Polar regions cruise: best deals and companies 2026 ✔ 2027

The most beautiful stops of your Antarctic cruise

A cruise in the far north will allow you to discover landscapes that you have never seen before. With magnificent panoramas, as well as a special flora and fauna, let yourself be seduced by this destination which is literally at the end of the world. Numerous stopovers will allow you to go and meet the penguin colonies, but also observate whales. Here are some of the excursions you may be doing during your Antarctic cruise:

Drake Passage: separates southern South America and Antarctica.

Amalia Glacier: This is a glacier located in Patagonia. This glacier can also be called the Skua glacier. On board your ship, let yourself be surprised by the Amalia Glacier's flows located in the south of Patagonia and the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. 

Glacier Alley: the glacier is located on the northern slopes of the Brinannia Range.

Gerlache Strait: Located in Antarctica, Gerlache Strait is the most important passage on a cruise to Antarctica. This strait is located between the Palmer Archipelago and Graham Land.

The Schollart Channel: admire the glacier flows, be surprised by Antwerp Island and Brabant Island, see humpback whales, penguins and seals.

Snow Hill Island: Located off the coast of Antarctica in the Weddell Sea, meet the Emperor penguins. These colonies are rare to see and appear in early spring.

Neko Harbor: This glacier is located on the Antarctic Peninsula on Andvord Bay. From the top you can admire the magnificent view of the glaciers, but also see penguins, whales and seals.

Pléneau Island: the island is located in the Weddell Sea off the Antarctic Peninsula. Be enchanted by the magnificent glacier landscape.

Elephant Island: It is a mountainous island in northwest Antarctica. With large numbers of elephant seals on this ice-covered island, be surprised by fur seals and chinstrap penguins. 

Companies offering cruises to Antarctica

Several cruise lines offer extraordinary cruises to  Antarctica. These cruises are generally long and can last from 11 to 22 days depending on the cruise line.

Ponant

Discover Antarctica aboard a 5-star floating hotel with  Ponant cruise line. With a French crew at your disposal, discover exceptional destinations in the Arctic Circle. With more than 25 years of experience, Ponant gives you the opportunity to discover these territories where you can admire the fauna and flora. Come aboard a ship from Ponant and experience The "French art of living". You will be enjoying sweets prepared by the pastry chef Ladurée and having a culinary journey in a whole different part of the world.  Ponant has joined the International Association of Tour Operators in Antarctica with the aim of safeguarding the fauna and flora by adopting responsible behavior. It is  a guarantee of an eco-friendly cruise.  Discover Neko Harbour, Deception Island and Pléneau Island.

Hurtigruten

Explore the world with Hurtigruten Cruise Line, the specialist of polar cruises. With small ships that can sail where larger ships cannot, an intimate experience is guaranteed. Hurtigruten is the world leader in expedition cruises and has an eco-friendly fleet. Thanks to its renowned expertise and international team, Hurtigruten offers you sensational expedition cruises from Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile. Don't miss the Chilean Fjords, Patagonia or the Drake Passage.

Quark Expeditions

Head for adventure with Quark Expeditions, an expert specialist of polar cruises. With its comfortable, robust, ice-breaking ships, you can travel safely to the most remote northern regions. Explore the seventh continent, discover the wildlife, sail near icebergs and see  penguins. Be amazed by Snow Hill, home to penguin colonies, cross the Antarctic Circle surrounded by snow and ice, explore Snow Hill Island or sail the Weddell Sea. Photography enthusiasts cill be happy to know that there are 'Photography Series' cruises to capture stunning images.

Silversea Cruises

Offering luxury cruises in intimate ships, Silversea Cruise Line guarantees you a high quality cruise with a tailor-made service. Feel like you are on your own yacht with a professional crew at your service. From Ushuaia, Punta Arenas and Buenos Aires, head to the far north and explore the most hidden corners of the planet, with small ships that can slip into the most discreet places. Discover the beauty of the Antarctic landscape and experience the wildlife of polar destinations. Breathtaking views such as the Antarctic Strait, the South Shetland Islands and Elephant Island will leave you speechless.

Celebrity Cruises

Have an experience you will  never forget with Celebrity Cruises. Voted the 'Best Premium Cruise Line', your Celebrity Antarctica cruise will live up to your expectations. Let yourself be seduced by the company's elegant cruises in an atmosphere of 'modern luxury'. Embark on Celebrity Cruises and discover new cultures and culinary delights that will please you. Thanks to  world-renowned chefs onboard,  your taste buds will be tantalized by the quality of the fine dining. From Buenos Aires, head to Antarctica and visit the most beautiful glaciers or the Schollart Channel.

Holland America Line

A fascinating adventure awaits you with  Holland America Line. Push the boundaries of the 'edge of the world' and marvel at the white continent of Antarctica. Discover a new culture and beautiful landscapes. Holland America Line offers sophisticated cruises with over 500 itineraries in more than 100 countries. With medium-sized ships, you'll enjoy an intimate cruise and friendly service. From San Antonio or Buenos Aires, cruise the Sarmiento Canal or the Amalia Glacier.

Among the companies offering cruises to Antarctica, you can also find Seabourn Cruise Line, and Azamara Club Cruises.

What is the best period to go on a cruise to Antarctica?

Did you know that the coldest temperatures in Antarctica can reach -90°C? So it's all about choosing the right time to go on an Antarctic cruise. Companies only offer polar cruises during a certain period of the year, allowing tourists to discover Patagonia, Ushuaia, the Drake Passage, etc. The best season is during the months of November, December, January, February and March. Be sure to pack as much clothing as you can: temperatures will never exceed 10°C in any case.