarctica

South Georgia

Paddle the picturesque bays with our experienced kayaking guides and explore this charming region at your own speed. We’ll also launch our Zodiac boats to explore the coastline and its wildlife. See incredible king penguin colonies, macaroni and Gentoo penguins, seabirds and fur and elephant seals. South Georgia offers an unparalleled wildlife experience.

ItinerarieS

US$ 11 595

US$ 8 836

US$ 14 191

US$ 11 216

ABUNDANT ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE

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

The windswept and treeless Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. The islands boast a great abundance and diversity of birdlife including five species of penguin.

In the island of South Georgia, seabirds and marine mammals are counted in the millions. The island’s beaches are packed with fur seals and elephant seals jostling for space alongside innumerable king penguins.

INCREDIBLE POLAR SCENERY

The scenery in Antarctic is like nothing else on Earth. Massive, rugged, gleaming white mountains—covered on all but their sheerest faces by permanent snow and innumerable glaciers—rise from deep blue waters to form protected bays and scenic passages such as the renowned Lemaire Channel.

Floating everywhere in these pristine waterways are fragments of the continent’s frozen surface. From gargantuan icebergs that dwarf our ship to billowy blankets of brash ice crackling in the wake of our Zodiacs, ice is the ever-present backdrop of our voyage.

During the authentic once-per-year Crossing the Antarctic Circle cruise we will see rarely visited regions south of the Polar Circle, the vast, white landscapes, which are both bleak and beautiful, the weather is especially wild, and the waters are full of constantly shifting sea ice and enormous tabular icebergs.

HUMAN ENTERPRISE, PAST AND PRESENT

Antarctica has been the setting of many heroic adventures and journeys of discovery. On this voyage you will be following in the historic footsteps of early whalers, polar explorers, and scientific expeditions.

Visit Point Wild on Elephant Island, where Earnest Shackleton and his men spent part of their historic odyssey. Also in the South Shetland Islands are the historical remains of a whaling station at Deception Island, as well as a multitude of far-flung research bases operated by various countries.

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

THROUGH THE VIEWFINDER

PHOTOGRAPHY

The world-class wildlife and landscapes found on this voyage offer a dazzling array of subjects for photographers of all backgrounds. Our free photography program gives you the chance to learn and practice your skills alongside an experienced expert. An albatross, great wings outstretched, glides to the ground beside its downy chick. Two bull elephant seals stage a ferocious battle against a backdrop of glaciers. An iceberg casts its reflection upon water rippling with the motion of penguins. With a stupendous abundance of animals and scenery beyond comparison, this voyage provides a cornucopia of inspiration for the photographer. Our expert will be available to help you make the most of this bounty in your viewfinder.

SEA KAYAKING

Our optional kayaking program gives you the chance to experience these incredible destinations in a unique and interesting way. All three regions on this itinerary offer fantastic paddling opportunities, each one more rewarding than the last. Sea Kayak Club participants in South Georgia encounter swarms of penguins and seals while paddling in a supremely wild and beautiful environment. The Antarctic Peninsula delights kayakers with spectacular polar scenery and ice features of every description. This voyage takes you to some of the world’s most gorgeous locations and offers some of the best opportunities to paddle with wildlife. If you enjoy sea kayaking, then do not miss your chance to participate in this exciting adventure activity.

ANTARCTICA CAMPING

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

Why go to Antarctica with Poseidon Expeditions?

There’s no place in the world like Antarctica – a land of icebergs and penguins, overwhelming icescapes and vibrant wildlife. We invite you on an authentic expedition to hidden and rarely visited corners of the White Continent. Why travel with us?

Wildlife encounters

Our focus is on unique marine wildlife viewing at sites shared with countless penguins, seabirds, seals, sea lions and majestic whales.

25 years of polar experience

Supported by a thorough understanding and appreciation of Antarctica, every aspect of your cruise is important to us.

Small ship – big advantage

This concept allows our passengers to have the greatest selection of landing sites, following the regulations and guidelines for Antarctic travel.

Expert expedition team

Our polar team will share their enthusiasm for Antarctica, while the expedition leader and captain will create the best routing possible.

Smooth sailing

M/v Sea Spirit is equipped with state-of-the-art stabilizers for comfortable cruising in the Drake Passage and across the Antarctic Convergence.

IAATO member

We are a member in good standing of IAATO, which works cooperatively to ensure safe and environmentally responsible travel.

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Discover the white continent.

Have you ever dreamed of exploring one of the most remote places on Earth? If you are an avid traveler who wants to discover the polar regions off the beaten path, our expedition cruises are perfect for you.

Experience scenic landscapes, unique wildlife, and the mesmerizing sight of mightly glaciers during a Zodiac cruise. Feel the same excitement as the famous explorers when you finally set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Our expedition ship, the Sea Spirit , is perfectly suited for small group travel to the most remote places in comfort and style. Begin the trip of a lifetime now with the best expedition team on the planet!

Embarking on an Antarctic expedition cruise with Poseidon is a remarkable opportunity to visit Antarctica, as our cruises combine active exploration (we organize up to 2-3 landings a day depending on weather conditions) with utmost comfort and luxury aboard our deluxe expedition vessel, the Sea Spirit.

Highlights of your Antarctic Expedition Cruise

Discover iconic wildlife

It’s not only the penguins and their chicks that will steal your heart in Antarctica. Fur, leopard and elephant seals, as well as an abundance of seabirds will cross paths with us. Imagine iconic wildlife on a beautiful beach on South Georgia Island, with glacier covered mountains in the background.

Planning a Big Year? The most avid birder’s dreams come true on the Falkland Islands, where you can see five different species of penguins and seabirds. And don’t forget to look out for killer and humpback whales!

Experience polar exploration history

Follow in the footsteps of the historic Antarctic explorers! Learn about their courageous adventures. Visit ancient whaling stations on South Georgia and Deception Island and modern research stations on the White Continent.

Expand your horizons

Attend onboard lectures and learn about history, geography, marine biology and photography from our onboard specialists, or join our citizen science projects and work side-by-side with top researchers. Record cloud types, observe wildlife and help collect important data for research projects.

Indulge in our well-stocked polar library aboard the Sea Spirit . Share your passion for the Antarctic with fellow travelers from all over the world and make contacts and memories that will last a lifetime.

As members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), we participate in various projects to protect wildlife and nature. One of the latest projects is the 10km/hour voluntary speed limit in the Gerlache Strait and adjacent whale-rich waters during whale season, launched in 2020.

Join the sea kayak club

This one’s an optional, but very popular feature on all of our cruises. Kayaking gives you the unique option to get closer to the action, surrounded by the most amazing landscapes.

Imagine approaching the icy shore when, suddenly, a group of penguins dives into the water right in front of you! Our sea kayaks are small and stable; therefore, they are easy to maneuver and don’t disturb nature and wildlife.

Camp on the ice

Few adventurers have spent a night in Antarctica and you can become one of them! State-of-the-art equipment will keep you warm throughout the night before you step back aboard our comfortable ship.

Explore polar research stations

Visit Port Lockroy, a functioning scientific station with a museum and gift shop. Make sure you send a post card home from their post office.

Discover the subantarctic islands

Depending on your cruise itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore the South Shetland Islands (rich in history and wildlife), Enterprise Island (featuring a Norwegian whaling ship wreck), South Georgia Island and the Falklands.

Antarctic Destinations

Realm of Penguins & Icebergs (Antarctic Peninsula)

New Year & Christmas in Antarctica (Antarctic Peninsula)

Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula)

Crossing 66º South Latitude (The Antarctic Circle)

Our Antarctic Expedition Cruises

Ushuaia, often referred to as the "gateway to Antarctica," is where most Antarctica cruises begin, offering travelers a convenient starting point to embark on their adventure to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Antarctic continent. Our once-in-a-lifetime voyages include:

Realm of Penguins & Icebergs  (Antarctic Peninsula)

After departing from Ushuaia, Argentina aboard the Sea Spirit , you will cross the infamous Drake Passage. Your first glimpse of Antarctica will be the South Shetland Islands, where you will explore the local history and wildlife. We’ll continue along the Antarctic Peninsula before passing through the Gerlache Strait, surrounded by spectacular mountains, pristine glaciers and icebergs, before heading back to port.

