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

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.

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.

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.

Albatross cruising the Drake Passage to Antarctica

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.

Antarctica Solar Eclipse

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

On December 4th 2021, a total solar eclipse will be viewable only from some of the Earth’s most southern latitudes – an exclusive and unique phenomenon. After sailing east to the eclipse zone, explore a less frequently trodden side of the Antarctic Peninsula, traversing the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound and visiting the historic Elephant Island before experiencing the sights and sounds of the Peninsula’s penguin-abundant north western shores.

Solar Eclipse in Antarctica

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

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.

Ross Sea Antarctic Odyssey

Ushuaia to Bluff, NZ
33 Days from $27,400

Beginning in Ushuaia, Argentina embark on this epic 33-day expedition cruise of Antarctica aboard the Ortelius. Cruise across the Drake Passage, along with the Antarctic Peninsula, into the Ross Sea, & north through the Southern Ocean stopping to explore islands along the way. You'll see Shackleton’s and Scott’s huts, Mc Murdo Station & Campbell Island.

Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: Subantarctic Islands

13 Days from $7,500

Embark on the Spirit of Enderby for a 13-day wildlife cruise of New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands: the Snares, Auckland, Macquarie, and Campbell. The rich biodiversity of these islands provide ample opportunity to watch and photograph unique Subantarctic flora and fauna. Expert naturalists aboard the ship provide a wealth of information.

Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

Punta Arenas to Port of Ushuaia
17 Days from $18,700

Admire the wonders Antarctica has to offer on this 17-day sailing adventure. Starting in the historical city of Punta Arenas, explore the magnificent Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula before disembarking in Ushuaia. This expedition leads to one discovery after another, led by a team of expert guides and lecturers.

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

11 Days from $13,495

Immerse yourself in the Antarctic environment and experience a roller coaster of emotions on this 11-day cruise aboard the Ocean Adventurer. Visit King George Island and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula. Cross the Antarctic Circle and reach 66º33´ S; feel the pride in knowing you have made it to a part of the world visited by very few people.

Arctic Cruise Ideas

All Arctic Cruises

Kayak quiet waters as you sail to remote polar regions

Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland

20 Days from $16,495

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.

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.

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

Toronto to Toronto
12 Days from $9,995

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.

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

Out of the Northwest Passage

Kugluktuk to Kangerlussuaq
17 Days from $10,995

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.

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.

Zodiac cruising on Sunneshine Fjord, Baffin Island

Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Toronto to Toronto
9 Days from $6,995

During this 9-day expedition cruise aboard the Ultramarine you will discover the great sea route known as the Northwest Passage at the top of the world and experience the highlights of the Canadian Arctic, including wildlife viewing and stunning landscapes.

Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

Toronto to Toronto
17 Days from $14,495

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.

Franz Josef Land Explorer

15 Days from $10,170

Experience a rare chance to discover the wondrous islands of Franz Josef Land aboard the Greg Mortimer on this 15-day journey. From Murmansk, cross the Barents Sea to a world few have seen you will take home timeless memories.

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.

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.

Luxury Cruises of the Arctic

Arctic

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq	$13500	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. … 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
Round-trip Reykjavik	$16500	16	Aug 31, 2021	Starting and ending in Reykjavik, board the Silver Wind on a splendid 16-day cruise of the Arctic. Iceland’s location close to the Arctic Circle … 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
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
Expedition Svalbard: Longyearbyen to Tromsø	$11900	11	Jul 6, 2021	Join the Silver Cloud on a magnificent 11-day sailing expedition cruise exploring Svalbard, an Arctic territory full of life and color defined by the … 0
Ultimate Arctic Circle	$33315	25	Jun 2, 2021	Combine the remote islands of Svalbard with the magnificent fjords of the Norwegian coastline on this 25-day awe-inspiring arctic adventure aboard … 0
Ultimate Seafarers & Baltics	$25490	26	May 22, 2021	Journey from Barcelona to Copenhagen on this epic 26-day journey aboard the Scenic Eclipse. Uncover the treasures, traditions and history of the … 0
Northeast Passage: An Unforgettable Voyage from Alaska to Norway	$36990	26	Aug 11, 2021	The aptly named National Geographic Endurance hosts this once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity: A 26-day expedition cruise crossing the Northeast Passage … 0
Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Svalbard	$14065	14	Jun 30, 2022	Board the Scenic Eclipse for an unforgettable 14-day Arctic cruise of Norway and the high Arctic. From magnificent fjords, cascading waterfalls and … 0

Luxury Cruises of the Antarctic

Antarctica

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
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, 2021	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
The Great Austral Loop	$18160	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
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
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
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
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
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands	$25495	20	Dec 9, 2021	The South Georgia Islands are teeming with wildlife and exploration history, while the intriguing Falkland Islands are unique, as is the great white … 0
The Weddell Sea & Larsen Ice Shelf	$13960	13	Nov 18, 2021	Insurmountable, extreme and captivating: this is the best way to describe the Weddell Sea, mostly frozen by a thick and compressed ice floe. It is a … 0
King George Island Roundtrip	$23220	10	Dec 19, 2022	Fly in style to the last continent and indulge in Antarctic beauty with this incredible 10-day cruise starts in the heart of the destination. … 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.