10 Best Antarctica Cruise Ideas for 2023-2024

Embark on this 8-day Antarctic cruise on the Magellan Explorer. Fly over the Drake Passage round-trip 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 stunning landscapes.

Antarctica - Basecamp

Roundtrip Ushuaia
13 Days from $9,100

Take your polar expedition to the next level! This 13-day Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp voyage aboard MV Plancius is packed full of adventures with hiking and snowshoeing, mountaineering, kayaking, excursions in zodiacs, and overnight camping on the Antarctic Continent.

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas
8 Days from $15,995

Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest and most direct way to Antarctica on this 8-day polar expedition. Zodiac cruise in search of whales, seabirds, and astounding icebergs, and enjoy daily landing excursions in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
10 Days from $6,595

Embark on this 10-day Antarctic adventure with Magellan Explorer. Sail the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia and across the Drake Passage to the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula where you will search for wildlife and explore the surrounding landscape.

Hiking in Antarctica is rewarded with spectacular views

Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
11 Days from $6,595

Embark on this 11-day Antarctic cruise aboard Magellan Explorer. Sail the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia and across the infamous Drake Passage to the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula where you will search for wildlife and explore the surrounding landscape. This departure is of excellent value and is an Adventure Life exclusive package.

Wild Antarctica - Fly/Sail

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia
14 Days from $16,195

During this 14-day voyage aboard the Greg Mortimer, discover the Weddell Sea, famed for its massive tabular icebergs, year-round sea ice, interesting fossils, and role in Shackleton's Endurance expedition.

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

Roundtrip Ushuaia
11 Days from $11,995

On this 11-day adventure to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula you'll cruise through sea ice, witness penguins building their nests, kayak along icebergs, and experience exhilarating encounters with abundant wildlife including penguins, seals and whales.

South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey

Ushuaia to Ushuaia
21 Days from $24,095

This 21-day roundtrip Ushuaia voyage aboard Sylvia Earle encompasses the best of the Antarctic Peninsula and the enchanting wildlife haven of South Georgia. Cross the Drake Passage, sail towards South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, and Elephant Island. En route for South Georgia head across the Scotia Sea before finally reaching Falklands~Malvinas.

Spirit of Antarctica

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
12 Days from $12,995

Visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth on this 12-day adventure cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer. Explore all the wonders that Antarctica has to offer on this roundtrip adventure starting and ending in Ushuaia.

Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia

Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
23 Days from $36,695

From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage aboard the Ultramarine. This epic Antarctica expedition includes all of the major Antarctic highlights you can imagine, full of significant milestones for any world traveler.

All Arctic Cruises

10 Best Arctic Cruise Ideas for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard	$20960	16	May 29, 2023	Cruise across Norway's fjords and Arctic Svalbard on a 16-day expedition aboard the National Geographic Resolution, and explore the wilderness, … 0
Spitsbergen Photography: Domain of the Polar Bear	$11495	14	May 18, 2023	This two-week Arctic cruise aboard the brand new expedition vessel Ultramarine, equipped with 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, luxurious onboard amenities … 0
Out of the Northwest Passage	$12995	17	Sep 1, 2023	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 … 0
Expedition Svalbard	$8290	11	Jun 30, 2023	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 … 0
North Spitsbergen, In Search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice	$4000	8	Jun 14, 2023	Start your North Spitsbergen cruise with a trek around historic Longyearbyen, then join our expedition to the north of the island to take in the … 0
Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland	$18995	20	Sep 11, 2023	Embark on Ocean Adventurer and join this 20-day itinerary in the exploration of the Arctic Circle through the legendary Northwest Passage, searching … 0
High Arctic Explorer	$8995	12	Jul 25, 2023	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, … 0
Around Spitsbergen	$5400	10	Aug 11, 2023	Board the MV Plancius for an exciting 10-day Arctic expedition cruise around Spitsbergen. Visit former whaling sites, a research center, and … 0
Into the Northwest Passage	$12995	17	Aug 16, 2023	Board the ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavor expedition ship on this 17-day Arctic cruise from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland through the legendary Northwest … 0
Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen	$7795	14	May 15, 2023	This 14-day Arctic expedition aboard Ocean Adventurer cruises across the North Atlantic to explore the awe-inspiring and unspoiled destinations of … 0

All Antarctica Tours

Explore Antarctica

Antarctica Travel Planner

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.

South Georgia

During the breeding season, South Georgia's northern tip 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.

Arctic

10 Best Luxury Cruises of the Arctic for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Spitsbergen Photography: Domain of the Polar Bear	$11495	14	May 18, 2023	This two-week Arctic cruise aboard the brand new expedition vessel Ultramarine, equipped with 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, luxurious onboard amenities … 0
Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland	$18995	20	Sep 11, 2023	Embark on Ocean Adventurer and join this 20-day itinerary in the exploration of the Arctic Circle through the legendary Northwest Passage, searching … 0
Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers, and Wildlife of Svalbard	$7995	10	May 30, 2023	This exciting 10-day Arctic cruise of the remote Norwegian island of Spitsbergen aboard the sleek new vessel Ultramarine, travels from Helsinki, … 0
Norway Fjords & Spitsbergen	$12050	12	May 19, 2023	Experience Norway and the awe-inspiring Svalbard archipelago from aboard LeBoreal. Starting in Bergen and sailing across magical landscapes of … 0
Expedition to the Thule Region	$21460	17	Jul 25, 2023	Departing from cosmopolitan Paris, luxurious L'Austral takes you north to Arctic Greenland on this 17-day expedition cruise. Explore Baffin Bay, … 0
Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin	$13495	17	Jul 30, 2023	On this compelling 17-day Arctic cruise aboard the game-changing new vessel, Ultramarine, passengers retrace the steps of the intrepid Franklin … 0
Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands	$11495	12	Aug 19, 2023	Join a 12-day adventure cruise around the Canadian High Arctic aboard the Ultramarine. See the unique wonders and the breathtaking environment at the … 0
Kangerlussuaq Roundtrip - Door to Door	$17500	17	Jul 23, 2023	Explore the Arctic on this exceptional 17-day roundtrip expedition cruise from Kangerlussuaq aboard Silver Cloud, thoroughly traversing Disko Bay and … 0
Expedition Along the East Coast of Greenland	$16720	16	Aug 10, 2023	Discover the east coast of Greenland on this 16-day expedition cruise onboard L’Austral, and venture into an extremely remote part of the world … 0
Baffin Bay Secrets	$18830	14	Jul 12, 2023	This incredible 14-day journey aboard L'Austral acquaints you with the secrets of Baffin Bay and Greenland. Glaciers and icebergs are home to the … 0

Antarctica

10 Best Luxury Cruises of the Antarctic for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Classic Antarctica Air Cruise	$13995	8	Dec 1, 2023	Embark on this 8-day Antarctic cruise on the Magellan Explorer. Fly over the Drake Passage round-trip from Punta Arenas to King George Island where … 0
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake	$15995	8	Dec 5, 2023	Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest and most direct way to Antarctica on this 8-day polar expedition. Zodiac cruise in search of … 0
Antarctic Small Ship Expedition	$6595	10	Mar 13, 2024	Embark on this 10-day Antarctic adventure with Magellan Explorer. Sail the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia and across the Drake Passage to the western … 0
Wild Antarctica - Fly/Sail	$16195	14	Mar 1, 2024	During this 14-day voyage aboard the Greg Mortimer, discover the Weddell Sea, famed for its massive tabular icebergs, year-round sea ice, interesting … 0
South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey	$24095	21	Nov 9, 2023	This 21-day roundtrip Ushuaia voyage aboard Sylvia Earle encompasses the best of the Antarctic Peninsula and the enchanting wildlife haven of South … 0
Spirit of Antarctica	$12995	12	Nov 5, 2023	Visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth on this 12-day adventure cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer. Explore all the … 0
Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia	$36695	23	Jan 13, 2024	From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this … 0
Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent	$17620	12	Nov 19, 2023	This 12-day classic luxury Antarctica cruise on the National Geographic Endurance takes you to huge tabular icebergs in pools of turquoise blue … 0
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake	$11995	8	Jan 10, 2024	Explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, skipping the Drake Passage on this 8-day polar experience. Zodiac cruise in search of whales, … 0
Spirit of Antarctica	$12395	12	Oct 30, 2023	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 … 0

Best Arctic Cruises

Explore The Arctic

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.

Polar Regions Travel Guide

Kayak quiet waters as you sail to remote polar regions

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.

Arctic Overview

The Arctic brings to mind scenes of ice, snow, and barren stretches of land. Though it is a remote part of the world, it offers travelers so much more than these things! Intriguing culture, remarkable wildlife, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscape are all experienced during a visit to the Arctic.

Polar bear balances on the ice in the Arctic

Wildlife Guide to Polar Regions

Which Polar region is home to penguins? Or how about those elusive narwhals? Before your travels, it will be helpful to learn more about the different species that inhabit the Polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. You may be surprised to learn the differences!

Best Time of Year to Travel to Antarctica

The travel season in Antarctica is during the summer which runs from November through March. January and February are considered the best months to visit due to better weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cruise the Arctic Svalbard Islands

Svalbard is an archipelago situated in the Arctic waters just north of Norway. The rugged terrain is largely covered by icepack & glaciers, granting opportunities for unique adventure activities. Rare wildlife sightings, tastes of local culture, & taking in awe-inspiring views are just a few of the things to look forward to.

Best Polar Regions Cruise Lines for 2023-2024

Ponant - has small capacity ships that can dock in private ports and offer stopovers in preserved polar locations. Onboard, this is translated through exceptional services, a multilingual crew, and bringing French know-how to the fore. The latest addition to its fleet, Le Commandant Charcot, the very first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas, is the epitome of responsible and sustainable sailing.
Aurora Expeditions - pioneered ship-based adventures 30 years ago with expedition cruises to Antarctica and remained committed to small, low-impact groups. Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, which allows the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently, and with expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the environment, inviting communal spaces and unsurpassed environmental credentials.
Quark Expeditions - headquartered in Seattle, is uncompromisingly polar, specializing in expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic. The newest addition to its fleet, the 199-guest Ultramarine is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, spacious suites, wellness amenities, and numerous outdoor wildlife viewing spaces.
Silversea Cruises - is a luxury cruise line with headquarters in Monaco and is a subsidiary of the Royal Caribbean Group that explores the elegant lifestyle of all-inclusive ultra-luxury polar cruising. With 20-brand new Zodiacs, four superlative restaurants in Antarctica, and a pole-to-pole expedition itinerary, Silver Cloud does break the ice between expedition and luxury.
Polar Latitudes - offers a wide variety of trips to Antarctica, including itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and Falkland Island. Its newest addition MS Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice-class rating, the highest ice class awarded to passenger's vessels. The ship offers all outside-facing staterooms, some with balconies and beautifully appointed dining areas, as well as al fresco dining on the Lido deck.
Oceanwide Expeditions - are pioneers of ship-based expeditions, inventors of Basecamp Antarctica, and one of the first companies to take travelers to the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen. MV Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, optimized for the most innovative exploratory voyages throughout the Arctic.
Lindblad Expeditions - has an entire cast of expedition specialists that guide their polar expeditions: experienced sailors and ice masters, expedition leaders, naturalists, undersea specialists, top photographers, cultural specialists, historians, and professional filmmakers. National Geographic Resolution's most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions; and since it eliminates bow impact, thus a quieter ride.
Antarctica 21 - is committed to creating the ideal Antarctic expedition, providing safe, convenient, comfortable access to a life-changing experience. Magellan Explorer, a new and modern expedition vessel custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises, has a capacity for 73 guests accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins.
Poseidon Expeditions - has been a leading operator of polar expeditions in the cruise industry since 1999. Providing spacious suites for the accommodation of 114 passengers, the Sea Spirit has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing.
Heritage Expeditions - headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, was formed in 1985 to increase awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. Heritage Adventurer is a pioneering expedition vessel often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Polar Exploration' due to her illustrious history and refined design.
Hurtigruten - is Svalbard's most experienced tour operator, tracing its roots back to the late 1800s, and offers year-round land-based adventures next to the North Pole. MS Fram uses the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.
Adventure Canada - is a family-owned business that makes learning fun, deepening cultural connections and scientific understanding of the world's farthest-flung arctic regions. The spacious, ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavour features twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, and stabilizers. A doctor, paramedic, medical clinic, and enhanced health regime offer peace of mind.
Iceland Pro Cruises - is part of the Iceland ProTravel Group, the leading tour operator in Europe, specializing in Iceland. The Ocean Diamond can enter fjords and bays too shallow for larger vessels. The ship features a range of modern onboard amenities and is staffed with outstanding officers and crew and bilingual expedition leaders and guides.