New Year & Christmas in Antarctica  (Antarctic Peninsula)

Celebrate the holidays aboard the Sea Spirit and discover the pristine polar wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula. Leave Ushuaia in Argentina aboard the Sea Spirit and head south across the infamous Drake Passage. Explore the South Shetland Islands, rich in history and wildlife. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of penguin colonies, where you can delight in observing these charismatic creatures as they navigate their daily routines. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable holiday, celebrating with like-minded travelers over gourmet meals, drinks and dances aboard the Sea Spirit . You will never forget your Christmas Antarctica cruise!

Antarctic Wildlife Adventure  (Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula)

You will leave Ushuaia, Argentina aboard the Sea Spirit cruising to the Falkland Islands. For birders this is a real paradise with penguin rookeries and seabirds. Further along, we journey to South Georgia Island, where you will stroll pristine beaches while penguins and seals roam the beautiful landscape. Keep an eye out for the splendid king penguins (distinct from the emperor penguins)! It's an exceptional location to witness their presence and immerse yourself in the incredible array of wildlife that thrives in this area. Explore abandoned whaling stations and learn about the region’s history in the museum in Grytviken.

Crossing 66º South Latitude  (The Antarctic Circle)

Take this unique voyage further south than any other cruise. From Ushuaia, Argentina we’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage aboard the Sea Spirit and explore the South Shetland Islands, rich in their own history and wildlife. We then continue on to the Gerlache Strait, framed with glacier-covered mountains and famous for iconic marine mammals and penguins.

We push further south to cross the Antarctic Circle to see the real spirit of the White Continent with bleak white landscapes and harsh weather conditions.

Photo cruises

Poseidon offers Antarctica cruises to suit every taste and more. Experience more than just an Antarctica cruise – embark on a photo cruise to the White Continent! Our photo expeditions prioritize photography and accommodate only 100 guests, ensuring an exclusive and personalized experience. Simultaneous landings during our Antarctica cruises guarantee no group rotations, maximizing time to capture stunning images.

Poseidon's Antarctica cruises for photographers prioritize the golden hour – that magical time, perfect for breathtaking shots. Visit Antarctica and create stunning polar moments.

Poseidon's Antarctica cruises for photographers of all skill levels provide expert guidance from photo experts, which will boost your photography skills. Learn new techniques and tips, taking your abilities to the next level. Moreover, during our Antarctica cruises, you will have a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for photography and polar love. Exchange tips, experiences, and build lasting connections with fellow photographers aboard.

Antarctica travel guide – get ready for your expedition cruise

When is the best time to take an antarctic cruise.

The best time to take an Antarctic cruise depends on personal preferences. The Antarctic summer (November to March) offers milder temperatures, abundant wildlife, and stunning ice formations. Early season (November-December) provides snow-covered landscapes, while late season (February-March) offers whale sightings and mesmerizing sunsets. Consult with our experts to tailor your experience. No matter when you choose, an Antarctic expedition cruise promises awe-inspiring scenery and unforgettable adventures.

How to get to Antarctica

Our expedition cruises start in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires, Argentina (depending on your itinerary) where you will board our small expedition ship, the Sea Spirit . Airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel, as well as a one-night accommodation before our trip starts, are included in the price. You will just have to arrange airfare to and from Ushuaia (or Buenos Aires) by yourself. But, of course, we can assist you with booking if needed!

Travel arrangements

Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Argentina (where the cruise begins). We are happy to advise you on visa arrangements, the required set of documents and can also assist with contacting the relevant consulates.

Interesting facts about Antarctica

• Antarctica is the driest, windiest and coldest continent. The blizzards on the White Continent can lift snow at speeds of up to 320km/h.
• No country owns Antarctica according to the Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 (and which came into force on June 23rd, 1961). It’s listed as a nature preserve and place to conduct peaceful activities and science, with 48 nations supporting the agreement.
• Antarctica features a diverse landscape, including Mt. Erebus (an active volcano), Mt. Vinson (the highest peak at 4,892m) and numerous lakes under the ice. One of them, Lake Vostok (a freshwater lake), is covered by 4km-thick ice.
• Antarctica currently hosts 70 permanent research stations representing 29 nations.

Discover the historic explorers of Antarctica

Ronald Amundsen

After Cook and Peary claimed to have reached the North Pole, Amundsen abandoned his target and changed his route to the South Pole. En route to Antarctica in 1910 on the Fram, he reached the Bay of Whales near the eastern edge of the Ross Ice Shelf in January 1911 and set out to the pole in October 1911. Travelling by dogsled and skis proved successful and Amundsen ultimately won the race to the South Pole on December 14th, 1911, a month before Scott’s party.

Robert F. Scott

Scott first journeyed to Antarctica aboard the Discovery expedition in 1901-1904 together with Sir Ernest Shackleton. While not reaching the pole, they were able to collect valuable experience and data. On his second attempt on the Terra Nova Expedition of 1910-1913, he was challenged by Amundsen, who suddenly changed course to the South Pole. Scott started his march on November 1st, 1911. After a grueling march, five men reached the pole on January 17th, 1912, where they found remains of Amundsen’s party. Scott presumably perished on March 29th, 1912 on his return to camp.

Sir Ernest Shackleton

Shackleton’s ill-fated Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17) on the Endurance got trapped in pack ice in the Weddell Sea. Venturing over pack ice, they reached Elephant Island, from which Shackleton and a few men sailed to South Georgia Island in a small lifeboat. Leaving his second-in-command, Frank Wild, back on Elephant Island with the rest of the crew, Shackleton made it safely to South Georgia, where he reached the Stromness whaling station after crossing the island on foot. Every member of the expedition survived.

A typical day aboard our expedition ship

We want to show you the best of the Antarctic and its most breathtaking places. Weather permitting, we will land on pristine shores, hike to beautiful viewpoints and cruise in our small motorized Zodiac boats. Join the kayak club and you can paddle close-up to wildlife and nature at your own pace. But even at days at sea, ship life aboard the Sea Spirit will keep you busy. Visit lectures by our specialists, hit the gym, read books about Antarctica in our polar library, enjoy gourmet meals in our restaurant, meet fellow travelers at the bar or in our coffee and tea lounge, or just enjoy the beautiful views from your comfortable cabin.

When stepping ashore…

While you already get the best views from our small expedition ship, the Sea Spirit , cruising ashore with our Zodiac boats will bring you even closer to the action. These motorized, safe and durable boats are designed for a maximum of 16 passengers and are perfect for ecologically-sound cruising, minimizing your impact on nature and wildlife.

How to keep busy aboard…

Ship life aboard the Sea Spirit , will keep you busy. Enjoy gourmet meals in the restaurant or open-air bistro on deck, or join your fellow travelers for a chat at the bar. Our Salon Club offers coffee and tea 24/7 and snacks in-between meals.

Visit the captain’s bridge to be the first one to spot wildlife. Pick up binoculars, chat with the crew, or just simply enjoy the best views from this part of the ship.

We bring top scientists aboard and encourage our passengers to participate in their research. Check with us on what projects will be available on your cruise.

Stay active during your cruise

Visit our gym whenever you feel the need to stretch your legs or take a stroll on deck and take in the fresh ocean breeze.

What important things should I consider when traveling to Antarctica?

