In response to the influx of adventurers and eco-tourists to Antarctica, expedition cruise lines are offering a wider range of new and varied choices for traveling to and visiting the intriguing White Continent.
Do you want to spend as much time outside as you can? Or are you hoping for a luxury journey that is a little more laid back and gentle? Fear that the Drake Passage, a famously rocky section of the ocean, will be too much for your stomach? Or perhaps you'd want all of the above? Do not be concerned. For nearly every kind of Antarctic adventurer, there is an expedition cruise that suits their preferences and demands.
But the delicate topic of whether any of us should visit this enormous, pristine, and ecologically delicate area is there in every cruise. Fortunately, a few expedition cruise companies are posing the same query; they are dedicated to sustainable sailings and work closely to maintain stringent safety and environmental regulations.
Before making a reservation, look into the operator's environmental initiatives and records to make sure you are traveling with a responsible company. And keep in mind that size counts. Passengers are only permitted to explore the seventh continent and its neighboring islands aboard ships with fewer than 500 passengers. Additionally, only 100 passengers can leave at once. Because ships alternate who can disembark, the more passengers on board, the fewer landings you can make each day. All itineraries are "captain's choice," which means that because of the region's erratic and unpredictable weather, they could be altered at any time.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience full of the breathtaking drama of Antarctica's untamed waters, frozen landscapes, and distinctive fauna awaits you when you choose the ideal operator and itinerary.
Late November through March is the Antarctic cruise season. Although the weather is famously erratic, the "warmest" months are December and January, which also happen to be the busiest times for birds, seals, and penguins. The greatest months to see whales are February and March.
Booking a year or more in advance will give you the most alternatives. However, because there are so many new ships and operators in the area, last-minute deals are frequently available.
These are our top five choices for 2025 Antarctic cruises.
Patagonia, Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica with National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions is a great choice for tourists seeking traditional expedition traveling aboard modern ships. More than 50 years ago, the firm invented adventure cruising, and in 2004, it strengthened its reputation by collaborating with the renowned environment and wildlife organization National Geographic. You might as well go all out if you're going to make the time to visit the earth's tip.
One of the most extensive expeditions is provided by Lindblad, which takes passengers to isolated, rarely seen places in four different Southern Ocean zones. Patagonia along Chile's coastal fjords, the Falklands, and the wildlife-rich South Georgia Island—home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins, gentoo penguins, and elephant seals—are all included in this amazing voyage aboard one of the company's newest ships, the 138-passenger National Geographic Resolution, which was launched in 2021. During the cruise, you can sleep under the stars in one of the ship's glass igloos on deck and explore the frozen waters and sceneries in a kayak or zodiac.
Sustainability: Lindblad has played a key role in assisting the industry in establishing safety procedures as well as programs and regulations to safeguard the region's fragility ever since he led the first civilian mission to Antarctica in 1966. Lindblad is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, which creates polar-operation protocols and best practices.
Make a reservation now: The starting price for this amazing 25-day voyage is $39,908 per person.
Southern Antarctica with Ponant
With Ponant's icebreaker, the 245-passenger Le Commandant Charcot, the only cruise ship with a polar class rating that permits it to travel into the center of the pack ice, you may go where no other ships can. Through the notorious Drake Passage and into the far south of Antarctica, this route tracks the footsteps of the ship's namesake, explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot.
As you approach the little visited, steep, ice-covered Charcot Island, exposures follow Charcot's route across the Marguerite and Salpêtrière Bays, Pourquoi Pas Island, and into the Bellingshausen Sea, where the icebergs and ice floes get more severe. Activities include arctic diving, Zodiac boat landings, and snowshoe excursions, along with onboard programming including guest scientists who are conducting research in the area.
Additionally, the ship does not always sacrifice amenities just because it is an icebreaker. 123 suites and bedrooms with individual decks or patios make Le Commandant Charcot feel more like a yacht than a ship when you're on board. In addition, there is a spa, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and even a manicure salon. Additionally, as this is a French line, the onboard cuisine is sophisticated and exquisite, with specialties created by culinary advisor Alain Ducasse.
sustainability: The hybrid electric ship Le Commandant Charcot can sail for up to eight hours without emitting any emissions. Liquified natural gas and low-sulfur gas oil, which cut carbon emissions by 25% when compared to more traditional ship fuel, are the other energy options. Additionally, Ponant collaborates closely with experts from around the world, inviting them to conduct research in two well-equipped laboratories on board. Dr. Britney Schmidt, an astrobiologist at the vanguard of polar and planetary exploration and an associate professor at Cornell University, will accompany this expedition.
