Ultimate Guide To An Antarctica Expedition Cruise
Image courtesy of Quark Expeditions
Overview
Embarking on a journey to the elusive seventh continent has become more accessible due to the rapid expansion of the expedition cruise industry. But why venture to Antarctica? It's not merely about ticking a box; visiting the White Continent offers a chance to experience a unique part of our planet that is both radically different and isolated, reminding us of Earth's extraordinary beauty. And let’s not forget – there are penguins. Lots of penguins.
If you're planning an Antarctica trip, the process can seem daunting. With numerous cruise lines and expedition operators to choose from, along with various factors to consider when booking, making decisions about your voyage can be challenging. Selecting the right cruise is crucial, especially since this could be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. To assist you in laying the groundwork for your trip, we've prepared this comprehensive guide to Antarctica cruises, covering everything you need to know before booking.
Antarctica cruises vary significantly. While the scenery is breathtaking no matter which company you sail with, it’s essential to choose a cruise that aligns with your travel style and interests. Here are some key factors to keep in mind before making your reservation:
Ship Size:
This aspect may be the most critical when choosing an Antarctic cruise. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) regulates ship operations based on passenger capacity, impacting the overall experience you'll have in Antarctica. Consider the following IAATO criteria when selecting your vessel:
Small ships (200 passengers or fewer): These can access all landing sites.
Medium ships (201 to 500 passengers): These vessels are restricted to specific landing sites that accommodate larger groups.
Large ships (500+ passengers): Ships exceeding 500 passengers cannot make landings, limiting you to scenic cruising without stepping foot on the continent.
Luxury Level
Antarctic cruise ships range from basic former research vessels to ultra-luxurious, purpose-built liners. Naturally, cruises on more opulent vessels often come at a higher price point. Reflect on what matters most to you during your cruise – do you desire butler service and a spa, or would you prefer to save money on an older ship with fewer amenities?
Image courtesy of Quark Expeditions.
Antarctica Itinerary Options
The following itineraries highlight the main tourist routes in Antarctica. (I’ll explore other tour types, packages, and regions later in this guide.)
Drake Passage Cruises
The majority of travelers to Antarctica embark from South America, predominantly from Ushuaia, Argentina. This means most visitors cross the notorious Drake Passage — a 500-mile stretch that separates Cape Horn in Tierra del Fuego from the South Shetland Islands, near the Antarctic Peninsula.
These voyages grant passengers bragging rights, as the Drake Passage is infamous for its rough seas and stormy conditions, driven by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and strong westerly winds.
However, modern cruise ships are equipped to handle these conditions, often navigating around storms and ensuring a comfortable ride. Drake Passage cruises frequently offer sightings of exciting wildlife, including marine mammals and the first glimpses of Antarctic icebergs.
Fly-Cruise Options
Some travelers choose to fly to Antarctica to avoid potential seasickness from the Drake Passage or to maximize their time on the continent. A flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in the South Shetlands takes just a couple of hours, compared to the days required for a ship to cross the Drake Passage. These air travelers can then join cruise ships exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
Fly-cruise itineraries can take two forms: fly/fly options, which involve return flights to and from the South Shetlands, completely bypassing the Drake; and fly/sail itineraries, which combine flying to Antarctica for one leg of the journey while cruising back across the Drake.
Antarctic Peninsula Cruises
The Antarctic Peninsula, its northernmost tip, is the most popular destination on the White Continent. While it is the most accessible part of Antarctica, it certainly does not lack the stunning beauty typical of this polar wonderland. The Peninsula boasts dramatic scenery, with towering mountains, glaciers, ice shelves, beaches, fjords, and bays. Wildlife viewing is exceptional here, featuring vast colonies of penguins, seabirds, and seals, as well as feeding grounds for whales and orcas.
From the remarkably flooded caldera of Deception Island to the “Kodak Alley” spectacle of the Lemaire Channel, Antarctic Peninsula cruises highlight some of the region's most iconic sites. Activities abound, including outings by Zodiac or kayak, hikes along penguin beaches, and even camping under the pristine Antarctic sky.
Basecamp Itineraries
For those seeking maximum adventure, the Basecamp itinerary offers an action-packed experience based in the Antarctic Peninsula. This trip prioritizes time on land over time spent aboard the vessel and includes numerous opportunities for kayaking, hiking, glacier-walking, snowshoeing, and mountaineering among the Peninsula’s less-traveled peaks.
Camping in Antarctica is an unforgettable experience, with campsites near famous locations like Paradise Bay and Damoy Point.