• Choose your expedition ship wisely! To get the full experience and make the most of wildlife sightings, landings and activities, join a cruise with less than 200 passengers. You’ll get a more personal experience, get closer to the action and form closer bonds with like-minded fellow travelers!
• Cruise with the best! Choose a company that has many years of experience with a top team. This is important to guarantee your safety and the trip of our lifetime! We at Poseidon Expeditions go the extra mile – we hire the best of the best. We stay up to date on the latest environmental requirements, engage in research and citizen science projects! We are also very proud of being fully in compliance with the Antarctic Treaty and all IAATO requirements.
• Choose your cruise – pick the right itinerary. There are lots of ways to explore the White Continent, so choose the best for you! Typical cruises to Antarctica last for 10-12 nights, with ample time for landings. Cruises from 20 to 24 nights feature not only the Antarctic Peninsula, but also the subantarctic islands like South Georgia and the Falklands.
• Communication and Planning For a trip of a lifetime ensure you have the right travel partner to plan it. Make sure to go with an operator that speaks your language, understands your needs and helps you proactively plan your trip!

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, you will require travel insurance that covers you for the duration of the cruise. Please ensure that it includes travel to the polar regions and has an evacuation and repatriation coverage for no less than 200,000 USD.

While we do not require it, we do encourage passengers to also have cancellation insurance.

What do I do if I get seasick?

Everyone reacts differently to the occasional, rough water of the Drake Passage. Passengers should consult their personal physician prior to travel to Antarctica and carry the recommended preventative medications at all times. That said, not all Drake Passage crossings are tumultuous.

What clothes do I need to bring?

We recommend layering your clothes, so you can add or subtract based on weather conditions. Start with warm thermal undergarments made from merino wool or synthetics (not cotton), layer with polar fleece, wool and finish off with water and windproof materials. Keep your body warm, but let it breathe! Don’t forget your hats, scarves and gloves. We’ll have our warm expedition parka ready for you aboard, which you can take home with you, as well as rubber boots for landings, which are yours for the duration of the trip.

Click here to review our check-list on what clothes to bring with you!

What currency do you accept for payment on board?

Currency on board is US dollars. At the end of the voyage, you may pay your tab in cash, or with a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX). We don’t accept traveler’s cheques.

How cold will it get during my voyage?

We cruise during the Antarctic summer. On the subantarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, temperatures average around 0°C during our cruises.

What is included in the cruise fee?

Airport transfer from Ushuaia to your hotel, as well as the first night, are included in your cruise package. Accommodation aboard the Sea Spirit , all port fees, meals aboard and Zodiac cruises and landings are included. Alcoholic beverages, additional activities such as kayaking and camping are separate.

How much luggage can I bring?

It’s always best to pack for the segment of your flight itinerary that has the smallest baggage allowance requirement - baggage allowances on international flights are often larger than domestic flights. Also, be sure to check with your airline to confirm what you are allowed to carry.

Our ships have laundry facilities. Baggage allowance onboard is 2 pieces per 1 person.

Go to our How to pack page for more details.

Will there be Wi-Fi, phones or mobile coverage aboard?

Our expedition ship, the Sea Spirit , is equipped with Wi-Fi, which is included in the cruise package.

What is the time zone in Antarctica

Antarctica, being a vast and uninhabited continent, does not have a designated time zone of its own. The time zones used in Antarctica are typically based on the time zone of the country or research station operating in that particular region. For example, research stations operated by countries like New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina would follow their respective time zones. Similarly, stations operated by other countries or organizations would adhere to the time zone of their home base. As Antarctica is primarily used for scientific research and doesn't have any permanent residents, the concept of time zone is more practical and logistical rather than a reflection of local inhabitants' daily routines.

Are Antarctica cruises expensive?

Antarctica cruises offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. The cost of an Antarctic cruise can vary depending on factors such as trip duration, vessel type, and included activities. We believe that the value of an Antarctic cruise lies in the unparalleled experiences and breathtaking sights that await you. Embark on an unforgettable journey to this pristine and awe-inspiring destination, where you'll have the chance to witness stunning landscapes and encounter unique wildlife. Explore the wonders of Antarctica with us and discover a world of adventure, beauty, and discovery. Contact us today to discuss the various cruise options available and find the one that suits your desires.

How far in advance do I need to book an Antarctic cruise?

To secure the best cabins and take advantage of early bird discounts, it's recommended to book your Antarctica cruise as early as possible. Availability is limited, and by booking well in advance, you increase your chances of choosing your preferred dates, accommodations, and enjoying cost-saving benefits. Don't delay, it is high time to visit Antarctica! Start planning your extraordinary Antarctica cruise today!

Are this trips a good choice for solo travelers?

Antarctica cruises are an excellent choice for solo travelers seeking unforgettable experiences and unique adventures. Joining an Antarctic expedition provides a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded individuals from around the world who share a passion for exploration and discovery. You'll have the chance to connect with fellow travelers, forge new friendships, and create lasting memories together. The supportive and inclusive environment on board ensures that solo travelers feel welcome and part of the expedition community. Embark on a solo journey to Antarctica and immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of the frozen continent while connecting with fellow explorers. Start your solo adventure today!

2022/23 Antarctic Expedition Cruise Season – Special Guests and Programming

Oct 18, 2022 | Antarctica Cruises

Antarctica Awaits

With our 2022-23 season about to kick off, our staff and crew from around the world are getting ‘excited butterflies’ deep in their bellies, knowing that soon we will be in our favorite place on earth – Antarctica. The ships are on their way to the Southern Hemisphere, lists are being finalized, bags are getting packed, and we know that our soon-to-be guests are also feeling the exhilaration of dream trips about to come true. With a list of exceptional guests and unique programming on the way, let’s review why everyone is so eager for the 2022-23 Antarctic season to begin.

A voyage years in the making, the Shackleton’s Final Quest itinerary features so many special guests that it may be the most highly anticipated trip of the season . On this voyage, guests will travel alongside a team of renowned historians, biographers, and polar explorers , including the granddaughter of Shackleton himself, the Hon. Alexandra Shackleton . The trip also includes exceptional experiences such as visits to Point Wild on Elephant Island and the rarely seen King Haakon Bay, an onboard reception with the Governor of the Falklands, and a special visit to Grytviken to honor Shackleton .

Our Photo Explorer voyage, departing in January 2023 , features seven talented photographers , each with their own skill set. Based on our ‘ Celebrating Antarctica ’ itinerary, guests will rub shoulders with an all-star team of photographers and be able to shoot with them in the field, attend their formal presentations, and enjoy informal chats in the bar and common areas. Featuring travel photographer Brendan Van Son, photojournalist Mike Mezeul II, nature photographer Simon Baxter, in addition to famed photographers and educators such as Erin Babnik, Rachael Talibart, Jeff Bartlett, and Julia Trotti.

A special tribute will be paid to Shackleton at his grave in Grytviken.

A beach in South Georgia is busy with wildlife.

An important part of traveling with Polar Latitudes is our company’s commitment to combining passenger tourism with meaningful scientific research . The Seaventure features a dedicated science laboratory , utilized during voyages to analyze samples that will be collected. We are also excited to have the role of ‘ Citizen Science Coordinator ’ on both ships to facilitate research and education for our Citizen Science program.

Guests keen to celebrate the holidays on the White Continent will experience a festive Polar Latitudes experience aboard the Seaventure on our ‘ Christmas in Antarctica ’ itinerary. Similarly, passengers on the Island Sky for our ‘ Holidays in Antarctica ’ voyage will be revelling in holiday cheer as they explore the Antarctic Peninsula, viewing the regions spectacular landscapes and wildlife .

In the new year, our expedition team endeavours to reach 66°33’S on the ‘ Crossing the Circle ’ trip. An attainable ambition, we aim for our guests to reach the furthest reaches of the earth by officially crossing the Antarctic Circle in January 2023.

Guests are encouraged to participate in hands on research projects

Later in the season, we look forward to hosting some of the world’s most passionate environmental champions during the ‘ Walking Softer Leadership Summit ’. This inspiring team of people are working together to build a more sustainable future and investing in future change-makers and impressive young leaders that have dedicated themselves as innovators of solutions for the planet.

With additional experiences like kayaking , camping , hiking , and educational presentations together with plenty of Zodiac cruises and wildlife encounters on the agenda, our 2022/23 season is shaping up to be exceptional. If you are traveling with your bucket list this year, get your pen ready as unique and unforgettable adventures that await us are about to be scratched off your list.

