Best Antarctica Cruise for 2024/25

Embarking on an Antarctica Cruise is a dream for many adventurers, with the 7th continent being one of the most remote and awe-inspiring regions on Earth. As we look ahead to the 2024/25 season, anticipation builds for travellers seeking the ultimate Polar Expedition experience. 

Antarctica offers incredible wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes, but which cruise line is best suited to your Antarctica journey?

With a number of Antarctica Cruise deals for 2024/25 in the market, it can be overwhelming and frankly confusing knowing which one to pick.

This is why we have put together a list of our top Antarctica Cruise deals, along with the pros and cons to each, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Check them out below!

Antarctic Explorer with Quark Expeditions 

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime with Quark’s Antarctica Explorer Cruise, where every moment is an unforgettable experience. Set sail from the port of Ushuaia, Argentina, and journey through the legendary Beagle Channel before reaching the great wilderness of Antarctica. 

Pros:

• Long-time polar specialists in Antarctica
• Purpose built expedition ship meaning two-twin engine helicopters and zodiacs
• In-depth presentations from polar experts
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• 200 passenger ship capacity. With only 100 people are allowed on the ice at one time, a smaller passenger count means greater opportunity to do exploration.

Cons:

• Luxurious, but not ultra-luxe
• No pool
• Limited entertainment
• Drinks at the bar and wine outside of mealtimes aren’t included
• No gratuities are included

Who is this for?

This Quark Antarctica Cruise is for those looking for the top of the line polar specialists. Quark staff are highly trained, educated and climate conscious, while the the ship offers good luxury offerings such as a spa, gym and hot tubs. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in geology, zoology and history through the polar region, this one is for you.

On board this state-of-the-art-vessel, the World Explorer, you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience throughout your entire Antarctica Cruise. From spacious suites with private balconies to gourmet dining options and wellness facilities, every aspect of your journey is designed for a cruiser’s utmost enjoyment. 

With sustainability at the forefront, Quark Expeditions Antarctica Cruise ships have innovative eco-friendly technologies, such as hybrid-electric engines and waste-to-energy conversion systems, ensuring your adventure leaves a minimal environmental footprint.

Break Down Of The Quark Antarctica Cruise:

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina

Begin your journey in Ushuaia, a bustling port town at the tip of South America. Explore the area or relax in town.

Day 2: Embarkation

Embark in the late afternoon and sail down the historic Beagle Channel, setting off for Antarctica.

Days 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage

Enjoy the presentations and wildlife spotting aboard the ship as you cross the Drake Passage.

Days 5-8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Explore glaciated bays and landing sites via Zodiac excursions, encountering penguins, seals and whales. 

Days 9-10: Crossing the Drake Passage

Savour final moments in Antarctica with seabird watching and presentations before heading back across the Drake Passage. 

Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning to continue your adventure or catch your flight home

Learn More Here →

 

Scenic Eclipse: Antarctic Explorer Cruise: 

Sailing on the Scenic Eclipse to Antarctica is the ultimate ultra-luxurious expedition cruise experience. This Antarctica Explorer Cruise also offers a savings of $10,000* per couple when you book early for this extraordinary expedition.

Pros:

• 6-star ultra-luxury
• 10 dining experiences
• Helicopter and submarine
• All-inclusive from meals to drinks
• 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio
• Discover team of up to 20 specialists
• 200 passenger ship capacity

Cons:

• Higher price point
• No large pool – only plunge pool + 2 hot tubs
• Limited outdoor space on ship (more spacious on inside due to yacht style build, limiting outside sight seeing spots)

Who is this for?

The Scenic Eclipse Antarctica Cruise is for travellers that are looking for ultra-luxe cruising, without skipping out on exploration. With a large discovery team, a small ship that can navigate into small to reach places, and a large range of dining options, you get the best of both worlds. 

Experience 6-star luxury on your Antarctica Cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse, a vessel designed to offer nothing short of luxury for your polar experience. With spacious suites, gourmet dining options, and world-class amenities, indulge in extravagance throughout your voyage. With all-inclusive dining and beverages, complimentary expedition gear and personalised services with almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio, this cruise is a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. 

