Antarctica cruise FAQ

The questions travellers ask most before booking an Antarctic expedition — answered briefly. When you are ready, compare live departures and prices across operators.

Planning & booking

How much does an Antarctica cruise cost?
Most expedition cruises cost between US$6,000 and US$50,000 per person, with an average around US$10,000. Entry-level berths on a 10–11 day…
When is the best time to go to Antarctica?
The season runs from late October to March — the Antarctic summer. November offers pristine ice and courting penguins, December–January brin…
How long does an Antarctica cruise last?
A classic Antarctic Peninsula voyage takes 10–12 days, of which about four are spent crossing the Drake Passage there and back. Fly-cruises…
Where do Antarctica cruises depart from?
The vast majority sail from Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina. Fly-cruises depart from Punta Arenas in Chile, and a small number of R…
Do I need a visa or permit for Antarctica?
No visa is needed for Antarctica itself — under the Antarctic Treaty your operator obtains the required expedition permits (all reputable op…
How do I find a cheaper or last-minute deal?
Prices drop in the shoulder months (November and March), for shared twin or triple cabins, and on unsold departures a few weeks out — last-m…
Can I travel to Antarctica solo?
Yes — solo travellers are common on expedition ships. Most operators will pair you with a same-gender cabin mate at no extra charge, and som…
Can I bring children?
Most expedition ships set a minimum age of 8–12 years, and some run dedicated family departures. Keep in mind the ship is days away from med…

What is the Drake Passage and how rough is it?
The Drake Passage is the ~800 km stretch of open ocean between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, and the crossing takes about 48 hours…
Will I get seasick?
Some passengers do on the Drake crossing, so come prepared: scopolamine patches, Dramamine or similar taken before sailing work well for mos…
Can I fly over the Drake instead of sailing?
Yes — fly-cruise itineraries fly you in about two hours from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetlands, where you board the…

Does ship size matter?
Greatly. Under IAATO rules ships carrying more than 500 passengers may not land anyone in Antarctica at all, and only 100 people may be asho…
What is included in the cruise price?
Typically all meals on board, zodiac excursions and shore landings, expedition lectures, and usually the loan of waterproof boots — many ope…
Is there internet on board?
More and more ships now carry Starlink, but connectivity is still intermittent and often paid. Treat the voyage as a chance to disconnect ra…
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes — it is mandatory on essentially every Antarctic voyage, and operators require cover for emergency medical evacuation (commonly US$100,0…

Will I actually set foot on the Antarctic continent?
On Peninsula voyages aboard ships under 500 passengers — yes. Expect one or two landings or zodiac cruises per day, always subject to weathe…
What wildlife will I see?
Penguins in vast colonies (gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie on the Peninsula; kings on South Georgia), humpback, minke and killer whales, severa…
What activities can I do besides landings?
Depending on the ship: sea kayaking, camping on the ice, snowshoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, mountaineering, polar diving — and the famous…
What should I pack?
Think layers: thermal base layers, a fleece mid-layer, waterproof over-trousers, warm hat and waterproof gloves, plus high-SPF sunscreen and…
How cold does it get?
Milder than most people expect: on the Peninsula in summer, daytime temperatures typically sit between −2 °C and +8 °C (28–46 °F). Wind chil…
Do I need to be physically fit?
No special fitness is required, but you should be in generally good health: able to keep your balance at sea, use the gangway and climb in a…