The Ice Continent Awaits: Your First Antarctica Cruise, Sorted
An Antarctica cruise will run you anywhere from around AUD $10,000 to $35,000+ per person, sails only between November and March, and almost always departs from Ushuaia at the tip of South America. Here’s exactly what shapes that price, when to go, and how to get there.
An Antarctica cruise will run you anywhere from around AUD $10,000 to $35,000+ per person, sails only between November and March, and almost always departs from Ushuaia at the tip of South America. Here’s exactly what shapes that price, when to go, and how to get there.
How Much Does an Antarctica Cruise Cost?
Antarctica is one of the most expensive trips on the planet, and the price swings enormously depending on ship, cabin and season.
| 🪜TIER | 💰TYPICAL RANGE (per person) | 👀WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level expedition | $10,000–$15,000 | 10–11 nights, shared twin/triple cabin, smaller ship |
| Mid-range suite | $18,000–$25,000 | Private balcony or suite, more onboard amenities |
| Premium / fly-cruise package | $25,000–$35,000+ | Fly, stay & cruise ex-Buenos Aires, charter flights, luxury suites |
Fares are almost always quoted per person, twin share, and typically include all meals, expedition team lectures, Zodiac excursions and gratuities — but not international flights to South America unless you’ve booked a fly, stay and cruise package. Flight Centre regularly has packages from Ushuaia and Buenos Aires on offer with lines including HX Expeditions, Scenic and Swan Hellenic, often bundling pre-cruise hotel stays and bonus inclusions like onboard credit or included gratuities. Ask your Flight Centre Cruise Expert for current pricing on your preferred dates — December and January departures carry the biggest premium and sell out first.
Photo by: Yuri Choufour
Photo by: Yuri Choufour
Photo by: Yuri Choufour
When to Go: Antarctica Season Month by Month
The Antarctica cruise season runs November through March — the Southern Hemisphere summer, when the sea ice retreats enough for ships to reach the Peninsula.
- November: pristine, untouched snow and courting penguin behaviour, but colder and with more sea ice to navigate.
- December–January: peak season, longest daylight hours, penguin chicks hatching, and the busiest (and priciest) departures.
- February–March: best whale sightings as krill season peaks, slightly milder temperatures, and typically the best-value fares of the season.
Ushuaia and the Drake Passage: How You Get There
Most expedition cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina — the southernmost city in the world — crossing the Drake Passage over roughly two days each way. Conditions vary from glassy ("Drake Lake") to genuinely rough ("Drake Shake"), and seasickness tablets are worth packing regardless of your sea legs. If you’d rather skip the crossing, some premium lines offer a fly-cruise option, chartering guests by air between Punta Arenas or Buenos Aires and King George Island to join the ship directly — at a noticeably higher fare, but with two extra days on the Peninsula instead of at sea.
Choosing Your Expedition Line
Every expedition line runs a broadly similar format — Zodiac landings, onboard naturalists, IAATO-compliant environmental protocols — but the on-water experience differs. Smaller, classic expedition ships carry under 100 guests for maximum landing flexibility, while newer builds from lines like HX Expeditions, Swan Hellenic and Viking add hot tubs, science labs and more polished dining without sacrificing much manoeuvrability. Aurora Expeditions, founded in Australia, is worth a look for AU-based first-timers wanting a familiar operator; Scenic’s ultra-luxury Eclipse ships suit those wanting the polar experience with five-star trimmings.
What to Pack
- Layered thermals and a waterproof outer shell — conditions shift fast
- Waterproof, insulated boots (often supplied onboard for Zodiac landings)
- Gloves, a beanie and strong sun protection — glare off snow and ice is intense
- A good camera and binoculars for penguins, seals and whales
- Seasickness remedies for the Drake Passage crossing
The Takeaway
An Antarctica cruise is a genuine bucket-list trip and a genuine investment — but once you know the cost tiers, the season’s trade-offs and how the Drake Passage crossing actually works, the planning gets a lot less daunting. Talk to a Flight Centre Cruise Expert about your ideal month and budget, and they’ll match you to the right ship and departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Antarctica cruise cost?
Entry-level expedition berths on a 10–11 night Antarctic Peninsula voyage from Ushuaia start from roughly AUD $10,000–$15,000 per person in a shared twin cabin, with mid-range suites running AUD $18,000–$25,000 and premium expedition ships exceeding AUD $25,000–$35,000+ per person. Fly, stay and cruise packages ex-Buenos Aires — which bundle charter flights, hotel stays and the cruise — are typically priced from around AUD $28,000 per person for 13–16 nights. Your Flight Centre Cruise Expert can confirm current fares across HX Expeditions, Swan Hellenic, Viking, Aurora Expeditions and other lines.
When is the best time to go to Antarctica?
The Antarctica cruise season runs November to March, the Southern Hemisphere summer. Early season (November) brings pristine snow and courting penguins; December–January has the longest daylight hours and peak wildlife activity, including chicks hatching; February–March offers the best whale sightings and slightly milder temperatures. December and January departures sell out first and are booked well over a year ahead.
Do I sail or fly across the Drake Passage?
Most expedition cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, and sail across the Drake Passage — around two days each way, which can be smooth ("Drake Lake") or rough ("Drake Shake"). Some premium operators offer a fly-cruise option, chartering guests over the passage between Punta Arenas or Buenos Aires and King George Island, cutting sailing time in exchange for a higher fare.
Do I need a visa for an Antarctica cruise?
No visa is required for Antarctica itself, since the continent has no permanent civilian government and tour operators manage the required environmental permits as part of your booking. You will, however, need to meet entry requirements for your gateway country — most commonly Argentina or Chile — including, for Argentina, proof of travel medical insurance for foreign visitors. Check current requirements closer to departure, as gateway-country rules can change.
What should I pack for an Antarctica cruise?
Layered thermal clothing, a waterproof outer shell, insulated waterproof boots (often supplied onboard for landings), gloves, a beanie, sunglasses and strong sun protection (the sun reflecting off snow and ice is more intense than it looks), plus a good camera and binoculars for wildlife. Most expedition ships supply a branded parka to keep as a souvenir.
Is Antarctica cruising family-friendly?
Most expedition ships set a minimum age (commonly 8 or 10 years) due to the physical demands of Zodiac landings and the remoteness of the region, and family-specific departures are limited. Check minimum age and family policies with your Flight Centre Cruise Expert before booking if you’re travelling with children.