All Antarctic Cruises

The Antarctic cruising season starts late October and runs until March. These are the only months of the year when temperatures are known to reach above 0 degrees Celsius during the day on the Antarctic Peninsula, and though the east tends to be colder, it is still more tolerable at this time of the year.

Antarctica is an extreme environment and although Antarctic cruises depart during the spring and summer months, the weather can change dramatically, with no warning and so you need to be prepared for conditions in this harsh region.

• A Parka, but don’t bring your own, it will be provided.
• Waterproof boots and pants
• Warm socks, gloves, scarf and a hat
• Sunscreen, sunglasses
• Zip lock plastic bags or dry sacks for carrying camera, batteries, etc. 

It depends on the ship but the majority of our ships carry between 50 and 150 passengers. A few of the mega-yachts and purpose-built cruise ships carry around 250 passengers. 

Generally, the majority of ships have a lecture theatre, library, bar and restaurant, as well as the main deck. Some ships also have a gym, sauna or a small pool.

To help you prepare for what lies ahead, you are offered a series of lectures focusing on the geology, history and wildlife of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

You have the opportunity to interact with the crew and expedition team, or for the more adventurous, you can stand on deck taking in the spectacular scenery and wildlife, scanning the horizon for whales, seals and seabirds, or this can be done from the comfort of the lounges and observation decks.

There is no currency in Antarctica but the unit of currency in Argentina is the Argentinian Peso, the main currency at the Port Lockroy Post Office is the US dollar, the UK pond and euro are also accepted. All meals are included, alcohol, laundry and souvenirs need to be paid for separately, as well as gratuities and any drinks or snacks consumed outside of mealtimes. Most cruise ships accept euros and US dollar. Major credit cards, in particular Visa and MasterCard are also widely accepted on board. If the Falkland Islands are included on your cruise, the currency of the islands is the Falkland Islands pound (FK £), although the British pond is also accepted.

Food on board is excellent, professional chefs prepare a wide selection of gourmet dishes. Breakfast and lunches tend to be buffet style, with 3, sometimes 4 courses served for dinners. 

Yes, a laundry service is available on every Antarctic cruise ship at a reasonable cost.