What are the best Antarctica cruises?
From sailings for those with adventurous hearts to voyages perfect if you love the finer things in life, here's our selection of the top cruise lines for Antarctica.
At a glance
Until the 1960s, Antarctica was out of reach unless you were a scientist. But in the last 60 years, a growing number of companies have started sailing to this remote part of the world. You can now find trips targeted at different types of travellers. Here’s our selection of the best.
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Best for tighter budgets: Celebrity Cruises
Keep in mind that the definition of budget for an Antarctica cruise is not the same as it is for a Mediterranean sailing. You should still expect to spend thousands for the privilege of visiting the White Continent.
You might also be surprised to see Celebrity Cruises associated with ‘budget’ cruising. By that, we don’t mean the 5-star line has suddenly changed its target market – only that, when it comes to Antarctica cruises, they are among the most affordable.
Why? It’s mostly because they operate larger ships there (this year, it’s Celebrity Equinox with a capacity of over 2,800). And, as the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) only allows ships with a maximum capacity of 500 to make landings, you’ll only enjoy scenic cruising, but you won't set foot on the ice.
Itineraries: The typical 14-night Celebrity Cruises Antarctica sailing starts from Buenos Aires, Argentina, before heading south to Ushuaia. Ships then sail to Cape Horn and across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. The Antarctica leg of the cruise tends to include Elephant Island, Paradise Bay and Schollaert Channel.
Who’s this cruise best for? If you’re happy to limit your Antarctica experience to marvelling at the landscapes from the sea, Celebrity is a solid option that won’t cost you the earth. Plus, you’ll have access to the wide range of facilities usually available on larger ships.
What can I expect to pay? You can expect to pay between £2,000-£3,000 for a 14-night sailing, not including international flights.
Best for luxury: Seabourn
If you’re heading to one of the most remote places on earth, why not do it in style? Seabourn’s purpose-built Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit offer Antarctica cruises with all the trimmings: fine dining, spacious suites and personal service. You can also look forward to “Caviar on the Ice”, the Antarctic version of Seabourn’s “Caviar in the Surf” where guests enjoy the delicacy in stunning surroundings.
The luxury doesn't come in the way of the experience: the ships are Polar Class 6 rated with teams of biologists, glaciologists and historians. The ships carry Zodiacs, but the standout feature is the submarine fleet. These subs mean guests can discover the White Continent from a new dimension.
Itineraries: Seabourn’s typical Antarctica cruises last from 11 to 13 days, round-trip from Ushuaia via charter flight from Buenos Aires. Some voyages add time in South Georgia and the Falklands.
Who’s this cruise for? If you want all the drama of Antarctica without giving up a single creature's comfort, this is the way to do it.
What can I expect to pay? Prices start at around £15,000 per person, with packages including flights, pre-cruise hotel stays, drinks and shore excursions.
Best for sustainability: AE Expeditions
AE Expeditions (previously Aurora Expeditions) is one of the greenest operators sailing in Antarctica. Its ships are built to the latest sustainability standards, with lower emissions, reduced noise and clever waste systems. The line has offset 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions since 20221
AE Expeditions has been a certified B Corporation since 2024. B Corp certifications are awarded to businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. The certification indicates that a company considers the impact of its business practices.
The line has been a pioneer in implementing a Citizen Science programme for guests to contribute to real-world climate and wildlife research during their trip.
Itineraries: AE Expeditions runs voyages from 12 to 24 days, with many starting from Ushuaia and covering the Antarctic Peninsula, Falklands and South Georgia. Longer trips include crossing the Antarctic Circle.
Who’s this cruise for? Travellers looking to explore responsibly, while learning more about the region’s ecosystems and challenges.
What can I expect to pay? Prices start at around £10,000, including meals, drinks, landings and onboard lectures.
Best for adventurers: Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions has been exploring Antarctica since the 1960s. Its partnership with National Geographic means teams include renowned wildlife experts, naturalists and photographers. Expect daily lectures and photo workshops aboard small ships designed for discovery.
The line’s Antarctica cruises offer kayaking, Zodiac cruises, hiking, snowshoeing and even cross-country skiing. Guests can explore the continent's glaciers, wildlife and landscapes up close.
While the focus is on learning and discovery, guests don’t have to sacrifice comfort: Lindblad Expeditions ships are equipped with saunas, fitness studios, bars and libraries and stylish, cosy cabins.
Itineraries: Most Lindblad trips are 12 to 25 days, sailing round-trip from Ushuaia via charter from Buenos Aires. Many include the Falklands and South Georgia.
Who’s this cruise for? Those who want an immersive, hands-on adventure with expert guidance and plenty of time off the ship.
What can I expect to pay? Prices start at around £12,000 for the shorter itineraries. Packages include all excursions, charter flights and most onboard costs.
Best for time-pressed travellers: Quark Expeditions
Crossing the Drake Passage in both directions takes up to four days out of an Antarctica cruise. It is notorious for rough seas, which some cruisers find stressful and uncomfortable. But some lines, including Quark Expeditions, let you bypass the Drake Shake by flying over it and joining the ship nearer the Antarctic Peninsula.
Quark Expeditions’ “Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake” voyages take guests from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island just off the Antarctic Peninsula, where you board the ship directly, saving time and a potentially queasy crossing.
The line also offers regular sailings from Argentina, so you can book the full experience, too.
Itineraries: Fly-cruise options start at eight days and focus on the Antarctic Peninsula, with daily landings, Zodiac tours and wildlife watching.
Who’s this cruise for? Ideal for time-poor travellers or those with sensitive stomachs who still want to experience the full majesty of Antarctica.
What can I expect to pay? Prices start at around £10,000, including the return flight across the Drake, hotel stays in Punta Arenas, meals and excursions.
Best for families: HX Expeditions
Let’s be honest: disappointment awaits if you picture kids’ clubs and children-friendly activities. Antarctica is not your typical family-oriented destination. Most cruise lines have a minimum age requirement of eight years, and none offer children-focused facilities.
But, some lines are more family-friendly than others. Among those is HX Expeditions. The cruise line has a slightly lower minimum age requirement of five (although participation in small-boat landings for children under 12 is at the captain’s discretion). And when a child shares a cabin with at least two paying adults, their cruise fare is discounted by 50%.
Itineraries: HX Expeditions runs a range of itineraries from 12 to 23 days. The shorter voyages focus solely on Antarctica. The longer sailings also cover the Falklands and – sometimes – South Georgia.
Who’s this cruise for? HX Expeditions is a strong option for most people, not just families. The line is also one of the most environmentally friendly out there.
What can I expect to pay? Prices start from around £8,000 for the shorter voyages and include a night in Buenos Aires, flights to Ushuaia, transfers and the cruise, including meals, drinks and escorted landings.
