So you’ve finally decided to head off to the southernmost continent on earth—excellent choice! Now comes the tricky part: how to choose the best Antarctica cruise. At first glance, trips may seem similar, but once you start looking closely, you'll find a host of variables that can shape your experience. From routes and ships to cabins, inclusions, and travel dates, these are the key things to weigh up when you want to compare Antarctica cruises and choose the one that's truly right for you.
When choosing the best Antarctica cruise, your route plays perhaps the biggest role in shaping your experience. While every voyage is extraordinary in its own right, the destinations vary quite a bit—each with its own highlights and a few trade-offs worth knowing about.
Here are the main Antarctic destinations you can visit.
Let’s start with the most popular route: from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Antarctic Peninsula
This is the classic Antarctic experience and the most coveted—for good reason. Fantastic for first timers.
Pros
The shortest and most accessible route from South America
Breathtaking landscapes: towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and snow-covered peaks
Excellent chances to see Gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, plus leopard seals and humpbacks
The widest range of itineraries, ships, and budgets to choose from
More frequent landings due to calmer seas and shorter sailing distances
Gentoo penguins and glacier with icebergs at Neko Harbour, Antarctica.
Considerations
Since it's the most visited part of Antarctica, you will likely encounter other ships, although they won’t be landing at the same spot at the right time.
Set sail towards the end of the season, and the most popular landing spots will be "well-trodden"
Wildlife is abundant but not as densely concentrated as in other places like South Georgia
Some trips focus only on the Peninsula, which may feel brief if you're after a longer adventure
Sometimes called the 'Serengeti of the Southern Ocean,' this remote island teems with wildlife. Expect jaw-dropping wildlife scenes and a rich whaling history. Widely considered the crown jewel of Antarctic cruising.
Pros
One of the most spectacular wildlife destinations on earth—dramatic scenery with rugged mountains and grassy shores
Home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins, elephant seals, fur seals, and seabirds.
Steeped in history—this is Shackleton country, with fascinating landing sites
Wildlife spotting in South Georgia – the best option for animal lovers
Considerations
Remote and isolated, South Georgia requires a longer itinerary—typically at least 16–23 days
Comes at a higher price point, but most agree it's well worth it
The Falkland Islands
Quirky British heritage meets remote island wildlife. The Falklands are all about wildlife and windswept beauty. A remote destination best paired with South Georgia and the Peninsula.
Pros
Diverse penguin species, including rockhopper, Magellanic, Gentoo, and king penguins
Thriving birdlife and dramatic scenic coastlines
Unique cultural vibe with a fusion of British and South American influences
A chance to explore small towns like Stanley and interact with locals
Black-browed Albatross (Diomedea melanophris) at the Falkland Islands
Considerations
Less dramatic landscapes compared to Antarctica proper
Like South Georgia, itineraries including the Falklands are longer and often pricier
Wildlife watching is excellent but not quite as dense as in South Georgia
Longer, more remote, and steeped in adventure, cruises from New Zealand or Australia appeal to those chasing that old-world explorer feel. Departing from Hobart, Invercargill or Bluff, these rare voyages retrace the routes of Antarctic legends like Mawson and Scott, covering far greater distances than South American itineraries. Expeditions like this one can be life-changing experiences.
Pros
Access to the Ross Sea—home to incredible biodiversity and rarely visited by travellers
Fascinating insight into the Heroic Age through historic explorer huts and research bases
A more profound sense of isolation and scale—perfect for those seeking true expedition spirit
Giant icebergs in the Ross Sea – East Antarctica expeditions are on a whole other level
Considerations
Itineraries are long (25–30+ days) and include extended stretches at sea
Departures are few each season, often more expensive, and require advance planning
Weather and sea ice can heavily influence daily plans and landing success
Every route has its own rewards. If you're dreaming of wildlife in jaw-dropping numbers, South Georgia is a strong contender. Short on time or budget? A Peninsula-focused cruise still delivers an unforgettable Antarctic experience.
Still unsure how to choose the right cruise? Let’s take a look at vessels.
Choosing the Right Ship
Once you've settled on your destination, the ship is the next big decision. While all Antarctic vessels must meet strict safety and environmental standards, there's still a surprising amount of choice in size, style, and onboard atmosphere. Some ships are sleek and luxurious, while others lean toward the rugged expedition style. The choice isn't just about aesthetics—ship size and style can dictate how many landings you get, how comfortable your downtime feels, and how personalised your experience is.
