Antarctica Cruise Deals Check Our Top 10 Expeditions

Table Of Content

• Seven Incredible Drake Passage Facts
• Viking River Cruises
• Antarctic Peninsula Cruise Activities
• Enhance your experience
• Webinar: Science Programme
• How to keep busy aboard…
• One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond.

There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced. For centuries this glistening, glacial-encrusted continent has been a siren for sealers, scientists, and adventure seekers alike, a brilliant white beacon for brave explorers and pinnacle of polar odysseys exalting from pack ice. With Silversea, you can opt to sail the Drake Passage from Ushuaia or you can hop on a quick 2-hour flight from Punta Arenas and meet your ship in Antarctica. Flying to Antarctica on one of the company’s “Antarctica Bridge” packages lets you skip 4 days at sea—a popular choice among adventurers that tend to get a little seasick. Silversea offers a plethora of voyage options to Antarctica on the Silver Cloud, Silver Explorer, and Silver Wind. Some of Silversea’s ships are a bit bigger than what you’d find elsewhere as they can accommodate between 144 and 274 guests.

Seven Incredible Drake Passage Facts

I don't regret visiting Antarctica — it was expensive, but worth it - Business Insider

I don't regret visiting Antarctica — it was expensive, but worth it.

Posted: Sun, 24 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Itineraries range from shorter Antarctica expeditions and 9- to 11-night round-trip voyages to deep polar immersions of 13 nights or more. The line’s new “Fly & Sail” expeditions include private charter flights to Antarctica’s King George Island, enabling travelers to skip the Drake Channel ship crossing. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ vessels carry less than 200 guests and feature numerous dining options, 98 elegant suites, solo suites without any single supplements, and comfortable staterooms. An expedition cruise to Antarcticais a truly remarkable adventure, a voyage to a pristine land of iceand snow, populated by an all-star cast of penguins, seals andwhales. These are 9 of the best Antarctica cruise ships andexpedition cruises toAntarctica to book now. Antarctic Peninsula cruises offer a unique opportunity to witness some of the most magnificent creatures on earth – whales.

Viking River Cruises

We’ve written another full guide on the best time to visit Antarctica, but personally we prefer to travel early season (November) for landscapes and penguins, and late season (February and March) for whales. Antarctica is at its most beautiful, but it also brings challenges for expedition teams due to weather, sea ice and snow density, meaning some landings might not be possible. One of two new ships expressly built for polar waters, National Geographic Resolution is named to honor the second voyage of the legendary Captain James Cook. A fully-stabilized vessel with ice class PC5, Category A, she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. Experience more than just an Antarctica cruise – embark on a photo cruise to the White Continent! Our photo expeditions prioritize photography and accommodate only 100 guests, ensuring an exclusive and personalized experience.

Antarctic Peninsula Cruise Activities

You will have the opportunity to view some of the largest sea bird colonies in the northern hemisphere. In Antarctica, keep your camera on-hand for unforgettable encounters with penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, prepare to  paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large iceberg. With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home.

It’s included in most trips, weather permitting, and you’ll get to come home with some cool photos to prove you did it. Zodiacs not only allow you to step food on land, but they also let you get up close to icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife. If you have a month up your sleeve you can either take the historic Ross Sea trips from New Zealand or Tasmania, or be a real adventurer and jump on tall ship to sail down to Antarctica. You’ll usually have one full day in Punta Arenas, Chile, then schedule to fly to King George Island the next day. Then you’ll have 4 days on the ship, before flying back for another night in Punta Arenas. Some voyages may seem very cheap upfront but then charge extra for essentials like shore excursions, gear rentals, or even certain onboard facilities.

Once you’ve used a zodiac to get to shore you have a few other included activities – landings and hiking. Starting in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, you then have one sea day to make it to Falkland Islands, then usually have two days exploring around the British archipelago. Of course you can sometimes find trips for as long as USD$5,000 per person if you book it super last minute on a special deal, and ones as expensive as USD$50,000 or more. Essentially, you get what you pay for when it comes to the ship; the more you pay, the nicer the onboard experience. The larger ships can feel like a labyrinth, and we’ve heard of people going entire expeditions and not ever finding the library for example.

Support the scientific community in collecting valuable data on Antarctica that contributes to global research by participating in our Citizen Science Programme. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Currently, Albatros operates a fleet of two ships, including Ocean Atlantic and Ocean Victory, which can accommodate 186 to 199 guests. Ocean Victory’s equally luxurious sister ship, Ocean Albatros, is scheduled to sail in 2022. Experience the tranquility of vast panoramas and sail among the sublime frozen icescapes of Antarctica, as we pass between icebergs, close to calving glaciers, and past huge ice floes in the Southern Ocean. Other unusual features include a full-blown science center with state-of-the-art gadgets and underwater drones for passenger use. They're also very stable ships, thanks to an unusual new sloping bow design -- something that can make a big difference when sailing to and from Antarctica across the notoriously rough Drake Passage. Some of the fanciest of the newcomers also have such over-the-top amenities as helicopters for sightseeing from above and submarines for seeing what lurks just under the water.

