Complete Guide to Antarctica Cruises

Traveling to the elusive seventh continent has never been easier, thanks to the rapid growth of the expedition cruise industry. But why travel to Antarctica? Visiting the White Continent is far more than just checking a box. It’s an opportunity to see a part of Earth that’s radically different than anywhere else — and radically removed from everywhere else — reminding you just how extraordinary our planet is. Plus, there are penguins. Lots of penguins.

If you’re hoping to visit Antarctica, the process of planning can feel overwhelming. With so many cruise lines and expedition operators in the game, and so many variables to consider when booking a trip, making decisions about your voyage isn’t easy. But it’s crucial that you pick the right cruise for you, particularly since this might be a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. (Unless you’re like me and become hooked, returning time and time again…) To that end, we’re here to help you build the foundation for your trip with this ultimate guide to Antarctica cruises, covering everything you need to know before you book.

Picking the Best Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica cruises are not created equal. Though the scenery will be stunning no matter which operator you see it with, you need to ensure you’re choosing the cruise that best suits your style of travel and your interests. Here are some factors to consider before you book:

Ship Size

This might be the most important detail to focus on when selecting an Antarctic cruise. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) limits a ship’s operations based on passenger capacity, so your vessel’s capacity has a direct impact on the experience you’ll have in Antarctica. Choose your ship wisely with these IAATO criteria in mind.

• Small ships (200 passengers or fewer): These ships can visit all landing sites.
• Medium ships (201 to 500 passengers): These ships are limited to specific landing sites that can handle higher capacity.
• Large ships (500+ passengers): Ships with more than 500 passengers are not allowed to make landings at all, so you’ll only be doing scenic cruising in Antarctica, not setting foot on the continent.

Luxury Level

The ships sailing to Antarctica run the gamut from bare-bones former research vessels to ultra-luxe purpose-built vessels. Naturally, cruises on the more luxurious vessels tend to cost more. Think about what’s most important to you on a cruise — do you want butler service and a spa, or would you prefer to save a few thousand dollars for an older ship with fewer amenities?

Expedition Companies and Cruise Lines

I’ve journeyed to Antarctica five times — each with a different operator — and would happily go back time and time again. Here’s what you can expect from the operators I’ve traveled with.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad has been taking guests to Antarctica since 1966, and the company remains one of the preeminent operators in the region. Its fleet of Antarctic vessels — including its new luxury ships National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution — carry a maximum of 148 guests, ensuring an intimate experience with plenty of time ashore. Education is a key pillar of the company, and its expedition staff and their lectures are second to none.

Scenic

Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II are ultra-luxury ships that look more like sleek yachts than they do expedition vessels, not only on the outside, but on the inside, too. Standouts on these ships include helicopters and submersibles, nearly a dozen dining options, and a relaxing spa. Even with all these amenities, the ships only carry 200 passengers in Antarctica, allowing them to take advantage of the small ship–only landing sites.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

A newcomer to the game, Atlas Ocean Voyages debuted in 2021, and its fleet of new-build expedition ships each have a different design personality. For instance, World Traveller, the ship I sailed on, is inspired by “la dolce vita” and features retro nautical decor. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ niche in the market is somewhere between an expedition and a classic cruise — the roughly 200-passenger ships are no doubt expedition vessels, but the programming has some traditional cruise-like elements, such as musical performances at night.

Viking

Viking’s two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, carry a maximum of 378 passengers, so they fall into the medium-size category. As such, landings are generally limited to one site per day, which creates a more laid-back Antarctica experience — there’s plenty of time to enjoy the out-of-this-world spa (my favorite feature is the open-air badestamp, a wooden hot tub) as well as hands-on science demonstrations. But there’s a lot to do off the ships, too, as they carry quite a few toys: notably, submersibles. 

Aurora Expeditions

Adventure is in Aurora Expeditions’ DNA. This Australian operator is perfect for those seeking as much action as they can get. I found landings with Aurora to be far more active than my experiences with other carriers — for example, I covered more than five miles on Deception Island, climbing up hills to get to scenic overlooks. Plus, for an extra fee, you can choose one activity group to join: snorkeling and paddling were offered on my sailing, while skiing is an option earlier in the season. Aurora’s ships may skew a touch more utilitarian than high-design, but these are expedition powerhouses. 