The MV Ushuaia exploring Antarctica
Here’s what to consider when you wish to compare Antarctica cruises.
Cabin Type: What’s Your Comfort Level?
When you compare Antarctica cruises, you'll find cabins vary more than you might expect—from compact berths to spacious suites with balconies that make you feel like you’re in a 5-star floating hotel. A premium cabin can make the experience feel extra memorable for those wanting more privacy or celebrating something special. Yet if you plan to spend most of your time exploring, a simple twin cabin may be all you need. Solo travellers can look for ships with dedicated single cabins or shared options to avoid high supplements. Some cruises waive the single supplement entirely, depending on the itinerary and departure—just ask us if you’re thinking of cruising Antarctica solo and we can point you in the right direction.
Category A cabin aboard the Ocean Albatros
Passenger Numbers: How Ship Size Impacts Your Experience
The number of passengers on board affects not just the atmosphere but logistics, too. Antarctic regulations limit the number of people allowed ashore at one time, so ship size plays a huge role in how your landings work. Smaller ships (under 200 passengers) are often considered the sweet spot. They allow everyone to land at once, meaning more time on shore and a more immersive experience. Larger vessels may rotate guests in shifts or offer fewer landings overall—but they do often come with more facilities, like multiple lounges, wellness areas, and a broader dining offering. It’s essentially a trade-off between intimacy and amenities.
The major benefit of choosing a smaller ship is that you can explore smaller inlets and landing spots larger vessels simply can't reach
Crew and Expedition Team: Who’s Guiding You?
The people leading your adventure matter as much as the places you visit. Expedition teams vary from ship to ship, with the best crews bringing deep polar expertise, infectious enthusiasm, and a genuine love for the region.
Look for ships with a strong guide-to-guest ratio, which allows for smaller group excursions and more personal interaction. Many ships also have onboard experts in glaciology, marine biology, or polar history who offer lectures and are out in the field with you, turning every excursion into a learning opportunity.
A thoughtful, experienced crew can transform your cruise from scenic to extraordinary.
Public Spaces: What’s Life Like Onboard?
After a morning navigating sea ice or watching penguins waddle past, it's wonderful to settle into a warm, inviting lounge or sip a coffee while the landscape drifts by. Some ships offer wraparound windows, outdoor decks for whale watching, lecture rooms, or even a sauna or hot tub. Yes, you read that right! Whether you prefer a quiet corner to read or somewhere to share stories with fellow travellers, the right public spaces can really add a whole new layer to your Antarctic adventure.
Pool deck & Jacuzzi aboard the Ocean Albatros
When’s the Best Time to Visit Antarctica?
Antarctica’s season runs from late October to March. While the landscapes may look equally icy throughout, each part of the season offers something unique. The best time for your Antarctica cruise depends on what you're most excited to experience: pristine scenery and peak wildlife or quiet moments with fewer travellers around? Your choice!
October–November: Fresh Snow & First Arrivals
Early in the season, Antarctica feels untouched—snow is deep and clean, the light is dramatic, and only a few ships are out. Penguins return to nest and icy landscapes at their most pristine.
Keep in mind: It's colder, wildlife is just arriving (no chicks yet), and sea ice may limit landings. But it's a magical time to go for photographers and those seeking stillness.
December–January: Wildlife in Full Swing
This is high summer and the most popular window for cruising. Expect long daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and loads of wildlife activity—penguin chicks hatching, seals on the beaches, and whales beginning to appear.
Keep in mind: It's the busiest and most expensive time to travel, so ships book up early. Still, this is hard to beat if you want peak wildlife and smoother conditions.
Emperor penguin chicks on the move
February–March: Whales, Chicks & Golden Light
Late season brings the best whale watching, more independent penguin chicks, and stunning sunsets. There’s a raw, wild energy in the air as the season winds down.
Keep in mind: Some colonies begin to thin out, and conditions ashore can be muddier—but it’s quieter, and the wildlife action is still spectacular.
How Long Should Your Antarctica Cruise Be?
