Crossing the notorious Drake Passage that takes two days, can be as smooth as a lake or as bumpy as a vigorous shake, but regardless of whether it is calm waters and no wind or choppy seas and big gales, it’s all part of the adventure.
The most common way to reach the Antarctic is from Ushuaia in southern Argentina, via the Drake Passage.
Antarctic cruises are increasing in popularity as more people aspire to see the “White Continent” once in their lives.
Many consider a journey to the frozen land the pinnacle of a cruise experience and are smitten by the vast snowy landscape, lofty icebergs and vast ice shelves plus wildlife that intrigues. Expect crowds of raucous penguins, seals and whales.
Tips for an Antarctic cruise
Do your homework
It’s a big investment in time and money to get there, so choose a cruise line that suits your expectations.
There’s a wide choice of ships heading that way catering for those who want a luxe edge to their adventures to ships with a more intensive educational focus.
Ship sizes range from boats with a hundred passengers to 500, which are restricted where they pull in.
You can cut travelling time by flying one-way, but most cruises are for two weeks or more and some include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands in itineraries.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the coldest, driest and windiest continent on earth is from October to March, when the wildlife is at its busiest and there are up to 24 hours of daylight.
Take out travel and medical insurance
Never take the risk that nothing will happen, everyone needs travel insurance. If you are keen travellers, it’s often cheaper to take out annual insurance rather than cover for individual trips.
Book well ahead
Many people book one to two years in advance and early bird bookings can often reduce the price of your Antarctica cruise, slightly. Keep an eye out for rare occasional last-minute deals.
Fly in early
Don’t leave your arrival to chance – flight hold ups and IT hiccups can ruin a holiday, so make sure you arrive even a couple of days before your cruise. Also add an extra night on disembarking – often Antarctica fatigue sets in and a few days is a good buffer against exhaustion and delays.
Study up
Read some of the Antarctic memoirs and novels before you head off on your cruise so you have a sound history of the fearless pioneers who went before you including Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen.
Less is best
Packing for an Antarctic cruise is very different to a normal cruise. Smart casual with layers is what you should pack. Most cruise lines supply polar outer wear, and you can also hire boots which are delivered to your cabin before the cruise. Pack a good UV sun cream – those UV rays are strong, even when it’s cloudy.
Invest in a good camera
As well as snapping away with your mobile phone, take along a camera with a long lens – it’s a once in a lifetime trip and you deserve to get the best photographs possible.
Don’t just rely on a smartphone – you will be disappointed as it just won’t cut it. You can hire a camera with a suitable lens, if you don’t want to invest.
Consider your health
Start an exercise routine as soon as you book, so you know you will be in tip-top condition when you embark.
Some activities involve hiking and kayaking so if you are planning to do both, get as fit as possible. Also, you will be getting in and out of zodiacs.
Go with the flow
Don’t expect everything to run to clockwork – this is the wild Antarctica where the weather dictates everything and safety is paramount. The weather can change in an instant, causing cancellations and reverting to Plan B.
Antarctic cruise news
Here’s some of the latest news from cruise lines heading that way.
Silversea – two ways to get there
Silversea offers two ways of getting to the white continent. Fast track by flying straight into the heart of Antarctica with Antarctica Bridge flights. It’s a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas straight to King George Island, where you meet the ship, or you can sail the iconic Drake Passage for an unforgettable experience. silversea.com
Viking’s new cruise from the Arctic to the Antarctic
The expedition ships Viking Octantis and Polaris double as a classroom with experts in their field. A new 87-day cruise ventures from the Arctic to the Antarctic covering 12 countries and is priced from $121,495. It leaves from Nuuk in Greenland and finishes in Ushuaia, Argentina – from September 3 to November 28, 2025. vikingcruises.com
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) expands inclusions
More inclusions have been added for HX expedition cruises to the Antarctic departing from October 2024. They include daily expeditions and activities such as hikes, community visits, talks, full board dining with house wine and beer, and wine, beer, spirits and cocktails will available across the day and evening. Free Wi-Fi is offered, and gratuities are included. An interactive science program, Science Centre and activities both on and off the ships and professional photos from the onboard photographer plus take home expedition gear have also been added. travelhx.com/au
Ponant’s new penguin cruises
PONANT will host three exclusive voyages to the majestic Emperor Penguin colonies of Snow Hill Island during their 2025 Antarctic season, aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker. The Emperor Penguin of the Weddell Sea 12-night expedition cruises leave on October 30, and November 11 and 22, 2025 from Ushuaia return. ponant.com
Abercrombie and Kent – extra time in South Georgia
Polar expeditions follow the routes of legendary explorers, revealing multitudes of penguins, elusive polar bears, fluking whales, soaring albatrosses, stunning skies and majestic glaciers. The new Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands: Holiday Voyage – 21 Dec 2025 – 8 Jan 2026 – features additional time in wildlife-rich South Georgia. abercrombiekent.com.au
