Antarctica Cruises
Antarctica travel reveals the dramatic extremes of a frozen continent. It holds the title of coldest, driest, windiest, and highest elevation on earth. A number of ships ply the Antarctic waters, from Russian icebreakers to luxury expedition ships with strengthened hulls. An Antarctica cruise departs from Ushuaia, though itineraries vary. Depending on your trip-length, spend time visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands and the mountainous South Georgia. Antarctica cruises offer zodiac excursions for up-close encounters with wildlife and the blue icebergs that float quietly in the surrounding waters. Experience Antarctic kayaking or onshore camping. On Antarctica tours, onboard experts lecture on the region's natural history, weather, and captivating wildlife commonly seen during a cruise to the frozen continent.
Expedition Cruise Ships
Spacious, comfortable passenger vessels designed for smooth sailing with deluxe accommodations and services. These ships offer larger cabins, as well as deluxe amenities such as roomier public areas, lounges and bars, gift shops, and fitness facilities.
MV Plancius |
Ship Highlights
| $6,600*11-32 days | |
 | M/V “Plancius” started her life in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. In June 2004, the vessel ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falkland Islands - South Georgia - ... | 19 | Jan, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, Weddell Sea |  |
| Antarctic Peninsula | 11 | Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
| Polar Circle - Antarctic Peninsula | 12 | Mar | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
| Atlantic Odyssey: Ushuaia to Ascension ... | 32 | Mar | Africa: Ascension Island, St. Helena Island, Tristan de Cunha Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island Antarctica, Drake Passage, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands | |
| Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp Plancius | 12 | Feb, Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Peninsula with South Shetlands | 12 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
Ocean Diamond |
Ship Highlights
| $4,995*11-19 days | |
 | Carrying a capacity of 189 passengers, the Ocean Diamond is the latest in polar vessels to explore Antarctica. One of the many attractive features of this ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: ... | 19 | Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th ... | 11 | Jan, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
| Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition | 15 | Jan, Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Explorer via Cape Horn | 11 | Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
Ocean Nova Air Cruises |
Ship Highlights
| $3,995*5-10 days | |
 | Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage and in less than 2 hours of flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island, the largest ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Antarctica Air Cruise | 7 | Jan, Feb, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctica Express Air Cruise | 5 | Jan, Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands South America | |
| Antarctic Small Ship Expedition - ... | 10 | Mar, Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands | |
| Polar Circle Air Cruise | 9 | Jan, Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle, South Shetland Islands | |
Ortelius |
Ship Highlights
| $5,250*11-23 days | |
 | The ice-strengthened vessel “Ortelius” is an excellent vessel for Polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica, providing us with possibilities to ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falkland Islands - South Georgia - ... | 20 | Jan, Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, Weddell Sea | |
| Weddell Sea - Emperor Penguin Voyage | 11 | Nov, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Weddell Sea | |
| South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands & ... | 23 | Nov | Antarctica: Deception Island Antarctica, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea | |
| Antarctic Peninsula | 11 | Feb, Mar | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp Ortelius | 12 | Mar | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
Sea Adventurer |
Ship Highlights
| $4,595*8-23 days | |
 | The expedition ship Sea Adventurer was built in 1975. The Sea Adventurer underwent a $13 million conversion and renovation in 1998. Her proud reputation is ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctic Express - Fly South and ... | 9 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage | |
| Antarctic Express Fly the Drake | 8 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Express - Cruise South and ... | 10 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage | |
| Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle | 11 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th ... | 10 | Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
| Falkland Islands, South Georgia and ... | 19 | Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands | |
| Crossing the Circle via Falklands & ... | 23 | Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, South Georgia | |
Sea Adventurer (ZE) |
Ship Highlights
| $16,980*20 days | |
 | Sea Adventurer is a handsome expedition vessel reminiscent of the days of the great ocean liners, with lots of varnished wood and brass. Formerly known ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica, South Georgia & the ... | 20 | Jan | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands | |
Sea Explorer |
Ship Highlights
| $5,795*12-22 days | |
 | The Sea Explorer, formerly known as the Corinthian II, has always been known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Antarctica | 12 | Jan, Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage | |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic ... | 22 | Feb, Oct | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands | |
| Holidays in the Weddell Sea | 15 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea | |
Sea Explorer (PO) |
Ship Highlights
| $7,995*12-20 days | |
 | The five-star, deluxe Sea Explorer (PO) is an all-suite mega-yacht accommodating up to 112 guests. Sea Explorer is a comfortable hotel with spectacular views ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Antarctica | 12 | Nov, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage | |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic ... | 20 | Jan | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands | |
Ice Breaker Ships
Former ice breaker research ships converted to passenger vessels. These larger ships offer many deluxe amenities including fitness facilities, gift shops, and multiple bars and lounges, but maintain the expeditionary style and feel of former "working" ships.
