Cruise Buzz

Cruise Travel Destination – Antarctica

Antarctica

Cruise Planning Guide

When it comes to cruising Antarctica, it’s all about adventure.

Cruise travel to Antarctica is a once in a lifetime experience. If you are headed to this region of the globe, plan to spend plenty of time immersed in the experience. This is truly a bucket list destination for any port collector. 

What is a cruise like in Antarctica?

This cruise offers unmatched beauty, amazing wildlife (seals, penguins, whales, flighted birds), rugged landscapes, and so much more. This cruise destination is for those with time and money to spare. 

What is the Best Antarctica Cruise Travel Experience?

If you are looking to add more ports to your collection then Antarctica is the place to be. This remote pole found on the southern end of the globe truly an adventure to be had. Mind you this is not the destination to visit if you are prone to seasickness or confinement.  While most cruises will head to the Antarctic Peninsula by way of cruise itineraries usually departing from Ushuaia, Buenos Aires,  or Puerto Madryn in Argentina; Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands; or Punta Arenas, Chile, there are some Antarctic tour and cruise companies that will arrange a fly-cruise option to avoid the famous Drake Passage, which can be a huge time saver. 

You will spend your days taking Zodiac boats out for explorations, usually twice a day. In the late afternoons, you will be invited to attend a debriefing where you will learn about the next day’s adventure and talk about the day. There are scientists, naturalists, and a host of onboard programs to help you learn about the destination. This is not a leisure cruise. To get the most out of the experience you will want to actively participate in the daily outings and take an interest in the history, wildlife, culture, climate, and geography of the region. 

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is an expedition style cruise for those looking for adventure. Most cruise companies will meet your group before embarkation at a pre-cruise hotel to assist with a group transfer. Some gear is usually included in the price of your Antarctica cruise.  

When is the Antarctic cruise season?

The Antarctica cruise season is very short, cruise visitors call on the region from late November through March.

Some cruise lines sailing to Antarctica

  • Crystal Cruises
  • Holland America
  • Hurtigruten
  • Lindblad Expeditions / National Geographic Explorer
  • Ponant Yacht Cruises
  • Quark Expeditions
  • Seabourn / Seabourn Quest
  • Silversea Cruises

Activities

Cruise visitors calling on Antarctica should expect to be prepared to see wildlife, be outdoors, and plan to be somewhat active. Although not a requirement, a cruise guest should be comfortable on the water since most of the cruise lines will sail through the Drake Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between Cape Horn (could be a challenge for those with motion sickness issues).  For more information visit The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

Typical Ports of Call

  • Commonwealth Bay
  • Deception Island
  • Elephant Island
  • Neko Harbor
  • Port Lockroy
  • South Georgia Island
  • South Orkney Islands
  • Elephant Island
  • Gerlache Strait
  • Paradise Bay
  • Schollart Channel

How much does an Antarctica cruise cost?

A cruise to Antarctica is pricey. Compared to other types of cruises, this one will tip the scale to the more expensive side. 

For example, an 11-day cruise on Silversea’s Silver Cloud will fetch almost $12,000. That’s on the high side because this is a luxury cruise line with every creature comfort you could possibly imagine onboard. Also, you will need to get travel insurance (a must for this type of investment), airfare, gear, pre or post cruise hotels.

But, I did read some posts on Reddit from people who got last minute deals on cruises to Antarctica. The bottom line, plan ahead and do your research.