Massive fjords, ancient glaciers, and emperor penguins -- the untamed continent of Antarctica is within reach thanks to luxurious cruise packages. Several cruise lines offer once-in-a-lifetime cruises to Antarctica, with most ships departing from either Australia or Argentina. See scores of penguins, witness Humpback, Fin and Minke whales, and even touch icebergs with your bare hands. Here we'll review the best deals on Antarctica cruises from leading luxury cruise lines, and we'll review what to expect from this life-changing expedition. Read on to learn more about the best Antarctican cruises.
The best deals on Antarctica cruises are currently offered by Nordika Travel, Oceanwide Expeditions and Ponant. These are just some of the luxury cruise lines offering routes to Antarctica and other far-away destinations.
Oceanwide Expeditions is offering its 14-day Antarctic Peninsula tour which crosses the Polar Circle. Witness the Antarctic Convergence, the Schollaert Channel, the Lemaire Channel, Wilhelmina Bay and more. This cruise is currently being offered for $2,000 below its regular price.
The best months for cruising Antarctica are November through March. Mid-February through March is late summer in Antarctica, and this is the best time to see whales before they swim north. Go in December or January if you want the warmest weather, and go in November if you want to see Antarctica in its most frozen, natural state.
People who take Antarctica cruises can do kayaking, whale watching, snowshoeing, skiing, camping, paddle boarding and more.
Nordika Travels is offering a Southern Hemisphere Adventure cruise that spans 16 nights while traveling through Antarctica, Patagonia, the Falkan Islands and more. There is also the Adventure to Antarctica cruise, which crosses the Drake Passage from Ushuaia. Both cruises cost around $7,000, a deal for Antarctica cruises.
Most Antarctica cruises offered by these companies offer shoreline excursions for snowshoeing, bird watching and more. In fact, these all-inclusive cruises even provide the free use of boots and other equipment.
Many Antarctican cruises leave from Ushuaia, which is the southernmost city on earth. Ushuaia is on an island, so most travelers arrive by plane. However, travelers who go through Chile can drive or take a bus by taking a ferry.
Ponant is offering its 11-day Emblematic Antarctica cruise with fares from $10,970. This price includes airfare and takes travelers from Ushuaia through the Antarctic Peninsula. Or, for $11,068, Ponant is offering an Antarctica to Africa cruise that ends in Cape Town.