Best Antarctica Cruises & Cruise Lines

As a leading authority of Antarctica cruises, we are often asked “What is the best Antarctica cruise?” Or “What is the best Antarctic cruise line?” Below is our answer—a list of the best cruises and cruise lines that go to Antarctica.

But take this list with the grain of salt that finding the best Antarctic cruise comes down to YOU. Our experts know the major and minute differences between cruise lines, ships and polar regions. Then we consider your priorities to make the decision—then booking—hassle free.

IN THIS POST – Best Cruises to Antarctica:
Expert Picks – the 7 best Antarctica cruises
Traveler Favorites
The Best Antarctica Cruise Lines – an alphabetical list
Selecting the Best Antarctic Cruise – our criteria
Our Recommendations
More Resources
Ratings & Reviews

The Best Antarctica Cruises – Expert Picks

We asked our team of experts—many who’ve been multiple times and one who’s even been five times—to name some of their favorites, and we came up with this list of the best small ship Antarctica cruises.

Best In-Depth Explorations of Antarctica

• Antarctica Complete including South Georgia & Polar Circle, 23 days, aboard a 132-guest ship
• Crossing the Antarctic Circle, 14 days, aboard 138- to 199-guest ships
• National Geographic Quest for the Antarctic Circle, 16 days, aboard a 138-guest ship
• Le Commandant Charcot Bellingshausen Sea Voyages, 16 days, aboard a 200-guest ship

Best Antarctica Air Cruise

• Polar Circle Air Cruise, 10 days, aboard a 76-guest ship

Best Value for an Active Cruise

• Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise, 13 days, aboard 108- to 170-guest ships

Best Adventure Options on an Antarctica Cruise

• Spirit of Antarctica Expedition, 12 days, aboard 132- to 154-guest ships

All of the above itineraries prioritize in-depth, active explorations of Antarctica with top-tier guides, but we truly have an option for every traveler. Contact us for a more personalized selection. For example: Do you want to kayak, camp or ski? Do you want the finest level of cuisine? Are you short on time, or have specific dates? Are you on a budget? Seeking a specific penguin species? Or to participate in citizen science? We take all this into a personalized approach to help match you with the perfect fit.

The Absolute Best Antarctica Cruises

If you don’t have any budget restraints and can travel for a longer period of time, the 2025-2026 Antarctica season is bringing some of the most comprehensive explorations ever offered. Don’t miss the following “epic” monthlong itineraries that sail between Chile/Argentina and Australia/New Zealand if you are truly seeking the best Antarctic cruise: 

• Epic Antarctic Odyssey: Crossing the 7th Continent, 34 days, aboard a 154-guest ship
• Le Commandant Charcot Unexplored Antarctica, 31 days, aboard a 200-guest ship

The Best Antarctica Cruises – Traveler Favorites

Let our bookings speak for themselves. Here are the best Antarctica cruises that didn’t make our list above, but are rated by our travelers who book these favorites year after year. Consider one of these classic itineraries that simply stand the test of time:

• Antarctic Explorer, 11-12 days, aboard 138- to 199-guest ships
• National Geographic: the White Continent, 12 days, aboard 138-guest ships
• Antarctica Air Cruise, 8 days, aboard 67- to 96-guest ships
• Polar Circle Cruise, 12-16 days, aboard 108- to 170-guest ships
• National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands, 22 days, aboard 138- to 148-guest ships

Read more traveler testimonials and ratings below, or on our dedicated page to the topic: Antarctica cruise reviews.

The Best Antarctica Cruise Lines

The logistics of operating cruises in Antarctica are formidable and not to be taken lightly. These Antarctica travel companies are the best in the business. Each cruise company is committed to safety, service, guest experience and environmental stewardship. We are proud to partner with the best Antarctica cruise lines in the world. Wondering what cruise lines go to Antarctica? Your answer is below (in alphabetical order):

Antarctica 21
Antarpply Expeditions
Aurora Expeditions
G Adventures
Intrepid Travel
National-Geographic Lindblad Expeditions
Oceanwide Expeditions
Polar Latitudes
PONANT
Poseidon Expeditions
Quark Expeditions

Antarctica 21

Antarctica 21, an Antarctica only cruise line based in Punta Arenas, Chile, pioneered the concept of air cruises to Antarctica. This innovative concept of combining flights from Chile to the Antarctic Peninsula gave birth to an entire industry. Since their first cruises in 2003, many polar operators have copied the idea. In 2019 they applied their cumulative experience to design, build and launch the Magellan Explorer, custom built their Antarctic Air Cruise. Magellan Discoverer, sister ship to Magellan Explorer, is under construction at the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile, with an anticipated launch for the 2026-2027 Antarctica season.