It’s not too late to join us in Antarctica this season! Reach out to our team anytime for inquiries and bookings, we’re happy to help.

Guests traveling over the holidays will enjoy festive cheer on their voyages

Featured Posts

Staff profiles, recent posts.

• Unveiling Our Antarctica 2025-26 Season
• Immersive Photography with Ami Vitale
• 2023 In Review and What’s Ahead for 2024
• Meet Oceanites – Our New Scientific Penguin Counting Friends
• Cross The Antarctic Circle with Polar Expert Dr. John Shears

Posts by Category

• Antarctica Activities
• Antarctica Citizen Science & Education
• Antarctica Cruises
• Antarctica Excursions & Sites
• Antarctica History
• Antarctica Wildlife
• Meet Our Polar Guides & Staff
• Planning Your Antarctica Trip

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

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

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

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

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

The best Antarctica cruise ships: Then and now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution

Operator: Lindblad Expeditions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Navigator

Operator: Atlas Ocean Voyages.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen

Operator: Hurtigruten Expeditions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scenic Eclipse

Operator: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operator: Ponant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Viking Octantis

Operator: Viking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planning an Antarctica cruise expedition? Start with these stories:

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

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Home > Destinations > Antarctica

Antarctica Cruises

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

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

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

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

Antarctic Peninsula

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

Explore Antarctica

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Antarctica cruises range from 9 to 34 days, with most falling within the 12 to 21-day range. The duration of an Antarctica cruise can vary based on factors like the departure point and the specific itinerary chosen.

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

The price of a voyage to Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions starts from USD13,195 per person when sharing a twin Aurora Stateroom. However, there are also early bird discounts available. Read about what is included in your Antarctica cruise .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No matter where you call home, the easiest way to get to Antarctica is from the southern tip of South America or from 2025, start your trip from Hobart and Dunedin. There are two common departure points for Antarctica: Ushuaia, Argentina and Punta Arenas, Chile, both located in the Patagonian region and among the most southern towns on the planet.

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

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

Find out more information about  how to get to Antarctica .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

6 Best Antarctica Expedition Cruises To Add To Your Bucket List

• Antarctica and Arctic
• Best Of Travel
• Best Of Travel Awards: 2023
• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• News and Tips
• Types of Travel

Expedition cruises have skyrocketed in popularity and interest in Antarctica sailings has never been higher. This must-visit destination attracts numerous world travelers seeking epic lifetime experiences, avid photographers and adventure-seekers, and those on a mission to check off their seventh continent.

The White Continent is a magical destination filled with snow-covered mountains, brilliant electric-blue icebergs, amazing wildlife, and otherworldly landscapes. It’s a place of extreme contrasts and quiet, haunting beauty. In addition to the extraordinary wildlife encounters and immersive experiences, Antarctica’s untamed majesty and indescribable stillness are what I remember most.

Recently, our TravelAwaits readers voted for their favorite Antarctica expedition cruises in this year’s Best Of Travel Awards. Here are their top choices to inform and inspire you when planning your unforgettable trip to Antarctica.

1. Hurtigruten Expeditions (Winner)

Norway-based Hurtigruten Expeditions is celebrating 130 years of voyaging in polar waters. The company has been sailing to Antarctica for over 2 decades and is one of the destination’s most experienced operators. Hurtigruten’s Antarctica expedition voyages top bucket lists for our TravelAwaits readers and other travelers with more than an 800 percent increase in Antarctica bookings over the last 10 years.

Hurtigruten Expeditions operates multiple ships in Antarctica, accommodating 318–530 guests. The company’s wide variety of Antarctica itineraries ranges from 12–23 days in length, enabling explorers to become fully immersed in Antarctica’s icy splendor. As a green energy leader, the ships reflect Hurtigruten’s core commitment to highly sustainable expedition travel. Ships feature exceptional onboard expedition teams, well-equipped science centers, expansive observation decks, spacious staterooms and suites with balconies, restaurants, an explorer lounge and bar, a fitness room, saunas, and hot tubs.

Guests on Hurtigruten’s Antarctica expeditions can participate in many enriching, immersive experiences. Dr. Verena Meraldi, the cruise industry’s only on-staff chief scientist, oversees Hurtigruten Expeditions’ superb Citizen Science Program. You can take part in a variety of hands-on research projects that complement the extensive array of lectures and demonstrations on Hurtigruten’s Antarctica voyages. Additional memorable activities include land and sea adventures such as camping in Antarctica, opportunities for a polar plunge , sea kayaking and Zodiac excursions through Antarctica’s crystal-clear waters, and hiking and snowshoeing treks to rarely visited areas with awe-inspiring views.

2. Adventure Canada

Adventure Canada operates small-ship expedition cruises to some of the world’s most remote places. The adventure cruise line offers two voyages to Antarctica in February aboard Ocean Endeavour — Adventure Canada’s ice-strengthened vessel with a capacity of 198 guests. The ship is equipped with 20 Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, restaurant facilities, and an onboard gym, sauna, spa, pool deck with a hot tub, and other amenities.

Adventure Canada is known for its spirit of exploration and learning, outstanding leaders and experiences, and support for arts, sciences, and scholarship. On Adventure Canada’s Antarctica expedition voyages, guests are accompanied by superb expert leaders and guides who share their knowledge and skills through presentations, programming, and interpretive discussions throughout the journey. Antarctica cruises include ample opportunities for wildlife and polar landscape viewing from the Ocean Endeavour via Zodiac cruises and on guided landings.

The company’s “Journey to the Antarctic Circle” voyage takes guests on a journey of exploration through the Drake Passage, the Shetland Islands, and into Antarctica’s deeper polar areas. This Adventure Canada expedition attempts to cross the fabled Antarctic Circle. Adventure Canada’s “Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey” occurs during peak whale migration season. On this expedition, guests can take part in a whale-related Citizen Science project and view the various Antarctic whale species and wildlife that call this pristine region home for at least part of the year.

3. Lindblad Expeditions

Over 50 years ago, pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first band of “citizen” explorers to Antarctica. Since then, Lindblad Expeditions has brought many adventurers to the White Continent, sharing its exceptional experience and deep institutional knowledge of the region. Lindblad Expeditions’ partnership with National Geographic adds even more enriching benefits for its guests.

Lindblad Expeditions sails an array of 14- to 35-day Antarctica itineraries on three ships accommodating just 138–148 guests. The line’s fully stabilized expedition ships of the highest ice class offer luxuriously appointed interiors, fully equipped staterooms, numerous observation areas, and a number of unique elements. The National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution feature a game-changing patented bow design that provides outstanding stability in all types of conditions — which can be highly valued when sailing through the infamous Drake Passage. Guests on both ships can also soak up Antarctica’s icy splendor in an infinity-edged hot tub, followed by a night of stargazing under the polar sky in a geodesic glass igloo.

Each Antarctica sailing includes a highly seasoned expedition leader, top-notch naturalists, undersea specialists, National Geographic photographers, and other experts. You can enjoy outstanding presentations and participate in an extensive array of immersive experiences including enriching Citizen Science programs, kayaking, hiking, exploring Antarctica’s undersea world with a remotely operated vehicle and underwater specialist, and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at certain times. Select departures also provide exciting activities for kids and teens through Lindblad’s Global Explorers Program . 

4. Viking Cruises

Viking offers enrichment-oriented Antarctica expedition voyages on its two purpose-built polar-class expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris . Both ships accommodate 378 guests and feature extensive expedition equipment, including two submarines for underwater exploration, Zodiacs, and an industry-first hangar for easy Special Operations Boat embarkation and debarkation inside the ship. On Viking’s Antarctica cruises , guests can enjoy landings and scenic sailings around the Antarctic Peninsula while discovering the world’s most remote wild frontier.

