Antarctica Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Antarctica cruises. Journey to the White Continent, a land of towering icebergs, vast glaciers, and a hauntingly beautiful silence. Witness incredible wildlife up close, including penguins, seals, and whales. Our expeditions take you through the iceberg-dotted waters of the Palmer Archipelago and along the Antarctic Peninsula. You might sail through the Schollaert Channel to see penguin colonies or visit Paradise Bay with its stunning scenery and potential for observing research stations. Experience the raw magnitude of this untouched wilderness and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Antarctica Cruise Holidays
Choose from our incredible Antarctica cruise & stay holidays between December and March with Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity Cruises. Embark on an unforgettable journey to the White Continent and discover towering icebergs and vast glaciers. Experience the haunting silence and witness incredible wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales, along the Antarctic Peninsula.
A Taste of Antarctica
Venture to the bottom of the world and discover the pristine landscapes and astonishing wildlife of Antarctica. Cruises to Antarctica often include destinations such as the Falkland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the South Shetland Islands. Here are a few of the highlights you can expect on your unforgettable journey.
Ushuaia
Affectionately known as the "end of the world", Ushuaia is a captivating Argentine resort town cradled between the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel. As a gateway to Antarctica, it provides access to stunning natural attractions like Tierra del Fuego National Park.
A sea lion colony at the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse in Ushuaia,Argentina
Elephant Island
A haven for nature enthusiasts, Elephant Island is famed for its elephant seal colonies and unique vistas. Soak up the sight of ice-capped mountains and sprawling glaciers as you spot penguins and seals during your Antarctica cruise.
Elephant Island, Antarctica
Paradise Bay
Discover Paradise Bay, where you'll witness towering glaciers and bobbing ice floes, with penguins and whales diving into the icy waters. Capture the perfect shot of the massive blue-and-white icebergs, or a local penguin lounging on the shore.
Penguins on an iceberg in Paradise Bay, Antarctica
Falkland Islands
Discover the mysterious and pristine capital of the Falkland Islands, Stanley! Feel like you're at the edge of the earth, surrounded by wildlife like sea lions and rockhopper penguins. Explore the Falkland Islands Museum for a glimpse into the islands' rich history. Enjoy the British influence with cosy pubs and 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, enjoying views of Elephant Island, Antarctic Sound and Gerlache Strait. Princess Cruises offers affordable rates, a wide range of shore excursions, and comfortable 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 Antarctic expedition, ships navigate the iceberg-dotted waters of the Palmer Archipelago. Naturalists point out coastal birds and you can view penguin colonies. The surroundings are hauntingly quiet, an aspect of the continent that comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors.
Holland America ship Volendam at the Chilean Research Station in Antarctica
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers an unparalleled cruising experience to Antarctica, combining luxury with adventure. On an Antarctic cruise with Celebrity Cruises, guests can explore the continent's landscapes and wildlife up close with expert guides and naturalists, while enjoying world-class dining, entertainment and accommodations on board.
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 vibrant city blending Argentinian roots with European grandeur. With its colourful murals, 19th-century buildings and grand palaces, it makes a fantastic pre-cruise stay location. Sip espresso at a sidewalk cafe, visit galleries, watch a polo match, or catch a tango performance. The best time to visit is November to March when summer hits the southern hemisphere and cruise ships reposition to the region for a season of voyages to South America and Antarctica.
Antarctica Cruises Essential Info
The best time to cruise to Antarctica is during the Southern Hemisphere summer months, typically between December and March. This is when the weather is milder and there are longer daylight hours, offering more opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing.
Holland America Line, Princess, and Celebrity Cruises all offer Antarctica cruises.
Antarctica cruises often embark from Buenos Aires, Argentina and sometimes Ushuaia, Argentina, known as the "end of the world".
Antarctica cruises can vary in length, but Celebrity Cruises offers voyages that are typically around 14 days with six days at sea dedicated to the Antarctic region. Princess offers 17-day Antarctica Adventure cruises with four days of exploration in Antarctica. South America cruises, which may include Antarctica, can range from 10 up to 30+ days in length.
You can expect to witness towering icebergs, vast glaciers, and dramatic ice shelves during a cruise to Antarctica. The landscape is often described as hauntingly quiet and a true wilderness. You will have opportunities to see incredible wildlife, including various species of penguins, such as gentoo and chinstrap penguins, as well as seals like elephant seals, and majestic whales. You may also see coastal birds like terns and petrels.
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.
Whilst you won't be able to go ashore on an Antarctica cruise with a mainstream cruise line you will certainly experience the wonders of Antarctica through incredible scenic cruising! Your ship will glide through spectacular locations such as the Antarctic Peninsula, the Palmer Archipelago, and the Gerlache Strait, providing you with breathtaking views of towering icebergs, vast glaciers, and amazing wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales, all visible from the comfort of the ship. Expert naturalists will often be onboard to enhance your experience by pointing out the stunning sights and wildlife.
You will likely see various types of penguins, such as gentoo and chinstrap, and possibly the largest known gentoo penguin colony at Cuverville Island. Encounters with humpback and minke whales, and elephant seals lounging on rocks are also possible. Seabirds like terns and petrels may also be observed.
Absolutely! You can look forward to having knowledgeable experts onboard to enrich your Antarctic adventure. On Holland America Line cruises, their ship's naturalists will be on hand to point out the fascinating birdlife and other wildlife you'll encounter. Princess ensures you'll be joined by destination experts, including South American historians, who can provide insightful commentary about the region. With Celebrity Cruises, you'll be travelling in the company of expert naturalists who will help you spot and understand the incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. Having these experts onboard will undoubtedly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the unique environment and wildlife of Antarctica. They'll be able to share their knowledge and insights, making your journey even more memorable.