Antarctica Cruises

Explore the Last Great Wilderness on Earth

An Antarctica cruise is the ultimate bucket list adventure taking you to one of the most remote, untouched places on the planet. Towering glaciers, massive icebergs, and incredible wildlife encounters make this a once-in-a-lifetime journey unlike any other.

Unlike traditional cruise destinations, Antarctica offers no cities or ports. Just raw nature, pristine landscapes and unforgettable experiences. From watching penguins waddle along icy shores to spotting whales from your ship, every moment feels extraordinary.

Want to sail to the other pole? Why not check out our selection of Arctic cruises?

Why Cruise to Antarctica?

Antarctica cruises offer an expedition quite unlike anything on planet Earth (literally!). While cruising to Antarctica isn’t a common experience, expedition cruise lines have carefully crafted cutting-edge ships that allow for safe travel across unique coastlines.

Here’s why travellers choose Antarctica cruises:

• Unmatched scenery: Glaciers, icebergs and dramatic polar landscapes
• Incredible wildlife: Penguins, seals and whales in their natural habitat
• True adventure: Zodiac landings, kayaking and guided exploration
• Exclusive experience: Fewer than 100,000 visitors per year
• Once in a lifetime journey: One of the most remote places on Earth

What to Expect on an Antarctica Cruise

An Antarctica cruise is very different from a typical tropical holiday. Most voyages are expedition style, meaning you’ll be actively exploring rather than just relaxing onboard.

Expedition Experience

• Daily Zodiac excursions to explore icebergs and wildlife
• Guided landings on the Antarctic Peninsula
• Expert lectures on wildlife, history and the environment
• Optional activities like kayaking, camping and polar plunges

The Drake Passage

To reach Antarctica, most cruises cross the legendary Drake Passage, known for either calm “Drake Lake” conditions or rough “Drake Shake” seas. The journey typically takes around 2 days each way.

We recommend bringing along plenty of motion-sickness tablets for any Antarctica cruise to ensure this section of the voyage doesn’t keep you in the cabin. Don’t forget, you’ll likely be sailing through the Drake Passage twice!

There are also options where you can skip the Drake Passage and book a flight straight to Antarctica and hop on the ship from the ‘Last Continent’. However, these often sell out fast and can be noticeably more expensive. As such, be sure to consider your options before deciding which method of travel suits you and your travel party best.

Top Antarctica Cruise Destinations

While Antarctica has no traditional ports, these are the key regions most cruises explore:

Antarctic Peninsula

The most popular and accessible region, known for:

• Dramatic glaciers and ice formations
• Large penguin colonies
• Frequent whale sightings

South Shetland Islands

• Volcanic landscapes
• Unique landing sites like Deception Island
• Excellent wildlife viewing

South Georgia & Falkland Islands (Longer Itineraries)

• Massive king penguin colonies
• Historic exploration sites
• Diverse birdlife and rugged scenery

Best Time for Antarctica Cruises

Antarctica cruises operate during a short and extraordinary window from October to March, when the southern hemisphere enters summer, and the ice begins to open.

Outside of this period, cruises to Antarctica are simply not possible, as extreme weather, freezing temperatures and heavy sea ice make travel inaccessible. Typically, the only humans in Antarctica are generally for scientific research or government jobs. This limited season is part of what makes an Antarctica cruise so special, with each month offering a different perspective on the White Continent.

Early Season (Oct–Nov)

The early season is one of the most visually dramatic times for Antarctica cruises, with vast, untouched snow blankets stretching across the landscape. Icebergs are at their most sculptural, freshly formed and glowing in crisp light.

This is also the beginning of the wildlife season, where penguins and seabirds return to their breeding grounds, engaging in courtship rituals and nest building. Cruises to Antarctica during this time tend to have fewer travellers, offering a quieter, more serene experience with a strong sense of exploration.

Peak Season (Dec–Jan)

Peak season is the most popular time for an Antarctica cruise, thanks to milder temperatures and nearly continuous daylight. Long daylight hours mean more time for landings, wildlife viewing and scenic cruising through icy channels.

This is when Antarctica feels most alive, with penguin colonies bustling as chicks begin to hatch and grow. Antarctica cruises during this period provide the best overall balance of weather, accessibility and wildlife activity, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

Late Season (Feb–Mar)

Late season Antarctica cruises offer a completely different, yet equally rewarding experience. As the season progresses, melting ice creates wider access to remote areas, and whale activity reaches its peak, with species frequently spotted feeding in nutrient-rich waters.

The light softens, delivering spectacular sunsets and golden hues across the ice. With fewer ships operating, cruises to Antarctica at this time feel more intimate, combining incredible wildlife encounters with a quieter atmosphere to close out the season.