Other Cruise Lines and Operators in Antarctica to Consider

Of course, there are many other operators in Antarctica, too. Quark Expeditions, Abercrombie & Kent, Natural Habitat Adventures (NatHab), Silversea, Seabourn, HX (Hurtigruten), Ponant, Adventures by Disney, Albatros Expeditions, Princess Cruises, Antarctica21, Oceanwide Expeditions, and Swan Hellenic are all worth a look.

Once you’ve chosen a cruise operator, though, what comes next? It’s time to narrow down your itinerary options, then book your flight.

Best Time to Go to Antarctica

The Antarctic cruising season runs in austral summer (that is, Southern Hemisphere summer), from November through March. “Within that time frame, there’s truly no bad time to travel,” says Trey Byus, Lindblad Expeditions’ chief expedition officer. “Summer temperatures usually range from a crisp and cool 32° F to 65° F, and while specific conditions and wildlife events occur during specific months, interesting and exciting activity occurs throughout the season.” Here’s what you might experience at each different time.

November–early December: Experience Antarctica at its most pristine, with thick snow blanketing much of the landscape. “Guests on early-season Antarctica expeditions are likely to see penguins building their nests and seal pups still being weaned by their mothers,” says Byus. “In the early season, when ice conditions are just right, our captain is more likely to be able to ‘park’ the ship in the sea ice so that our expedition team can lead a walk among penguins … Early November departures also offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting.”

Late December–January: This is peak season in Antarctica, particularly for penguin sightings. Penguin chicks start to hatch in late December, and they’ll be running around by mid-January. “You will also experience nearly a full 24 hours of daylight,” says Aaron Lawton, Viking’s head of expedition operations.

February-March: Later in the season, there may be less snow, but there will be more whales. “As the region transforms from summer to autumn, March is an ideal time for those interested in captivating photography against softer lighting as the angle of the sun reduces harsh shadows,” notes Colby Brokvist, an expedition leader for Natural Habitat Adventures, a certified senior polar guide with the Polar Tourism Guides Association, and author of “The Professional Guide’s Handbook.”

“I have had the privilege to visit Antarctica more than 100 times over the last 25 years, and I can tell you that every trip is unique and special — no matter what time of year you experience it,” adds Lawton.

Choosing an Itinerary

While some travelers choose to visit just Antarctica, many cruise lines offer extended itineraries that also include the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia. Both destinations are rife with wildlife — South Georgia notably has massive colonies of king penguins — as well as human history. If you can swing the time commitment, which usually spans a minimum of three weeks, visit all three destinations!

Getting There

Most Antarctica cruises explore the Antarctic Peninsula, departing from Ushuaia, Argentina; Punta Arenas, Chile; or Puerto Williams, Chile. While some operators will have you book flights to these cities, most will have you fly to either Buenos Aires or Santiago for a night before catching a chartered group flight to your embarkation city. 

Traditional cruises have you sail the infamous Drake Passage, but you can also choose a fly-fly cruise or a fly-sail cruise that has you skip the Drake (in one or both directions) by flying between Punta Arenas and King George Island. These flights can save you time, but there are a lot of ifs, ands, or buts — on my fly-fly cruise, our flight was delayed three days due to poor conditions. If it had been delayed any further, our cruise would have been canceled. Be sure to read the fine print when booking a cruise that includes flights to and/or from Antarctica.

There are also a few Antarctica cruises that depart from New Zealand, which explore the Ross Sea side of Antarctica.

What to Pack

There are two questions everyone asks about Antarctica: what should I pack, and will I get seasick? Your expedition company or cruise line will provide you with a packing list — and Travel + Leisure has created an Antarctica packing list of our own — but some of the basics you’ll definitely need include base layers, mid layers (like fleeces), waterproof outer layers (including pants!), and knee-high waterproof boots, plus general cold-weather gear like warm hats and waterproof gloves. Many luxury operators will give you a waterproof parka you can take home, as well as provide you with loaner waterproof pants and waterproof boots. You’ll also want to take a bathing suit for the polar plunge, if you dare.

