Book your Luxury Expedition Cruise to Antarctica
Luxury Antarctica Cruises
Best Luxury Antarctica Vacations
More than your seventh continent, Antarctica is an extraordinary and deeply inspiring destination filled with unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Our luxury Antarctica Cruises take you comfortably to the edge of this untamed wilderness on voyages across the Southern Ocean, where you join the ranks of legendary explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton, and enjoy the thrilling company of our own award-winning Expedition Team, each deeply familiar with the wonders of Antarctica.
Once there, find yourself surrounded by gargantuan icebergs, towering mountains that thrust out of the ocean, glaciers that curl over the tops of seaside cliffs, geothermal beaches and beautiful nights under the Midnight Sun. Antarctica’s many magical displays don’t stop there, with all of these landscapes serving as a backdrop for rare and abundant marine and birdlife you simply can’t experience anywhere else on earth.
VIDEO: Meet the Real-Life Explorers Leading Your Antarctic Adventure
In 1991, A&K embarked on our first expedition cruise, going where few dared to go and only with the most remarkable experts at sea. Thirty years later, we filmed this feature video in Antarctica to show you our award-winning Expedition Team in action and to offer a glimpse of the adventures of an A&K Luxury Expedition Cruise.
A&K Luxury Expedition Cruises to Antarctica
Why Cruise with A&K?
Unrivaled Expertise
Cruising since 1991, A&K voyages boast an unmatched expertise. See it firsthand alongside our award-winning Expedition Team, a cast of seasoned academics, photographers, and real-life explorers, each with an average of 15 years of experience sailing with A&K.
Cruise on a Luxury Expedition Ship
Our experts match each itinerary with the most ideal luxury vessel for each region we explore. In Antarctica, set sail on luxurious and purpose-built ‘Le Lyrial,” a small expedition ship with a private yacht-like ambiance.
Exclusively Chartered by Design
Every A&K voyage is exclusively chartered to bring you the best of everything, and features not just an expertly selected vessel, but also a private balcony with every accommodation, a limited guest count far below capacity and a remarkable personnel-to-guest ratio at 1 to 1.3.
All Inclusive Cruising
Gratuities, transfers, port charges, Wi-Fi and laundry service are among the many things we include on every A&K cruise. You’ll also enjoy complimentary expedition gear and rental equipment, all Zodiac excursions, and a beautiful, all-inclusive culinary experience with unlimited house drinks.
What Our Guests Say
I cannot find enough superlatives to describe this trip. Everything and everyone was above my hopes. A&K staff were incredibly competent and caring.
— Theodore; Portland, OR
I return home a much more learned and calm human, as I have been touched by a land of complete peace and exceptional beauty — a land as it should be.
— Tanya; Abilene, TX
Watch Our Videos to See Us in Action in Antarctica
Our Climate Expert Explains Antarctica’s Ecology
Ride along on an Antarctic shore excursion with the A&K Expedition Team and listen in as our climate ecology expert Dr. Jim McClintock shares insights into the unique synergy of landscape, wildlife and heroic lore that is Antarctica.
Meet A&K’s Award-Winning Expedition Team
From awarded-winning scientists and habitat conservationists to photographers, historians and cultural experts, A&K’s polar Expedition Team boasts a wealth of unmatched experience and naturalist guides representing the best in their fields.
Step Aboard Luxury 'Le Lyrial'
Step aboard all-balcony 'Le Lyrial' and cruise the world’s most remote Antarctic waters in total comfort. Expect premium accommodations with a private balcony for every guest; top-notch service from an experienced, English-speaking staff; and every unexpected luxury for unequaled exploration across the wild Southern Ocean.
Discover More of the Southern Ocean with A&K
Frequently Asked Questions
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When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
The best time to visit Antarctica is during the height of the austral summer in the Southern Hemisphere, which is opposite winter in the Northern Hemisphere. In particular, December and January are the most ideal months to visit Antarctica, when the season’s first penguin chicks arrive and sea, ice and weather conditions as well as long sunlit days are optimal for exploration.