Drake Passage Cruise

This is a great option for those who arenot quite sure yet whether expedition cruising is right forthem. Look out for sailings with included opportunities for camping,kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, which distinguish some Quarkvessels from the competition. Those wishing to avoid thepotentially bumpy journey across the Drake Passage can fly theDrake from Punta Arenas and join their ship in King George Island.This is an interesting option but one that may suffer from adverseweather conditions. Quark's expertise is specifically polar - they focus on Arctic and Antarctic sailings only. With a variety of Antarctica cruiseships and price points, you have quite a choice of differentitineraries, including a rare opportunity to sail as far south as the Antarctic Circle (66 degrees 33). Oftheir fleet we recommend the Ultramarine, their newest vessel and the first fullyQuark-owned and operated ship and the World Explorer, which launched in 2019.

Australian enterprise Aurora Expeditions has carved a niche for itself in the realm of polar travel for being a bit more adventurous than the rest, without compromising safety. Canadian company Quark Expeditions is one of the true pioneers in polar adventures. And if you ask for opinions from a travel agent, they’ll just tell you the one that either a) pays them the most commission or b) is going to offer them a free trip if they sell X number of spots. This remote, icy frontier promises unparalleled adventures and sights, but the vast array of cruise options available can be overwhelming. “That is why we are committed to delivering life changing experiences with the newest, most advanced technology available, and with the most experienced and passionate team in the industry,” he added.

Officially certified proof of vaccination and booster will be required ahead of travel and we will require that it be emailed to Aurora no later than 15 days prior to departure. Indulge in fine dining with international cuisine served in the Albatross dining room on deck 5, offering breathtaking starboard, port and forward-facing views of the surrounding landscapes. Seating everyone at once, it features buffet-style breakfast and lunch, while dinner is a served 4-course meal. Vegetarian options are available, and, when possible, onboard meals feature regional foods bought locally. Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed.

Our optional kayaking program gives you the chance to experience these incredible destinations in a unique and interesting way. All three regions on this itinerary offer fantastic paddling opportunities, each one more rewarding than the last. Sea Kayak Club participants in South Georgia encounter swarms of penguins and seals while paddling in a supremely wild and beautiful environment.

Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent

Table Of Content

• Best Small Ship Cruise to Antarctica: Quark Expeditions
• Company Information
• Antarctica FAQ
• Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
• Antarctica cruise - Antarctic Circle Expedition

Lots of dining optionsand an outstanding spa will enhance your experience on board, andguest numbers are restricted to 200 in Antarctica to give the opportunity forfrequent landings. Scenic Eclipse, Scenic's 'Discovery Yacht', launched in summer2019, and offers high levels of luxury on board in Antarctica, withan exciting programme of adventures ashore. Extras include ahelicopter, a submarine (at an additional charge) and kayaks, andthe ship is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Almostidentical sister ship Scenic Eclipse II also recently launched, and both are some ofthe most luxurious vessels operating in Antarctica. French cruise line Ponant is another operator investing in newhardware, with an incredible six new expedition yachts arrivingover the last couple of years. Their Antarctica programme includesvoyages on sister yachts Le Boréal, Le Soléal, Le Lyrial and L'Austral and the high-techExplorer Class with ice-strengthened hulls.

Best Small Ship Cruise to Antarctica: Quark Expeditions

It serves as a comfortable base camp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way. Cross the Drake Passage and explore expedition-style as we seek out remote landing sites for nature encounters. The Hurtigruten vessels are some of the largest inthe region, which limits landings, but they offer an excellent costeffective option. The first, Seabourn Venture, launched in 2022, with interiors by designerAdam D Tihany and high-tech toys including a pair of six-seatersubmarines whilst Seabourn Pursuit has recently launched. Antarctica is a keydestination for the new ships, building on the successful Antarcticprogramme developed on board Seabourn Quest. The Ventures bySeabourn programme allows you to dip into the more adventure-mindedactivities as and when you feel like it, while enjoying the highlevels of all-inclusive luxury and personalised service thatSeabourn is renowned for.

Company Information

Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Let our experts take you deep into the heart of this majestic environment so it can get into yours. Amid the haunting laments of calving icebergs and raucous calls of resident penguins, seals and seabirds, arresting, awakening and visceral experiences abound here, ones that you’ll eternally evoke as the trip of your lifetime. The Europa only sails to Antarctica once or twice during the summer season, so snagging a place on one of these voyages isn’t always easy. But if you do manage to secure a berth, you can expect a small group expedition with plenty of Zodiac cruises, landings, and opportunities for spotting wildlife.

Antarctica FAQ

How to Cruise Antarctica Without Sailing the Drake Passage - TravelAge West

How to Cruise Antarctica Without Sailing the Drake Passage.

Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

On our Antarctic Peninsula cruises, you’ll have the opportunity to visit well-known sites, including Deception Island and Port Lockroy, and maybe even discover some new favourites alongside your Expedition Team. Protect the unique wildlife, stunning environment and exploration history of one of the world’s most spectacular places by selecting a reputable company to travel with, like the ones we recommended in this article. When you book a sea kayaking package you are given a dry suit and instruction from your experienced guides, and the goal is to get out as much as possible during your itinerary. The frequent Zodiac landings, integral to most Antarctic cruises, transport passengers from the ship to the very heart of the continent. Zodiac cruises offer an intimate and immersive experience, allowing passengers to navigate through stunning icy waterways. But if the company you’re looking at doesn’t have any obvious benefits such as helicopters or more days at sea, most of the price increase is for better food and nicer rooms.

After departing from Ushuaia, Argentina aboard the Sea Spirit, you will cross the infamous Drake Passage. Your first glimpse of Antarctica will be the South Shetland Islands, where you will explore the local history and wildlife. We’ll continue along the Antarctic Peninsula before passing through the Gerlache Strait, surrounded by spectacular mountains, pristine glaciers and icebergs, before heading back to port. It’s not only the penguins and their chicks that will steal your heart in Antarctica. Fur, leopard and elephant seals, as well as an abundance of seabirds will cross paths with us.

How Hurtigruten does landings

Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish. The ship’s design prioritizes comfort, ensuring that every guest has ample space and all the amenities they’ll need for a relaxing stay. From the gym and sauna to the computer room and gift shop, the MS Expedition offers an array of common areas and features to enhance your onboard experience.

Antarctica cruise - Antarctic Circle Expedition

By the end of this article you will have a great understanding of the differences between the best Antarctica cruises and which companies we recommend based on personal experience and intimate industry knowledge. I feel privileged to have been able to experience Antarctica alone, but in the company of such passionate, energetic, capable, and talented staff I am honored and feel immensely grateful. Snow Hill Island, off the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, is home to a colony of 4,000 pairs of breeding Emperor penguins.

Ponant takes guests to areas of Antarctica that other shipscan't reach, including the Charcot and Peter I islands, the WeddellSea and the ice-covered Amundsen Sea, a truly remote region thatremains mostly unexplored. Ponant's new ships are equipped with thelatest environmentally friendly tech, including dynamic positioningand advanced waste water treatment systems, and all of your meals,drinks and excursions are included. From October to December, the 7th Continent is ice-covered and penguins are busy laying their eggs. Mid-February to March is an ideal time to see whales as they return to the region to feed.

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures. Finally, remember that it’s a privilege to visit Antarctica and you should always make sure you do so responsibly. Truth is it’s not comfortable at all, most people get anxious about it and there’s the fear of being too cold to sleep, but we’ll let you in on a little secret – Camping in Antarctica is nowhere near as bad as it sounds and is the ultimate experience. Gliding silently through the icy waters, kayakers get an intimate perspective of Antarctica’s coastlines.

Our expert will be available to help you make the most of this bounty in your viewfinder. Four of Hurtigruten's explorer ships take you as close as possible to Antarctic wildlife and untouched wilderness. Each of our vessels offer a fascinating and varied schedule of  landings, all designed to create unforgettable memories. MS Fram will carry only 200 guests, while MS Roald Amundsen and MS Midnatsol (MS Fridtjof Nansen from 2019) will carry 500 each.

Remnants of those early days can still be seen littering the shoreline, but the big draw for visitors here is the large colony of Gentoo penguins, whose numbers are estimated to be around 4,000 breeding pairs. Once ashore, you will be greeted by the Expedition Leader or Assistant Expedition Leader at the landing site, offering you steps and helping hands to make the landing easier. Information about the landing site is provided, with tips on where to go and where to see animals. All guests are free to walk around the landing sites on their own, with the Expedition Team members nearby to answer questions or provide information. Special hikes and other excursions are always guided by experienced lecturers and team members. For the thirdstraight year, AtlasOcean Voyages will utilize all three of its ships on polar expeditions toAntarctica, starting in October of 2025 and continuing through March 2026.

Regular exercise is recommended, because the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the experience. Aurora Expeditions actively monitoring developments around Avian Influenza outbreaks closely and is in constant communication with key authorities such as IAATO. We have implemented enhanced biosecurity measures for arrival in Antarctica and reinforced our onboard protocols, and our expedition team will continue to closely assess each landing site to ensure to determine any risks. • Keep a close watch for the tail fluke of whales as they take a deep dive, see porpoising penguins ice seals such as Weddell and crabeater seals hauled out on ice floes. Absolve yourself of preconceived notions of particular landings, scheduled pursuits and wildlife sightings—every expedition is unique—and instead embrace the unknown and blissfully freeing lack of a plan.