Frequently asked questions about Antarctica cruises

Deposit confirms your booking: 30% of the cruise and land arrangements, plus 100% of any flights. The balance is due 95 days before departure on most itineraries and 125 days on some cruise lines. Quotes hold for three days.

Generally, the earlier, the better. If there's a specific ship or itinerary that you're keen on, it's best to book it to avoid disappointment. Due to the short season, there aren't many sailings with the same itinerary available each year.

Sometimes. Depending on which cruise line you sail with, you may or may not be able to select your cabin. You will, however, always be able to choose the cabin type. So if you're wanting to splurge on a captain's suite, or just stay in the most affordable room, you'll be able to do so.

Deposits are non-refundable once a booking is accepted, though at our discretion they can sometimes transfer to another journey. Cancelling after the final payment date means losing the full amount, one of several reasons we insist on travel insurance from day one. Changes may carry a fee of AU$200 per person.

Yes, and for expedition cruising it must cover emergency evacuation and repatriation, a condition of travel, not a suggestion. Take it out the day you pay your deposit, and make sure it covers supplier insolvency too.

We are fully accredited AFTA & ATAS Member No. 12406. Your travel is protected under Australia's recognised industry standards, which vet agencies annually for financial standing, compliance and dispute resolution.

Not all ships are equipped to travel to Antarctica, so the vast majority of large cruise lines don’t offer cruises here.Those that do, usually aren’t able to dock or drop anchor, meaning you won’t be able to actually get off the ship and onto the ice. But if sightseeing cruises are your thing, or you’re unable to participate in excursions, they could be good options.

Purpose-build ships and expedition vessels are used to make the arduous journey across the Drake Passage and, in some cases, break through the ice.

- Atlas World Voyages

- Aurora Expeditions

- Celebrity Cruises

- Heritage Expeditions

- HX Expeditions

- Ponant

- Princess Cruises

- Quark Expeditions

- Seabourn

- Scenic Eclipse

- Silversea

While better is subjective, you will get a much more immersive experience on a smaller ship. Larger ships don’t usually come with the extensive teams of naturalists, geologists, ornithologists and other experts that expedition vessels do.

Unlike large-scale cruises, the small ships don’t have interior cabins, meaning everyone gets a window with views of icebergs, wildlife and the frozen landscapes right from their rooms.

The ships used for expeditions typically only carry 100-300 passengers, making the experience more intimate all around. It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded travellers in smaller groups, join guided excursions with ideal guest-to-guide ratios and you’ll spend much less time waiting for Zodiacs and land transfers. 

Smaller ships are also able to access more remote destinations that larger ships simply can’t fit into, meaning you’ll be able to go deeper into the Antarctic waters to more isolated locations.

Best is completely subjective, but if you're looking for the best option for you, our team of experts is able to help you narrow it down.

Some award-winning lines that cruise to Antarctica include:

World's Best Expedition Cruise Line 2025 (World Cruise Awards)

- Aurora Expeditions (Nominee)

- Ponant (Nominee)

- Quark Expeditions (Nominee)

- Seabourn (Nominee)

- Scenic (Nominee)

World's Best Cruise Line for Shore Excursions 2025 (World Cruise Awards)

- Silversea (Winner)

World's Best Cruise Ship for Romance 2025 (World Cruise Awards)

- PONANT's Le Commandant Charcot (Nominee)

Cruise Industry News: 2025 Expedition Market Report

- HX Expeditions (Winner)

If money is no object, then a luxury cruise does include more in the base fare and offers more amenities on the ship.

For example, luxe lines like Scenic or Silversea, will include butler service and full-service spas. Cheaper trips, such as tours with groups like Intrepid or G Adventures, won't include the upscale extras.

If a luxury cruise just doesn't work with your budget, you won't be missing out on anything in Antarctica though. All expedition cruises include Zodiac landings, experts on board for lectures and presentations and plenty of incredible views.

Just about everywhere! Depending on where you go though, you may see different species.

- Antarctic Peninsula: Gentoo, Chinstrap, Magellanic and Adélie penguins

- Weddell Sea and Snow Hill Island: Emperor penguins.

- Sub-Antarctic Islands: King, Rockhopper and Yellow-eyed penguins

- Ross Sea: Adélie and Emperor penguins

The Drake Passage sits between the tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. If you are headed to the Antarctic Peninsula and are departing from Argentina or Chile, you are going to need to cross it.

If you're looking to avoid it, there are fly-cruise options that include charter flights to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. It sits just north of the peninsula, and you'll board your ship there where the waters tend to be much calmer.

Typically two excursions: a morning and an afternoon landing or Zodiac cruise, guided by the expedition team. Ice and weather rewrite itineraries daily, and good expedition leaders treat that as an opportunity – if one site closes, another opens. Under IAATO rules, no more than 100 visitors are ashore at any one time.

On most ships, yes, sea kayaking, guided walks on snow and rock, and the polar plunge for the brave. Kayaking places are limited and book out early, so tell us if it matters to you.

IAATO guidelines ask you to keep five metres back. The penguins have not read the guidelines. Sit quietly on a beach in South Georgia and curious chicks will often walk right up to your boots.

IAATO bans recreational drones throughout Antarctica to protect wildlife.

Yes, on a properly run expedition. Modern polar-class ships, professional expedition teams and strict international protocols make this one of the most carefully managed destinations on Earth. The weather remains the boss, though flexibility is part of the deal.