Those who have sailed with Viking will recognize some of the Scandinavian design features and amenities on the line’s expedition ships. In a first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms feature a Nordic balcony — a large floor-to-ceiling window that opens from the top. Viking’s expedition ships also offer a variety of dining choices, the Nordic Spa, an extensively equipped science lab, an expedition central hub for expedition team meetings, and a stunning panoramic auditorium. Guests will enjoy the many indoor and outdoor viewing areas on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris .

Viking has partnered with leading academic institutions to create an exceptional scientific enrichment environment on their expedition ships. You can join visiting researchers and Viking’s Expedition Team in hands-on scientific work and participate in shore excursions and world-class lectures. Other activities include guided kayaking experiences, scenic Zodiac or Special Operations Boat cruises, snowshoeing under certain conditions, and landings to observe seals, penguins, and other wildlife.

5. Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Expedition Cruises

Premier luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) launched its first Antarctica expedition in 1991. The company’s more than 30 years of experience is clearly displayed in its exceptional all-inclusive luxury Antarctica expedition cruises for discerning travelers wishing to explore the remote White Continent. A&K is highly committed to protecting Antarctica’s wildlife and fragile ecosystem, employing cutting-edge technology and supporting non-profit organizations through A&K Philanthropy.

On Abercrombie & Kent’s Antarctica expeditions accommodating just 199 guests, travelers enjoy the luxury of an all-inclusive, small-group experience. The company charters the stylish Le Lyrial — one of Ponant’s finest ice-class expedition ships — for its Antarctica voyages. The intimate guest size means there are no significant constraints on the number of landings in Antarctica, which average twice daily. On the amenity-rich Le Lyrial , all luxurious staterooms feature private balconies and butler services are provided with every suite. A&K’s Antarctica voyages include a pre-cruise hotel stay and excursion, complimentary polar gear for Antarctica expeditions, immersive enrichment programs, Zodiac excursions, a French-inspired culinary program, 24-hour room service, gratuities, free Wi-Fi, and more.

A&K’s outstanding polar expedition teams provide enriching lectures, guidance, and insightful commentary on board and ashore. A&K’s hand-selected teams include research scientists, conservationists, naturalists, historians, wildlife photographers, and highly credentialed polar experts. Families and multigenerational groups will also appreciate A&K’s Young Explorers Program , offering younger guests a wealth of fun, adventurous, and learning opportunities throughout their voyage.

6. Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages offers an extensive array of all-inclusive voyages to Antarctica on their sleek, ice-class luxury expedition yachts. Itineraries range from shorter Antarctica expeditions and 9- to 11-night round-trip voyages to deep polar immersions of 13 nights or more. The line’s new “Fly & Sail” expeditions include private charter flights to Antarctica’s King George Island, enabling travelers to skip the Drake Channel ship crossing. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ vessels carry less than 200 guests and feature numerous dining options, 98 elegant suites, solo suites without any single supplements, and comfortable staterooms.

On Atlas Ocean Voyages , you’ll find a highly inclusive approach to luxury expedition cruising. Antarctica fares include complimentary air transportation via a private charter jet, pre-cruise hotel stays, unlimited beverages, dining venues with a wide variety of menu choices, ship-wide Wi-Fi, gratuities, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and additional amenities. Guests will also enjoy numerous enrichment lectures and destination briefings by the highly experienced expedition team.

Viewing Antarctica’s surreal snow-filled landscapes is always a high priority on voyages to the White Continent. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ships feature The Water’s Edge Lookout — the industry’s closest-to-the-waterline observation bow area with heated seating perfect for spending time outdoors. Antarctica expeditions include up to two daily Zodiac outings, where guests can observe graceful humpback whales, wildlife seemingly oblivious to your presence, and adorable penguins tobogganing down snowy hillsides. The ships’ nearly 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio helps to ensure a personalized experience on your Antarctica journey.

Read more from our 2023 Best Of Travel Awards .

Nancy is founder of the Family Travel Network, launched in partnership with America Online. She serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association and is a consultant and frequent presenter at top travel industry conferences and events. Nancy is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association. She was honored with the Family Travel Association's Mike Janes Media Member Award in 2022.

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List of all Antarctica expedition departure dates

October 2024

Falklands and south georgia: magellan explorer.

9th October 2024

Classic South Georgia: M/V Ushuaia

13th October 2024

Falklands, South Georgia, Antarctica - Plancius

18th October 2024

Falklands, South Georgia Antarctica: Ortelius

21st October 2024

Antarctica Untouched: Seaventure

22nd October 2024

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Expedition

Antarctica south georgia and falklands explorer.

30th October 2024

Special Offers!

South Shetlands and Antarctica

31st October 2024

November 2024

Antarctic peninsula - basecamp m/v hondius.

1st November 2024

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Antarctica, south georgia and falklands: ocean vic, antarctic wildlife adventure: sea spirit.

2nd November 2024

Classic Antarctica Cruise: MV Ushuaia

3rd November 2024

10 or 11 day departures

Falklands South Georgia Antarctica: Ocean Explorer

4th November 2024

Pay in Full Offer

Antarctic Explorer: World Explorer

5th November 2024

Antarctica Adrenaline Ice Swimming Adventure

8th November 2024

Early Booking Prices

Weddell Sea Emperor Penguin Voyage: M/V Ortelius

10th November 2024

Emperor Penguins: A Photographers Paradise

Antarctica small ship expedition: ocean nova.

11th November 2024

Earlybird Savings

Antarctica In Depth - M/S Expedition

12th November 2024

14th November 2024

Antarctic Small Ship Expedition: Magellan Explorer

Antarctic explorer: ultramarine.

16th November 2024

Antarctica, Falklands & Sth Georgia: Sea Spirit

17th November 2024

Best of Antarctica: Ocean Endeavour

18th November 2024

11 days / 9 night cruise

Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands

19th November 2024

20th November 2024

22nd November 2024

Galapagos of the Southern Ocean

Antarctic explorer: ocean explorer, antarctica classic - m/s expedition.

23rd November 2024

Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: Magellan Explorer

26th November 2024

27th November 2024

Antarctic Peninsula In-Depth: Ocean Victory

28th November 2024

Adventures in Antarctica: Seaventure

29th November 2024

Antarctic Peninsula: M/V Ortelius

30th November 2024

December 2024

1st December 2024

Classic Antarctica Air/Cruise: M/V Ocean Nova

2nd December 2024

Special Travel Credit!

Birding Down Under: Heritage Adventurer

3rd December 2024

Emperors and Explorers: Union Glacier Camp

4th December 2024

5th December 2024

Antarctic Express, Fly the Drake: World Explorer

6th December 2024

Best of Antarctica In-Depth: Ocean Endeavour

Classic antarctica air-cruise: magellan explorer.

7th December 2024

10th December 2024

Falklands, South Georgia, Peninsula: Ortelius

11th December 2024

12th December 2024

Antarctica Crossing the Circle: Ocean Albatros

15th December 2024

Early Booking Rates

16th December 2024

Epic Antarctic Circle, South Georgia & Falklands

Antarctic christmas: m/v sea spirit.

17th December 2024

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica

18th December 2024

Christmas in Antarctica: Seaventure

19th December 2024

20th December 2024

21st December 2024

Quest for the Antarctic Circle: M/S Expedition

22nd December 2024

Antarctic Basecamp M/V Plancius

25th December 2024

26th December 2024

New Year in Antarctica: Sea Spirit

27th December 2024

28th December 2024

Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: NZ Subanta

29th December 2024

Antarctica - Basecamp M/V Ortelius

31st December 2024

January 2025

Polar circle air/cruise: m/v ocean nova.

1st January 2025

2nd January 2025

4th January 2025

South Shetland Islands and Antarctica

5th January 2025

Antarctic Circle South Georgia and Falklands

Earlybird Rates

Crossing the Circle: Ultramarine

6th January 2025

Pay In Full Offer

South Georgia & Antarctica Penguin Safari

M/v plancius antarctic adventure, antarctica's ross sea: heritage adventurer.

