Antarctica Cruises
Follow the footsteps of the world’s greatest explorers on one of our Antarctica cruises.
Unspoilt and remote, the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica has captivated travellers ever since James Cook crossed into the Antarctic Circle in the late 1700s. As the years progressed, it became a place of pilgrimage for waves of 19th and 20th-century explorers eager to test themselves in a land that appeared to exist in another dimension.
Now established as one of travel’s ultimate bucket-list destinations, Antarctica has become increasingly popular with discerning travellers looking to explore the region by cruise. However, the charms that seduced the early pioneers are still present; mountainous glaciers, towering icebergs and deep, dark blue seas play host to many whales and inquisitive seals.
With a luxurious ship as your base camp, you will spend your days exploring by Zodiac, mingling with waddles of penguins and joining small groups on hikes and kayaking trips. In the evening, join like-minded guests and share stories of the day before retiring to your suite to prepare for the next day’s adventures.
Choose from our extensive collection of Antarctica cruises in 2025 and 2026 with a selection of the world’s leading cruise lines and expedition operators and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure few ever experience.
Antarctica Cruise Itineraries
Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, and will spend approximately two days crossing the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. The average length of an Antarctica-intensive voyage is around ten days, while itineraries featuring South Georgia and the Falkland Islands can be between 16 and 23 days. A few lines also offer departures from Santiago and include visiting the Chilean Fjords as the ship heads south.
If you prefer to avoid the Drake Passage, selected cruise operators, such as Silversea and AE Expeditions, offer fly-cruise packages, including flights to King George Island, where you can embark on the ship.
The best time to cruise Antarctica
Generally speaking, between late October and mid-March is the best time for a cruise around Antarctica. During this time, the region is moderately warmer and more comfortable for exploration. The chances of seeing more of the region’s wildlife increase during this period, and the 24-hour daylight adds an ethereal ambience to the experience. Cruises do not operate outside this period due to the influx of sea ice and long periods of total darkness.
Cruise lines that visit Antarctica
Once the preserve of rugged research vessels, Antarctica now welcomes a variety of cruise ships throughout its most popular seasons. Silversea and Hurtigruten have a long history with the region, while newcomers such as Aurora Expeditions and Atlas Ocean Voyages have recently custom-built ships solely for navigating polar waters. In addition, Seabourn has extended their ultra-luxury offering in Antarctica with Seabourn Venture. At the same time, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas offer South America voyages that sail into the peninsula’s perimeter.
These are our recommended Antarctica cruise lines:
- Atlas Ocean Voyages
- AE/Aurora Expeditions
- Hurtigruten Expeditions
- Lindblad Expeditions
- Ponant Cruises
- Scenic Ocean Cruises
- Seabourn Cruises
- Silversea Cruises
- Swan Hellenic
- Viking Ocean Cruises
Antarctica Cruise Deals
Our collection of Antarctica cruise deals gives you a chance to enjoy unbeatable value for money on hundreds of itineraries with a range of famous cruise lines. Among our special offers, you will find voyages with Silversea and Hurtigruten, including flights alongside exclusive fares with Ponant Cruises and Scenic Ocean Cruises. Selected sailings will also have complimentary accommodation upgrades, and pre or post-cruise hotel stays in Buenos Aires or Santiago.
Exclusive Antarctica offer
Secure your stateroom or suite on any of the Antarctica voyages featured below and receive complimentary chauffeur transfers and a free Fortnum & Mason Hamper.
Book Antarctica cruises with us.
To find out more about cruises to Antarctica or receive a quote for a future voyage, please call us on 0800 008 6677 or make an online enquiry for one of the itineraries featured below.
