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.

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.

All Antarctica Cruises

2022-2023 Antarctica Cruise Ideas

All Antarctica Cruises

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.

Antarctic Explorer - Sail/Fly Expedition

Ushuaia to Punta Arenas
11 Days from $15,295

Enjoy 11 days aboard the Sylvia Earle and explore the vast white continent of Antarctica. Get a chance to spot seals and penguins on their natural habitat. Fly across Drake Passage during this voyage as well.

Across the Antarctic Circle - Fly/Fly Expedition

Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas
13 Days from $14,895

Fly to King George Island before commencing on your 13-day trip to Antarctica aboard the Greg Mortimer. The South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula are yours to explore. Highlights include crossing the Antarctic Circle, watching penguins feed their chicks, and spotting humpbacks and minkes.

South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey

21 Days from $27,095

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.

Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia

Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
23 Days from $29,995

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.

Emblematic Antarctica

Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
12 Days from $10,240

Join L'Austral for this 12-day polar expedition cruise to the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula. Embark on an unforgettable voyage and succumb to the enchantment of the breathtaking landscapes inhabited by astonishing wildlife. Explore the Gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins, humpback whales, seals and seabirds.

Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent

Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
12 Days from $16,450

This 12-day classic luxury Antarctica cruise on the National Geographic Endurance takes you to huge tabular icebergs in pools of turquoise blue meltwater, mountains rising some 9,000 feet straight up from the sea, penguins galore, abundant marine mammals, and experiences like cruising through the spectacular Lemaire Channel.

Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

8 Days from $13,395

Embark on this 8-day Antarctic adventure with Magellan Explorer 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 surrounding landscape before your flight back.

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.

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica via Ushuaia 2022-2023

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
21 Days from $19,705

Board MS Seaventure in Ushuaia, Argentina, cruise through the Beagle Channel on your way to the Falkland Islands, then on to South Georgia, and finally the Antarctic Peninsula on this unique 21-day expedition. This adventure cruise goes beyond wildlife viewing and delves into the human history of Falklands and Antarctica.

All Arctic Cruises

Arctic Cruise Ideas

All Arctic Cruises

Alpine Peaks of North Norway, Ski & Sail

Tromso to Tromso
8 Days from $2,450

Board the Rembrandt van Rijn for this 8-day cruise from Tromso all the way to Alta. Enjoy the exhilaration of climbing snow-covered alpine mountains and skiing downhill while taking in Norway's beautiful landscapes.

North Norway, Aurora Borealis & Whales

Tromsø - Tromsø
8 Days from $2,450

Get your camera ready for this North Norway cruise which follows the path of more than one kind of whale as it travels amongst the fjords of Troms. The long Norway nights offer travelers on this expedition an excellent chance to take in the beauty and wonder of the Northern Lights.

Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard

Bergen to Oslo
16 Days from $19,960

Cruise across Norway's fjords and Arctic Svalbard on a 16-day expedition aboard the National Geographic Resolution, and explore the wilderness, wildlife, and scenery on Bergen, Tromso, Lofoten Islands, Tysfjorden and Bear Island.

Norwegian Fjords : Oslo - Bergen

Oslo - Bergen
8 Days from $4,180

Discover the beauty of the Norwegian fjords. Come aboard Le Bellot for an 8-day cruise and sail along the Norwegian coastline, whose vertiginous cliff faces have been sculpted by the wind and the sea, giving rise to many unspoiled fjords. Cruise from Oslo to Bergen with stops in ports of Gothenburg, Arendal, Stavanger, Olden, Geiranger, and Alesund.

Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands

Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Isles

Bergen to Edinburgh
8 Days from $11,990

Prepare your binoculars and cameras to capture the stunning scenery of the nature and wildlife in both Norway and Scotland.This 8-day adventure aboard National Geographic Endurance truly brings out the best of the Arctic.

Norwegian Fjords : Bergen - Oslo

Bergen - Oslo
8 Days from $4,180

Sail in the heart of the Norwegian fjords, explore extraordinary landscapes: steep cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation on this 8-day voyage aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville. Your cruise begins in Bergen and ends in Oslo with stops in the stunning ports of Olden, Geiranger, Alesund, Stavanger, Arendal, and Gothenburg.

Enjoy northern lights on an Arctic cruise

Magic of the Arctic Winter

Bergen to Bergen
12 Days from $4,415

Explore the magnificent landscapes of Norway on this 12-day voyage aboard the MS Trollfjord. See the fjords, explore the amazing wilderness, and spot unique Arctic wildlife as you cruise the stunning coast beneath the dancing northern lights.

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 $8,090

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.

Arctic

Luxury Cruises of the Arctic

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Coastal Wonders of Norway, the Faroe Islands and Iceland	$22470	16	Jun 6, 2022	Join National Geographic Resolution on this 16-day exploration across Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland, visiting highlights including the … 0
Norway Fjords & Spitsbergen	$7870	11	May 21, 2022	Experience Norway and the awe-inspiring Svalbard archipelago from aboard LeBoreal. Starting in Bergen and sailing across magical landscapes of … 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	$22290	17	Aug 9, 2022	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
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
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
Lofoten Islands & Norwegian Fjords	$13495	13	Sep 21, 2022	From Tromso to Copenhagen, this epic 13-day cruise aboard Scenic Eclipse explores the Lofoten Islands and Norwegian fjords, where you will see … 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
Roundtrip Kangerlussuaq	$8910	8	Aug 1, 2022	Explore some of Greenland’s most coveted destinations on this 8-day expedition roundtrip from Kangerlussuaq aboard the Silver Wind. Get to know the … 0

Antarctica

Luxury Cruises of the Antarctic

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Emblematic Antarctica	$10240	12	Dec 8, 2021	Join L'Austral for this 12-day polar expedition cruise to the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula. Embark on an unforgettable voyage and succumb to the … 0
Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent	$16450	12	Dec 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
Classic Antarctica Air Cruise	$13395	8	Dec 6, 2021	Embark on this 8-day Antarctic adventure with Magellan Explorer Air Cruises. Fly over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas to King George Island where … 0
Celebrating Antarctica	$11225	13	Dec 29, 2022	Explore the Antarctic Peninsula from the comfort of the Island Sky and experience close encounters with the abundant wildlife which call this frozen … 0
Antarctica in Depth	$17895	13	Nov 10, 2022	This luxury class Antarctic cruise on the Scenic Eclipse begins in Buenos Aires with a flight to Ushuaia, where you embark and sail two days to reach … 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	Dec 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 Complete	$22795	23	Mar 14, 2022	Embark on a 22-day unique experience, where you'll visit Antarctica and cross south of the Antarctic Circle while aboard the Greg Mortimer. Expect a … 0
Christmas in Antarctica	$10945	13	Dec 17, 2022	Celebrate the Christmas season and explore the majestic white continent, enjoying abundant wildlife encounters and the striking panoramic landscape … 0

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.