Antarctica: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise Guide
With its enormous ice shelves, vast emptiness, and ethereal silence, Antarctica really is like nowhere else on earth. Its landscapes are a study in the color white: how it reflects light, accentuates mountains, and crumbles atop the sea. However, it’s often the animals who leave the biggest impression. There are tuxedo-clad penguins that belly-surf out of the ocean to guard eggs from soaring skuas. Then there are humpback whales that breach from steel-grey fjords, and the doe-eyed Weddell seals that ham it up for distant cameras while resting on wondering ice floes.
In Antarctica, everything is spectacularly extreme, from the constantly shifting weather patterns to the snot-freezing mid-day temperatures. Nevertheless, the journey can be remarkably pleasant thanks to increasingly comfortable expedition cruises which shuttle you to remote bays for half-day adventures before returning you to a warm shower and three-course meal. Sure, you’ll probably experience rough seas and frozen fingertips, but that’s a small price to pay for the journey of a lifetime.
What is an Expedition Cruise?
Unless you’re planning your own expedition, visiting Antarctica typically occurs as part of a group tour on a ship. This mode of travel combines transportation, meals, and accommodations while ensuring that no infrastructure disrupts Antarctica’s delicate environment.
Expedition cruises to Antarctica differ significantly from the cruises you might be familiar with in the Caribbean or Mediterranean. The boats are smaller, amenities are fewer, and the focus is almost always on science, history, education, and adventure. Consequently, due to the remote nature of the trips, prices are noticeably higher.
How Much Will My Trip Cost?
The unfortunate reality is that there’s no such thing as an inexpensive Antarctica cruise. Rates per person, per day can range anywhere from $500 (for a triple room in the interior) to $1,500 (for a double suite with a balcony), which include all meals, some drinks, and basic shore excursions. Prices may drop slightly at the start and end of the season (which runs from November to March), but don’t expect to pay less than $6,000 for the entire journey.
There are some effective ways to cut costs, including early bookings for “two-for-one” airfare subsidies or shipboard credits. Alternatively, you could try showing up in the main ports of departure to hunt for last-minute unsold cabins, which can sell for up to half the retail price.
The absolute cheapest method to visit Antarctica is through a “scenic sail” past the islands of the Palmer Archipelago on one of the extended South America cruise itineraries from Buenos Aires or Santiago (via San Antonio, Chile). However, keep in mind that these larger boats do not have landing privileges, so disembarkation is not possible.
What Are the Itineraries?
A staggering 98% of all trips to Antarctica begin at the southern tip of South America. Ushuaia, Argentina, is historically the most popular departure point, though an increasing number of operators are now based in Punta Arenas, Chile. Expedition companies prefer sailing from here due to easy access to the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands in the South Shetlands and Palmer Archipelago. Longer itineraries may include South Georgia, known for its rich wildlife, and the historically significant Falkland Islands, while others may explore the glacier-filled fjords of Patagonia.
Some ships depart each year on specialized itineraries to the Ross Sea from Bluff, New Zealand. Occasionally, cruises may sail from Hobart, Australia, and Cape Town, South Africa. These journeys tend to be longer and more expensive, often requiring five rough days at sea before crossing the Antarctic Circle to reach the continent itself.
All companies provide rough itineraries for their journeys, but the reality is that weather, rather than clocks or calendars, truly dictates timetables in this region. Generally, most ships plan day by day, with expected plans for the following morning announced the evening prior.
Best Companies and Ships
Selecting which ship to sail on is one of the most challenging aspects of planning a trip to Antarctica. All the companies recommended below are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, or IAATO, whose mission is to advocate and promote safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica.
Magellan Explorer from Antarctica21
If you’ve heard the horror stories about the choppy Drake Passage, you might consider an air-cruise option like Antarctica21’s Magellan Explorer, which maximizes time on the seventh continent. Guests fly from Punta Arenas to Chile’s Antarctic base on King George Island, where the 73-passenger ship departs. This intimate vessel features all exterior-facing cabins and one of the highest guide-to-guest ratios, allowing quick departures from the mudroom and extended time at each site. Additionally, the ship carries kayaks and a dedicated guide for those wishing to explore by paddle.
MS Roald Amundsen from Hurtigruten
The world’s first hybrid electric-powered exploration vessel, the 500-passenger MS Roald Amundsen, entered Hurtigruten’s fleet in 2019 with a focus on sustainability in Antarctic travel. One of the larger ships in polar regions, it boasts numerous amenities including three restaurants, a science center, and a wellness zone. Itineraries typically last at least two weeks and may include either the Patagonian fjords or the Falkland Islands.
MV Hondius from Oceanwide Expeditions
The 170-passenger MV Hondius stands out as one of the most economical options for travel to Antarctica, pairing exceptional polar capabilities with competitive pricing. While its cabins may not be as lavish as others on this list, it compensates with special excursions such as camping, snowshoeing, and mountaineering. Additionally, for those adventurous and experienced enough to attempt polar scuba diving, it’s one of the few ships equipped for underwater activities.
National Geographic Endurance from Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad is a pioneer in tourist trips to Antarctica, and its latest ship, the 126-passenger National Geographic Endurance, epitomizes stylish travel to the end of the earth. Unique features, such as a spa, yoga studio, and infinity-style hot tub, are complemented by two glass-walled “igloos” that facilitate evening stargazing. Furthermore, the ship carries a National Geographic photographer for your nature photography needs, along with equipment like kayaks, snowshoes, and cross-country skis for extensive polar exploration.
Viking Octantis from Viking Cruises
River cruise companies are now venturing into the open ocean with the launch of vessels like the 378-passenger Viking Octantis, which debuted in early 2022. This luxurious ship features floor-to-ceiling windows in all-veranda cabins and lavish offerings, including helicopters and submarines. It also features an industry-first in-ship marina that allows guests to embark from a stable surface, shielded from wind and waves.
Heritage Adventurer from Heritage Expeditions
The 140-passenger Heritage Adventurer is one of the few vessels sailing to the Ross Sea side of Antarctica. Departing New Zealand each January on 28-day journeys, it typically explores the Ross Ice Shelf, which is the world’s largest body of floating ice, and Cape Adare, home to Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin rookery. During the expedition, the ship also stops at New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands and Australia’s Macquarie Island.
Ocean Endeavor from Intrepid Travel & Chimu Adventures
The 200-passenger Ocean Endeavor is an affordable option from two trusted travel brands. Offering itineraries ranging from 11 to 21 days, it includes a variety of activities, from photography lessons to polar camping. All trips depart from Ushuaia and generally include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. While cabins are basic and many are located in the dark interior, the ship features a gym, small spa, and a heated saltwater pool. Furthermore, it is one of the few ships offering dedicated single cabins for solo travelers.