As for onboard apparel, many expedition cruise lines take a laid-back approach. “One of the main things we prioritize on our Antarctic voyages is comfort, as we promote a relaxed atmosphere on every journey,” says Byus of Lindblad Expeditions’ onboard experience. “We always recommend dressing for comfort, practicality, and the conditions in the region you’re exploring.” Other cruise operators might have you dress in resort casual attire in the evenings.

Health and Safety Considerations

Seasickness

When you’re crossing the Drake Passage, conditions can be calm (Drake Lake) or chaotic (Drake Shake). “No amount of technology can keep these seas from being rough, though there are ways to mitigate the impact the weather has on the guest experience, and there are certainly plenty of crossings where the seas are relatively calm,” says Byus. “Our team works hard — analyzing weather forecasts to pick a window through storms and deploying stabilizers that minimize side-to-side rolling motion. But even then, every person handles motion differently.”

So it’s very possible you’ll get seasick on the Drake — or even in open seas down in Antarctica. “Seasickness is possible, and we recommend adopting practices like focusing on the horizon, staying hydrated, and choosing a centrally located cabin for greater stability,” says Brokvist. “For some travelers, additional measures can be taken such as over-the-counter medications, wristbands, or prescription options.” Ships will also have an onboard doctor who can provide seasickness medication if you’ve forgotten yours at home or if you’ve run out.

Mobility

Visiting Antarctica is not like cruising the Mediterranean or the Caribbean — there are no piers for easy access, nor are there sheltered tenders that protect you from the elements. You will be expected to board heavy-duty inflatable vessels called Zodiacs to go ashore, and getting in and out of them requires a fair bit of mobility (though expedition staff will, of course, be on hand to help you). Then, when you’re ashore, the terrain may be uneven and difficult to traverse — expect wobbly rocks, deep snow, and slippery penguin guano. “Being careful is essential given the remoteness of the location and the limited access to medical facilities,” says Brokvist.

If mobility isn’t your strong suit, you can always stay onboard the ship. Or, in the case of Viking, you can leave the ship via a “Special Operations Boat,” which may be easier to get into and out of for some travelers. “Guests who have a more limited range of mobility might enjoy viewing the White Continent from one of Viking’s two Special Operation Boats, fitted with comfortable seats offering excellent viewing opportunities,” says Lawton. Just note that these boats will not make landings ashore like the Zodiacs.

Life on Board an Antarctic Cruise

While you might know what to expect on a traditional ocean cruise, an expedition cruise is an entirely different experience. 

Accommodations

Accommodations very much depend on the luxury level of the ship. On older expedition ships, you might be sleeping in twin-size beds (or potentially even bunks) with a small porthole for a window. On newer luxury ships, you might have a full suite with a soaking tub, balcony, and butler service. If you’re traveling solo, read the fine print for your carrier: some ships have specific cabins dedicated to solo travelers, while others may pair you with a roommate. Though a cabin of one’s own may sound ideal, choosing the roommate option can be a good way to save money, as many operators charge a single supplement for solo travelers who book their own cabins.

Dining

Smaller expedition ships typically only have one or two restaurants onboard, with special dining opportunities like an on-deck barbecue or a chef’s table on certain nights. But some ships have multiple restaurants to cater to diverse palates, serving various cuisines. As for beverages, what’s included in your cruise fare depends on your operator. Some are all-inclusive, and others are à la carte.

Entertainment

Again, entertainment varies per operator and ship, but the typical program always includes lectures about Antarctica from expedition staff — all experts in various fields, from glaciology to marine biology to history.  Some ships might offer hands-on science experiments, while others might include nightly musical performances.

Exploring Antarctica

Your experience in Antarctica will be shaped by whether you’ve chosen an expedition cruise where you’ll make landings or a scenic cruise. In either case, every day will be different. Though expedition leaders and captains have a general plan for the itinerary, day-to-day operations will be based on the weather and ice conditions.

Expedition Cruises

On small ships with 200 passengers or fewer, your day typically starts early, as you’ll have both a morning and an afternoon excursion. On larger ships, you’ll probably only get off the ship once per day. That’s because IAATO only allows 100 guests per ship ashore at a time — on higher-capacity ships, you’ll have to wait your turn. 