7th January 2025

Suite Special

8th January 2025

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake: Ocean Explorer

9th January 2025

10th January 2025

Spirit of Shackleton: M/S Expedition

11th January 2025

12th January 2025

14th January 2025

Celebrating Antarctica: Seaventure

15th January 2025

16th January 2025

17th January 2025

18th January 2025

19th January 2025

21st January 2025

22nd January 2025

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

Crossing the circle express: ocean explorer.

24th January 2025

Polar Circle Air/Cruise: Magellan Explorer

Antarctic polar circle: sea spirit, crossing the antarctic circle: seaventure.

25th January 2025

26th January 2025

27th January 2025

30th January 2025

31st January 2025

February 2025

1st February 2025

2nd February 2025

3rd February 2025

Journey to the Circle: Ocean Endeavour

4th February 2025

Earlybird rates

Crossing the Circle: Ocean Explorer

5th February 2025

6th February 2025

7th February 2025

8th February 2025

9th February 2025

10th February 2025

11th February 2025

Remote Weddell Sea Explorer: Ortelius

13th February 2025

15th February 2025

16th February 2025

Antarctic Peninsula: M/V Sea Spirit

11 or 12 days

18th February 2025

19th February 2025

Falklands, South Georgia, Antarctic Circle

20th February 2025

25th February 2025

26th February 2025

Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Odyssey

1st March 2025

2nd March 2025

3rd March 2025

4th March 2025

6th March 2025

8th March 2025

Antarctic Whale Journey: Ocean Endeavour

9th March 2025

Elephant Island Weddell Sea & Polar Circle

Last-Minute Prices

Polar Circle Deep South: M/V Ortelius

10th March 2025

11th March 2025

13th March 2025

14th March 2025

17th March 2025

Beyond the Antarctic Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf

21st March 2025

Antarctic Polar Circle Whale Watching

23rd March 2025

24th March 2025

26th March 2025

October 2025

Falklands & south georgia: sea spirit.

21st October 2025

22nd October 2025

Falkland, South Georgia Antarctica ex Madryn: Hond

28th October 2025

November 2025

4th November 2025

6th November 2025

8th November 2025

9th November 2025

11th November 2025

South Georgia Explorer: MV Plancius

13th November 2025

Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill

15th November 2025

Pay in Full Save 5%

17th November 2025

Antarctica Extreme Weddell Sea: Ocean Albatros

Antarctica all-access: seaventure.

18th November 2025

Special Pricing*

21st November 2025

22nd November 2025

24th November 2025

26th November 2025

27th November 2025

28th November 2025

Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: M/V Ocean Nova

29th November 2025

December 2025

1st December 2025

2nd December 2025

Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

3rd December 2025

Antarctica and Weddell Sea: Ocean Victory

5th December 2025

6th December 2025

7th December 2025

8th December 2025

9th December 2025

10th December 2025

11th December 2025

12th December 2025

15th December 2025

16th December 2025

17th December 2025

18th December 2025

19th December 2025

Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

20th December 2025

21st December 2025

22nd December 2025

26th December 2025

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Weddell Sea Quest: M/V Ushuaia

3rd February 2026

4th February 2026

6th February 2026

7th February 2026

8th February 2026

9th February 2026

10th February 2026

11th February 2026

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Polar Circle Quest: M/V Ushuaia

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12 day departure

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Antarctica South Georgia Air-Cruise

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11th March 2026

13th March 2026

Whale Season in Antarctica: Seaventure

15th March 2026

Earlybird Pricing

Beyond the Antarctic Circle - Hondius

20th March 2026

23rd March 2026

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It's not for everyone: 3 things to know about Antarctica expedition cruises

W hen James Rameson stepped on land in Antarctica during an expedition cruise last month, it’s possible it was the first time anyone had ever set foot on that part of the ice-covered continent.

When the Zodiac boat arrived at the rocky shore, the expedition leader told the Santa Barbara, California, 13-year-old and his fellow passengers – of which I was one – that our group on board Aurora Expeditions’ Sylvia Earle ship may have been the first to visit that particular spot.

Rameson, who took the cruise as a birthday gift with his father, Tyler, 49, made the most of his sudden pioneer status. “I walked over to this random spot, and I'm like, ‘Look, dad, no one has ever been here,’ ” he told USA TODAY. “It's like, ‘I’m the first person to set foot right here,’ which I thought was pretty cool.”

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Not every trip can offer that. “One of the most incredible things about visiting Antarctica is the feeling of exploration and being somewhere very few people have been before,” said Kristin Winkaffe, a luxury travel designer and founder of Winkaffe Global Travel.

But the continent has become an increasingly popular destination. More than 71,200 people visited the ice during the 2022-2023 season, up from around 24,000 in 2021-2022 in the wake of COVID-19 and just under 56,000 in 2019-2020, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. There has been a surge in inventory , too, with new ships and itineraries from a range of expedition lines.

Here are three things to know about taking an Antarctica cruise:

I did a polar plunge in Antarctica. It meant more than I expected.

1. You’ll have to cross the Drake Passage – maybe

Most expedition cruises to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, and cross the infamous Drake Passage . The waterway is notoriously treacherous, and travelers could experience a rough “Drake Shake” or calm “Drake Lake” during the journey, which takes about two days to complete each way (you may have seen videos of it on TikTok ).

My trip fell somewhere in the middle on the way down with waves as high as about 13 feet. “A lot of people, even if they haven't experienced seasickness before, tend to experience seasickness on the Drake Passage,” Winkaffe said.

Expedition ships tend to be small, but larger cruise ships visit Antarctica as well and guests may feel the impact of the waves less thanks to their size. However, travelers should note that ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not permitted to take them on land , according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. 

Some cruise operators offer flights over the Drake Passage. But Winkaffe warned that those trips are not only “exponentially more expensive” – Antarctica cruises can range from around $5,000 per person to more than $20,000 and those flights could add between $5,000 and $10,000 – but also less reliable since weather in the area can be unpredictable.

“There is the possibility that (ships will) get canceled or delayed due to weather but they're able to cross during worse weather than the flights are,” she said.

Lindblad Expeditions is the latest operator to add the option, allowing guests to skip potentially rough waters and shave time off their trip. CEO and founder Sven-Olof Lindblad said last month at the luxury travel trade show ILTM Cannes that the brand had long held off due to concerns passengers wouldn’t take off and land as scheduled, but that technology has made the flights more predictable, Travel + Leisure reported .

2. You have to be flexible

Given the extreme climate, Antarctica cruises may not always go as planned. 

During my trip with Aurora, the expedition team shared an intended itinerary for the next day each night with guests, with the caveat that it was only a Plan A. After they assessed the conditions upon arrival, we sometimes explored by Zodiac rather than attempting to go on land or relocated altogether.

That may be an adjustment for travelers who have been on other types of cruises with detailed itineraries from start to finish. “Antarctica is a totally different beast in that you basically just have to accept that you’re going on a tour to Antarctica and not get attached to any specific place,” Winkaffe said.

She recommended going into the trip with a “sense of adventure,” and that travelers avoid Googling specific locations ahead of time to minimize disappointment if they don’t make it there. Destinations may also look different from their photos, particularly because the environment changes throughout the year (the Antarctica cruise season runs from October through March , encompassing its summer).

“Everybody has FOMO ( fear of missing out ) and everything, but everybody’s experience is different,” said Jeff Nagel, the assistant expedition leader on my trip.

3. Keep the environment in mind

As harrowing as the Antarctic environment can seem, it’s also vulnerable. Scientists have already warned of dire impacts due to climate change.

That makes visiting with care especially important. On board the expedition with Aurora, we received information on the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators guidelines and followed biosecurity protocols , like cleaning and having our gear inspected to avoid transporting nonnative species and scrubbing our boots after landings (the ship even played songs like Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” while we twisted our feet against rubber mats to remove debris).

“We are aware that, of course, in spite of all the work we do to make it as sustainable … as possible, we do have an impact,” said Mario Placidi Spring, the expedition leader on my trip.

What is wave season?: Why you should book your next cruise now

Winkaffe recommended doing research before booking and choosing a cruise operator that is putting effort and money toward operating sustainably.