Why Cruise with Antarctica21

The logistics of operating a fly-and-cruise program in Antarctica are enormous. Antarctica21 has the right mix of strategic partnerships, operational experience and exceptional leadership that it takes to be at the forefront of this unique niche in expedition travel. More than an Antarctic cruise line, they are an air cruise institution. Of all the cruise lines that go to Antarctica, they are the fly cruise specialists. A21 is the best Antarctica air cruise option.

Antarpply Expeditions

Based in Ushuaia, Argentina, and operating only one ship of the same name, Antarpply Expeditions offers some of the most intimate and affordable Antarctic cruises available. Originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the 90-guest Ushuaia is one of the smallest ships operating in Antarctica.

Why Cruise with Antarpply Expeditions

Antarpply keeps operations simple and straightforward, with one ship currently sailing all their itineraries. This offers guests a consistent onboard experience, with more specialized operational touches that only a small Antarctica cruise company, and a small ship like the Ushuaia, can provide. Antarpply is among the best Antarctica tour companies for affordability.

Aurora Expeditions

With a history of pushing the boundaries of expedition travel, Aurora Expeditions is known for pioneering several activities such as scuba diving and climbing in Antarctica. Indeed, they distinguish themselves from other small cruise lines by their selection and quality of extensive off-vessel activity options. They were the first adventure cruise company to introduce a passenger vessel, the Greg Mortimer, featuring Ulstein X-Bow technology. 

Why Cruise with Aurora Expeditions

Choose to cruise with Aurora Expeditions for more extensive adventure such as camping, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, ski and snowboard touring, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, ice climbing and stand-up paddleboarding. Aurora is also a certified B Corporation, 100% climate neutral, and their Sustainability in Action program features reduced fuel consumption and single-use plastics, women in conservation, environmental volunteer projects, and eco-friendly products aboard and in the office.

G Adventures

G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering one of the largest selections of affordable and adventurous expeditions, including polar sailings on their flagship vessel, the 134-guest M/S Expedition. Destinations like Antarctica are deeply rooted in their history of taking small groups of curious adventure seekers around the world.

Why Cruise with G Adventures

The company’s specialty lies with why they do what they do, more than where they go and their fun-loving clientele of travelers. Their style is to embrace authenticity, exotic cuisine and local traditions to connect travelers with the region’s landscapes and wildlife. G Adventures’ commitment to sustainable, environmentally conscious travel is part of everything they do with commitments around the world towards giving back to the communities and environments they travel in.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid has been an industry leader for over 30 years, using travel as a force for good. They are the largest travel industry B Corporation, and they’ve been raising standards since 2018, creating benefits for all stakeholders: travelers, staff, suppliers, shareholders, and the environments and communities they visit. The Intrepid Foundation, Intrepid’s philanthropic non-profit, provides visibility, connection and financial support to various organizations around the world.

Why Cruise with Intrepid Travel

Cruising in Antarctica with Intrepid is a feel-good opportunity. Your Antarctica voyage is carbon-neutral; in fact, 125% of emissions are offset. The company is working toward 100% renewable energy. And in Antarctica, Intrepid partners with World Wildlife Fund researchers, sources sustainable seafood, avoids single-use plastics and provides biodegradable toiletries. Also, they can get 100 guests off the ship via an impressive fleet of 22 Zodiacs.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is a pioneer in small ship expedition cruises and one of the biggest names in small ship cruising today. The company is synonymous with exploration, education and conservation. Operating under the idea that a cruise is passive but an expedition is active, Lindblad delivers an authentic and exhilarating travel experience through all-five-senses engagement with the world’s most exotic locations worldwide. All this expertise is paired with their now-official brand partner, National Geographic, who needs no introduction.

