Explore Antarctica

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime to the white continent. Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. Some flight/cruise combinations, which cut a few day's sailing time off the voyage, start from Punta Arenas, Chile. A few cruises even venture to New Zealand and South Africa.

A group of penguins check out the camera

South Georgia

During the breeding season, the northern tip of South Georgia may have more megafauna per square meter than any other place on earth. Visited on a limited number of cruises to Antarctica, travelers encounter a sea of thousands of black and white King Penguins and albatrosses. Glide silently in sea kayaks spying seals, seabirds, and yes, more penguins.

Ross Sea

Explore the seldom-visited Ross Sea on Antarctic cruises of around 30 days leaving from both Ushuaia Argentina & New Zealand. Retrace the steps of great explorers like Shackleton, Ross, and Scott as you pass through the "Forgotten Islands" and the remote menagerie of Macquarie Island.

Falkland Islands

The remote Falklands are frequently visited on a cruise to Antarctica, though some stay longer and are rewarded by a unique culture that mixes both British and South American traditions with astounding wilderness and landscapes.

Explore The Arctic

Best Arctic Cruises

A polar bear climbs glacial ice in the Arctic

Arctic Travel Planner

Bundle up for your exploration of the mysterious Arctic on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise of the far north with Adventure Life. From June until October, small hull-hardened expedition ships navigate under the glow of the Aurora Borealis through the northernmost regions of our planet in search of polar bears, seabirds and other wildlife.

Baffin Island

Venture into the Arctic Circle and one of Canada's greatest wilderness regions in search of Polar Bears as you sail by fjords with glaciers that crash into the sea, or visit remote Inuit villages and learn about their ancient cultures on Baffin Island

Svalbard

The Norwegian island of Svalbard (Spitsbergen), 400 miles North of Norway and 600 miles south of the North Pole is the land of jagged mountains, fjords, giant glaciers, and the highlight of this region, the polar bear. Trek across the ice and explore the hardy wildlife and expansive landscapes via dinghies on an authentic Arctic expedition.

Greenland

Cross the Arctic circle as you float between ice floes and icebergs along dramatic coastlines and visit quaint villages. Explore the frozen icescapes of Greenland on an Arctic cruise through the Northwest passage or the European islands of Svalbard and Iceland. Day excursions include hikes across glaciers and panga navigations around fjords.

Northwest Passage

Trace the route of great explorers through the northernmost islands of Canada via the Northwest Passage. Experience Inuit culture and witness the rugged wildlife that calls this home, including thousands of seabirds, reindeer, polar bears and more, all as the Aurora Borealis light up the night sky.

2021-2022 Antarctica Cruise Ideas

All Antarctica Cruises

Crossing the Circle

Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
15 Days from $13,135

Sail aboard the luxurious MS Seaventure on this 15-day Antarctica cruise starting in Ushuaia, through the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn and Drake Passage onward to the Antarctic Peninsula and the Antarctic Circle. Explore Antarctica with small inflatable zodiacs stopping at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies & whale feeding areas.

Solar Eclipse, South Georgia and Antarctica

Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
17 Days from $16,995

Experience the first solar eclipse in Antarctica in 18 years set for December 4, 2021! Enjoy the close-up encounters with the marine animals, nature and visit the historic sites and science stations on this 17-day Antarctic expedition cruise on the World Explorer, an exclusive small expedition ship with only 176 fortunate passengers.

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula

19 Days from $13,200

Embark on the M/V Plancius for an unforgettable 19-day Antarctic cruise exploring all of the best sub-Antarctic highlights and the Antarctic Peninsula. Meet at least six penguin species, visit Port Lockroy and pay your respects at Shackleton's grave on this expedition cruise voted #1 to observe all of Antarctica and the South Atlantic Islands.

A penguin colony hanging out on the ice.

Classic Antarctica

10 Days from $4,860

This classic small ship cruise to Antarctica lets you follow in the footsteps of the early Antarctic explorers like Shackleton, Cook & Ross. Explore amazing Antarctic scenery - pristine wilderness of sea, snow, ice, mountains, and an incredible abundance of wildlife on this 10-day Antarctic cruise on the MV Ushuaia which houses only 88 passengers.

Spirit of Antarctica

Ushuaia to Ushuaia
12 Days from $13,316

Explore all the wonders that Antarctica has to offer on this 12-Day adventure cruise aboard Sylvia Earle. Have a tour of Ushuaia and enjoy the ultimate wildlife experience in this polar region. Take in the Antarctic beauty on all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises and enjoy the educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team

Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp Plancius

12 Days from $9,050

Embark on the MV Plancius for this active small ship cruise of Antarctica. Anchor at stunning spots to maximize time exploring Antarctica by foot, zodiac, sea kayak, camp and possibly even SCUBA dive on this 12-day expedition cruise to the Antarctic. Hike near the shore or trek to hilltops for panoramic views and views of Adelie and gentoo penguins.

Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

8 Days from $12,995

Embark on this 8-day Antarctic cruise with Hebridean Sky Air Cruises. Fly over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas to King George Island where you meet your ship. Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula as you search for wildlife and explore the unique Antarctic landscape.

Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
11 Days from $8,050

Join MV Janssonius on a special 11-day cruise exploring Antarctica to discover its wondrous landscapes found in one of the harshest environments.

Solar Eclipse in Antarctica & South Georgia

Ushuaia Rountrip
22 Days from $26,300

On this unique 16-day voyage aboard Sylvia Earle, you will visit Antarctica and experience a once in a lifetime experience: a total solar eclipse. Witness penguins busily building nests, keeping eggs warm and raising chicks, and gaze at gleaming icebergs, while you hope for fine weather, clear skies and an uninterrupted view of the solar eclipse.

Solar Eclipse, South Georgia and Antarctica

Ushuaia to Ushuaia
15 Days from $14,000

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime 15-day Antarctic cruise aboard the Ocean Victory to see a total solar eclipse in December 2021. Follow the path of the courageous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton – just in the opposite direction: From Ushuaia to the wildlife paradise of South Georgia. From here to the eclipse path and onwards to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Arctic Cruise Ideas

All Arctic Cruises

Spitsbergen Photography: In Search of Polar Bears

Oslo to Oslo
14 Days from $11,495

This two-week Arctic cruise aboard the brand new expedition vessel Ultramarine, equipped with 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, luxurious onboard amenities and the biggest portfolio of adventure options in the Polar Regions, will acquaint you with the magnificent wildlife of this rugged region.

A mother polar bear and her young relax on the Arctic landscape

Out of the Northwest Passage

Kugluktuk to Kangerlussuaq
17 Days from $11,995

The Northwest Passage remains one of the world’s last true frontiers. Embark on the Ocean Endeavour for a 17-day Arctic cruise to the far reaches of the north. The crown jewel of Arctic expedition travel, a trip through the Northwest Passage leaves one forever changed.

Expedition Svalbard

11 Days from $7,790

Cruise the fantastic fjords of Svalbard, Norway on this 11-day cruise on the M/S Quest. Make daily landings with Zodiac craft to find remnants of the bustling 17th-century whaling period, witness Arctic wildlife such as polar bears and walrus, and explore magnificent landscapes and vast tundras of the Arctic.

High Arctic Explorer

Resolute Bay to Kangerlussuaq
12 Days from $7,595

Explore the high Arctic on this 12-day expedition cruise aboard the ice-class Ocean Endeavour. Departing from Resolute Bay high in the Arctic Circle, you'll navigate the iconic fjords and rugged islands of the icy north before heading across wildlife-rich Baffin Bay towards Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Enjoy hikes and opportunities to meet local communities.

Voyage to the top of the world aboard the 50 Years of Victory

North Pole: Top of the World

Murmansk - Murmansk
13 Days from $31,995

Board your icebreaker vessel, 50 Years of Victory, for a spectacular 13-day Arctic & North Pole voyage. Crushing through the ice, admiring soaring seabirds, and visiting Franz Josef Land, this North Pole voyage will be one that you won’t soon forget. Add the excitement of helicopter excursions!

Kayak quiet waters as you sail to remote polar regions

Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland

Kangerlussuaq to Kangerlussuaq
20 Days from $17,495

Embark on Ocean Adventurer and join this 20-day itinerary in the exploration of the Arctic Circle through the legendary Northwest Passage, searching for the Arctic wildlife and visiting the communities that are rich in culture and traditions. You will be amazed by the stunning glaciers, fjords, and icebergs surrounding the Western Arctic.

Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Svalbard

Oslo to Oslo
10 Days from $11,750

This 10-day expedition cruise of Svalbard & Spitsbergen aboard the National Geographic Endurance highlights the best of the Arctic, including wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting optional adventure activities. Depart from Oslo towards Longyearbyen where your round trip cruise explores Svalbard for 5 days before returning.

Around Spitsbergen

10 Days from $5,150

Board the MV Plancius for an exciting 10-day Arctic expedition cruise around Spitsbergen. Visit former whaling sites, a research center, and historical sites to learn about the treacherous past of arctic exploration. Marvel at the dynamic landscapes of the region and observe the unique wildlife that call the Arctic home.

Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

Toronto to Toronto
17 Days from $15,495

On this compelling 17-day Arctic cruise aboard the game-changing new vessel, Ultramarine, passengers retrace the steps of the intrepid Franklin Expedition, which left the shores of England in 1845 in search of the last unexplored section of the Northwest Passage—only to become permanently icebound.

Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands

Toronto to Toronto
12 Days from $10,495

Join a 12-day adventure cruise around the Canadian High Arctic aboard the Ultramarine. See the unique wonders and the breathtaking environment at the top of the world through adventure activities like helicopter flightseeing, wildlife tracking, and trekking.

Luxury Cruises of the Arctic

Arctic

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Northeast Passage: An Unforgettable Voyage from Norway to Alaska	$36990	25	Jul 19, 2021	Embark the National Geographic Endurance for this 25-day expedition cruise crossing the Northeast Passage with a mission to explore the Siberian … 0
Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq	$13500	10	Jul 29, 2021	Explore the Arctic on this exceptional 10-day expedition cruise, starting in the magical city of Reykjavik, Iceland, and making your way through … 0
Reykjavik Round-trip	$8640	11	Jul 5, 2022	Join the Silver Whisper on a splendid 11-day journey to see a land of fire and ice. Iceland’s location close to the Arctic Circle and on the … 0
Expedition to the Thule Region	$26690	17	Jul 30, 2021	Departing from cosmopolitan Paris, luxurious L'Austral takes you north to Arctic Greenland on this 17-day expedition cruise. Explore Baffin Bay, … 0
Longyearbyen to Dublin	$21600	27	Aug 1, 2022	Join the Silver Cloud on a magnificent 27-day sailing expedition exploring Svalbard, an Arctic territory full of life and color defined by the … 0
Iceland & Svalbard - Reykjavik to Tromso	$17900	16	Jul 5, 2021	On this 16-day adventure cruise aboard Silver Wind, journey to Iceland and Svalbard to see isolated islands, remote landscapes, glaciers, and to look … 0
Baffin Bay Secrets	$18510	14	Jul 27, 2022	This incredible 14-day journey aboard L'Austral will acquaint you with the secrets of the Baffin Bay and Greenland. Glaciers and icebergs are home to … 0
Expedition along the East Coast of Greenland	$13370	16	Aug 15, 2021	Discover the east coast of Greenland during a new 16-day expedition cruise onboard L’Austral, and venture into an extremely remote part of the … 0
Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq	$13950	12	Jul 21, 2022	This 12-day Arctic expedition cruise aboard Silver Wind takes you from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq on an epic exploration of Iceland and Greenland, … 0
Arctic Expedition: Reykjavik to Tromsø	$19890	14	Jun 28, 2022	Explore the Arctic from this 14-day cruise aboard Silver Cloud expedition and visit the isolated islands and remote regions of the northernmost part … 0

Luxury Cruises of the Antarctic

Antarctica

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Antarctic Small Ship Expedition	$5995	11	Mar 14, 2022	Embark on this 11-day Antarctic cruise aboard Magellan Explorer. Sail the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia and across the infamous Drake Passage to the … 0
Punta Arenas to Ushuaia	$18700	17	Nov 14, 2021	Admire the wonders Antarctica has to offer on this 17-day sailing adventure. Starting in the historical city of Punta Arenas, explore the magnificent … 0
Antarctica Express Air Cruise	$4995	6	Dec 15, 2022	This 6-day Antarctic adventure aboard the small luxury cruise ship Hebridean Sky sails to Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands. As you cruise, … 0
Expedition to Southern Lands	$20460	19	Nov 12, 2021	Join this 19-day expedition aboard Le Lyrial and cruise between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula to discover the most beautiful sites of … 0
The Great Austral Loop	$13580	17	Jan 19, 2022	Join this 17-day itinerary sailing aboard Le Boreal from South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and … 0
Classic Antarctica - Holiday Edition	$20500	16	Dec 21, 2021	Spend a holiday to remember aboard the glamorous Silver Cloud. Sail to Antarctica on a classic cruise admiring the wonders of one of the most desired … 0
Journey to Antarctica - The White Continent	$15080	12	Nov 9, 2021	This 12-day classic Antarctica cruise delivers huge tabular icebergs, sculptural bergs floating in pools of turquoise blue melt water, mountains … 0
Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands	$28750	22	Nov 18, 2021	The ultimate Southern Ocean experience, this expedition takes you into majestically spectacular wildness. Not even the vast migrations of Africa can … 0
Christmas and New Year in Southern Lands	$19030	18	Dec 18, 2021	On this 18-day expedition cruise aboard L'Austral, celebrate Christmas and the New Year by exploring the world's southernmost territories. The … 0
Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent	$16450	12	Nov 8, 2021	This 12-day classic luxury Antarctica cruise on the National Geographic Endurance takes you to huge tabular icebergs in pools of turquoise blue … 0

Polar Regions Travel Guide

Comparing the Two Polar Regions: Antarctica and Arctic Cruising

Many people assume that the Arctic and Antarctic are similar, just at different ends of the earth. Vast differences in the environment, geographical properties, climate, and wildlife may result in some rather surprising realizations of each destination.

Cruising Antarctica vs the Arctic - Advantages & Disadvantages

Are they similar? Or polar opposites?

Wildlife - Both sides have remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities. The icons of each pole - penguins in the south and polar bears in the north - don't disappoint. That is, unless the elusive polar bear escapes your view, which is a possibility depending on where you go. Penguins, in all their cuteness, will be seen by the thousands on any Antarctica cruise.

Travel - Both the Arctic and Antarctic are accessed by expedition cruises. Antarctica is accessed primarily from the southern tip of South America, while most in North America and Europe have quicker access to Arctic cruise ports. In general, the time committment and cost of an Arctic cruise is considerably less than an Antarctic cruise.

Geography - The Arctic region is an ocean surrounded by continents, while the Antarctic is a continent surrounded by oceans. Antartica is aslo has the highest average altitude above sea level of any continent, largely because of 90% of the world's ice is piled upon the continent. Both poles are cold, but the South Pole is colder - by a long shot.