“I'd like to believe that through our educational programs and (other programming) on board that we are creating ambassadors, and people are going home and maybe thinking about those small changes they can make in their life that will protect these areas and protect the world as a whole,” Nagel added.

Editor’s note: The reporter on this story received access to this expedition from Aurora Expeditions. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

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

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: It's not for everyone: 3 things to know about Antarctica expedition cruises

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How a New Line of Expedition Ships Is Turning the Tides on Polar Seas

High-tech features are making treacherous ocean passages feel tame

Laura Kiniry

Travel Correspondent

The first time I found myself in the waters surrounding South America’s southern tip, in 2013, I spent hours each day in my cabin, fighting off constant nausea. We were navigating the sea around Cape Horn, a notoriously rough passage, and winds were sweeping our “polar approved” vessel from side to side, whipping up massive waves and sending my stomach into a frenzy.

I swore that I’d never even consider taking a ship through these waters again, let alone the Drake Passage , the approximately 600-mile stretch that lies between the bottom tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula with a reputation for being one of the most perilous on the planet. The passage has claimed the lives of some 20,000 sailors over the years. But when an opportunity came for me to sail to Antarctica a decade later, I couldn’t say no. Thankfully, I found that polar expedition vessels had come a long way in those ten years. Not only was I able to enjoy the scenery, thanks to a bevy of tech-savvy features that helped steady both the ship and my stomach, but I even returned to Antarctica for a second go—braving the Drake Passage crossing a total of four times after swearing it off for good.

While navigating polar waters remains extremely tough, a new line of expedition cruise ships—smaller vessels that are purposely built by various companies for navigating remote areas—has been turning the tides on these treacherous seas and making them much more manageable for both vessels and passengers alike. By combining comfort and efficiency with overall safety through an abundance of high-tech features, and maximizing everything from speed to stability, these purpose-built vessels are making the dreaded “Drake Shake” (the passage’s less-than-savory nickname) feel more like the “Drake Lake,” even on its wildest days.

Why repurposed research vessels weren’t the best fit

When traveler expeditions first started heading to Antarctica in the late 1960s , most of the ships being used were old Russian research vessels and converted car ferries that had been outfitted with guest cabins. They were rugged and far from luxury, but each of these ships had been “polar approved.” This meant they’d undergone substantial modifications—such as rebuilding the entire body of the ship from sheets of metal to thicker, highly durable steel—to allow them to operate in polar waters. Still, they were a far cry from the purpose-built ships of today.

Even Lindblad Expeditions’ Explorer ship, one of the company’s still-operational expedition ships, which launched in 2008, began service as a coastal Norwegian passenger and ice ferry. “She was already ice class,” a term meaning it was built to safely navigate through sea ice, says Tyler Skarda , Lindblad’s chief maritime officer. “Lindblad then equipped her with mud rooms to store excursion equipment, and outfitted her with an ice-strengthened hull.”

It wasn’t until the last decade that some of the major players in the cruise industry—companies like Lindblad, Viking Cruises, Aurora Expeditions and Ponant, which includes ships used by Smithsonian Journeys —began purposely constructing expedition ships. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, 2023 saw a record 81 expedition cruise ships operating , a number that more than quadrupled from a decade ago. Many of these ships have been intentionally built for the expedition cruise industry. With passenger capacities ranging anywhere from 60 to 375 or even more, these smaller vessels are designed specifically for crossing waters like the Drake, as well as the ice-laden polar regions of both Antarctica and the Arctic.

“Antarctica is where the money is,” says Jason Flesher, an expedition operations director with Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours who’s been involved with expedition cruising since 2010. “It’s still that unattainable, unreachable frontier for so many.”

The technology of purpose-built ships

In order to build ships strong and technically savvy enough to traverse through some of the most remote and challenging landscapes on Earth, several cruise companies borrowed designs from other parts of the shipping industry. For example, both Lindblad and Aurora Expeditions turned to Ulstein , a family-owned and internationally renowned shipbuilder, to create their innovative hull design. Ulstein first launched its patented X-Bow concept in 2005 as a way for shipping vessels to service the huge offshore oil and gas industry in the exceptionally rough North Sea.

From its inception, the X-Bow was a hit. Its sloped design offers a smoother ride both by splitting the energy of the waves as they hit a ship and by reducing the slamming impact that comes with water hitting the underside of the bow. “The X-Bow mitigates any pitching through creating buoyancy, so that ships like Lindblad’s Resolution and Endurance can basically glide through eight meter [26-feet-high] seas,” says Skarda. “It also allows these ships to keep up speed, unlike traditionally bowed ships, where you have to slow down in order to keep the back end of a ship from coming out of the water.”

Tomas Holik , vice president of operations at Aurora, says the revolutionary design also comes in handy during severe weather conditions. “While other ships may have to wait for conditions to improve,” he says, “the X-Bow allows our expedition ships to continue.”

Companies such as Lindblad, Scenic Eclipse and Viking have also outfitted their expedition vessels with Azipod , a gearless, steerable propulsion system that allows ships to maneuver 360 degrees with superb precision. First developed in the late 1980s for vessels maintaining Finland’s coastal fairways, these electric units permit a ship’s main propellers to act as thrusters, eliminating any need for separate thrusters, which can add drag, or extra resistance, to the hull.

“One of the amazing capabilities that Azipods give us,” says Skarda, “is that rather than having fixed shafts and propellers, which are typically the first things to get damaged in the ice, we’re instead able to get into a situation where the ship sees an ice ridge, and then they can almost turn around on a dime. It then uses the Azipod propulsion system to actually flush the ice to the side. If a ship with a conventional propulsion system hits the ice with one of their propellers or the shaft or the rudder, they’re going to have a problem.”

Another game changer is the computer-controlled Dynamic Positioning (DP) System , used to automatically maintain a ship’s position without mooring lines or anchors. Ships like Scenic Eclipse I and II and Viking Polaris and Octantis use it in shallow, fragile areas to minimize harm to seabeds. “With the DP system, all it takes is the push of a button, and the computer takes over everything,” says Flesher, of Scenic. “The thrusters, the propulsion, the stabilizers—so no matter what outside forces are against the ship, she holds point and she won’t move.”

While all high-end expedition cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers to smooth out the ride, the custom-built ones on Scenic Eclipse I and II are 50 percent larger than those on other vessels. They’re also zero-speed, meaning they minimize drag by maximizing lift, greatly reducing any rolling caused by rough seas. A computerized system allows them to move up and down automatically, counteracting any winds or swells that the ships encounter. Actually, the stability of the ships when they’re stationary is so good, it’s akin to treading water.

When it comes to sustainability, all new cruise ships debuting between 2023 and 2028 will be primarily powered by liquefied natural gas , according to CLIA. Launched in 2020, Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot even became the first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by this cleaner fossil fuel, which emits very little sulfur. Artificial intelligence is another tool that can make modern expedition ships more efficient by forecasting sea ice before it forms, allowing vessels to strategically plan routes around it.

All of these technologies mean a smoother ride for passengers, who get the adventure of navigating rough seas without putting their lives in peril like their precursors .

Weighing options

Although converted polar-class vessels are still the best option for budget travelers heading to Antarctica, Flesher says it’s going to include “a lot more bounce” to get there. “These are the ships where the dining room chairs are chained to the floor,” he says, “and the movement? Believe me, you feel it.”

While today’s purpose-built expedition ships may have oversized stabilizers to help steady them in winds and waves, and strengthened hulls to protect their cargo and machinery, they’re not entirely foolproof. Unforeseen natural occurrences (like the rogue wave that hit a ship on its return from Antarctica in 2022) are extremely rare, but they certainly can happen. “Something like a [rogue wave] will have an impact on a vessel, regardless of its size and technical prowess,” says Holik, of Aurora Expeditions.

Crossing the Drake Passage may still have its risks, but they’re minimal in comparison to the days of legendary polar explorers like Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton . In the case of today’s purpose-class expedition vessels, it’s also a lot more comfortable to boot.

