Antarctica Cruises
Antarctica Cruises: When to Go?Antarctica travel reveals the dramatic extremes of a frozen continent. It holds the title of coldest, driest, windiest, and highest elevation on earth. A number of ships ply the Antarctic waters, from Russian icebreakers to luxury expedition ships with strengthened hulls. An Antarctica cruise departs from Ushuaia, though itineraries vary. Depending on your trip-length, spend time visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands and the mountainous South Georgia. Antarctica cruises offer zodiac excursions for up-close encounters with wildlife and the blue icebergs that float quietly in the surrounding waters. Experience Antarctic kayaking or onshore camping. On Antarctica tours, onboard experts lecture on the region's natural history, weather, and captivating wildlife commonly seen during a cruise to the frozen continent.
Antarctica Testimonials
Research Ships- what is this? |
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Akademik Ioffe - Research Shippassengers : 110 The Akademik Ioffe has proven herself to be an ideal 'adventure platform' for exploring Polar waters with a range of activities such as sea kayaking and camping. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the Peninsula | $4,990 | 12 | Jan, Nov, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage |
| Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition 2011 | $8,490 | 15 | Jan | Polar Circle, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Explorers' Quest via the Antarctic Peninsula, Falklands, and South Georgia | $11,690 | 20 | Feb, Dec | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |
Akademik Sergey Vavilov - Research Shippassengers : 110 Widely regarded as the finest expedition ship operating in Polar waters, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov offers a high level of comfort - in her appointment, stability and strength. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the Peninsula | $4,990 | 12 | Jan, Feb, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage |
| Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition 2011 | $6,590 | 15 | Jan, Feb | Polar Circle, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Explorers' Quest via the Antarctic Peninsula, Falklands, and South Georgia | $8,890 | 20 | Nov, Dec | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |
MV Ushuaia - Research Shippassengers : 70 The Ushuaia is a steel hulled, ice-strengthened vessel built originally for oceanographic research and recently converted to passenger voyages. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Classic Antarctica | $4,310 | 10 | Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |
| Classic Antarctica | $4,790 | 11 | Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |
Polar Pioneer - Research Shippassengers : 54 This vessel offers a wide range of adventure activities on its departures including SCUBA diving, sea kayaking, camping, and rock and ice climbing. The Polar Pioneer also offers a very unique opportunity to follow Ernest Shackleton's footsteps. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Across the Antarctic Circle | $6,400 | 12 | Feb | Polar Circle, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Antarctic Peninsula | $5,990 | 11 | Nov, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula |
| Antarctic Peninsula | $6,090 | 12 | Dec | Antarctic Peninsula |
| Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea | $6,400 | 12 | Jan | Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula | $9,760 | 19 | Jan, Nov | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Shackleton Odyssey | $9,955 | 20 | Feb | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula |
Professor Molchanov - Research Shippassengers : 49 The Professor Molchanov's low passenger capacity allows for a very intimate trip with an experience more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise with maximum time spent ashore in small groups. Early registration discounts are available. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Atlantic Odyssey Part 1 | $7,950 | 31 | Mar | South Georgia, Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula |
Professor Multanovskiy - Research Shippassengers : 49 As the sister ship to the Professor Molchanov, the Multanovskiy offers similar trips focusing on wildlife viewing as well as enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Some departures offer experiences such as camping, kayaking and cross-country skiing. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctic Peninsula and the Polar Circle | $6,490 | 12 | Mar | Polar Circle, Antarctic Peninsula |
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Ice Breaker Ships- what is this? |
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Kapitan Khlebnikov - Ice Breaker Shippassengers : 112 The KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV was built in Finland in 1981 as a powerful polar class icebreaker, which has sailed to extremely remote corners of the globe. No other expedition vessel has navigated more polar waters. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctica's Far East: The Farewell Voyage | $37,990 | 31 | Dec | South Pacific, Polar Circle, Australia |
| Emperor Penguins: Snow Hill Island 2010 | $15,290 | 14 | Oct | Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage |
| Epic Antarctica via the Phantom Coast and the Ross Sea 2010 | $24,990 | 32 | Dec | Falkland Islands, Polar Circle, Antarctic Peninsula, Ross Sea, Victoria Land, Peter I Island, Amundsen Sea, South Shetland Islands |
| Ross Sea Centennial Voyage | $35,390 | 29 | Nov | South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Ross Sea, Victoria Land |
| The Weddell Sea and South Georgia: Celebrating the Heroes of HMS Endurance | $21,990 | 30 | Nov | South America, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Weddell Sea |
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Expedition Cruise Ships- what is this? |
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Clipper Adventurer (QU) - Expedition Cruise Shippassengers : 122 The Adventurer is a handsome expedition vessel reminiscent of the days of the great ocean liners, with lots of varnished wood and brass. She sails on a wide variety of cruises in Europe, the Arctic, the U.S., South America, and Antarctica. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the Peninsula | $4,390 | 11 | Jan, Feb, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage |
| Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the Peninsula | $4,390 | 12 | Feb, Nov | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage |
| Explorers' Quest via the Antarctic Peninsula, Falklands, and South Georgia | $7,890 | 20 | Nov, Dec | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |
Marina Svetaeva - Expedition Cruise Shippassengers : 100 Designed and built as a scientific ice strengthened polar exploration vessel, the Marina Svetaeva is stable, quiet & comfortable. In 2005, a helideck was added so tha helicopters could unlock the secrets of the heavily iced coastlines of Deep Antarctica. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctic Circle Voyage | $7,190 | 13 | Jan | Polar Circle |
| Antarctic Peninsula Adventure | $5,590 | 11 | Jan, Mar, Nov, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage |
| Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula | $10,990 | 19 | Feb, Dec | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula, South Orkney Islands, Drake Passage |
| South Orkney Antarctic Odyssey | $7,190 | 13 | Feb | Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula, South Orkney Islands, Drake Passage |
MV Plancius - Expedition Cruise Shippassengers : 112 Built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2008, the MV Plancius is fully equipped for polar expeditions and can accommodate 112 passengers in 54 comfortable cabins. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctic Peninsula | $6,990 | 11 | Jan, Feb, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage |
| Antarctic Peninsula and the Polar Circle | $7,690 | 12 | Mar | Polar Circle, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage |
| Antarctic Peninsula with South Shetlands | $6,990 | 11 | Dec | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage |
| Atlantic Odyssey: Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena, Ascension, Cape | $8,690 | 31 | Mar | South Georgia, Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula, South Orkney Islands, Drake Passage |
| Exclusive South Georgia | $8,350 | 18 | Oct | South Georgia, Polar Circle |
| Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula | $11,690 | 20 | Nov | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula, South Orkney Islands |
| Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula | $13,690 | 19 | Jan, Feb, Dec | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula, South Orkney Islands |
| Weddell Sea and Antarctic Circle | $7,690 | 12 | Mar | Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage |
Ocean Nova - Expedition Cruise Shippassengers : 68 The Ocean Nova (previously called Sarpik Ittuk) was built in 1992 at the Ørskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship was upgraded in 2000 and significantly refurbished once again in 2006. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the Peninsula | $5,490 | 12 | Feb, Nov | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage |
| Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition 2011 | $9,190 | 15 | Feb | Polar Circle, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage |
| Explorers' Quest via the Antarctic Peninsula, Falklands, and South Georgia | $9,890 | 20 | Jan, Nov | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |
Ocean Nova (AN) - Expedition Cruise Shippassengers : 62 The Ocean Nova (previously called Sarpik Ittuk) was built in 1992 at the Ørskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship was upgraded in 2000 and significantly refurbished once again in 2006. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctic Experience Air Cruise | $7,990 | 8 | Jan | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |
| Antarctica Express Air Cruise | $3,490 | 5 | Dec | South America, Polar Circle, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |
| Classic Antarctica Air Cruise | $8,990 | 7 | Jan, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |
Polar Star - Expedition Cruise Shippassengers : 105 This former icebreaker began exploring Antarctica in 2000 after years of sailing in the Arctic. Early booking and child discounts are available. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctic and Sub Antarctic Islands Quest | $9,595 | 19 | Feb, Nov | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Antarctic Peninsula | $5,260 | 10 | Jan, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula |
| Antarctic Peninsula | $5,830 | 11 | Jan | Antarctic Peninsula |
| Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea | $6,720 | 12 | Feb | Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Antarctic Peninsula - Christmas | $5,830 | 11 | Dec | South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage |
| Antarctic Peninsula - New Year | $5,260 | 10 | Dec | Antarctic Peninsula |
| Antarctic Peninsula and the Polar Circle | $6,720 | 12 | Jan, Feb | Polar Circle, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |
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Luxury Expedition Ships- what is this? |
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Clelia II - Luxury Expedition Shippassengers : 100 To be launched in early 2009, after extensive refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements, the all-suite Clelia II will offer the finest in small-ship cruise travel. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctica | $8,495 | 12 | Jan, Feb, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula |
| Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia | $13,995 | 19 | Feb, Nov | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula |
Minerva - Luxury Expedition Shippassengers : 198 The Minerva brings a rare touch of comfortable, informal refinement to Antarctic travel. This ship is formerly known at the 'Explorer II' (before June 2008). |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands from Buenos Aires | $9,695 | 19 | Dec | South America, Falkland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
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passengers : 199 A new era of comfort & style to Antarctic exploration. Newly built for 2010, 'Le Boreal' is the newest all-balcony stateroom & suite vessel in Antarctica. Explore with the right balance of on-board amenities and full-fledged wilderness excitement. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands | $15,795 | 18 | Jan, Dec | South America, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula, Chile, Argentina, Drake Passage |
| Classic Antarctica | $9,995 | 12 | Dec | South America, Chile, Argentina, Drake Passage |
National Geographic Explorer - Luxury Expedition Shippassengers : 148 The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Antarctica - The White Continent | $10,270 | 12 | Jan, Nov, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands |
| Antarctica, Falklands, & South Georgia | $18,450 | 23 | Feb, Nov | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula, South Orkney Islands |
| Viking Saga: Norway, Scotland, Faroes & Iceland | $9,990 | 14 | May | Europe, Norway, Scotland, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands |
Orion - Luxury Expedition Shippassengers : 106 The creation of the 106-guest Orion (maiden voyage 2003) heralds a new breed of expedition ship: a state-of-the-art vessel that combines the latest advances in ship design and communication technology with all the style and comfort of a fine cruise ship. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Scott and Shackelton’s Antarctica Ross Sea | $20,785 | 22 | Jan | South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Macquarie Island, Ross Sea |
Prince Albert II - Luxury Expedition Shippassengers : 132 Embark on a luxurious expedition to the best far-flung destinations in the world aboard Prince Albert II, a purpose-built expedition ship unlike any other, designed to navigate both of earth's polar waters. |
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| Itineraries | Prices from | Days | Month | Destinations |
| Classic Antarctica | $10,795 | 12 | Nov, Dec | Antarctic Peninsula |
| Explorer's Antarctica | $16,595 | 17 | Nov, Dec | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands |
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Travel Planning Articles:
[all Antarctica articles]
The Remote Amundsen Sea
| The Antarctic Peninsula
| Introducing the Falkland Islands
| Exploring Macquarie Island
| Discover Peter I Island on an Antarctic Cruise
| Land of Legends
| The Perfect Antarctica Cruise Stop
| Expeditions into the Icy Weddell Sea
| The Perfect Antarctica Cruise Stop
| Introducing the Falkland Islands
| Discover Peter I Island on an Antarctic Cruise
| Expeditions into the Icy Weddell Sea
| The Remote Amundsen Sea
| Exploring Macquarie Island
| The Many Names of the Antarctic Peninsula
| The Whaler's Last Outpost
| Falkland Islands: A Legacy of Disputes
| The Falklands War
| British Influenced Culture of the Falklands
| Rugged Islands of South Georgia
| Exploring Unique Geography in Antarctica
| Cruising Falklands Geography
| Antarctica's Changing Ice Shelf
| Falkland Islands Environment
| The Hearty Antarctic Wildlife
| Penguins by the Millions
| Wildlife in the Falklands
| Cuisine in the Falklands
| Weather on the Peninsula
| Weather in the Islands
| South Georgia Politics
| Current Politics
| Antarctica Travel: The Long and Short of It
| Antarctic Peninsula
| Jonathan's Adventures to Antarctica on the Professor Molchanov
| Antarctica Cruises: When to Go?







Akademik Ioffe
Akademik Sergey Vavilov
MV Ushuaia
Polar Pioneer
Professor Molchanov
Professor Multanovskiy
Kapitan Khlebnikov
Clipper Adventurer (QU)
Marina Svetaeva
MV Plancius
Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova (AN)
Polar Star
Clelia II
Minerva
National Geographic Explorer
Orion
Prince Albert II