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What are the key places to see when visiting Antarctica?
The key places to visit in Antarctica include the Antarctic Peninsula and its most notable islands and bodies of water, including the Antarctic Sound, Danco Coast and South Shetland Islands. At the northernmost tip of the continent, the Antarctic Sound is known for its proliferation of giant icebergs and Adélie penguin colonies, while along the Danko Coast, you find some of Antarctica’s most scenic channels and bays. Famed for polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and his expedition aboard ‘Endurance,’ the historic South Shetland Islands are also home to Antarctic research stations, volcanic geology and abundant wildlife, such as gentoo and chinstrap penguins.The key places to visit in Antarctica include the Antarctic Peninsula and its most notable islands and bodies of water, including the Antarctic Sound, Danco Coast and South Shetland Islands. At the northernmost tip of the continent, the Antarctic Sound is known for its proliferation of giant icebergs and Adélie penguin colonies, while along the Danko Coast, you find some of Antarctica’s most scenic channels and bays. Famed for polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and his expedition aboard ‘Endurance,’ the historic South Shetland Islands are also home to Antarctic research stations, volcanic geology and abundant wildlife, such as gentoo and chinstrap penguins.
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How do I visit Antarctica and how long does it take to get there?
The best way to visit Antarctica is by expedition cruise ship, most of which depart from the port of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina, South America and the world. From Ushuaia, it takes 36-42 hours by sea to arrive to first views of Antarctica and the peninsula region. No small affair, a visit to Antarctica is a truly multifaceted, extensive journey before you even set foot on the continent — this is one of many reasons to go with an experienced tour operator.The best way to visit Antarctica is by expedition cruise ship, most of which depart from the port of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina, South America and the world. From Ushuaia, it takes 36-42 hours by sea to arrive to first views of Antarctica and the peninsula region. No small affair, a visit to Antarctica is a truly multifaceted, extensive journey before you even set foot on the continent — this is one of many reasons to go with an experienced tour operator.
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What wildlife will I see in Antarctica?
The wildlife you can see in Antarctica ranges from massive marine life to rare seabirds not found anywhere else on the planet. Antarctica lays claim to world’s greatest variety of penguin species, including Adélie, chinstrap, orange-beaked gentoo and mohawked rockhopper penguins. On visits to South Georgia, you may also see one of the world’s tallest penguins, the king penguin, which stands at roughly three feet tall. Krill-rich waters are the draw for marine life to Antarctica and include humpback whales, leopard seals, Antarctic fur seals, orcas, giant Southern elephant seals and rare dolphins. The skies and cliffs here are also home to incredible birds, such as the cape petrel, predatory brown and south polar skuas, Antarctic tern and wandering albatross, the largest flying bird on the planet.The wildlife you can see in Antarctica ranges from massive marine life to rare seabirds not found anywhere else on the planet. Antarctica lays claim to world’s greatest variety of penguin species, including Adélie, chinstrap, orange-beaked gentoo and mohawked rockhopper penguins. On visits to South Georgia, you may also see one of the world’s tallest penguins, the king penguin, which stands at roughly three feet tall. Krill-rich waters are the draw for marine life to Antarctica and include humpback whales, leopard seals, Antarctic fur seals, orcas, giant Southern elephant seals and rare dolphins. The skies and cliffs here are also home to incredible birds, such as the cape petrel, predatory brown and south polar skuas, Antarctic tern and wandering albatross, the largest flying bird on the planet.
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Is a cruise to Antarctica good for families?
Cruising to Antarctica is a great experience for families and children, especially those ages eight and up. Family-friendly cruises to Antarctica offer the opportunity to see giant icebergs and volcanic geology as well as many species of penguins, whales and other impressive wildlife in their native habitat. The best Antarctica cruises for families also include all-ages learning and enrichment while at sea, something especially well organized on luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica.Cruising to Antarctica is a great experience for families and children, especially those ages eight and up. Family-friendly cruises to Antarctica offer the opportunity to see giant icebergs and volcanic geology as well as many species of penguins, whales and other impressive wildlife in their native habitat. The best Antarctica cruises for families also include all-ages learning and enrichment while at sea, something especially well organized on luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica.
