Antarctica Cruises
Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent with an ice-covered landmass and a virtually uninhabited. This destination is the peninsula's isolated terrain that also shelters rich wildlife, including many penguins, seals, and whales. The landmass is almost wholly covered by a vast ice sheet, ice burgs, snow-capped mountains, and bays. Enjoying the most breathtaking scenery on this planet by going on an expedition cruise to Antarctica. You'll actively explore this place through hikes, kayaks, or even going camping. However, there are dozens of cruise ships sailing to Antarctica, and we can help you find the best cruise for your needs.
Popular Departure Ports
The most popular departure port for cruises to Antarctica is from Ushuaia, Argentina. You can take a one-way flight or leave from Punta Arenas, Chile. However, there are also a few cruises visiting the Ross Sea, generally depart from New Zealand or even South Africa. The best way to go there is by cruise ship, and almost all cruise lines offer expedition cruises to Antarctica. Most of the cruises depart from the major cities of South America, like Buenos Aires, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Belem, King George Island, Puerto Williams, Reykjavik, Rio De Janeiro, and Valparaiso (Santiago). Don't forget that these cruises will give you an opportunity to explore the fiery Latin Culture.
Cruises to Antarctica depart from these Departure Ports:
Things to Know About Antarctica
Cross the Drake Passage: This passage lies on the world's most violent bodies of water. It is a place where three seas meet and create strong currents and cyclones.
Mountains: Enjoy the most dramatic snow-capped mountain peaks, including the Bryde Peak and Rojas Peak.
Glaciers: Enjoy the natural blue-white Petzval Glacier, which gives you a sense of the sheer raw magnitude of mighty natural wonders.
Wildlife and Whales: Watch out for incredible marine mammals such as whales, elephant seals, and waddling penguins diving off the ice into the water.
Bays and Icebergs: The most thrilling part of a cruise to Antarctica is watching the huge icebergs and bays, which are virtually untouched by humans.
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Top five cruises to Antarctica
Cruises to Antarctica are one of the most unique voyages you can opt for. Here is a list of the best cruises that will sail you to the accessible parts of Antarctica.
1. Holland America Line
Holland America offers mid-sized cruises with premium interiors, which provide a luxurious voyage to tourists. Antarctic expeditions of Holland America Line start from South America and sail past the Drake Passage to enter the frozen continent of Antarctica. The ships will sail for a day, crossing several archipelagos and bays before entering the Antarctic Circle.
As the cruise sails to the southernmost reaches of Earth, one can feel a deep and prevailing silence. Holland America cruises have a naturalist onboard who will enlighten you about Arctic terns, gulls, and other cold-climate birds. You will come across many unique birds as you cross Dallman Bay and other small islets.
2. Viking
Cruise ships by Viking will take you on a breathtaking tour of the frozen continent of Antarctica. White islands surrounded by blue waters offer tourists mind-blowing landscapes and a lifetime experience.
This continent is home to several species of penguins, seals, and whales. Viking's all-inclusive package for Antarctica cruises includes several activities to feed the adventurer in you. Also, you can go kayaking, ride submarines, hike in the snowy desert, and enjoy other activities.
There are several packages for different cruises under this cruise line for an Antarctica voyage for you to choose from. Depending on your holiday needs, you can opt for tour packages of 13 days, 19 days, 42 days, or 62 days.
3. Seabourn
Seabourn Venture, a vessel of the Seabourn cruise line, is a one-of-a-kind, dual-purpose-built expedition ship. It has a submarine with six passengers and a kayak for adventures in certain destinations.
The submarine gives a crystal clear view of marine life and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for tourists. Other than kayaking or submarine rides, there are endless activities to suit every passenger touring Antarctica.
Seabourn Pursuit is another cruise ship that travels to Antarctica with several attractive itineraries for exploring the continent. For a perfect vacation, you can opt for a 13-day cruising experience to Antarctica with your loved ones or family.
4. Silversea Cruises
Silversea operates luxurious cruises to Antarctica, wherein you can voyage with utmost comfort and style. Cruises under Silversea follow the less traveled paths to explore the hidden lands around the South Pole.
Silversea cruises offer two ways to visit the southernmost continent. You can either take a flight to Antarctica. If you plan on voyaging your way through the seas, then you may sail through the thrilling Drake Passage. The latter will be a five-hour trip to Antarctica with a great view.
Silversea cruises offer attractive itineraries to tourists that involve venturing into the continent to witness its unique wildlife in its natural habitat. You can also go on boat trips for whale sightings. Or, enjoy a walk among penguins and find seals lazing around in herds.
5. Hurtigruten Expeditions
It is another cruise line with a long history of sailing in polar waters. It offers a thrilling cruise to Antarctica with a carefully crafted itinerary. You can enjoy a 12-day all-inclusive tour of major cities around the globe. The ship then sails south to the White Continent, Antarctica.
You can participate in several activities organized by Hurtigruten Expeditions. These include kayaking around islands, hiking, and camping. If you are venturing to Antarctica in the summer or spring, you can sail out on small boats for whale watching. You can also go bird watching on islands and spot Arctic terns basking in the sun.
Highlights of Cruises to Antarctica
Elephant Island, Antarctica
- Watch out for the local seal population.
- Multiple varieties of penguin's species
- Swim the waters of the Weddell Sea and Bransfield Strait.
Paradise Bay, Antarctica
- Beautiful or serene stretch of wilderness.
- Enjoy the natural beauty of aspiring landscapes.
- Both large and small animal species.
Port Stanley and Falkland Islands
- Mysterious, remote, and pristine
- Beachy resort towns
- Colonies of species like rockhopper penguins and sea lions
Schollaert Channel, Antarctica
- Panoramic snowy landscapes at this icy paradise.
- Spot animals in the wild
- Admire the Anvers Island, which measures over 8,000 feet tall.
Gerlache Strait, Antarctica
- Spot whales and penguins peeking in and out of the deep blue waters.
- Bright-blue glaciers in dozens of shapes and sizes.
- Enjoy the beauty of the most spectacular stretches of water and ice.
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FreepikGet Cheap Cruises to Antarctica
Imagine walking amidst a pack of cute penguins or watching majestic glaciers and whales up close. You can make these imaginations come true with an expedition to Antarctica. Lying in the southernmost part of the Earth, Antarctica is a paradise that must be there on your bucket list. Also known as the White Continent, Antarctica is home to many species of penguins, birds, and whales that visitors can witness. If Antarctica's unexplored lands attract you, this blog is for you. Keep searching for the best premium and luxurious cruises to Antarctica for your next vacation on CruiseBooking.com.
FAQs for Cruises to Antarctica
Yes, it is the best way to explore Antarctica because, on a cruise, you get a chance to explore those huge icebergs, bays, and glaciers, watch wildlife, and enjoy that cool breeze.
You can choose your cruise ship based on your departure dates and preference. However, remember the following factors: size of the vessel, cost, itinerary, and special interest.
It depends on you! Some cruise ships have minimum age requirements ranging from 6 to 12 months.
Yes, it is one of the best choices for solo travelers. Nowadays, most cruise ships offer cabins for solo travelers.
Typically, cruises to Antarctica last from 10 to 12 nights in duration.