As someone who’s prone to seasickness, I only felt the slightest bit queasy (thanks, in part, to some ginger tablets and Dramamine) while traversing the infamous sea. Definitely not enough to keep me from taking in the breathtaking scenery while following the sea paths of legends.

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Laura Kiniry | READ MORE

Laura Kiniry is a San Francisco-based freelance writer specializing in food, drink, and travel. She contributes to a variety of outlets including American Way , O-The Oprah Magazine , BBC.com , and numerous AAA pubs.

• Expeditions

Press Release

Viking sweeps travelage west’s 2024 wave awards with recognition across river, ocean and expedition voyages, viking receives top honors from travel advisors in five categories including “river cruise line providing the best travel advisor support” and “cruise line with the highest client satisfaction”.

LOS ANGELES (June 21, 2024) – Viking® ( www.viking.com ) (NYSE: VIK) today is celebrating a new set of accolades from leading travel industry publication TravelAge West . The company earned five category wins—securing recognition across its river, ocean and expedition product lines—in the 2024 WAVE Awards. Voted on by travel advisors and readers, Viking earned top honors in three river categories: River Cruise Line Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support , Best River Cruise Line for U.S. Sailings for its voyages on the Viking Mississippi , and Best New River Cruise Ship for the newest vessel on the Nile River, the Viking Aton . Additionally, Viking was awarded Cruise Line with the Highest Client Satisfaction (less than 1,300 passengers) for its ocean voyages and Expedition Cruise Line with the Highest Client Satisfaction .

For 55 years, TravelAge West has been a leading source of travel industry news and product information. More than 6,400 travel advisor professionals throughout the U.S. and readers of TravelAge West voted on the best-of-the-best from a list of Editor’s Pick award recipients that were chosen after careful review by Kenneth Shapiro, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of TravelAge West and the editorial team of TravelAge West . Review methods included product analysis, on-site visits, a survey of a select group of industry advisors and online research.

“We are honored to be recognized by TravelAge West and travel advisor professionals,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “For more than 27 years, our relationships with travel advisors have played a significant role in our success. We have always prioritized being the best business partner with our trade-friendly practices, including our history as the first and only major line with no NCFs. We are especially proud to be recognized for providing travel advisor support and client satisfaction, and we look forward to continued success with our travel advisor partners.”

Today’s announcement is Viking’s latest milestone in a series of recent accolades. Viking made history when it was voted #1 for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. The company was also voted to the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure in the 2023 World’s Best Awards. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. Viking also led the 2023 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards with seven awards – more than any other line – across the luxury, river and expedition categories – including Best Cabins and Best Spa in the luxury category. Viking was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Cruise Lines ranking; among the Best Cruises by the editors and panel of experts in Women’s Health 2024 Travel Awards; and two of Viking’s ocean ships, the Viking Sky ® and the Viking Neptune ® were rated and “Recommended” as part of the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands.

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About Viking

Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure . No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com . For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv .

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Ten New Cruise Lines Set to Start Service Soon

• June 24, 2024

From new luxury brands to regional cruise lines and coastal operators, over ten new cruise companies are set to start service in the next three years.

Cruise Industry News looks into some of the key brands set to join the cruise market over the next few years.

Villa Vie Residences Niche: Residential Cruising First ship: Villa Vie Odyssey (former Braemar) Capacity: 977 guests Type: Secondhand First Voyage: Summer 2024

Villa Vie Residences is planning to launch a new cruise line concept that will allow guests to live onboard during continuous world cruises. Using the former Braemar , the company aims to start service soon from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Neonyx Cruises Niche: Contemporary First ship: Goddess of the Night (former Costa Magica) Capacity: 2,720 guests Type: Secondhand First Voyage: July 2024

Sailing to the Greek Isles, Neonyx Cruises plans to offer an adults-only product that focuses on parties and short cruises. The three- and four-night itineraries will take place onboard the former Costa Magica starting in mid-July .

Positive Polar Niche: Expedition First ship: Polar Angel (former Ocean Atlantic) Capacity: 198 guests Type: Secondhand First Voyage: Q4 2024 (estimated)

Positive Polar is launching an expedition cruise line focused on sustainability with a product that combines cruising and science. Acquiring a ship from SunStone , the company will allow guests to contribute and be a part of onboard research in itineraries across the Arctic and Antarctica.

Aroya Cruises Niche: Premium First ship: Aroya (former World Dream) Capacity: 3,400 guests Type: Secondhand First Voyage: December 2024

Using the former World Dream, Aroya Cruises aims to become the first Saudi cruise line ever. With a product tailored to the local market, the Cruise Saudi-backed brand will start sailing from the port of Jeddah in December 2024 .

Mitsui Ocean Cruises Niche: Luxury First ship: Mitsui Ocean Fuji (former Seabourn Odyssey) Capacity: 450 guests Type: Secondhand First Voyage: December 2024

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is introducing a new luxury cruise line to the Japanese market called Mitsui Ocean Cruises. The company acquired the Seabourn Odyssey in 2023 and plans to launch service from Tokyo later this year .

Alma Cruceros Niche: Luxury First ship: Ocean Victory Capacity: 186 guests Type: Secondhand (chartered) First Voyage: Summer 2025

Alma Cruceros chartered the Ocean Victory for the summer seasons starting in 2025 . While additional details about the brand are still to be revealed, the startup brand aims to target the Spanish luxury market, offering itineraries across the Mediterranean.

Victory Cruise Lines Niche: Coastal First ships: Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator Capacity: 202 guests each Type: Secondhand First Voyage: July 2025

After purchasing two coastal ships at an auction earlier this year , John Waggoner plans to reintroduce the Victory Cruise Lines brand. Operating the Ocean Voyager and the Ocean Navigator, the company is expected to operate itineraries in the Great Lakes, as well as Canada & New England.

Four Seasons Yachts Niche: Luxury First ship: Unnamed Capacity: 180 guests Type: Newbuild First Voyage: Q4 2025

With two upscale yachts under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, Four Seasons is entering the luxury market in late 2025. The company plans to introduce a new concept based on world-class design, curated experiences and exceptional service .

Orient Express Niche: Luxury First ship: Orient Express Corinthian Capacity: 108 guests Type: Newbuild First Voyage: 2026

Building unique new sailing yachts , Orient Express will join the luxury market in 2026. The new 108-guest vessels will offer unparalleled service and refined design spaces, reminiscent of the golden age of mythical cruises, the company said.

Ryobi Niche: Luxury First ship: Unnamed Capacity: 150 guests Type: Newbuild First Voyage: 2027

After ordering a 150-guest newbuild , Ryobi plans to introduce Japan’s first yacht-style cruise product. With a product designed to offer “the best personal service,” the company aims to launch service sometime in 2027.

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The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

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Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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Antarctica Cruises

Book early for 2025 and 2026 sailings to Antarctica and save up to 25% with the HX Price Promise* or get off the beaten track in 2024 and save up to 25%.

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.

Across selected sailings, we will cover the cost of your flights to Antarctica!

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 $22,125

Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition | Southbound

Departure Dates

21 Oct 24, 1 Nov 24

Price from $18,613

MS Roald Amundsen +1

MS Roald Amundsen MS Fridtjof Nansen

Antarctica & Falkland Expedition

6 Nov 24, 20 Nov 24 + 4 more departures

Price from $16,731

MS Roald Amundsen

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.

Purpose-built as an expedition cruise ship, MS Fram is an exceptional base camp for explorers. On board, comfort is a top priority, so after a day of exploration you can relax in a hot tub, dine in your choice of two restaurants or at the outdoor BBQ and catch up with your fellow guests with a cocktail in hand as you watch the scenery glide past in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. In the Science Centre, at the heart of the ship, you’ll discover more about the places you sail to and listen to talks by the Expedition Team.  With key expedition features and technology, MS Fram is primed to bring you on a journey of discovery to our planet’s most alluring and unspoiled regions. 

Named after the first man to cross Antarctica and to reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters. It serves as a comfortable base camp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.

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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