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What do you do on a cruise to Antarctica?
Your voyage to Antarctica is an all-encompassing expedition that includes adventures on land and at sea as well as impressive — and often game-changing — onboard enrichment programming and the guidance of experienced Expedition Team. Guests on small-ship expedition cruises with no more than 200 guests are permitted to make landings on the islands and coasts of Antarctica, affording opportunities to explore Antarctica on foot and by Zodiac excursion. Cruises to Antarctica involve a good deal of time at sea, both en route to and while visiting the continent, and this is one of the main reasons to choose a luxury expedition cruise. Guests on small-ship cruises to Antarctica benefit not just from the ability to make continental landings but also the opportunity to enjoy luxurious accommodations and amenities on a modern luxury vessel, top-notch enrichment programming led by award-winning experts and an overall intimate experience with a small guest-to-staff ratio.Your voyage to Antarctica is an all-encompassing expedition that includes adventures on land and at sea as well as impressive — and often game-changing — onboard enrichment programming and the guidance of experienced Expedition Team. Guests on small-ship expedition cruises with no more than 200 guests are permitted to make landings on the islands and coasts of Antarctica, affording opportunities to explore Antarctica on foot and by Zodiac excursion. Cruises to Antarctica involve a good deal of time at sea, both en route to and while visiting the continent, and this is one of the main reasons to choose a luxury expedition cruise. Guests on small-ship cruises to Antarctica benefit not just from the ability to make continental landings but also the opportunity to enjoy luxurious accommodations and amenities on a modern luxury vessel, top-notch enrichment programming led by award-winning experts and an overall intimate experience with a small guest-to-staff ratio.
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How active do I need to be to visit Antarctica?
Most luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica do not require a certain level of physical ability or activity. Best-in-class expeditions go further to accommodate and appeal to every type of traveller, including those who require assistance getting to shore to those who desire active hikes.Most luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica do not require a certain level of physical ability or activity. Best-in-class expeditions go further to accommodate and appeal to every type of traveller, including those who require assistance getting to shore to those who desire active hikes.
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What clothing should I bring on a cruise to Antarctica?
Onboard a luxury expedition cruise, casual dress is the norm and much like you might find indoors in the wintertime at home, with temperatures very comfortable. For shore excursions, layering is key and should include a thermal base layer, warm fleece-type jacket and a waterproof shell; hats and gloves are a must, and neck gators and face masks can be useful. Those who chose a luxury expedition cruise also enjoy the added bonus of polar gear provided on board, which includes a complimentary expedition parka, backpack as well as complimentary use of insulated winter boots, waterproof pants and trekking poles.Onboard a luxury expedition cruise, casual dress is the norm and much like you might find indoors in the wintertime at home, with temperatures very comfortable. For shore excursions, layering is key and should include a thermal base layer, warm fleece-type jacket and a waterproof shell; hats and gloves are a must, and neck gators and face masks can be useful. Those who chose a luxury expedition cruise also enjoy the added bonus of polar gear provided on board, which includes a complimentary expedition parka, backpack as well as complimentary use of insulated winter boots, waterproof pants and trekking poles.
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Do I need a visa to visit Antarctica?
For stays of up to 90 days, holders of U.S. and Canadian passports do not need a tourist visa or any additional documentation to visit Antarctica. Additionally, no visa is required for entry into Argentina, the gateway country for most Antarctica journeys.For stays of up to 90 days, holders of U.S. and Canadian passports do not need a tourist visa or any additional documentation to visit Antarctica. Additionally, no visa is required for entry into Argentina, the gateway country for most Antarctica journeys.