Excursions almost always include one of two options: a landing or Zodiac cruising. Landings take place at designated sites across Antarctica, and experiences usually include short walks, wildlife viewing (like penguins, other seabirds, and seals if you’re lucky), and occasional visits to historic structures, such as a hut at Damoy Point built as an “airport terminal” of sorts in the 1970s. Another popular landing site is Port Lockroy, a staffed facility operated by the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust that includes a museum and an operational post office.

Some operators offer a variety of other excursions — some paid, some included — such as kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, skiing, camping, helicopter flights, and submersible dives. It all depends on the capabilities of the operator and the ship.

Scenic Cruises

If you’re on a larger ship that’s only doing scenic cruising, your days will be filled with lectures, wildlife watching, and landscape viewing. “On an Antarctic expedition with Holland America Line, travelers not only cross the Drake Passage but sail through the bays and islands of the Palmer Archipelago,” says Ryan Baird, manager of destination communications on Holland America Line. “Along the way, the ship’s naturalists will point out an abundance of wildlife: terns, petrels, and gulls found on the coast and small islets like Dallmann Bay; the largest colony of gentoo penguins in the world while passing the dark, rocky Cuverville Island; and leopard and elephant seals swimming near country-sized glaciers.” You can also enjoy other Antarctica-themed programming. “Beyond on-board experiential education, we’ll mix in some fun and games, like snowball fights, Antarctica-themed movies, and Antarctica trivia,” says Baird.

Environmental Considerations

Antarctica is a sensitive environment, and it’s reasonable to be concerned about your environmental impact on the destination as a visitor. To minimize their effects on Antarctica, visitors must adhere to strict biosecurity protocols ranging from using biocide to kill any organisms on their boots to avoiding bringing food and drink on land.

“When traveling, I am always of the mindset of our mission — you should leave a place better than how you found it, whether that is being applied to a hotel, a friend’s house, or an entire continent,” says Byus. “We want guests to be thoughtful visitors, along with enjoying a spirit of adventure and exploration. Just as importantly, our captains and expedition leaders have significant training in how to conduct our voyages with the greatest care towards sustainability and respect for the ecosystems we visit.”

As for ships, they’re improving over time. “Since my early voyages to Antarctica more than two decades ago, the industry has made significant improvements to the expedition ships sailing to the region with notable advancements in environmentally considerate ship design,” says Lawton. These days, ships use dynamic positioning rather than anchors to stay in place, reducing the impact on the seafloor; special treatment systems to prevent contaminating Antarctica with biological organisms; and quieter technology to reduce noise pollution.

Furthermore, cruises to Antarctica provide scientists the opportunity to conduct research in the region — many operators host researchers from around the world on their sailings, often for free. “It is important when visiting remote places that we not only avoid doing harm, but we are also looking to do good through scientific research,” says Lawton. Viking, for instance, partners with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), among other nonprofits. On my sailing with Lindblad, we hosted renowned “penguinologist” Dr. Tom Hart — “hitchhiking” on expedition ships, he told me, is a far more affordable way to travel to his penguin colony observation sites than chartering his own vessel.

Antarctica Tips to Know Before You Go

Go with the flow.

“Flexibility is the key to unlocking the magic of Antarctica for first-time visitors. Weather conditions can shift rapidly and impact plans, and the appearance of wildlife can be a welcome opportunity that derails an existing plan,” says Brokvist. “So it’s imperative to embrace the unpredictable nature of the White Continent, stay flexible, and savor the unique adventure that each moment brings.”

Embrace the Drake.

While I’m fortunate that seasickness doesn’t affect me very strongly, I thoroughly enjoyed sailing the Drake Passage — it’s what introduced me to birding, since there’s not much else to see out there! “In my experience, it does vary in degrees of smooth and rough waters, but no matter which you experience, traveling the Drake Passage is part of the journey and a memorable passage,” says Lawton. I also find that crossing the Drake builds anticipation on the inbound journey and helps you decompress on the return.

Know your limits.

A trip to Antarctica can be exhausting. Though it’s hard to say no to any activities, you do need to listen to your body. If you need a break, it’s okay to pass on a landing or Zodiac cruise — you don’t want to have any accidents because you pushed yourself too hard.