Make a reservation now: Ponant's 16-day southern Antarctica trip costs $28,840 per person.
King George Island with Silversea
This trip, which includes private charter flights from Santiago via Puerto Williams in Chile to King George Island, the entry point to Antarctica, allows travelers who are prone to seasickness or who are short on time to avoid the four days of sailing via the infamously treacherous Drake Passage. As soon as you board the 220 person Silver Endeavour on King George Island, you may start navigating among the tall icebergs and take in the stunning scenery and animals.
Three activities are offered on each cruise: hiking, kayaking, and a Zodiac adventure. A butler is provided for every passenger on the Silver Endeavour, one of the premium line's newest yacht-style, all-suite ships. Additionally, there are three restaurants on board, room service available around-the-clock, a spa, a fitness facility, and an indoor pool. Free Wi-Fi and all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the fare.
Sustainability: Silversea's new ships are equipped with the newest energy-efficient equipment, just like the majority of Antarctic operators. But occasionally, deeds speak louder than words. The onboard helicopter that Crystal Cruises had intended to deploy for excursions was discarded when the firm purchased the nearly brand-new boat from the now-defunct Crystal Cruises in 2022, partly due to the potential harm that the noise could bring to wildlife in areas that are sensitive to environmental conditions. Bob Simpson, who has over 20 years of experience in expedition cruising and has spearheaded industry efforts to strike a balance between environmental concerns and tourism growth, is in charge of Silversea's expedition program.
Make a reservation now: Starting at $19,950 per person, this six-day trip takes a private charter flight to King George Island, avoiding Drake Passage.
Retracing an historic journey with Aurora Expeditions
Australia-based Aurora Expeditions, which has been organizing arctic sailings for over 30 years, has launched a new itinerary. It travels from the tranquil ice of the far south to the subantarctic wildlife paradise of South Georgia, following in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton's famous 1914 Endurance expedition. Arrived on the seventh continent before continuing north to the Antarctic Sound, the entrance to the Weddell Sea, where the Endurance eventually perished after becoming stuck in the pack ice. After 497 days at sea, Shackleton and his men made landing on Elephant Island, a barren outpost. The crew amazingly survived by traveling to Elephant Island in the ship's smaller boats. The itinerary traces the path of the James Caird, one of the smaller vessels that Shackleton's crew used to continue their valiant trek, across the Scotia Sea to South Georgia Island, where Shackleton's mission came to an incredible end, before returning via the Drake Passage. The trip travels on the Greg Mortimer, a contemporary vessel with 130 passengers. The expedition team's experience and steadfast dedication to environmental preservation are two of the primary advantages of sailing with Aurora. In order for passengers to fully enjoy the scenery and environment, the firm also tries to keep them off the ship for as long as possible. Aurora provides scuba diving and snorkeling, kayaks, and Zodiac trips in addition to trekking.
Sustainability: Aurora Expeditions is a Certified B Corporation, with a continual commitment to conserving the world’s wild regions, making it a global pioneer in sustainable expedition tourism. The Greg Mortimer was developed to minimize pollution because to its low energy usage and enhanced fuel efficiency. Travelers can participate in scientific research at "citizen science centers" on board.
Make a reservation now: The starting price for this 20-day sailing trip around King George Island is $26,495 per person.
South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula with Atlas Ocean Voyages
Try this more recent addition to the polar-sailing market for a classic round-trip voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Three 190-passenger yacht-style ships operated by Atlas Ocean Voyages manage the choppy Drake Passage waters with surprisingly stable performance. The daily schedules are "captain's choice," which means that the weather determines where and how far you cruise. Weather permitting, twice-daily excursions are included in the fare. Enjoy the relaxed elegance of these contemporary boats, which have large cabins, most with balconies, domed observation salons, and comfortable libraries, if the weather is too severe. In addition to unrestricted wine and other refreshments, there are lectures and entertainment on board. The nicest part is the variety of their customers, which comprises cruisers from all over the world as well as younger and first-time cruise passengers. Atlas frequently offers alluring rates to younger cruisers and those who are new to nautical travel because it is a new company that is currently establishing its reputation.
Sustainability
With creative programs that may use every part of the ingredients to create delectable soups, spices, and other zero-waste meals, Atlas' chefs are working hard to achieve zero food waste.
Make a reservation now: The starting price for this 10-day trip with Atlas Ocean Voyages is $7,999 per person.
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