How Much Does It Really Cost to Go on an Antarctica Cruise?

The opportunity to witness our planet’s largest and last untamed wilderness is certainly worth its price of admission. But if traveling to the bottom of the world is high on your to-do list, you might be wondering exactly how much does an Antarctica trip cost?

 

That will depend on a number of factors, from the size of the ship and the experience level of the expedition cruise line to whether you fly or sail the Drake Passage. This essential guide from National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, the leaders in expedition travel to the White Continent, offers a detailed look at what to expect when it comes to price points and where you can save versus splurge. 

 

How Much Does an Antarctic Cruise Cost? 

 

The average Antarctica cruise cost is about $10,000 per person. The least expensive cruises start at under $5,000 per person while luxury expedition cruises can exceed $30,000 per person.  

 

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offers a variety of luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica, ranging on average from around $10,000, though prices increase from there the longer the trip and the higher the cabin category.  

 

As you will see below, a host of variables affect Antarctica trip costs. Careful consideration of each factor is key to determining your bottom line. 

 

 

What Factors Affect How Much It Costs to Go to Antarctica?  

 

There’s no doubt about it—booking a bucket-list-worthy adventure at the farthest reaches of the globe can come with a considerable price tag. However, Antarctica cruise costs can vary almost as much as the penguin species and ethereal icescapes that make this destination so alluring.  

 

Multiple factors, from the type of vessel and the cabin categories to expedition lengths and destinations visited will collectively affect the cost of a cruise to Antarctica. The upshot for travelers: You can customize a trip to match your individual budget, saving or splurging based on personal travel preferences and how much time you have to spend.  

 

Below you’ll find the most critical factors affecting price points, along with essential tips that will help you plan an Antarctic expedition that best suits your interests and budget. 

 

What Vessel You Travel on to Antarctica

 

Determining the cost of a cruise to Antarctica starts with the ship. Large cruise ships offer an economical way to see Antarctica, although as you will see below, you won’t be allowed to disembark for shore landings.  

 

Small expedition cruises aboard converted research vessels can also cut costs, and will allow for excursions, but generally offer basic onboard amenities and smaller cabins that you may have to share.  

 

Consider, also, that cruises aboard spartan-leaning expedition ships may not include add-ons like pre- and post-cruise hotel stays in South American hubs such as Santiago and Buenos Aires en route to your embarkation point (typically Punta Arenas, Chile, or Ushuaia, Argentina).  

 

Moderately priced cruises on more comfortable expedition ships take things up a level (think fitness rooms and, depending on your cabin, private balconies), while ships on the far “splurge” side deliver even higher levels of onboard pampering.  

 

Luxury expedition ships in Antarctica will truly up the ante on your overall adventure, making your time on board as rewarding and memorable as your time on shore. Depending on the operator, these vessels can include everything from salons and saunas to split-level suites and a selection of fine dining venues that feature top wines and premier ingredients. 

 

 

How Long and How Far You Sail

 

As a general rule that spans all ship types and cruise line categories, the longer the voyage, the higher the cost. Antarctic cruises can span anywhere from around five to 35 days. The duration and price tag of an itinerary will also be influenced by the number and type of locations the ship visits.  

 

For instance, an expedition cruise that pushes deep into the Weddell Sea or crosses below the Antarctic Circle will certainly increase Antarctica cruise costs. Same goes for longer voyages that combine Antarctica with surrounding destinations like the subantarctic islands of South Georgia (the final resting spot of famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton) and the Falklands.  

 

Other worthy pairings (National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, for example, pairs Antarctica with explorations along southern Patagonia and the Chilean fjords on an 18-day itinerary)—will also add to your trip costs.

 

 

Cabin Category You Book on Your Antarctica Cruise

 

At the end of each exhilarating day exploring this legendary land, you’ll relish the chance to retire to your cabin and recharge for the next day’s adventures. Keep in mind that cabin categories vary greatly across cruise lines as well as across individual ships, with a host of factors such as size and amenities influencing the cost.  

 

If you’re hoping to save on the cost of a cruise to Antarctica, opt for a smaller cabin located at the ship’s interior (read: no windows) and on a lower level, or one that only features portholes with minimal views. In general, more economical cruises and ships tend to offer relatively small cabins with few bells and whistles. 

 

Moderately priced and luxury expedition cruises generally offer a wider selection of cabin categories, including spacious suites, with plenty of opportunities to splurge.  

 

Added stateroom and suite amenities, for instance, can include increased square footage, large windows, expansive balconies, heated bathroom floors, or private Jacuzzis.   

 

When You Travel to Antarctica 

 

Given Antarctica’s short travel season—October through March—timing is everything.

 

Within that window, there is no bad time to visit, but an understanding of wildlife conditions and weather patterns will help you decide which month is best for your trip.  

