Laura Pattara | 30 April 2025
Antarctica may not the cheapest place in the world to visit, there’s no denying it, yet if you – like us – believe in getting value for money when travelling, then you will also not find another more worthwhile destination on which to spend your hard-earned travel funds.
To help you plan your finances for a trip to Antarctica, we'll briefly outline the options for getting there, the corresponding costs, and tips for getting the best deals.
Here’s what we’ll cover.
How much is a trip to Antarctica?
A trip to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience but also a significant investment. If you're wondering about the cost of an Antarctica cruise, the answer will depend on your answers to the following questions:
Where are you travelling from?
What do you want to include in your journey to Antarctica?
How long do you want to go for?
What kind of comfort level would you like?
What kind/how many optional extra activities do you wish to partake in?
> What is an Expedition Cruise to Antarctica?
An Antarctica cruise is well worth the expense
Many travellers previously relied on last-minute discounts to lower the cost of an Antarctica cruise, but this trend has shifted in recent years. With reduced ship capacity and an ever-growing demand, last-minute availability is minimal. The best savings are now expected to come from early bird discounts, which typically range from 10% to 30% off standard rates. While a few last-minute deals may pop up, they’ll be extremely limited in terms of cabins, ships, and departure dates—so you’ll be taking whatever’s left.
While pricing can vary depending on your chosen vessel and cabin category, the departure points and itinerary are the main cost drivers. Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in South America. It is here that you'll find the broadest range of ships, routes, and availability.
Cruises departing from New Zealand also exist, but there are fewer options here, so they are typically more expensive. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for different budgets.
Classic Antarctic Peninsula (10-12 days)
Budget: From USD$ 6,200 per person in a shared lower-deck cabin
Mid-Range: USD $ 10,000–USD$ 14,000 per person for a mid-tier cabin with a window
Luxury: USD$ 18,000+ per person for a premium suite with extra amenities
> See Viva’s Antarctic Peninsula cruises
Antarctic Circle (12-14 days)
Budget: From USD$ 10,000 per person for a basic cabin
Mid-Range: USD$ 12,500–USD$ 16,000 per person
Luxury: USD$ 20,000+ per person
> See Viva’s Antarctic Circle cruises
South Georgia & Falklands (12-22 days)
Budget: From USD$ 11,000 per person on the shortest route
Mid-Range: USD$ 15,000–USD$ 20,000 per person
Luxury: USD$ 25,000+ per person
> See Viva’s Cruises to South Georgia & the Falklands
Embarking from South America also means you must also factor in flight and accommodation costs to reach Ushuaia (via Buenos Aires, Argentina).
Cruises from our shores, bound for the enigmatic eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, are the longest and most adventurous expeditions. They are also the most expensive. These exceptional journeys visit one of the most isolated regions of the most isolated continent on earth, offering astounding sights not seen anywhere else.
With this option, you’d have to add on a domestic flight from home to either port of call: Invercargill for New Zealand and Hobart for Australia.
East Antarctica from New Zealand (25+ days)
Budget: From USD$ 22,000 per person
Mid-Range: USD$ 25,000–USD$ 35,000 per person
Luxury: USD$ 45,000+ per person
> Discover Viva’s Cruises from New Zealand
Antarctica Cruises
The cost of Antarctica cruises is typically all-inclusive once you board the ship. Here’s what you get for your money:
Accommodation in your chosen cabin category.
All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks onboard. Alcoholic beverages are typically included on high-end cruises.
Zodiac landings and shore excursions (daily, if weather permits).
Lectures from expert naturalists and historians.
Waterproof boots and parka for on-shore excursions and Zodiac outings.
What’s not included:
Flights to and from the departure port, although some operators do include a charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Travel insurance (mandatory when visiting such an isolated destination).
Optional adventure activities (e.g., kayaking, camping, kayaking or scuba diving) are usually not included but there are a few rare exceptions.
Waterproof pants and other cold-weather clothing.
Bar drinks and gratuities.
To avoid confusion and packing the wrong things, always double-check what is and is not included in your chosen cruise when booking.
If you're looking to skip the rough seas of the Drake Passage but still want the full Antarctic experience, Fly + Cruise trips are a brilliant option. These expeditions typically depart from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales and take you by air straight to King George Island, where your polar adventure begins.
You can choose to fly both ways, or fly one way and cruise the other—ideal if you’re after a bit of everything.
