Antarctic Cruises
Antarctic cruises are ideal for intrepid explorers wanting to discover the white wilderness of the South Pole. A land of spectacular scenery and unique wildlife, many cruises of the southern hemisphere enable you to see Antarctica, but only dedicated itineraries with smaller ships actually take you ashore. Aboard these expedition vessels you’ll be taken to unbelievable bucket-list experiences such as to drift by sculpture-like icebergs and whales on zodiacs and go ashore on excursions to research centres, abandoned whaler settlements, smouldering volcanoes and walk among adorable penguins and seals.
Antarctic Cruise Deals
Cruise lines Sailing to Antarctic
Cruise ships sailing to Antarctic
Campaign Ends 31 Dec 2027
Our Ultimate South America Cruise & Tour Collection
From uncovering ancient wonders in the enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu and exploring the bustling city streets of Rio de Janeiro, to marvelling at the awesome power of Iguazu Falls, the fascinating Salt Mines of Moras, and so much more, South American cruises are packed with incredible experiences and exciting shore excursions; not to mention the sensational food you’ll find across this continent’s cuisines. Below, you’ll find a fantastic collection of brilliant South American cruise packages, each one featuring incredible hotel stays in major cities, immersive shore excursions to tourist hotspots, and unforgettable cruise experiences aboard some of the finest ships sailing. Whether you want to spend your days wandering ancient ruins or unwinding on sandy beaches under the bright sunshine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on these incredible adventures.
View all campaign deals
Antarctic Cruises
Prepare for the greatest wildlife show on earth when you choose an Antarctic cruise for whale watching, snow-covered icebergs littered with a vast array of different types of penguins, massive seal colonies and a cacophony of sea bird life including the mighty albatross. The Antarctic during the summer months becomes a veritable breeding and feeding ground and plays host to all of the above due to its krill-rich waters and warmer climes. All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the show!
Antarctic cruises cannot fail to be one of the most impressionable experiences of your life and need no longer be a dream for those who have yet to venture there. Several cruise lines include the awe-inspiring Antarctic in their cruise itinerary, heading south from the stunning Falkland Islands and then across the Polar Circle. Whether you enjoy sitting back on a balcony in luxury and watching the glaciers go by, or want to get a hands-on experience of this polar region, check out our top Antarctica cruise ships.
Best time for Antarctic Cruises
Through much of the year, Antarctica is inaccessible due to thick ice and extremely low temperatures. Because of this, the best time for an Antarctica cruise is November to March. During these months, cruisers can benefit from up to 24 hours of sun a day, meaning they can really make the most out of the trip and see the wildlife as it thrives in the Antarctic summer.
Explore our selection of Luxury Antarctica Cruises. Alternatively, read about Susan Calman's Antarcta adventure in our blog - Cruising with Susan Calman.
Top Antarctica Cruise Destinations and Shore Excursions
Antarctica Cruise Ports of Call
Your itinerary is usually subject to local weather and ice conditions, but landings during your trip to Antarctica may include Deception Island, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Harbour, Waterboat Point, the Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island, Port Lockroy (home to the British Antarctic Survey), Wilhelmina Bay, the Antarctic Sound, otherwise known as Iceberg Alley, and Brown Bluff.
Shore Excursions
During your Antarctica cruise, your shore excursions focus on helping you to discover the wildlife and natural beauty of Antarctica, the best way being a zodiac boat trip from your ship.
When it comes to spotting the local animals, you might be lucky enough to experience penguins going about their daily business of preening themselves, building rocky nests, grooming their young, sliding on their velvety bellies down snowy slopes, and plunging into the sea where they metamorphosize into sleek underwater missiles. There are also six varieties of seals who live in the Antarctic, making up the majority of the world's seal population. Vast colonies of seals can be viewed on the craggy banks, basking on the ice. They come out of the water to breed, but then return to the icy depths to feed and can even be seen sleeping just below the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see penguin chicks in Antarctica?
January and February, once eggs have hatched and colonies are at their busiest with chicks growing rapidly.
Where to sleep in Antarctica?
Almost everyone sleeps onboard their expedition ship, since Antarctica has no hotels. A small number of specialist trips offer an overnight camping add-on on the ice.
Are there hotels in Antarctica?
No. Visitors sleep onboard their expedition ship for the whole trip.
What is the best Antarctica tour for seniors?
Expedition ships with stabilisers, medical facilities and gentler landing options suit older travellers best. Silversea and Ponant are both good choices.
How long is an Antarctica cruise?
Typically 10 to 22 nights, depending on whether you sail or fly across the Drake Passage and how far south the itinerary goes.
What not to bring to Antarctica?
Leave behind untreated food, seeds, soil and single-use plastics. Strict biosecurity rules protect the Antarctic environment, and drones need prior permission.
What is the main predator in Antarctica?
The leopard seal is the main predator around the peninsula. Orcas top the food chain in the wider Southern Ocean.
What is the best Antarctica cruise for seniors?
Larger expedition ships with lifts, medical facilities and gentler landings suit older travellers well. Silversea and Ponant are both good choices.
Do ships ever sink in the Drake Passage?
This is extremely rare. Modern expedition ships are ice-strengthened and closely weather-routed, though the crossing is known for rough seas and an uncomfortable ride.
Can you avoid the Drake Passage on an Antarctica cruise?
Yes. Fly-cruise itineraries let you avoid sailing the Drake Passage by flying directly to the peninsula to join the ship.
What are the best months for Antarctic cruises?
The season runs November to March. November and December bring pristine snow and penguin courtship, January and February are warmer with active chicks, and March is best for whales.
Which cruise line is the best for Antarctica?
Quark Expeditions, HX Expeditions and Silversea are among the most established operators. Each runs ice-strengthened ships with daily Zodiac landings.
Which cruise is better, Arctic or Antarctica?
Antarctica has larger penguin colonies and no permanent population. The Arctic has polar bears and easier access. The choice comes down to which wildlife appeals more.
Is it cheaper to fly or take a cruise to Antarctica?
Sailing the Drake Passage is usually cheaper. Flying over it saves two days at sea each way, but adds a significant charter flight cost.
Where do Antarctica cruises depart from?
Most depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. Fly-cruise itineraries start from Punta Arenas and skip the Drake Passage crossing.
What happens if I just go to Antarctica?
There's no independent tourist access. Almost everyone arrives on an organised expedition cruise or fly-in tour, as there are no commercial flights, hotels or infrastructure for independent travel.
What are the risks of a cruise in Antarctica?
The main ones are rough seas on the Drake Passage, extreme cold and changeable weather. Expedition ships carry medical staff and follow strict safety protocols to manage this.
Can a normal person go to Antarctica?
Yes. No special qualifications are needed, and anyone in reasonably good health can join an expedition cruise. A degree of mobility helps for Zodiac landings.
Do you get off a cruise ship in Antarctica?
On a genuine expedition cruise, yes, you'll land ashore by Zodiac most days. On larger scenic-only ships, you stay onboard as it sails past the coastline.
What is the difference between an expedition cruise and a drive-by cruise in Antarctica?
An expedition cruise uses a smaller ship for daily Zodiac landings ashore. A drive-by or scenic cruise uses a larger ship that sails past the coastline without ever landing.
On our blog
Read the latest articles about Cruising. Visit the blog
Why book with Iglu
Sail with confidence
We are ABTA and ATOL protected, so your booking is financially secure.
Always here to help
When the world changes, your trusted experts will help you navigate.
Unbeatable cruise selection
From short breaks to big adventures, our choice is unrivalled.
Price match guarantee
The best value in cruising. If you find a better price, we’ll match it.