 

February through March, for example, brings prime whale watching opportunities. Penguin chicks pop up December through February. And warmer temps are often felt December through February. Read more about the best time to go to Antarctica.

 

Lower cruise fares can typically be found October into November as well as in March when demand tends to decrease and fares can drop by as much as 20 percent. 

 

Pro tip for those hoping to save on the cost of a cruise to Antarctica: Follow the cruise lines you’re interested in on social media and sign up for their newsletters to receive the latest updates on deals and discounts.  

 

 

Whether You Fly the Drake Passage or Not

 

Dividing South America from the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake Passage is the stuff of legend.  

 

Depending on whom you ask, crossing the 500-mile-wide strait—often the setting for intense winds and waves—is either an essential highlight of an Antarctic expedition, or a required flyover to avoid potential seasickness as well as to save time and money.   

 

There is no wrong way to go, and a growing number of cruise lines now offer both options to satisfy explorers in either camp. What’s more, with some cruise lines, flying directly to Antarctica provides an additional option for those looking to minimize their Antarctica cruise cost with shorter trips.  

 

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions recently added a suite of itineraries that fly the Drake Passage, offering direct, two-hour flights to King George Island where guests board the ship. Choose an expedition that flies both ways or fly one direction and sail the other for the best of both worlds.  

 

The eight-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage starts at $10,138, making it the most time efficient and budget-friendly of all the Antarctica voyages offered by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.  

 

 

Which Excursions You Choose to Do in Antarctica 

 

Hiking and snowshoeing. Skiing and sea kayaking. Paddling and polar plunges. Small-ship expedition cruises feature a slew of shore excursions designed to connect travelers to the White Continent. Some luxury cruise ships even offer helicopter and submarine sightseeing tours. 

 

Knowing which excursions are included, and which are not, will help you calculate your true Antarctica cruise cost. More economical cruises, for example, may only include a few excursions in their price tag, while all-inclusive, luxury cruises can include them all.  

 

Other expedition cruises may include most excursions (hiking, birding, and skiing, say), but exclude certain experiences. If not included, snorkeling and sea kayaking excursions, for instance, can significantly increase the cost of your trip, sometimes by as much as $800 and $1,800, respectively.    

 

Shore excursions including Zodiac cruises, kayaking adventures and guided hikes are all inclusive on a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyage. You’ll also have complimentary access to a certified photo instructor as well as a National Geographic Photography Expert who provide helpful Antarctic photography tips.

 

Guest-to-Crew Ratios 

 

A ship’s guest-to-crew ratio is another important factor in determining the cost of a cruise to Antarctica, as well as the quality of your cruise operator.  

 

While less favorable guest-to-crew ratios can reduce the cost of your trip, the added value of more generous ratios in Antarctica can be incalculable. Traveling with a larger—and veteran—crew will ensure a much safer and more memorable experience. 

 

A more generous guest-to-crew ratio equates to smaller groups on shore excursions which results in a greater opportunity to connect with your fellow guests and expedition leaders. You’ll be able to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the wildlife, ice, and topography of this incredible environment.    

 

As an example, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions maintains a guest-to-crew ratio of 10 to 1 or better on every Antarctic expedition.  

 

 

Onboard Costs While Cruising in Antarctica 

 

Onboard charges can also add to your Antarctica cruise cost. To eliminate any surprises, peruse the fine details of what is and what is not included before embarking your ship.  

 

Internet, phone, and laundry services, for example, may not be included in your fare. Spa and salon treatments, on ships that possess such amenities, can also boost your bill.  

 

Evening cocktails can be a nice way to cap off a day of epic adventures, but before imbibing, be sure to check if alcoholic beverages are included or not.  

 

Shopping for souvenirs in a ship’s boutique and dispensing discretionary gratuities will also add to your onboard costs. Note that some cruise lines include tips in their fares while others do not. 

 

All-inclusive cruise fares cost more up front, of course, but let you avoid dealing with individual onboard expenses during your trip.  

 

Traveling Solo or with Your Family to Antarctica

 

Traveling with family translates to a higher overall price tag, though cruise lines often offer discounts for group bookings. A number of cruise lines also offer sizeable discounts for children—even up to half off in some instances. 

 

Antarctica cruises are also popular with solo travelers. While solo supplements can be substantial (single travelers often pay around a 50 percent surcharge to stay in a double-occupancy cabin), several options exist for defraying your Antarctica cruise cost.   

 

Upon request, some cruise lines will pair solo guests with same gender travelers based on their selected cabin category. In certain cases, a line may even wave a solo supplement if it cannot pair you with another guest.  