Spirit of Enderby |
Ship Highlights
| $5,600*13-29 days | |
 | The Spirit of Enderby is perfect for expedition travel. It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodations with semi-private and private bath ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birding Down Under | 19 | Nov | Antarctica: Macquarie Island South Pacific: New Zealand | |
| Galapagos of the Southern Ocean | 13 | Dec | Antarctica: Macquarie Island South Pacific: Australia, New Zealand | |
| In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton | 29 | Jan, Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Polar Circle, Macquarie Island, Ross Sea South Pacific: New Zealand | |
Luxury Expedition Ships
These expedition cruise ships offer luxury 5-star amenities and services. Whether you're gliding along the rivers of West Africa or plunging through the icy waters of Antarctica, you'll enjoy the detailed touches onboard that make these luxury vessels. These vessels allow travelers the opportunity to take advantage of the adventurous land excursions and up-close wildlife viewing that is best experienced on a small expedition ship without sacrificing the creature comforts traditionally found on much larger cruise ships.
Corinthian |
Ship Highlights
| $9,990*12 days | |
 | Recently re-launched after extensive refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements, the all-suite Corinthian offers the finest in small-ship cruise ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica | 12 | Jan, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island Antarctica, Drake Passage, Lemaire Channel, Weddell Sea South America: Argentina, Patagonia | |
L'Austral |
Ship Highlights
| $6,569*11-16 days | |
 | The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica | 11 | Feb, Nov, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage | |
| Antarctica, Falklands, South Georgia | 16 | Jan, Dec | Antarctica: Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, Half Moon Island, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea | |
| Antarctica & the Falkland Islands | 16 | Feb | Antarctica: Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea | |
Le Boreal |
Ship Highlights
| $12,395*12-17 days | |
 | Strength and style
'Le Boreal' features elegant design and innovative state-of-the-art marine technology. The vessel boasts a convenient and sensible ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Antarctica (from Buenos Aires) | 12 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage South America: Amazon, Argentina | |
| Antarctica, South Georgia & the ... | 17 | Jan, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, South Georgia South America: Argentina | |
Le Boreal (CDP) |
Ship Highlights
| $8,305*11 days | |
 | A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the Le Boreal is the fruit of the expertise of the Italian and sophistication of the French. Le Boréal remains faithful to ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica: Land of Extremes | 11 | Jan, Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island Antarctica, Drake Passage, Weddell Sea | |
National Geographic Explorer |
Ship Highlights
| $11,990*12-22 days | |
 | The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica - The White Continent | 12 | Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctica, Falklands, & South Georgia | 22 | Feb, Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands | |
Orion |
Ship Highlights
| $11,795*15-21 days | |
 | Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott and Shackletons Antarctica 2014 - ... | 21 | Feb | Antarctica: Macquarie Island, Ross Sea | |
| Mawson’s Antarctica Commonwealth Bay: ... | 19 | Jan | Antarctica South Pacific: New Zealand | |
| Mawson’s Antarctica Commonwealth Bay: ... | 19 | Jan | Antarctica South Pacific: New Zealand | |
| Macquarie Island & New Zealand ... | 15 | Feb | Antarctica: Macquarie Island South Pacific: New Zealand | |
Sea Spirit |
Ship Highlights
| $6,995*12-22 days | |
 | Sail aboard the luxurious Sea Spirit and you'll experience Antarctica in grand style. This 112-passenger vessel is one of the most spacious and luxurious ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition | 15 | Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle | |
| Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle ... | 20 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th ... | 12 | Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Peninsula East & West: ... | 15 | Jan | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea | |
| South Georgia and the Antarctic ... | 17 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands | |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica ... | 22 | Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands | |
Silver Explorer |
Ship Highlights
| $10,150*11-18 days | |
 | Embark on a luxurious expedition to the best far-flung destinations in the world aboard Silver Explorer (formerly known as the Prince Albert II), a ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorers Antarctica | 18 | Jan, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island Antarctica, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, Paulet Island, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands | |
| Classic Antarctica | 11 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island Antarctica, Drake Passage, Paulet Island, South Shetland Islands | |
| Holiday Antarctica | 13 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island Antarctica, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, Paulet Island, South Shetland Islands | |
| Chilean Fjords & Antarctica | 12 | Nov | Antarctica: Aitcho Island, Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island Antarctica, Drake Passage, Paulet Island, South Shetland Islands South America: Chile | |
Research Ships
Former research ships refurbished for small-group passenger travel. These ships feature large decks and open bridges, but maintain the expeditionary feel of their former status. Offer economical options for solo travelers who want to share accommodations with other passengers in a wide range of cabin categories.
Akademik Ioffe |
Ship Highlights
| $6,290*11-19 days | |
 | Designed for polar research, the Akademik Ioffe is modern, comfortable, safe and ice-strengthened. From small group sessions to briefings for all passengers, ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, ... | 19 | Jan, Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Peninsula Adventure | 11 | Jan, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctica - Off the Beaten Path | 13 | Nov | Antarctica | |
| Antarctic Circle Voyage | 13 | Jan, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle, Drake Passage, Half Moon Island, Lemaire Channel, Macquarie Island | |
| Antarctic Circle Voyage | 14 | Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle, Macquarie Island | |
Akademik Sergey Vavilov |
Ship Highlights
| $5,090*9-19 days | |
 | The Akademik Sergey Vavilov (ON) is widely recognized as the best expedition-style cruise vessel operating in Polar waters. She's a well-equipped, ice-rated ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica, the Falkland Islands & ... | 19 | Feb, Nov, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Peninsula Adventure | 11 | Jan, Mar, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Circle Voyage | 13 | Jan | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle, Macquarie Island | |
| Christmas in Antarctica | 9 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Half Moon Island, South Shetland Islands | |
MV Ushuaia |
Ship Highlights
| $4,720*10-17 days | |
 | The "Ushuaia" is a steel hulled, ice-strengthened vessel built originally for oceanographic research. She was recently converted to passenger voyages. ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Antarctica | 11 | Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
| Classic Antarctica | 10 | Jan, Feb, Mar | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands | |
| Classic South Georgia | 17 | Oct | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands | |
| Weddell Sea Quest | 12 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea | |
| Polar Circle Quest | 12 | Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
Polar Pioneer |
Ship Highlights
| $6,700*10-20 days | |
 | Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR's northern ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctic Peninsula | 11 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands | |
| Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula | 12 | Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea | |
| The Whalers Route | 19 | Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands | |
| In Shackletons Footsteps | 20 | Mar | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, Scotica Sea, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea | |
| Across the Antarctic Circle - Sail/Fly | 10 | Feb | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Polar Circle, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands | |
| Antarctic Peninsula Sail/Fly | 10 | Dec | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Gerlache Strait, South Shetland Islands | |
| Scientific Antarctica | 15 | Nov | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, Gerlache Strait, Lemaire Channel | |
| The Shackleton Spirit | 17 | Jan | Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands | |
