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.

South Georgia

During 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

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, the Northwest Passage. Experience Inuit culture, seabirds, and polar bears as the Aurora Borealis light up the night sky.

Antarctica Cruise Ideas

All Antarctica Cruises

Hiking in Antarctica is rewarded with spectacular views

Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
11 Days from $5,995

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.

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.

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

11 Days from $7,495

This 11-day Antarctic small ship cruise offers the chance to discover the most stunning highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy zodiac excursions to explore bays, channels, and landing sites each day. Visit penguin rookeries and search for whales, seals, and arctic seabirds. Hike the Antarctic landscape for breathtaking views of the Antarctic.

Kayak quiet waters as you sail to remote polar regions

South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

16 Days from $14,995

Join the World Explorer on this amazing 16-day cruise to Antarctica and South Georgia. Reflect at the resting place of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Discover the unique wildlife this region is well known for while visiting Ushuaia, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula, and more! Tour abandoned whaling stations and enjoy some stories from inhabitants.

Antarctica Express Air Cruise

6 Days from $4,795

The fastest possible trip to Antarctica, and one of most economical is this 6-day cruise/flight starting in Ushuaia. Sail the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, and mythical Drake Passage to experience a day in one of the most spectacular places on earth - Antarctica! Return on a flight from King George Island to Patagonia's Punta Arenas, Chile.

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands

Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
18 Days from $23,495

Board luxurious Le Lyrial on an exciting 18-day expedition cruise to Antarctica. After a flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina, at the tip of South America, depart toward the Falkland Islands and South Georgia before cruising the Drake Passage and the expansive glaciers and wildlife-rich shorelines of the Antarctic peninsula.

Expedition Antarctica - the Great Penguin Adventure

Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
21 Days from $12,990

Tour Antarctica on this 21-day cruise aboard the Ocean Nova with the possibility of sighting 7 different species of penguin! Departing from Ushaia, Argentina, journey through the towering fjords of Tierra del Fuego before setting off for the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Shetlands Islands, and finally the Antarctic Peninsula.

Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

8 Days from $11,495

Embark on this 8-day Antarctic adventure with Ocean Nova 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 wildilfe and explore the surrounding landscape.

Emblematic Antarctica

Buenos Aires to Port of Ushuaia
12 Days from $10,790

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day voyage starting and ending in Ushuaia and succumb to the enchantment of the breathtaking landscapes inhabited by astonishing wildlife. L'Austral ship invites you on a polar expedition cruise to the heart of the icy realm on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Weddell Sea - Emperor Penguin Voyage

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
11 Days from $11,300

A true expedition, the 11-day Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the emperor penguins near Snow Hill Island. Visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and gentoos.

Arctic Cruise Ideas

All Arctic Cruises

Polar Bear Special - North Spitsbergen

8 Days from $3,950

Board the MV Plancius in Longyearbyen, Svalbard for your 8-day polar exploration. Sailing along the pack-ice of North Spitsbergen provides the best opportunities to spot the king of the Arctic – the polar bear – while on this expedition cruise. You'll also have excellent photo ops and chances to visit historic churches of the region.

Travelers standing next to the North Pole.

North Pole: Ultimate Arctic Adventure

Helsinki to Murmansk
14 Days from $31,995

Board your vessel, "50 Years of Victory," for the ultimate 14-day Arctic & North Pole voyage. Crushing through the ice, admiring soaring seabirds, and visiting Franz Josef Land, your North Pole voyage is one that you won’t soon forget. Add the excitement of helicopter excursions and an optional hot air balloon ride at the top of the world!

Expedition Svalbard

11 Days from $7,690

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.

Iceland Circumnavigation Express

8 Days from $2,290

This 8-day cruise circumnavigating Iceland offers an in-depth exploration of a small Arctic island of geological extremes. Encounter unrivaled natural diversity, from volcanic landscapes to lava fields, ice sheets, gushing hot springs and cascading waterfalls.

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

North Pole: Murmansk - Murmansk

13 Days from $29,445

Board your icebreaker vessel, 50 Years of Victory, for an 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!

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

The Northwest Passage

Paris to Seattle
23 Days from $26,100

Cruise the mythical Northwest Passage in style on this 23-day Arctic cruise aboard luxurious L'Austral. The expedition begins in Greenland and makes its way to Alaska, visiting Baffin Island, Nunavut, Savoonga, and Nome, where you'll have the opportunity to navigate breathtaking fjords in dinghies, trek across glacial ice, and see the wildlife.

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.

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.

Iceland Circumnavigation

10 Days from $4,495

Trace the routes of the Icelandic sagas' heroes on this 10-day circumnavigation cruise starting and ending in Reykjavik. Volcanically and geologically active, Iceland is famed for its awe-inspiring lava fields, mountains, glaciers, and glacial rivers. Natural wonders and a stirring history await on Iceland’s rugged shores.

Svalbard Adventure

9 Days from $5,890

Start your adventure by exploring the High Arctic capital of Longyearbyen before cruising Svalbard for seven days. Depending on weather and ice conditions, potential landing sites include Prins Karls Forland, Danskøya, Hornsund, and numerous fantastic fjords. View charismatic Arctic wildlife and large numbers of nesting seabirds.

Luxury Cruises of the Arctic

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
The Northwest Passage	$26100	23	Aug 28, 2020	Cruise the mythical Northwest Passage in style on this 23-day Arctic cruise aboard luxurious L'Austral. The expedition begins in Greenland and makes … 0
Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq	$13300	10	Jul 29, 2021	Explore the Arctic on this exceptional 10-day voyage, starting in the magical city of Reykjavik, Iceland and making your way through Greenland. Enjoy … 0
Expedition Svalbard: Longyearbyen to Tromsø	$11970	10	Jul 30, 2021	Join the Silver Cloud on a magnificent 10-day sailing expedition exploring Svalbard, a beautiful territory full of life and color defined by the … 0
Round-trip Reykjavik	$8600	11	Jul 4, 2021	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
Best of Svalbard	$7376	11	Jun 29, 2021	Journey across the enchanting Norwegian Arctic on this 11-day sailing expedition aboard the Sea Spirit. Take every opportunity to experience … 0
Northeast Passage: An Unforgettable Voyage from Alaska to Norway	$36990	26	Aug 11, 2021	Embark on a 26-day expedition crossing the Northeast Passage with a mission to explore the Siberian shores and far northern archipelagos that brims … 0
Northeast Passage: An Unforgettable Voyage from Norway to Alaska	$36990	25	Jul 19, 2021	Embark on a 25-day expedition crossing the Northeast Passage with a mission to explore the Siberian shores and far northern archipelagos that brims … 0
Round-trip Reykjavik	$17200	16	Aug 31, 2021	Join the Silver Wind on a splendid 16-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	$17150	17	Jul 30, 2021	Sail along the coastline of Baffin Bay, discovering the region of Thule, the mythical territory of the Far North. From the ice cap to the ice … 0
Baffin Bay Secrets 2021	$19420	14	Jul 17, 2021	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

Luxury Cruises of the Antarctic

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Antarctic Small Ship Expedition	$5995	11	Mar 16, 2021	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
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands	$23495	18	Jan 13, 2021	Board luxurious Le Lyrial on an exciting 18-day expedition cruise to Antarctica. After a flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina, at the tip … 0
Emblematic Antarctica	$10790	12	Nov 27, 2020	Embark on an unforgettable 12-day voyage starting and ending in Ushuaia and succumb to the enchantment of the breathtaking landscapes inhabited by … 0
The Great Austral Loop	$17005	17	Jan 18, 2021	Board luxurious L'Austral expedition ship for a 17-day Antarctica cruise. Flying from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina this round-trip cruise heads … 0
Emblematic Antarctica	$12410	12	Jan 7, 2021	Explore the heart of the icy realm of Antarctica Peninsula and the Patagonia. Explore a multitude of drifting icebergs, ice floes, imposing glaciers … 0
Round-trip King George Island	$17500	7	Dec 11, 2021	Fly in style to the last continent and indulge in Antarctic beauty with this incredible 7-day cruise starts in the heart of the destination. … 0
Antarctic Expedition	$18300	13	Feb 8, 2022	This 13-day expedition leads you to one discovery after another. Fully experience the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland islands with a … 0
Christmas In Antarctica	$13310	12	Dec 17, 2020	Embark on an unforgettable 12-day voyage and succumb to the enchantment of the breathtaking landscapes inhabited by astonishing wildlife and spend a … 0
Polar Circle Air Cruise	$18995	10	Jan 24, 2021	Bypass the Drake Passage by flying directly to the South Shetland Islands. Exit the airplane to a world unlike any other on earth; ice-filled fjords, … 0
Emblematic Antarctica	$10230	12	Dec 1, 2020	Join Le Boreal for a 12-day voyage to the Heart of the Antarctic Peninsula. Sail from Ushuaia to an enchanting polar desert, a final frontier where … 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.