Big Adventures, Bigger Savings
Save up to 40% off select Antarctic Expeditions*
Ready to take your sense of adventure to the next level? With up to 40% off* select 2025/26 Antarctica expeditions and up to 25% off* 2026/27 voyages, there’s never been a better time to explore the white continent.
Whether you're drawn to the towering icebergs of the Antarctic Peninsula, the wildlife-rich South Georgia, or the icy extremes of the Weddell Sea beyond the Antarctic Circle, our small ship expeditions deliver big experiences in some of the most remote places on Earth.
Join us for an adventure like no other, where our small ships promise big adventures. Book now to secure the best deals and set sail on the ultimate Antarctic adventure.
Get the Best Cruise Deals and Explore Antarctica, Australia & New Zealand in 2025–26
Aurora Expeditions is offering up to 40% off* select staterooms on select 2025/26 Antarctica voyages — your chance to experience some of the most remote corners of the planet at exceptional value. Book early to secure your spot and enjoy unbeatable savings on the adventure of a lifetime. Or explore our limited-time Solo Traveller Offers on all 2025/26 Antarctic expeditions*!
Polar Expedition
Antarctic Peninsula
Spirit of Antarctica
12 Days
USD
$14,956
From
$17,595
per person
twin share
Polar Expedition
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Explorer
12 Days
USD
$12,597
From
$20,995
per person
twin share
Polar Expedition
South Georgia
South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey featuring the South Sandwich Islands
24 Days
USD
$20,397
From
$33,995
per person
twin share
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Polar Expedition
Americas
Patagonia & Chilean Fjords
15 Days
USD
$9,597
From
$15,995
per person
twin share
Small Ships, Big Adventures and Best Deals for Antarctica Cruises in 2026-27
Set sail on Aurora Expeditions’ 2026-2027 season of responsible small ship adventures to Antarctica, offering 27 awe-inspiring expeditions aboard three purpose-built small ships. Get in early to secure your preferred stateroom and enjoy Early Bird savings of up to 25% off*! Or take advantage of 10 dedicated solo staterooms per sailing with no single supplement.
Polar Expedition
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake
10 Days
USD
$20,316
From
$25,395
per person
twin share
Polar Expedition
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica Complete
23 Days
USD
$34,196
From
$37,995
per person
twin share
Polar Expedition
Ross Sea & East Antarctica
Mawson’s Antarctica
24 Days
USD
$28,301
From
$33,295
per person
twin share
Frequently Asked Questions about Cruising to Antarctica
Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth. The South Geographic Pole is in Antarctica, and most of the continent lies within the Antarctic Circle, at 66.5 degrees south of the Equator.
Antarctica is so far south that most of the continent receives 24 hours of daylight during summer, and 24 hours of darkness during winter.
Antarctica lies to the south of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America, and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean). Most visitors access Antarctica via ship or aircraft from an Antarctic ‘gateway city’. The five official Antarctic gateway cities are Ushuaia (Argentina), Hobart (Australia), Punta Arenas (Chile), Christchurch (New Zealand), and Cape Town (South Africa).
The name ‘Antarctica’ comes from ‘Antarktos’, meaning ‘opposite the Arctic’. Antarctica and the Arctic are indeed opposites in many ways, and they lie at the polar extremes of the globe: the Arctic to the north and Antarctica to the south.
Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth. The average temperature throughout the year is about -57°C, with the minimum temperature being -130°F (-90°C) during the winter season.
During the summer months, when we visit, the temperature can range from 28°F (-2°C) to 46°F (8°C). In summer, big storms are rare, but if one comes through the temperature could drop to 17°F (-8°C ).
How long is an Antarctica cruise?
Antarctica cruises typically last between 9 to 34 days, with most cruises ranging from 12 to 21 days. The duration depends on factors such as departure location and itinerary. Shorter trips focus on highlights, while longer voyages explore more remote regions.
The cost of an Antarctica cruise can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as voyage duration, stateroom type, and the chosen itinerary.
When considering an Antarctica cruise with Aurora Expeditions, you can expect prices to start from USD$13,195 per person when sharing a twin Aurora Stateroom. However, there are also early bird discounts available.
Shipboard attire leans toward the informal and casual side, you’ll find jeans, jumpers, and long-sleeved shirts comfortable indoors. It’s wise to have your jacket within reach for impromptu wildlife encounters.
While there’s no need for formal clothing, some travellers like to dress up for the captain’s welcome and farewell drinks.
Each passenger on our Antarctic cruises will receive an expedition jacket. Though, you should pack suitable cold and wet weather gear for onshore landings during your Antarctica cruise.
To help you prepare, consult our suggested packing list, which outlines the recommended types of layers and materials for an Antarctica cruise.
Children are more than welcome on our Antarctica cruises. However, we recommend that they are at least 8 years old and must travel with their legal guardian. Children pay the same rate as an adult traveller.
You can reach Antarctica from the southern tip of South America or from 2025, start your trip from Hobart, Australia or Dunedin, New Zealand. Two popular departure points for Antarctica cruises are Ushuaia, Argentina, and Punta Arenas, Chile, both located in the Patagonian region and are among the southernmost towns on Earth.
Antarctica cruises commencing in Ushuaia typically involve crossing the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula or voyaging to the Subantarctic Islands of the Falklands or South Georgia before continuing onward to Antarctica.
Alternatively, passengers departing from Punta Arenas can enjoy a unique experience by flying to Antarctica, specifically King George Island, via a charter flight arranged exclusively for their expedition.