Join the expert Discovery team in Zodiac excursions and explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. Witness iconic wildlife including penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitat, while gaining insights into the region’s geology, wildlife and history. 

Break Down Of The Scenic Antarctica Cruise:

Days 1-5: Depart from Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Set sail from Buenos Aires, Argentina and sail through the Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Experience the thrill of spotting your first iceberg and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Antarctic landscape.

Days 6-9: Exploring Antarctica

Led by the Discovery Team, explore Antarctica with daily excursions. Visit penguin colonies, witness majestic whales, and towering glaciers whilst exploring the wonders of the seventh continent. 

Days 10-13: Cruise back to South America 

Spend the last few days relaxing on the Scenic Eclipse on your Antarctica Cruise whilst you head back towards Argentina.

Learn More Here →

 

Hurtigruten: Antarctica Cruise with Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Set sail on an unforgettable 23 day Antarctica Cruise including cruising to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia with Hurtigruten HX Expeditions. Get the opportunity to explore the extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking landscapes of these remote regions. 

Pros:

• Makes science the focus of its expedition sailings
• Offers a state-of-the-art Science Center
• Offers immersive programs like the Citizen Science Project
• Lower price point compared to other Antarctica Cruise deals
• It’s all-inclusive food and beverages
• Includes South Georgia Expedition (If you’re wanting to see the King Penguins, this is a must!)

Cons:

• Larger ship (around 500 people) meaning less time on land and longer waits to get off
• Only 1.5 hours on land for each landing, compared to smaller ships that allow 3-4 hours
• Larger passenger-to-crew ratio being a bigger ship – not as personalised
• All excursions are chosen by lottery. This means you may not get to do any excursions if your room is not chosen
• No solo traveller room options
• Limited entertainment options

Who is this for?

Hurtigruten’s Antarctica Cruise is for those that are on a budget and not looking for luxury. This cruise will give you comfort without the frills of other ultra-luxe ships. Using two of their Norwegian ships that can carry 318 or 500 passengers, traditionally you’ll spend less time on ice – that’s what you get when you pay half the price!

With a variety of landscapes, this Antarctica Cruise will see you immersing yourself in the flourishing hills of the Falklands, the rugged alpine terrain of South Georgia and the seas of Antarctica. 

With a legacy spanning over 128 years, Hurtigruten expeditions have been navigating polar waters since 1893, ensuring a safe and enriching experience. With an overnight stay, economy flights, hotel transfers, plenty of onboard and landing activities all included in this Antarctica cruise, this experience is one you shouldn’t miss!

Break Down Of The Hurtigruten Antarctica Cruise: 

Days 1-2: Arrive in Santiago de Chile

Explore Santiago de Chile before boarding your Antarctica Cruise in Punta Arenas

Days 3-6: Cruise through the Strait of Magellan

Sit back and relax cruising through the Strait of Magellan and exploring the Falkland Islands. Enjoy birding and hiking experiences whilst you’re there. 

Days 7-12: Cruise to next stop: South Georgia 

Known as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’, your Antarctica Cruise will take you to South Georgia where you can explore its abundant wildlife.

Days 13-19: Explore Antarctica

Experience Antarctica in all her beauty with daily landings and activities, including kayaking and snowshoeing.

Days 20-22: At Sea

Relax and unwind at sea as you sail back towards Punta Arenas

Day 23: Disembarkation

Disembark in Punta Arenas and catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, concluding your Antarctica cruise expedition.

Learn More Here →

If you’ve always dreamed of travelling to the frozen continent, why not see it in all its beauty with an Antarctica Cruise? The best place to take the first step and kickstart your adventure to Antarctica is by getting in touch with one of our experienced Tour + Cruise specialists today where they can accommodate your ideal Antarctica Cruise.

 

Prefer the warm? Check out our other cruise deals available for 2024/25. 

Or perhaps you’re completely undecided on where you wish to cruise. That’s okay! Take our cruise quiz to help you figure out what cruise is perfect for you.