 

Some ships also offer single cabins, though their fares run higher than per-person rates for double-occupancy cabins. Keep an eye out, too, for exclusive offers for solo travelers, especially in shoulder seasons as demand tends to decrease. 

 

 

Clothing & Other Costs 

 

Packing appropriate clothing and gear is essential for any successful Antarctica trip.  

 

For most travelers this means adding to your wardrobe—and in turn, to your Antarctica cruise cost. But as you set out exploring in temps typically ranging to lows of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you are likely to consider this money extremely well spent. 

 

Water- and windproof clothing will keep your skin dry, and therefore warm, so count on packing a rain jacket plus waterproof pants and gloves. An insulated, water-repellant, hooded parka is also a must.  

 

If you won’t have a use for cold-weather gear beyond your expedition, borrowing from a friend or family member or renting gear can be a more eco-friendly and sometimes more budget-friendly option.  

 

Guests aboard a National Geographic-Lindblad expedition to Antarctica can rent knee-high rubber boots and other recommended gear through Ship to Shore Traveler and it will be waiting in your cabin when you arrive. 

 

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions also provides complimentary high-quality parkas (yours to keep) that can be ordered ahead of your expedition. 

 

In a once-in-a-lifetime destination like Antarctica, you’re going to want to take photos. Recommended gear includes a camera, lenses, sufficient memory cards (along with a water-resistant backpack), and binoculars. Of course, the more you bring, the more your costs will increase but plenty of guests travel with just a smartphone and come home with priceless images.  

 

Extra Antarctica Trip Costs 

 

In order to see Antarctica, you have to travel to Antarctica! When budgeting for your trip, be sure to allot for international flights to South America, typically Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, depending on your itinerary. Pre- and post-voyage hotel stays in either hub may also be necessary. 

 

Connecting flights and hotel stays in ship embarkation points of Punta Arenas, Chile, or Ushuaia, Argentina (typically Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, Chile, for flights to Antarctica), are then needed.  

 

Remember that more economical Antarctica cruises are not likely to include these added expenses. Higher level operators, however, often include some or all of these expenses (and some transfers, meals, and excursions) in their higher fares.  

 

Travel insurance and a current passport can bring additional expenses. Note that passports must be valid for at least six months after the end of your expedition.  

 

 

Antarctica Cruise Ship Types and How It Impacts Cruise Costs 

 

The type and size of cruise ship you sail on—and the quality of the operator you sail with—will directly affect your cost to go to Antarctica.  

 

Fortunately, a variety of options exist that cater to a range of travel styles. Be sure to weigh your options carefully, as such decisions will also profoundly impact the type of experience you have on the White Continent.  

 

Mass Market and Larger Cruise Ships  

 

For cruisers drawn to larger ships, thinking big can have its benefits. Mainstream cruise lines and larger vessels, for instance, often emphasize options, including multiple viewing decks, a variety of specialty restaurants, and a wide selection of onboard activities and entertainment. 

 

Another plus, base fares from mainstream cruise lines operating larger cruise ships tend to cost considerably less (often under $5,000) than base fares available on smaller expedition ships. While this detail can bring welcome news for budget-conscious travelers, it is important to look at all the numbers. 

 

Larger cruise ships venturing into Antarctic waters often carry more than 2,000 guests. In contrast, smaller, more intimate expedition ships typically carry around 200.  

 

Significantly more passengers will not only create a noisier, less intimate environment to behold Antarctica’s wildlife and scenery, but it also means you’ll have to behold them entirely from the railing of your ship.  

 

Rules set by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) dictate that larger vessels carrying 500 or more passengers may only provide scenic cruising in Antarctica. In other words, no shore landings and excursions are permitted from larger vessels. 

 

Note, too, that cruises aboard larger ships are likely to spend fewer days in Antarctica (often two to four days). That said, if simply seeing—rather than stepping foot on—Antarctica will suffice for you, shorter sailings aboard large cruise ships offer a viable option for cutting your Antarctica cruise price. 

 

Budget Cruise Lines 

 

Scenic-only Antarctic sailings from mainstream (aka budget) cruise lines with larger ships are certainly one way to reduce your cost to go to Antarctica. But for budget-conscious travelers who would rather think small, a number of economical cruises (frequently under $8,000) aboard smaller, albeit more basic-leaning, expedition ships also exist. 

 

Cruising with operators that sail converted research vessels can help reduce your Antarctica cruise price. For travelers who do not mind sharing their space, such vessels may even offer triple cabins that can help cut cruise fares. 

 

Remember, too, that while such vessels cater to fewer guests, cabins are likely to be small and onboard amenities and dining options will generally be on the modest side. And while shore landings and excursions are permitted given these expedition ships’ smaller sizes, adventures such as kayaking, paddling, and snorkeling can often cost more.  

