Antarctica Cruises

Antarctica does not belong to any one nation, state, or country. It is collectively governed by 12 countries through the Antarctic Treaty system which was signed in 1959. Each of the 12 nations have employed research scientists in and around the continent during the time of signing. The international partnership has appointed Antarctica as a continent devoted to peace and science.

The travel ban to Antarctica has been lifted and cruises are back in operation. Sailings to the polar region are open for travellers now, with several cruises embarking from South America, mainly in the port of Ushuaia.

With the White Continent’s eclectic offerings that cannot be found elsewhere, such as rich marine wildlife and bird species (including penguins), endless stretch of ice and snow, hulking icebergs, towering glaciers and mountains, and crystal-clear bays — a journey to Antarctica is definitely worth it!

The Antarctic cruise season runs from November through March, with a peak season in January. It’s only possible for cruises to sail to the continent when the ice breaks up during the austral summer. If you want to spot fresh snow and icebergs before their meltdown, November is the most ideal time to go. For wildlife watching, you can plan a trip in January for penguin chick sighting and February to March for whale watching. December is the best month for warmer temperatures, with almost 24 hours of daylight.

Several operators offer options for Antarctica cruises, from expedition ships to ocean ships from mainstream cruise lines. Some of the mainstream cruise lines  that sail along the Antarctic Peninsula are Princess Cruises, Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Meanwhile, tour operators that offer expedition cruises to explore the white continent in all its glory are Silversea, Ponant, Seabourn, Viking, and more.

When going on an Antarctica cruise, expect harsh conditions especially during nighttime since the temperature can drop down into single digits even though sailings are only available during summer. Don’t forget to pack lots of thermal layers from head to toe to keep you warm; this comprises base layers, mid-layers and outlet layers. Most expeditions to Antarctica already provide complimentary winter jackets and boots to wear on shore excursions, but be sure to double check what’s available in your cruise expedition before your trip. Inside your water-proof backpack, you should also store body and hand warmers, motion sickness remedies, moisturiser and cash/credit card. Other essentials include binoculars for distant sightseeing, phones or cameras to snap pictures, and extra heavy-duty batteries since batteries usually drain fast in colder temperatures.