It’s been a number of years since we cruised into Antarctic waters, but we still regard it as one of our most remarkable trips we’ve ever taken. While the cost of Antarctic cruises are certenly above the average and getting to that cruise departure port could also be challange; it is deffinately a once in a lifetime adventure. Visit our article on the Antarctic trip HERE.
Things to understand about and look for in an Antarctic cruise
When exploring Antarctic cruises there are some things you need to be aware of:
- What is the departure port and what other destinations are part of the cruise?
- The two most common departure ports are Ushuaia (requires flying from Buenos Aires, Argentina) and Buenos Aires. Another option are cruises that travel around the southern part of South America (Argentina to Chile).
- Some cruises will add additional ports of call like The Falkland Islands (highly recommended) or Porto Natale, Chile.
- No matter which cruise you take* you will be crossing Drakes Passage, characteristically one of the world’s roughest waters (be sure and bring seasickness meds and plan on spending some time in bed) and it will take about two days to cross. This is also a consideration regarding the size of the vessel selected (if seasickness is an issue you should consider a larger cruise ship). If that is a deal breaker there is one option where you fly over Drakes Passage.
Finding Your Antarctic Cruise
2027-2028 Antarctica Cruise Options & Lines
- Holland America Line: Offering South America and Antarctica scenic cruising itineraries as part of their 2028 deployment starting at $5,500 per person. 22-Day South America & Antarctica in January 8th – 30th, 2028
- Viking Expeditions: Offers a 15-day “Into the Antarctic Circle” 2027 itineraries starting at $18,499, sailing from Buenos Aires and Ushuaia across the Drake Passage past latitude 66°33′. View the trip details with Viking.
- Antarctica21: Specializes in fly-and-cruise air-cruises (skipping the Drake Passage) using vessels like the Magellan Explorer and Magellan Discoverer (max 88 guests), with options like Classic Antarctica from $15,995 and Polar Circle from $24,995.
- Seabourn: Operates 10-to-25 day expedition sailings on the Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit featuring ice landings, Zodiac cruising, and polar plunges. Explore upcoming routes with Seabourn.
- Silversea: Features luxury expedition sailings such as the 21-day adventure on the Silver Endeavour departing March 4, 2027, visiting Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.
- Aurora Expeditions: Offers 2027 itineraries like the 12-night “Across the Antarctic Circle” (Feb 28) and a 29-night Falklands/South Georgia/Peninsula route (March 9) aboard the Greg Mortimer.
- Poseidon Expeditions: Runs departures such as Classic Antarctica: Realm of Penguins & Icebergs in December 2027 starting around $14,195.
- Lindblad Expeditions: Features 12-day voyages starting around $13,500 aboard the National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance.
Above – the pier in Ushuaia with an expidetion boat and cruise ship
Additional Details to Consider
- Departure Hubs: Most sea-based cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina (after flying from Buenos Aires), taking roughly two days to cross the Drake Passage. Air-cruises fly out of Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, Chile (taking about 2 hours).
- Activities Included: Zodiac cruising, shore landings, wildlife viewing (penguins, seals, whales), kayaking, and naturalist lectures.
- Best Time: Peak summer months run from December through January for warmer weather and long daylight, while February and March are prime for whale watching.
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