Antarctica Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Antarctica cruises. Journey to the White Continent, a land of towering icebergs, vast glaciers and hauntingly beautiful silence. Witness incredible wildlife up close, including penguins, seals and whales, as you sail through some of the most remote waters on earth.
Our South America and Antarctica cruises take you through the iceberg-dotted waters of the Palmer Archipelago and along the dramatic Antarctic Peninsula. You may sail through the Schollaert Channel to view bustling penguin colonies or cruise into Paradise Bay, known for its stunning scenery and the chance to spot scientific research stations on the shoreline. Experience the raw magnitude of this untouched wilderness and create Antarctica cruise memories that will last a lifetime.
A Taste of Antarctica
Venture to the bottom of the world and discover the pristine landscapes and astonishing wildlife of Antarctica. Many Antarctica cruise itineraries include highlights such as the Falkland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, giving you a taste of the region’s varied scenery and rich history.
Here are a few of the destinations you might experience on your Antarctica cruise holiday:
Ushuaia
At the far tip of Argentina, Ushuaia feels like the last page in the atlas. Mountains rise steeply behind colourful houses, the Beagle Channel shimmers in front and the air has that crisp, edge-of-the-world energy that makes every moment feel special.
On many South America and Antarctica cruises, Ushuaia is your dramatic gateway to the White Continent. Your ship will most likely call here for the day, giving you time to breathe in the scenery, watch fishing boats and seabirds at work and feel the anticipation build as you sail onwards towards Antarctica.
A sea lion colony at the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse in Ushuaia,Argentina
Elephant Island
Elephant Island is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a legendary name in Antarctic exploration history. Famed for its elephant seal colonies and rugged vistas, the island offers views of ice-capped mountains and sprawling glaciers.
During scenic cruising around Elephant Island, you can watch for penguins and seals on the rocky shores and listen to your onboard experts bring to life the stories of early Antarctic explorers who sought shelter here.
Elephant Island, Antarctica
Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay lives up to its name, with towering glaciers, sheer ice cliffs and bobbing ice floes creating a truly spectacular setting. On your Antarctica cruise, you may glide through these still waters while penguins and whales dive in the icy sea around you.
This is one of the best places to capture the perfect photograph of massive blue and white icebergs or a penguin resting on the shoreline. Clear weather may also reveal nearby research stations, giving a glimpse of life at the edge of the world.
Penguins on an iceberg in Paradise Bay, Antarctica
Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands add a fascinating stop to many South America and Antarctica cruise itineraries. Discover the remote capital, Stanley, and feel as if you are at the edge of the earth, surrounded by dramatic coastlines and abundant wildlife.
Look out for sea lions and rockhopper penguins, visit the Falkland Islands Museum for an insight into the islands’ rich maritime and military history and enjoy the British influence in the form of cosy pubs and traditional teatime treats.
A penguin colony on the Falkland Islands
Which cruise lines sail to Antarctica?
Princess
A Princess cruise to South America and Antarctica promises remarkable journeys with incredible opportunities to glide through glacial waters. Enjoy views of iconic locations such as Elephant Island, the Antarctic Sound and the Gerlache Strait from the comfort of your ship.
Princess Cruises offers great value, a wide range of shore excursions in South America and comfortable, well-equipped ships. Princess Cruises is an IAATO-approved operator, promoting safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica.
Sapphire Princess sailing the Gerlache Strait in Antarctica
Holland America Line
On a Holland America Line Antarctica cruise, ships navigate the iceberg-dotted waters of the Palmer Archipelago and along the Antarctic Peninsula. Knowledgeable naturalists are on deck to point out coastal birds, penguin colonies and other wildlife as you sail.
The surroundings are often hauntingly quiet, an aspect of the continent that comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors. Holland America Line combines classic cruise comfort with immersive scenic cruising in Antarctica.
Holland America ship Volendam at the Chilean Research Station in Antarctica
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers an Antarctica cruise experience that combines modern luxury with genuine adventure. On an Antarctic voyage with Celebrity Cruises, guests can explore the region’s landscapes and wildlife from the ship, guided by expert naturalists and destination specialists.