Antarctic Circle Cruises
The Antarctic Circle, located around 66 degrees S latitude, marks the northern boundary of the true Antarctic zone, where summer brings the midnight sun, and winter brings the polar night.
Antarctic Circle cruises typically commence in January, with increased departures in February and March as sea ice recedes. A limited number of travelers experience the thrill of crossing this historically significant latitude, allowing them to explore less-visited areas like Marguerite Bay in the upper Antarctic Peninsula and the remote Weddell and Ross seas.
Antarctica, South Georgia, and Falkland Islands Cruises
Those with the time and interest can combine visits to beautiful subpolar islands during their journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. The “FSG itinerary” includes stops at the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, both of which are British Overseas Territories.
These islands offer rich history, including tales from the Falklands War and Ernest Shackleton’s rescue mission across South Georgia. Wildlife is abundant here, particularly in South Georgia, which boasts impressive populations of seabirds, penguins, and seals, providing thrilling wildlife experiences comparable to those in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Ross Sea & East Antarctica Cruises
Few travelers ever explore the breathtaking Ross Sea, situated well below the Antarctic Circle and separating the West and East Antarctic ice sheets. Those who cruise here from Oceania can marvel at the expansive Ross Ice Shelf and the southernmost active volcano, Mount Erebus.
Cruises in the Ross Sea also provide opportunities to visit historical sites, such as the iconic Scott and Shackleton huts, which seem as if the expedition crews just departed.
Weddell Sea Cruises
Located opposite the Ross Sea, the remote Weddell Sea is known for having some of the cleanest waters worldwide. These cruises reveal the hidden wonders of the eastern Antarctic Peninsula and the breathtaking sights of the northwestern Weddell Sea, featuring massive tabular icebergs and dramatic sea-ice fronts.
Wildlife in the Weddell Sea is equally captivating, with the northernmost colony of emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island, as well as abundant Adélie penguins, baleen whales, orcas, and various seal species.
Image courtesy of Quark Expeditions.
Choosing an Antarctica Cruise Itinerary: Key Considerations
To determine the best Antarctica itinerary for your needs, consider the following factors:
Time and Expense
Antarctica is worth visiting, even with limited time, given its unique allure. Travelers on a tight schedule might consider a brief 5-day trip or a slightly longer 7-day itinerary that includes flights to maximize time spent on the continent.
For most, a mid-length itinerary of 10 to 14 days allows for a more in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, possibly even crossing the Antarctic Circle.
If you have a more extended travel window, consider an extended cruise of around 21 days, such as the FSG itinerary or a semi-circumnavigation between South America and New Zealand.
Keep in mind that flying is typically more expensive than sailing, and traveling longer distances or adding special experiences, like scuba diving or scenic helicopter rides, will increase costs.
Scenery
There's no shortage of stunning landscapes in Antarctica. The Antarctic Peninsula is particularly photogenic, but the continental mountain ranges, such as the Ellsworth Mountains and the Transantarctic Mountains, also offer breathtaking views. Expect amazing icebergs and ice-shelf sights in the Ross and Weddell seas.
Wildlife
The best wildlife viewing in Antarctica can be found on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, which supports an incredible number of breeding birds, including millions of penguins and albatrosses. While South Georgia is a prime spot for wildlife lovers, the Antarctic Peninsula—frequented by many popular cruise itineraries—also boasts rich breeding colonies and marine feeding grounds.
For those hoping to see the elusive emperor penguin, consider Weddell Sea or Ross Sea itineraries, or specialized wildlife tours that venture further into the southern regions.
History
Alongside its scenic beauty and wildlife, Antarctica's dramatic history adds to its allure. Following in the footsteps of legendary explorers like Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott offers a unique thrill, especially for history enthusiasts.
Key historical sites can be found along typical cruise routes, notably in South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. However, the Ross Sea and McMurdo Sound are particularly rich in the history of Antarctic exploration.
Immersiveness
Some larger cruise ships may restrict how closely they can explore the Antarctic Peninsula’s coastline, primarily offering an offshore sightseeing experience. To achieve a more immersive experience, consider smaller expedition vessels and shore excursions like hikes, camping, and skiing.
Moreover, less-traveled routes south of the Antarctic Circle provide a deeper sense of immersion in this unique environment.
Adventure
Any trip to Antarctica is inherently adventurous, given its remote location. However, you can enhance the thrill with guided kayaking, paddleboarding, overnight camping, and other activities. Some itineraries, such as Oceanwide’s Basecamp and mountaineering treks from White Desert and ALE camps, cater specifically to adventure seekers.
