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Antarctica may seem like a bucket-list destination for most travelers, beyond the realm of logistical possibility due to budget and the amount of time it takes to get there. But some of the world’s most recognizable cruise lines have made the White Continent more affordable and accessible than ever.
Annual voyages vary in length, vessel size, and expedition type—either scenic sail-bys to take in the majestic beauty of jagged rock formations and ice sculptures or boarding dinghies to observe seals, penguins, and whales in their natural habitat, as well as the opportunity to hike or camp on Antarctica’s snowy surface (and maybe even participate in a polar plunge).
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We’ve rounded up 14 cruise companies that offer South Pole itineraries in 2027, most of which include traversing the infamous Drake Passage from South America: a turbulent 600-mile stretch of deep water that is a literal rite of passage for adventurous travelers. Thankfully, these luxury Antarctica cruises ensure that every step of the way is comfortable. Read on for our picks.
Ponant Explorations
A pioneer in Antarctic travel, Ponant Explorations boards guests on Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first and only luxury icebreaker that can cut through ice up to eight feet thick and reach the Pole of Inaccessibility: the farthest point in the Arctic Ocean from land. The state-of-the-art vessel also doubles as a floating research center with an onboard laboratory staffed with more than 20 scientists, so get ready to nerd out with biologists, naturalists, bird and whale specialists, alpinists, and paddling gurus.
Aurora Expeditions
Celebrating its 35th year in operation, Aurora Expeditions specializes in 12- to 21-day journeys that include kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, and snorkeling. The company’s fleet also touts smaller ships for a more intimate onboard experience, typically maxing at 130 thrill-seeking guests.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises famously operates three “Best of South America and Antarctica” sailings in January and February on its Equinox ship, which features modern staterooms, dozens of bars and restaurants, as well as the live shows and entertainment that have come to define the brand. Rates start just shy of $3,000 before taxes and fees, making it one of the more affordable options on this list.
Courtesy of Holland America
Holland America
Holland America is ideal for the traveler who can dedicate a significant amount of time to sightseeing. One of its flagship itineraries is the 37-day South America Pathways and Antarctica Holiday cruise, which essentially travels around the perimeter of South America, starting in Santiago, dipping down into Antarctica, and then ending in Buenos Aires.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Kicking off in January 2027, world-renowned National Geographic has teamed up with Lindblad Expeditions (the first to offer commercial cruising to the region) for a series of co-branded maritime tours. Guests have the choice to bypass the Drake Passage and fly directly to the continent, in addition to tacking on trips to Patagonia, South Georgia, and the Falklands for even more nature-centric quests.
Norwegian Cruise Line
The Norwegian Star ship has become the company’s Antarctica ambassador with sailings through Paradise Bay and Elephant Island: two Antarctic must-sees that showcase glaciated mountains and an abundance of indigenous wildlife. Itineraries start and end in South America so that guests can bookend their voyages with differing landscapes and cultures to diversify a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
Oceania Cruises
Though the adults-only luxury liner only offers sail-bys, ships meander through hard-to-reach southern fjords and glaciers for an up-close-and-personal look at what is arguably Mother Nature’s most remote and mysterious landmass. Most of Oceania Cruises’s routes also offer exclusive access to Argentina, Chile, and even the Amazon River with stops including Alter Do Chao, Boca Da Valeria, and Parintins.
Princess Cruises
It’s a picturesque two-for-one on Princess’s Patagonia and Antarctica cruise. Though the latter stop is merely a scenic cruise-by, the ship spends four days navigating the continent to areas rarely seen by the human eye. Fans of Princess can also opt for their Ultimate Antarctica and Mediterranean Adventure, which uniquely connects opposite areas of the globe over 43 days.
Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions continues to redefine what it means to travel to Antarctica, going so far as to outfit its Ultramarine vessel with two twin-engine helicopters for flightseeing opportunities. Travelers also have the opportunity to customize their entire journey with activities that range from Zodiac boating and overnight camping to sea kayaking and penguin tracking.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas has established itself as an Antarctica travel mainstay with onboard programming and amenities that make the trek as exciting as the arrival. Beyond lavish living quarters with marble bathrooms and leather-paneled walls, the Seven Seas Mariner is home to dozens of bars, lounges, and restaurants, as well as a putting green, pool, and casino.
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Scenic Luxury Tours and Cruises
Antarctica cruises are, arguably, Scenic’s most revered itineraries. Its Discovery Yachts marry curiosity with education, providing six-star luxurious accommodations and chances to explore and contextualize the tundra with knowledgeable guides and experts in marine biology, ecology, and history.
Seabourn
Luxury meets exploration aboard Seabourn’s Venture and Pursuit ships, which boast kayak outings and extensive onshore walks. There is also a photography masters program to teach passengers how to capture the continent and its many marvels through the discerning lens of a professional.
Silversea
Those with limited time will appreciate Silversea’s variety of expedition cruises, which include round-trip airfare to King George Island to avoid multiple days at sea. A six-day itinerary, for example, still includes an intimate look at migrating birds, the seals and penguins of the South Shetland Islands, as well as humpback whale-watching. Guests can also add on an all-inclusive rate that includes personal butler service, meals, drinks, and equipment rentals.
Viking Cruises
Viking may be known for its abundance of river cruises, but it also flaunts an extensive array of expeditions to Antarctica. In fact, some of its longer journeys begin and end in Fort Lauderdale, as well as Milwaukee, making sea travel more convenient for Americans than ever. Incentives such as free business-class airfare, extremely low deposits, and steep savings for early bookings make the this cruiseline even more enticing.
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