Between days of scenic cruising in Antarctica and South America, you can return to world-class dining, stylish accommodations and high-quality entertainment on board, making your Antarctica cruise holiday both exciting and relaxing.
Celebrity Equinox sailing in South America departing from Buenos Aires
Antarctica Cruises from Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the cultural capital of Latin America, is a popular starting point for Antarctica cruises from South America. This vibrant city blends Argentinian roots with European grandeur, making it a fantastic pre-cruise or post-cruise stay.
Stroll past colourful murals and elegant 19th-century buildings, admire grand palaces around the Plaza de Mayo, sip espresso at a sidewalk cafe or catch a live tango performance. The best time to visit Buenos Aires for an Antarctica cruise is between November and March, when summer arrives in the southern hemisphere and cruise ships reposition to the region for a season of voyages to South America and Antarctica.
Antarctica Cruise FAQs and Essential Information
Thinking about an Antarctica cruise from South America. Our FAQs explain when to go, which cruise lines sail to Antarctica, where ships depart from, how long typical itineraries are and what you can expect to see on your journey to the White Continent.
The best time to cruise to Antarctica is during the Southern Hemisphere summer, roughly November to March. Temperatures are milder, sea ice has retreated, and there are long daylight hours, giving you more time for scenic cruising and wildlife viewing.
Mainstream cruise lines that offer Antarctica cruises include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. Their itineraries typically combine South America ports with several days of exploration and scenic cruising in Antarctic waters.
Many Antarctica cruises embark from Buenos Aires in Argentina, with some itineraries also using Ushuaia, often called the end of the world. These ports are popular gateways for reaching the Antarctic Peninsula and the Southern Ocean.
Antarctica cruises vary in length depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Celebrity Cruises typically offers voyages of around 14 nights with up to six days of scenic cruising in the Antarctic region. Princess Cruises offers 17-night Antarctica Adventure itineraries with around four days of exploration in Antarctica. Broader South America cruises that include Antarctica can range from about 10 up to 30 or more nights.
On an Antarctica cruise, you can expect to witness towering icebergs, vast glaciers and dramatic ice shelves in a truly remote wilderness. Wildlife highlights often include penguin colonies, such as gentoo and chinstrap penguins, several species of seals, including elephant seals, and whales like humpbacks and minkes, along with coastal birdlife such as terns and petrels.
Depending on your itinerary and sea conditions, commonly visited or viewed areas include the Antarctic Peninsula, the Palmer Archipelago, Elephant Island, the Gerlache Strait, the Schollaert Channel and Paradise Bay. Some cruises may also navigate the Antarctic Sound.
On mainstream Antarctica cruises with larger ships, such as those operated by Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, you will not go ashore in Antarctica. Instead, you will experience the continent through extensive scenic cruising as your ship glides through locations like the Antarctic Peninsula, the Palmer Archipelago and the Gerlache Strait. From the open decks and lounges, you can enjoy spectacular views of icebergs, glaciers and wildlife, all from the comfort of the ship, with expert commentary to help you understand what you are seeing.
You are likely to see several types of penguins, such as gentoo and chinstrap penguins, and in some areas you may encounter one of the largest gentoo colonies, for example at Cuverville Island on certain itineraries. There is also the chance to spot humpback and minke whales, elephant seals and other seal species, plus seabirds including terns and petrels. Wildlife sightings can vary by route and time of season, but Antarctica offers some of the most rewarding viewing on earth.
Yes, you can look forward to having knowledgeable experts on board to enrich your Antarctica cruise. On Holland America Line, ship naturalists help you spot wildlife and explain the region’s unique environment. Princess Cruises brings destination experts and South American historians on board to provide insightful commentary on the places you visit. With Celebrity Cruises, you travel alongside experienced naturalists who host talks and join you on deck to help you understand the landscapes and wildlife you are seeing.
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