Geography
While much of Antarctica is off-limits to ordinary tourists, there remains a remarkable variety of geography to explore across numerous cruise itineraries. Specific destinations, such as the South Pole and the Ellsworth Mountains, require specialized packages or add-ons.
However, the Antarctic Peninsula is included in many available cruise routes, making it a must-see destination.
Combination Antarctica Itineraries
When planning your ideal Antarctica cruise itinerary, remember that the options outlined above are not mutually exclusive, and numerous route combinations exist. Almost all itineraries will visit the Antarctic Peninsula, so if you choose an Antarctic Circle cruise, you will likely visit the peninsula and venture further south to cross the circle. You could even combine visits to the peninsula, cross the circle, and explore South Georgia and the Falklands for an unforgettable adventure. Additionally, each itinerary typically offers the option to either cross the Drake Passage or fly over it, creating endless variations.
Furthermore, scenic flights over remote landscapes, such as the McMurdo Dry Valleys, can be arranged as part of cruise packages. Many travelers to Antarctica also opt for pre- or post-cruise land tours in South America, combining experiences in places like Buenos Aires or Patagonia with their Antarctic adventure.
Other Non-Cruise Options for an Antarctica Itinerary
Day trips to see Antarctica from the air are possible through scenic flyovers from airfields in South America, South Africa, or Oceania. Some of these trips may include brief landings on the continent.
While flyover or fly-in trips are better than nothing, we encourage you to consider the more intimate and immersive experiences offered by cruises or Fly/Cruise combinations if you have even a week to spare.
Whether you fly in for a brief but memorable visit to the South Pole or invest several incredible weeks in a semi-circumnavigation of the White Continent, any journey to Antarctica promises an exceptional travel experience.
Image courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent.
Top Pick Expedition Companies and Cruise Lines
Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions specializes in polar region cruises and boasts 30 years of experience, including a circumnavigation of Antarctica in 1997. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the crew is trained at the Quark Academy. Voyages are conducted on vessels like Ocean Adventurer, Ocean Diamond, World Explorer, and the purpose-built Ultramarine, which features two helicopters and 20 Zodiacs. All ships are similarly sized, with all cabins on the World Explorer being suites with private balconies. Voyages range from eight to 23 days and include a “Fly the Drake” itinerary that eliminates the sea crossing.
Abercrombie & Ken for Ponant
The French-owned Ponant line brings a touch of elegance to Antarctica cruises. Some voyages focus on the explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, while others explore remote regions, such as the Bellingshausen Sea for emperor penguins. Passengers can choose from five luxurious ships: Le Lyrial, L’Austral, Le Boreal, Le Soléal, and the hybrid-powered Le Commandant Charcot, which ensures an eco-friendly journey. The cuisine, overseen by Alain Ducasse, features exquisite dishes like cep and chestnut velouté.
Silversea Cruises
Silversea operates three ships in Antarctica, offering five-star amenities, including a spa and beauty salon for guests to look their best for their penguin encounters. Silver Cloud and Silver Wind boast four dining venues each, while Silver Explorer is designed for expedition-style cruising. Voyages can be as short as six days, with flights in and out of King George Island, or an epic 29-day journey from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, including South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad has been exploring Antarctica since 1966 and is a leading operator in the region. Its fleet, including the new luxury ships National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, carries a maximum of 148 guests for a more intimate experience with ample time ashore. Education is a key focus, and the expedition staff offers exceptional lectures.
Scenic
Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II are ultra-luxury ships resembling sleek yachts rather than traditional expedition vessels. They feature amenities like helicopters, submersibles, numerous dining options, and a spa. Despite these luxuries, they accommodate only 200 passengers in Antarctica, allowing access to exclusive landing sites.
Image courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent.
Benefits of Booking with William Ford Travel
Shipboard Credit Per Stateroom
Generous onboard credit will be applied to your shipboard account. Onboard credit amount varies per cruise line.
Full Service, Streamlined Travel Management
Leveraging my experience in luxury polar cruising, incomparable attention to detail and customer experience, and Fora’s exclusive network of industry partners, my clients receive unmatched care and service at every stage of their journeys: from planning, through 24/7 trip management, and until you return. Customized, frictionless travel is my specialty.
Tailor-made pre and post trip extensions, providing clients with one-of-a-kind experiences beyond expedition cruising.