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.

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Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula

Summary
Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas.

South Shetland Islands

Summary
Some 770 kilometers (478 miles) south of Cape Horn, the South Shetland Islands are usually the first land seen in Antarctica. Separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait, nine major islands make up the group. The region was the first to be exploited by sealers in the early 19th century, and because of its proximity to South America, it still is the most visited by scientists and tourists. Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins all breed here. In addition, because it is the warmest part of the continent, large moss beds as well as orange, black, grey and green lichens grow –even hair grass and pearlwort manage to survive. Leopard seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, Southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals can be seen in the water and on the beaches.

Antarctic Sound

Summary
The Antarctic Sound is a stretch of water named after the first ship to have passed through this body of water from the Bransfield Strait to the Weddell Sea in 1902. The Antarctic eventually sank and crew and scientists had to spend quite some time in this area before they could be rescued. Sites that have to do with this story - like Hope Bay or Paulet Island - are sometimes visited. At Paulet, Hope Bay and Brown Bluff Adelie and Gentoo Penguins breed, as do Kelp Gulls and Cape Petrels, Snow Petrels and Skuas. The Sound’s main attractions are the spectacular tabular icebergs that come from the Larsen Ice Shelf further south.

King George Island, South Shetland Islands

Gerlache Strait

Summary

The Gerlache Strait is a stunning waterway located in the Antarctic Peninsula region, serving as a key passage between the Antarctic mainland and the islands to the west. Renowned for its dramatic scenery, the strait is flanked by towering glaciers and rugged mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop for exploration. The waters are rich in marine life, attracting a diverse range of wildlife, including seals, penguins, and various seabird species. The Gerlache Strait is often visited by expedition cruises, offering opportunities for kayaking, wildlife watching, and photography. Its pristine environment and stunning landscapes make it a highlight for adventurers seeking to experience the beauty of Antarctica.

Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands

Summary

Awesome glaciers flecked with pink algae can be seen approaching Elephant Island — so named either for its elephant-like appearance or for sightings of elephant seals here. Elephant Island is home to several Chinstrap Penguin rookeries, as well as 2,000-year-old moss colonies. Weddell seals and Macaroni Penguins can also be spotted. In 1916, when Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, the crew was stranded here for more than 4 months finding shelter under two upturned lifeboats on the spit of land Shackleton’s men named ‘Point Wild’. The bust of the Chilean captain Luis Pardo has been erected here to commemorate the successful rescue in the tug.

Antarctic Experience

Summary

The Antarctic Experience offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth. Visitors can embark on guided expeditions that typically include activities such as wildlife watching, where you might encounter majestic whales, playful seals, and various penguin species in their natural habitats. The experience often features breathtaking landscapes of towering icebergs, vast glaciers, and dramatic mountain ranges. Many tours provide opportunities for kayaking, ice hiking, and even camping on the ice, allowing for immersive experiences in this extraordinary ecosystem. Additionally, educational programs and expert-led lectures enhance the understanding of the region’s fragile environment and its importance in the global ecosystem. Overall, the Antarctic Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for nature lovers and explorers seeking to connect with one of the planet's last frontiers.

Paradise Harbour

Swift Bay, James Ross Island

Commonwealth Bay

Summary

Commonwealth Bay is a remarkable destination in Antarctica, known for its breathtaking landscapes and historical significance. Surrounded by towering glaciers and rugged cliffs, this remote bay is often shrouded in mist, adding to its mysterious allure. The bay is famous for its association with the heroic age of Antarctic exploration, particularly the expeditions of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Here, you can witness the remnants of the past alongside the stunning natural beauty, as you explore ice formations and search for wildlife such as seals and seabirds. With its dramatic scenery and rich history, Commonwealth Bay offers a captivating glimpse into one of the most challenging environments on Earth.