Types of Antarctica Cruises

Choosing the right cruise depends on your travel style and budget:

Expedition Cruises (Most Popular)

• Small ships (typically under 200 passengers)
• Ability to go ashore via Zodiac
• More immersive experience

Expedition-style Antarctica cruises are the most popular choice for travellers seeking a deeper connection with the destination. These smaller vessels are designed to navigate narrow channels and remote landing sites, allowing guests to step ashore via Zodiac and explore up close.

On an Antarctica cruise like this, expect expert-led excursions, wildlife encounters and a strong focus on education and discovery, making it the ultimate option for those wanting an immersive experience.

Fly-Cruise Options

• Fly over the Drake Passage
• Shorter travel time
• Higher price point

Fly-cruise Antarctica cruises are ideal for travellers looking to maximise their time while avoiding the Drake Passage crossing. Instead of sailing from South America, you’ll fly directly to the Antarctic Peninsula, where your cruise begins.

Cruises to Antarctica in this style significantly reduce travel time while still delivering the same incredible landscapes and wildlife, though they typically come at a higher price point due to the added convenience.

Large Cruise Ships

• More affordable
• Scenic cruising only (no landings for ships with 500+ passengers)

For those seeking a more budget-friendly Antarctica cruise, larger ships offer a comfortable and accessible way to experience the region.

While these Antarctica cruises provide excellent onboard amenities and panoramic viewing opportunities, they are generally limited to scenic cruising, especially for vessels carrying more than 500 passengers, which are not permitted to make landings. If you want to actually set foot on the Last Continent, we recommend going on an expedition cruise.

Cruises to Antarctica on larger ships are ideal for travellers who prefer a relaxed, observation-focused journey without the need for shore excursions.

Antarctica Cruise Itineraries

Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, often with pre-cruise stays in Buenos Aires or Santiago.

Typical Cruise Durations:

• 10–12 days: Antarctic Peninsula highlights
• 14–18 days: Includes South Georgia & Falklands
• 20+ days: Extended expeditions or Antarctic Circle crossings

Due to weather and ice conditions, itineraries are flexible, making every voyage unique.

Wildlife You’ll See

Antarctica is one of the best places in the world for wildlife encounters:

• Penguins (Adélie, Gentoo, Chinstrap)
  Penguins can be seen throughout the entire Antarctica cruise season. Early season (October to November) features courtship and nesting, peak season (December to January) brings hatching chicks, and late season (February to March) shows growing colonies and active feeding.
• Seals (Weddell, leopard, elephant)
  Seals are commonly spotted on Antarctica cruises resting on ice or swimming nearby. They are visible all season, with leopard seals becoming more active hunters later in the season.
• Whales (humpback, orca, minke)
  Whale sightings are best on late-season Antarctica cruises (January to March), when feeding activity increases. Humpbacks are the most frequently seen, with occasional orca and minke sightings.
• Seabirds and albatross
  Seabirds, including albatross, are seen throughout cruises to Antarctica, especially during ocean crossings.

Wildlife is generally at its peak from December to March, making this the most popular time for Antarctica cruises, especially for those wanting to maximise animal encounters.

Antarctica Cruise Tips

Planning an Antarctica cruise requires a bit more preparation than other destinations:

Book Early

Trips often sell out 12–18 months in advance due to limited capacity. If you’re thinking about an Antarctica expedition cruise, it’s best to plan years in advance!

Pack Smart

You’ll be travelling to a region of the world known for its extreme temperatures, so pack accordingly!

As with any travel to cold climates, we strongly recommend packing clothing that can be layered. While inside the ship you’ll be generally quite warm, outdoors and onshore temperatures can be quite chilly and times uncomfortable depending on the weather.

Additionally, conditions on cruises to Antarctica can be unpredictable, with wind, snow and sea spray all possible in a single day. Waterproof pants and a quality jacket (if not provided) are essential for Zodiac landings and on-deck viewing.

Be Flexible

Due to the weather and ice conditions of the region, your cruise itinerary is never guaranteed. As such, where you sail to can change day-by-day. Sail away with an open mind and you never know, the change of plans might lead you to moments you’d have never experienced otherwise!

Travel Responsibly

Antarctica is a protected environment, strict guidelines help preserve its pristine ecosystem. Respect the local wildlife and its environment.

Is an Antarctica Cruise Right for You?

An Antarctica cruise is perfect for travellers who:

• Want a once-in-a-lifetime adventure
• Love wildlife and nature
• Enjoy expedition-style travel
• Are comfortable with remote destinations

It’s less suited for those looking for traditional beach holidays or predictable itineraries.

Find Your Perfect Antarctica Cruise

From luxury expedition ships to adventure-focused voyages, there’s an Antarctica cruise to suit every traveller. Whether you’re chasing wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes or pure adventure, this is one journey you’ll never forget.

If you’re ready to book your Antarctica cruise, feel free to look over our selection of options! Otherwise, you are free to contact us by calling 13 13 03 or by filling a callback form.