Short itineraries start from around USD$ 6,000 per person for 6 days and still manage to squeeze in Zodiac landings, penguin spotting, and jaw-dropping ice-scapes. If you've got more time (and budget), 10-day options are available from around USD$ 19,000. The longer voyages offer a more in-depth look at the Antarctic Peninsula with additional landings and wildlife encounters.
These fly + cruise combos are limited in availability and fill up fast, so if avoiding days at sea appeals to you, it’s worth locking in early.
If you’re planning to head to South America to take advantage of the greatest range of Antarctica cruise options, then you’re probably wondering how much an international flight will cost you.
From New Zealand, you will be in the best position, as nonstop flights operate between Auckland and Buenos Aires (Argentina)—at an average price of about USD$ 1,400 return.
From Australia, and considering you'll have to bunny-hop over New Zealand, you'll need to add between USD$ 300 and USD$ 600 on the price mentioned above, depending on whence you originate (the former is from the east coast, the latter is from the west).
From the USA, you’ll find the best connections to South America via major hubs like Miami, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Return flights to either Buenos Aires (Argentina) or Santiago (Chile) usually range between USD$ 800 and USD$ 1,500, depending on the season and how early you book.
Once in Argentina, or Chile, you’ll need to catch a domestic flight to Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, or Puerto Natales, depending where your cruise or fly + cruise departs. For this, you’re looking to add around USD$ 400, unless a charter flight is included in the cost of your Antarctica cruise.
> Read more: How to Get to South America from New Zealand
Expedition ships vary in comfort, amenities, and passenger capacity. Smaller vessels (100–199 passengers) offer a more intimate experience and faster disembarkation times for landings, so you spend more time on-shore and less time getting to and from. They also reach narrower fjords and landing spots most big ships simply can't reach. They are our absolute favourite vessel option for Antarctica for all these reasons.
Mid-sized ships (<250 passengers) balance comfort and adventure. In contrast, larger vessels (250+ passengers) provide more onboard facilities but fewer opportunities for shore landings, while ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to take passengers ashore in Antarctica at all.
One of our top picks for the upcoming season is the Ocean Albatros, a well-designed, modern expedition vessel offering a fantastic mix of adventure and comfort (not to mention excellent food). Read our full Ocean Albatros ship review to see if it’s the right fit for you.
> What to pack when travelling to Antarctica
A leopard seal lounges on the ice as guests approach by Zodiac, with the Ocean Albatros—one of the newest and most eco-friendly ships in Antarctica—anchored in the distance.
If you want the best price and the widest choice of cabins, book 6-12 months in advance. Here’s why:
Early bird discounts (10-30% off) are available before cabins fill up, giving you greater choice—these are best booked one year in advance.
The earlier you book, the more itinerary options you have to choose from—especially for South Georgia, Falklands, and extended expeditions.
You’ll have time to plan and book cheaper flights, organise visas, and book any pre- or post-trip add-ons.
If you’re flexible and willing to take a chance, last-minute spots may be available—but with very limited options. Booking early is essential for peak season departures (December to February).
All the above-mentioned prices are based on the current costs of flights and cruises for the upcoming Antarctica travel season. None of them, however, consider that many people plan their jaunt to Antarctica for up to a year, and even two, in advance. The plus of doing this? You can score some fantastic early-bird deals on everything from flights to cruises to accommodation.
Booking early also means you’re likely to score cheaper flights and it also gives you the best chance of securing a spot on popular add-ons like kayaking, which tend to sell out fast. Travelling solo? Sharing a cabin is a great way to avoid the dreaded single supplement. Some ships offer roommate-matching or waive the fee altogether—just ask us if you’d like to know which ones.
Antarctica Cruise
Last-minute deals might work elsewhere, but Antarctica is a different story. While you might stumble across a late cruise discount, scrambling for last-minute flights and accommodation can quickly eat up any savings. In truth, these deals are rare—most cabins sell out months ahead, which makes sense for an expedition that takes serious planning.
The cost of an Antarctica cruise is a significant investment, but with proper planning, you can find the right balance of budget and experience. Booking early is now the best way to secure a deal and ensure you get the itinerary and ship that suits your needs. If you're serious about making this bucket-list trip happen, now's the time to start planning! Contact our Destination Specialists today!
Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.
Discover the 7th continent of Antarctica on this unforgettable journey with its vast landscape & wildlife.
Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.
Fly to Antarctica, allowing you to avoid the bumpy Drake Passage. Then, enjoy a unique destination and create memories for a lifetime.
Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.
Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on this extended 13-day voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula.
