For many people, seeing Antarctica is a dream come true and the trip of a lifetime. The best way to experience it is by taking a cruise. Flying requires expensive charter flights with expert pilots, but cruises let you make multiple stops.
Generally, a cruise to Antarctica typically costs at least $10,000 per person.
Still, there are many variable factors. Below, read about the things that impact the cost of cruises to Antarctica, what’s included in them, and much more.
Antarctica Trip Price Factors
Several factors impact Antarctic cruise costs. Some of them are:
- When you travel (time of year, season)
- With whom you travel
- Where you embark and disembark (places in South America are the most popular)
- The type of ship on which you travel
- The kind of cabin you book
- Your destination or destinations in Antarctica (Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and so on)
- How you choose to explore (excursions, solo vs. in a group, and so on)
As you can see, many factors impact the cost of cruises to Antarctica. It’s confusing terrain, so let’s take a closer look.
Antarctica Cruise Price: What’s Included?
Cruises to Antarctica are unlike those you take to other places. For one thing, the ships are much smaller. They have to navigate small islands and polar debris. Therefore unlike larger ships, fewer amenities exist; you certainly won’t find a casino!
Don’t worry about paying for onboard amenities. Some vessels offer more comfort than others, including jacuzzis, saunas, libraries, bars, and fine dining. On some ships, cabins also have private balconies.
Your cruise is more about the excursions and expeditions you’ll experience. Therefore, those are almost always included in your price, which is another way these cruises differ from traditional ones.
To get the most out of your trip, your boat will hire a team of experts to give lectures and answer questions. Many of these will happen in the evenings and while sailing to your next destination.
You’ll also get a pair of ultra heavy-duty rubber boots, so no worries about spending a ton of money on them before you go.
In addition to those things, your boat may also provide the following:
- A weather-appropriate waterproof parka
- Hotel accommodations before and after your cruise
- Flights to or from Antarctica or places there
- Alcoholic beverages
- Additional expeditions or activities, such as snowshoeing, photography, sea kayaking, camping, and more
Antarctica Cruise Costs by Season
As you can see, many factors can impact the cost of your cruise. Cruises to Antarctica start at $650-$750 per person per day. If you travel in a cabin alone, that price will go up a great deal.
Luxury cruises start between $1000-$1,500 per person per day, based on double occupancy. If you choose a higher-end cruise line, your ticket will probably include your flight to Ushuaia. Add about $1000 to your expenses if you have to book it.
High season is when the wildlife and terrain are most active and impressive. This occurs from about mid-December through February. Expect prices to be 10%-25% higher.
Shoulder season is during November, early December, and March. Prices may be 10%-25% lower. Remember, these are summer months in the southern hemisphere.
Therefore, you must budget at least $7,000-$10,000 per person for a cruise to Antarctica.
Extra Expenses: Gear and Travel Insurance
It isn’t just the cruise itself. Traveling to Antarctica has other costs attached. First is flights to and from South America (typically Argentina).
Unless you’ve already visited arctic or polar climates, you’ll probably have to buy some special clothing. We don’t have space here to explain every article but prepare to spend a few hundred dollars per person on gear.
You’ll need travel insurance; it’s mandatory for cruises to Antarctica. You’ll want a good policy since evacuation is costly, but it can run $2000 per person or more.
Your cruise itself may have add-ons for additional costs. Camping excursions, sea kayaking, and other more adventurous activities often cost extra.
Finally, don’t forget to tip the cruise staff. You should plan to leave at least $15 per day for each of your attendants.
Additional Information about Traveling to Antarctica
Let’s quickly look at other factors and things that cost money.
Visas and Permits
If you’re from Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United States, you don’t need a visa, but you need special permission to enter Antarctica. Check with your cruise operator since they should take care of it.
Vaccinations and Health Considerations
No vaccinations are required to travel to Antarctica. That being said, you may have difficulty finding insurance if you have certain health conditions.
Anything that elevates your risk of needing emergency care makes insurance companies wary. This includes a history of heart issues or stroke, diabetes, certain autoimmune disorders, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s look at common questions regarding traveling to Antarctica.
Do you need a passport to go to Antarctica?
Yes and no. If you’re from Canada, Australia, the US, or the EU, you don’t need a passport to enter Antarctica.
However, you need a passport to travel to and from Argentina in South America, where you’ll begin your journey. Since there are no options for doing so, you cannot travel to Antarctica unless you have a valid passport.
Do I need a converter/ adapter for the electricity?
It doesn’t hurt to bring a universal adapter. You can find out what kind of outlets your ship has ahead of time, but you’ll likely still need one in Argentina.
Do I need spending money?
You don’t need to budget as much spending money as you would for many other trips. There aren’t exactly any shopping centers on the White Continent! Still, there may be extras on your cruise, or you may want some cash for Argentina.
Final Thoughts
A cruise to Antarctica isn’t cheap, but it is worth it. As long as you budget correctly and prepare, you can enjoy every second of your cruise without stressing about how much it costs.
