The Ultimate Guide to Antarctica Cruises 2026
Expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula, Ross Sea, and sub-Antarctic islands on ice-strengthened vessels with expert naturalist guides and zodiac landing craft. Depart from Ushuaia or Hobart for an experience of raw wilderness found nowhere else on Earth — vast penguin colonies, calving icebergs, and the eerie silence of the world's most remote continent. Book 12–18 months in advance for the best ship and cabin selections.
Season: November to March
Available in: 5 destinations worldwide
Best Destinations for Antarctica Cruise
- Antarctic Peninsula — Aurora: 10/10, $600/day
- Punta Arenas — Aurora: 7/10, $100/day
- South Georgia — Aurora: 8/10, $800/day
- Ross Sea & McMurdo Sound — Aurora: 10/10, $1200/day
- Ushuaia — Aurora: 7/10, $120/day
What to Expect
Antarctica Cruise is one of the most popular activities in the polar regions. Sessions typically last 2-4 hours, with operators providing all necessary equipment and safety briefings. Most tours operate in groups of 4-12 people, though private experiences are available at a premium.
Typical Schedule
- Pickup from your hotel (30-60 min before activity)
- Safety briefing and equipment fitting (15-20 min)
- Main activity (1.5-3 hours depending on tour type)
- Warm drinks and snacks (most operators include this)
- Return transfer to hotel
What's Usually Included
- All necessary equipment and safety gear
- Thermal suits/outer layers (most operators in Scandinavia)
- Hot drinks and sometimes snacks
- Guided instruction
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
What to Bring
- Thermal base layers (merino wool recommended)
- Warm hat and gloves (backup pair)
- Camera with charged battery
- Hand warmers
Costs
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Group tour (2-3h) | $80–180 |
| Private tour (2-3h) | $250–500 |
| Full-day experience | $200–400 |
| Multi-day expedition | $500–2,000+ |
Tour Operators
- Quark Expeditions (Antarctic Peninsula & Ross Sea) — $5000-14000
- HX Hurtigruten Expeditions (Antarctic Peninsula) — $6000-15000
- Lindblad Expeditions (Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia) — $7000-16000
- Aurora Expeditions (Antarctica & Sub-Antarctic) — $6000-14000
- Ponant (Antarctica & Patagonia) — $8000-18000
Best Time of Year
November to March. Peak months offer the best conditions combined with aurora viewing opportunities — you can often combine antarctica cruise with northern lights viewing on the same trip.
Safety
Antarctica Cruise operators in all major polar destinations maintain high safety standards. Always:
- Listen to your guide's instructions
- Wear all provided safety equipment
- Inform guides of any medical conditions
- Stay within designated areas
- Follow weight/age restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience?
No. All tours cater to beginners with full instruction provided. More advanced options exist for experienced participants.What's the minimum age?
Varies by operator and activity type. Generally 6-12 years for family tours, 16-18 for more extreme experiences. Check with your specific operator.Should I book in advance?
Yes — 2-4 weeks ahead during peak season (December-February). Popular operators sell out.Can I combine this with northern lights viewing?
Absolutely. Many evening tours are timed to include aurora viewing. Your guide will point out any aurora activity during the experience.Explore all Antarctica Cruise destinations on PolarTourist.