Cruise lengths range from just over a week to nearly a month. The best Antarctica cruise for you depends on how far you want to go and how much time you’re ready to spend at sea.
Shorter cruises (10–13 days) usually focus on the Antarctic Peninsula and offer a rich overview of landscapes and wildlife without needing weeks away. Many include the Drake Passage crossing for that classic expedition feel, whilefly-cruise options skip the rough seas and maximise time on the ice. A short-and-sweet 12-day expedition is perfect for first-timers who are hesitant to cruise, but still want to experience Antarctica. Once they soak up a little of that magic, though, they often come back for more.
Longer itineraries (16–23 days) delve deeper, reaching South Georgia, the Falklands, or the Antarctic Circle. These cruises build in more time for weather flexibility and allow for a fuller experience of the region’s wildlife, history, and wild remoteness. At the far end, East Antarctica expeditions from New Zealand or Australia run 25–30+ days and feel more like rare, remote, and deeply immersive historic voyages. Several continuous days at sea, an astronomical amount to learn and an experience unlike any other. If you set aside mainstream cruise ships, you'd be hard-pressed to find a longer expedition voyage anywhere in the world.
What’s Included in an Antarctica Cruise?
When you compare Antarctica cruises, it quickly becomes clear that not all trips are created equal. Inclusions can vary significantly—from flights and activities to gear and gratuities—so it's worth looking at what's covered (and what isn't) before making your final choice.
Flights and Transfers
Some itineraries include charter flights—especially on fly-cruise options that skip the Drake Passage and begin on King George Island. Others might require you to arrange your own flights to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas. Look carefully: charter flights can add significant value, and sometimes, they're only available as part of the cruise package.
Also, check for airport transfers and pre- or post-cruise hotel nights. Some ships bundle these in, while others leave you to organise your own connections.
On a fly-cruise expedition, you’ll fly over the Drake Passage, land on King George Island and join a cruise ship from there
Activities
All Antarctic cruises include shore landings and Zodiac excursions, but beyond that, optional activities can vary greatly. Depending on your ship, you might be able to book:
Some cruises include one or more of these in the fare; others offer them as paid add-ons with limited spots. If you’ve got your heart set on a particular activity, book early and check whether gear is provided or needs to be rented separately. A cost-saving hack is to book a bareback cruise that doesn’t include any extras but offers them as optionals. This way, you’ll only ever pay for what you actually want to do.
Gear and Clothing
Most cruises will lend you sturdy, insulated rubber boots for shore landings. Some also include a branded parka to keep—and it's worth checking because a good-quality jacket is a considerable cost saver. Other ships expect you to come fully equipped, so look closely at packing lists and rental options, especially if you're travelling from afar.
Food and Drink
All cruises will include meals, snacks, tea and coffee—but not all include alcohol. Some luxury cruises include wine and beer with meals or offer an open bar, while others charge separately for all drinks beyond the basics.
Internet
Internet is generally available on most ships but varies in speed, availability, and price. A few operators include basic Wi-Fi, while others sell data packages—usually limited and expensive. If staying connected is essential, this is something to check in advance. That said, many travellers welcome the digital detox.
Other Touches
You may also want to look at things like:
Onboard lectures: Most cruises offer these, but the quality and frequency vary. Check reviews for specific mentions, as the best ones are usually praised
Medical support: All ships carry a doctor, but it's worth understanding what care is available onboard.
No matter where in Antarctica you go, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience
Final Tips for Choosing the Best Antarctica Cruise
When you're down to choosing between two or three promising options, the small details often tip the balance. Here are a few final factors to keep in mind as you continue to compare Antarctica cruises:
Environmental Credentials: Look for ships that are members of IAATO (the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators). This is how you know the operator adheres to responsible travel practices in such a fragile environment.
Language Onboard: Most cruises operate in English, but check ahead if you need another language. Some ships cater to multilingual guests with translation headsets or bilingual guides.
Health and Mobility: Landings can be physically demanding, although you don't need to be an athlete. If you have mobility concerns, speak to us about ships with easier access and more flexible landing options.
There’s a lot to weigh up when planning your Antarctic adventure—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you're unsure how to choose the right itinerary or want help comparing quotes, contact Viva’s Destination Specialists. We’ve been there, we know the ships, and we’re here to help you find the cruise that’s truly the best fit for you.