 

Be aware that Antarctica cruise operators are not permitted to bring more than 100 guests ashore at any given time. So, look for small expedition ships with the lowest guest capacity to avoid any potential queues for shore excursions.  

 

A number of necessary extras like flights, transfers, pre- and post-voyage hotel stays, gratuities, and expedition gear such as parkas are also not likely to be included in a budget cruise’s base fare.

 

 

Luxury Expedition Cruise Lines  

 

Luxury expedition cruises inevitably bring higher price tags. But they also come with a wealth of commensurate perks, beginning with valuable add-ons such as pre-voyage hotel stays. Some luxury expedition lines even include extras such as sightseeing tours in stopover hubs or international flights in their all-inclusive fares. 

 

Count on plenty of added onboard comforts, too, which can run the gamut from spacious staterooms to suites with expansive private verandas or personal butlers.  

 

When tallying your total Antarctica cruise price, though, remember that intangibles such as experience, expertise, and a safety-first mindset are also worth their weight in gold.  

 

In 1966, Lars-Eric Lindblad, led the first-ever civilian expedition to the White Continent. Today, nearly six decades since that pioneering trip, Lindblad Expeditions still leads the way in defining safety protocols in the region, both for the guests and the environment.  

 

 

On polar-class expedition ships such as the National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, high ice-strength ratings and veteran crews—including onboard medical professionals and the most experienced captains—come standard.  

 

Luxury expedition ships are also likely to be equipped with newer technology designed to protect Antarctica’s fragile eco-systems.  

 

Ships such as the National Geographic Endurance and the National Geographic Resolution, for instance, feature a patented X-BOW technology that not only ensures a smoother ride relative to ships with conventionally shaped bows, but also decreased emissions and fewer vibrations that can harm wildlife. 

 

Experienced and knowledgeable crews also bring increased value. Veteran expedition leaders and naturalists aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet possess expertise in subjects such as geology, climate science, ornithology, and marine ecology, along with years of experience—in some cases more than 30—of traveling in the White Continent.  

 

Things to Save Money on to Make Antarctica More Affordable 

 

Deciding what to save on and when to splurge depends on your personal preferences and budget. But for those leaning toward “save,” here are some ideas for bringing down your Antarctica cruise price. 

 

• Fly coach on international flights to South American hubs and embarkation points. 

• Stay in more modest hotels and lower room categories en route to Antarctica. 

• Consider sailing on cruises that are shorter in duration and/or distance traveled. 

• Cruise solely to the Antarctic Peninsula, skipping other spots like South Georgia. 

• Opt to fly from South America to Antarctica rather than sailing the Drake Passage. 

• Scale down your ship’s cabin category without any undue sacrifices in comfort. 

• Limit your consumption on those ships where alcoholic beverages are not included. 

• Travel in October or March when prices are often lower. 

• Favor operators who provide parkas and facilitate gear rentals, especially boots. 

• Stick to the shore excursions and landings that are included in your cruise fare.  

• Share your cabin with a fellow solo traveler to avoid paying single supplements. 

• Purchase zoom lenses rather than prime (fixed-length) lenses that often cost more. 

• Look for last-minute deals on travel operators’ websites and their social channels. 

 

 

Things to Splurge on When Traveling to Antarctica That Are Worth the Money 

 

Antarctica is, after all, a trip of a lifetime. And if there was ever a time to spend more, this is it. For travelers leaning toward “splurge,” here are a few options that are especially worth their added costs. 

 

• Fly business-class or first-class on international flights to South American hubs. 

• Extend your pre- or post-cruise voyage in these hubs for more time to explore. 

• Stay in more decadent hotels and higher room categories en route to Antarctica. 

• Look for longer cruises that sail farther, for example, below the Antarctic Circle. 

• Opt for cruises that also travel to bucket-list locales like Patagonia. 

• Select a ship cabin that offers large picture windows or even a private balcony. 

• Go when you will most likely see your favorite species, even if it is peak season. 

• Favor the most experienced travel operators who have the best safety records. 

• Sail on a small expedition ship that offers shore excursions and more camaraderie.  

• Set out on kayaking or paddling excursions even if they are not included in fares.  

• Look for a single cabin or pay a supplement if you are solo and privacy is key. 

• Pack fast, fixed-length camera lenses for the crispest photos, even in lower light. 

 

As you have seen, the cost of a cruise to Antarctica can vary dramatically based on a host of related factors, all acting in concert. Calculating your individual cost ultimately comes down to personal decisions, which can add to the joy of pre-trip planning and excitement.  

 

No doubt, a cruise to Antarctica can be a major investment, regardless of your budget and bottom line. But once you set foot on the White Continent and come face-to-face with its singular wildlife and surreal landscapes, it is a safe bet you will consider the trip one of the best investments of your life. 

 

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