Antarctica Cruises - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time or year to cruise to Antarctica?

The best time to cruise to Antarctica is during the Antarctic summer from November to March. A trip to Antarctica with Celebrity Cruises, for instance, tends to visit in January and February, when it’s the height of the southern hemisphere’s summer. This is when you’ll see wildlife at its busiest, up close and in person. You will also get to experience up to 24 hours of daylight. Standard classic cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula generally take 10-15 days, however longer trips that include other regions such as the Falkland Islands can last up to 20 days or more. Based off your preferences, there are many cruise options you can take, from small ships to large luxurious ships with endless amenities and activities alike. As for how to book an Antarctica cruise, you can use our handy cruise finder tool, speak to a travel agents or go directly through the cruise lines themselves.

What to pack for a cruise to Antarctica

Right, now onto packing for an Antarctica cruise. You may have previously considered the polar cold as being a “con,” but the cold air actually invites a thrilling experience that will definitely catch your attention. Antarctica is also windy, but, as long as you’re dressed for the weather, you won’t be freezing. This means you must be prepared. Choosing wool, silk or polyester instead of cotton is recommended as they retain body heat much better. Below is a list of items that are vital for your trip.

  • Parka
  • Wind and waterproof trousers
  • Waterproof boots
  • Gloves – a waterproof pair designed for skiing is ideal
  • Layers – one or two base layers, a fleece layer, and an outer weatherproof jacket
  • Sunglasses – there are bright days!
  • Casual clothes – jeans and jumpers for on board
  • Camera – to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience

How much does a cruise to Antarctica cost?

Sailings range from small ship cruise holidays to Antarctica to top-of-the-line luxury Antarctica cruise voyages. The average Antarctica cruise cost ranges from £3,000 to £33,000. To find the best Antarctica cruise deals, you’ll want to book early to find the best selection of ships, cabins and itineraries at a lower price. The best way to find a cheap antarctica cruise is by booking at least 12 months in advance, as some cruises may offer an early-booking discount. It’s important to note the length of the trip, as that will correlate to the cost.

What cruises can you take to Antarctica?

The good news is there are multiple brands to choose from for holidays in Antarctica. If you want an Antarctica expedition cruise there are lines such as Ponant and Quark which specialise in this. The former offers some of the best small ships cruise trips to Antarctica. Or, if you want a luxury Antarctica cruise, there are the likes of Silversea and Seabourn. Be sure to do an Antarctica cruise search to make sure you get the voyage that suits you best. Here are some of the best cruise lines for Antarctica:

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