5 cruise lines that sail to Antarctica
Antarctica is a destination that is on everyone’s bucket list but many people won’t actually get round to doing it. The world’s most southern continent isn’t exactly the world’s most accessible destination and very few holiday companies offer Antarctica packages.
If you are committed to ticking Antarctica off your bucket list though, cruising is definitely the best option. Only a handful of cruise lines offer this once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, including these five.
Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten is well-known for specialising in adventure cruises to some of the world’s most exotic locations, so it’s no surprise that they venture to the world’s most southern landmass. The cruise line offers a mix of Antarctica Cruises; with some itineraries leaving from Cape Horn and heading straight to Antarctica, while others cruise right along the coast of South America.
Silversea
Proving that an expedition cruise to Antarctica can also be a luxury experience, the Silver Explorer and Silver Cloud Explorer offer adventure in the most relaxing way possible. Offering itineraries between November and February (2020 itineraries are already on sale!), sailings can range from 10 days to 18 days and pass by areas such as the Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Elephant Island, South Georgia and Antarctica Sound.
Both the Silver Explorer and the Silver Cloud Explorer are purpose-built for the Polar Regions but still come with all the high-end facilities you would expect from Silversea. This includes an onboard spa, boutique, sauna, fitness centre, and fine dining restaurants.
Celebrity
Only one Antarctica Cruise is currently available for the 2018 and 2019 winter – but it’s a good one. Sailing on-board the Celebrity Eclipse, you’ll leave Buenos Aires and stop by Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Paradise Bay, Schollart Channel & Dalhan Bay, Elephant Island, Port Stanley, Puerto Madryn, and Montevideo (before sailing back to Buenos Aires).
The ship itself is also home to many of the facilities cruisers have come to associate with Celebrity Cruises - like the Lawn Club, Oceanview Café, restaurants such as Qsine and Tuscan Grill, upscale boutiques and Broadway-style entertainment.
Ponant
A new cruise line to the shores of Antarctica, Ponant is an exciting new addition to the cruising world. Specialising in fascinating itineraries – this French cruising company is taking cruises to the far reaches of the world (including the Polar Regions).
Several of their ships sail to Antarctica, including Le Soleal, L'Austral, and Le Boreal. Their Antarctica itineraries start in November 2018, and include Christmas and New Year cruises. The actual routes taken vary (with some cruises lasting 11 nights, others lasting 15) but stop-off points include Deception Island, Weddell Sea, Port Lockroy, Pleneau Island and Port Charcot.
Seabourn
Seabourn boasts high standards for all of its cruises, including polar packages. Every cruise to Antarctica and Patagonia includes:
- A complimentary Zodiac landing each day at selected Antarctic locations
- Digital photography workshops
- Seabourn parka and backpack
- Opportunities for frequent wildlife sightings from the ship and on shore
- Guidance and insight from a skilled expedition staff
- Inspiring Enrichment Program and special guest speakers on board
Seabourn currently offers six itineraries running between November and February, and sail between 21 Days and 24 days – or you can opt for the 66 Day Amazon, Atlantic and Antarctica itinerary!
Have you ever been on an Antarctica cruise? Let us know your favourite cruise line for a polar itinerary!
- 26th March 2018
- Morag Lee