Luxury Antarctica Cruises

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.