Antarctica Cruises

Find Luxury Antarctica Cruises

Renowned for its awe-inspiring ice formations, from towering glaciers to expansive ice shelves, Antarctica is a continent like no other. This incredible destination offers explorers a chance to experience the world in a way they’ve never seen before. Prepare to be stunned by spectacular mountain ranges and pristine wilderness across this dramatic icy landscape.

A wonderful aspect of travelling Antarctica is that it’s virtually untouched by humans. The bays and ice formations you’ll discover are a startling blue hue that sparkles under the sun. Admire the region’s beautiful wildlife and learn about the continent’s rich history as you traverse its iceberg-strewn waters.

With many cruise lines including Silversea, Seabourn and AE Expeditions offering luxury voyages to Antarctica, embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition has never been more accessible. Travelling on purpose-built ships, designed with cutting edge technology and a reinforced hull to navigate the depths of ice, you won’t experience the raw beauty of this remote region better than on an expedition cruise.

Luxury expedition cruising allows you to discover remote destinations without compromising on quality or luxury. Explore the depths of this magical landscape as you enjoy fine dining, expert lectures, exceptional service and sophisticated suites.

When is the best time to visit Antarctica on an expedition cruise?

The Antarctic cruising season runs from November to March during the summer months of the southern hemisphere, where temperatures are milder, and the wildlife is at its peak for the year. You’ll have a better chance of seeing wildlife out in the open, which you can view through expedition-specific cameras, out on the viewing deck or on land and water excursions.

What wildlife might I see in Antarctica on an expedition cruise?

Antarctica’s ecosystems are simply astounding. The continent hosts many native species of penguins including Adélie, Gentoo, Chinstrap, and the iconic Emperor penguins. In addition to this, there are plenty of other seabirds like albatrosses, petrels and skuas to be seen too.

Explorers should also be on the lookout for seals like Weddell, Crabeater, Leopard, and Elephant seals, lounging on the ice or popping their heads above the water. Kayaking experiences are not to be missed on an expedition cruise, allowing travellers to explore the wildlife themselves as they navigate the icy waters.

The summer months are prime time for whale watching, with frequent sightings of whales such as Humpback, Minke, and Orca (killer whales), which can be spotted from the open viewing deck or through broadcasting cameras.

How long does it take to get to Antarctica on an expedition cruise?

Compared to its polar counterpart in the north, Antarctica is more complex to access due to the sheer distance required to travel there. Most expedition cruises depart from the port of Ushuaïa, Argentina, so you’d fly to South America before sailing round the Falkland Islands and venturing to the icy glaciers of the southern polar region.