Follow in the footsteps of illustrious polar explorers and discover the frozen southern end of our planet in the comfort, luxury, and style afforded by 21st-century polar class expedition vessels. What a glorious time to explore remote Antarctica!
If you’ve ever dreamt of following in the footsteps of esteemed historic explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton, Roald Amundsen, and Robert Falcon Scott – but wish to enjoy a few more creature comforts than they were afforded – luxury cruises to Antarctica are for you.
On Viva Expeditions' luxury small ship cruises to Antarctica, you’ll experience spectacular landscapes, see an abundance of outstanding wildlife, and enjoy an array of exceptional adventures, all in the utmost comfort.
These expert-led expeditions offer thrilling zodiac rides, leisurely walks among penguin colonies, and a bevy of incredible activities. Spend your days getting close to glaciers, icebergs, and majestic mountains, and retreat to a floating haven of luxury and indulgence at day’s end.
Create unforgettable memories on our luxury cruises to Antarctica. Contact our Antarctica Specialists, and they'll happily help you find the suitable vessel, crew and itinerary to match your travel style and desires.
How much luxury can one really enjoy in the remotest and harshest continent on earth, you ask?
You’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Our collection of Antarctica small ship cruises and deluxe vessels revolutionises the way we think about polar explorations. Gone are the days when explorers had to put up with mediocre food, discomfort, and even boredom on long expeditions to the south.
Nowadays, on modern expedition vessels designed for both luxury and rugged exploration, you can expect gourmet dining, stunning cabins with balconies, a bevvy of onboard amenities like a sauna, spa, and gym, and stellar personalised service akin to a 5* resort.
On luxury cruises to Antarctica, that’s just the beginning.
Whether you imagine reaching the White Continent by private charter jet and landing on a snowy airstrip, then heading to an exclusive camp on the ice, or embarking on a polar expedition with a Michelin-starred chef and a heated outdoor pool, you'll find a luxury Antarctica experience to match your polar dreams.
Prefer to sleep in a small and intimate "polar pod" for the ultimate in 'luxury in the extremes'? Yes, there's an option for that, too.
One thing is certain: whatever luxury small ship cruise or luxury camp option you choose, you will always be surrounded by Antarctica's soul-stirring landscapes and captivating wildlife. And that is undoubtedly the most cherished luxury of all.
The Antarctic 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.
The most common option is on an expedition cruise vessel, specifically designed for polar waters. Most cruises departure from Ushuaia, at the very south of Argentina, some from Punta Arenas, Chile. There are a few options out of New Zealand and occasionally Hobart, Australia. Another way is by flight, departing from Punta Arenas, Chile, landing on King George Island near Antarctica, and joining your cruise ship there. Another option is by private charter plane from Cape Town, South Africa, landing on a runway in Antarctica itself.
Antarctica is the coldest and also the windiest continent in the world. The interior of the continent is an extremely cold area, however this area is not generally the area you would visit. On expedition cruises to Antarctica you are going to visit the the coastal areas or the Antarctica Peninsula. These areas have milder temperatures, during the summer months temperatures in the Antarctic Peninsula range between -2°C - +5 °C. Some areas, like the Ross Sea do get significantly colder with temperatures down to -20°C.
Yes, you can. To reach the South Pole, travelers will need to book a small plane that can land on the ice near the pole, where they will be allowed to explore the research base there, weather permitting.
Wild emperor penguins are only found in Antarctica. However you will not find them in all areas of Antarctica, only select Antarctica expeditions go in search of emperor penguins, so be sure to check this. Areas include Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, and a colony that can be access on a 2 hour flight from Whichaway Oasis.
Luxury Tours: We design unique luxury holidays that allow you to experience the most spectacular and remote parts of the world. From the best hotels and lodges to luxury small ship cruises and exclusive heli-tours.
A unique luxury Antarctica Whichaway camp experience with access to a magnificent penguin colony & the chance to see thousands of emperor chicks!
Luxury Tours: We design unique luxury holidays that allow you to experience the most spectacular and remote parts of the world. From the best hotels and lodges to luxury small ship cruises and exclusive heli-tours.
Stay in a unique luxury camp in Antarctica and visit the South Pole and Emperor penguin colonies on this once in a lifetime adventure!
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.
Luxury Tours: We design unique luxury holidays that allow you to experience the most spectacular and remote parts of the world. From the best hotels and lodges to luxury small ship cruises and exclusive heli-tours.
An unforgettable and unique expedition taking you from Hobart to East Antarctica to Cape Town, travelling onboard the luxury Le Commandant Charcot.
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.
Set off in the footsteps of great Antarctic explorers onboard the luxury Le Commandant Charcot, for an unrivalled half-circumnavigation of Antarctica!
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.
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure on this diverse expedition, crossing the Antarctica Circle plus the Falklands and South Georgia!
Luxury Tours: We design unique luxury holidays that allow you to experience the most spectacular and remote parts of the world. From the best hotels and lodges to luxury small ship cruises and exclusive heli-tours.
Sail the Weddell Sea of Antarctica onboard the luxury vessel Le Commandant Charcot, search for the elusive emperor penguin in deep, remote Antarctica.
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.
Voyage on a newly designed ice-classed expedition vessel, journey in comfort for an 20 day adventure to Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands!
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.
Luxury Tours: We design unique luxury holidays that allow you to experience the most spectacular and remote parts of the world. From the best hotels and lodges to luxury small ship cruises and exclusive heli-tours.
Embark on an unforgettable 12 day voyage to Antarctica, encounter penguins, whales, seals, ice burgs and grandiose landscapes on this luxury cruise.
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.
Combining luxury amenities and green technology, Le Commandant Charcot is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) to ensure minimal environmental impact while offering unforgettable adventures in remote locations.
Echo Camp’s futuristic Sky Pods offer a unique immersive experience in the icy expanse of Antarctica. Elevated above the frozen ground, these pods provide unparalleled views and a truly out-of-this-world experience—Glamping to the next level!
With cutting-edge exteriors and old-world interiors, Whichaway offers luxurious accommodations in polar pods. Soak up the stunning views of the icy landscapes, enjoy guided adventures, and indulge in the ultimate luxury Antarctic cruise experience.