Why Cruise with National Geographic-Lindblad

Lindblad’s reputation for being at the top of the expedition market is well deserved. A cruise aboard any one of Lindblad’s small ships is marked by a top-notch expedition team with some of the best service in the industry. Despite their luxury price tag, the onboard atmosphere is casual and practical in an expedition style. The true value is in the naturalists, historians, undersea specialists, guest lecturers, highly trained guides and National Geographic partnership. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is the best Antarctica cruise line if you are seeking the highest quality onboard educational programs and intellectual stimulation.

Oceanwide Expeditions

Oceanwide Expeditions is a Dutch vessel operator specializing only in polar cruising. Like the Dutch cartographers of their namesake ships, they follow meticulous attention to detail and refinement because safety and experience depends on it. Their fleet of three expedition ships are not fancy but known for excellent standards of service and comfort. Oceanwide operates a unique Antarctica basecamp cruise which is popular with travelers seeking ample opportunities for active exploration.

Why Cruise with Oceanwide Expeditions

A five-time winner of the World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator award, Oceanwide is passionate about polar expedition cruising. The company distinguishes itself from other operators with an emphasis on educational lectures by experienced guides and by delivering an active shore program.

Polar Latitudes

Founded in 2010 by a group of veteran polar specialists, Polar Latitudes wanted to buck the trend of ever larger ships with more berths. The company aims to preserve the atmosphere and camaraderie, as well as the level of service, that can only be sustained aboard smaller vessels.  

Why Cruise with Polar Latitudes

People and passion distinguish Polar Latitudes. The company only cruises in Antarctica and this singular focus results in a deep knowledge of the continent. They are founder-owned-and-operated and it may be the only Antarctica cruise line where you might find an owner driving you on a Zodiac excursion.

PONANT

PONANT is the world’s only French cruise ship operator specializing in intimately sized luxurious small ships all flying under the French flag. Their fleet of small expedition ships are the finest available. The “French touch” is exemplified by the presence of French Naval officers, elegant cuisine and internationally recognized interior design. French and English are spoken on board.

Why Cruise with PONANT

If you are seeking to explore aboard the most luxurious Antarctica ships available, PONANT is for you. You will not sacrifice experience for comfort as the off-vessel expedition program is exceptional. PONANT is also a common frontrunner for the best Antarctica luxury cruise.

Poseidon Expeditions

Poseidon Expeditions is one of the leading providers of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. Founded in 1999, the company is a recognized leader in icebreaker cruises. Poseidon is very well known for their Arctic cruises and has successfully navigated to the North Pole well over 100 times. The company brings this expertise to Antarctica with an experienced expedition crew, a luxury expedition ship and a commitment to sustainability. 

Why Cruise with Poseidon Expeditions

Poseidon offers an upscale ship and one of the best staff-to-passenger ratios in Antarctica. Choose this Antarctica cruise line to combine the spirit of adventure with a generous measure of onboard comfort and well-being.

Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions is a recognized leader in polar cruising and offers the widest array of Antarctic expeditions on the planet. The company boasts a number of firsts including the first non-scientific visits to emperor penguin rookeries, first circumnavigation of Antarctica for commercial passengers, and the discovery of the emperor penguin rookery at Snow Hill Island. In 2015 they were recognized as the World’s Leading Specialty Cruise Line at the World Travel Awards.

Why Cruise with Quark Expeditions

When you cruise with Quark Expeditions, you can rest assured that you are traveling with one of the most conscientious companies in the polar expeditions industry, from safety standards to customer service and sustainability. Many of the most interesting itineraries and routes are offered by Quark Expeditions. 

How Does AdventureSmith Select the Best Antarctica Cruises & Cruise Lines? 

We created this list of the best Antarctica tour companies based on several factors. First and foremost is operational safety and experience in polar cruising. Off-vessel exploration and activity program logistics are an important consideration. Onboard programs, lectures and the experience of the expedition crew are critical for a top ranking.

The ships themselves must be polar class but ship amenities are a secondary consideration. There are ships for every style and budget, from simple research ships to extravagant luxury expedition ships. Take a deep dive to learn more about Antarctica expedition cruise ships. 

We personally inspect every ship and work with Antarctic cruise companies for many years before they make it on our best list.

Which Antarctica Cruise Lines Do We Recommend?

Each of the Antarctica cruise lines on our list is a good choice. We feel it is not our role to play favorites. Our job is to match the traveler with the right itinerary, ship and cruise line for their interests, budget and schedule. We take this commitment to our clients seriously and endeavor to personalize our recommendations. Ultimately the best cruise to Antarctica is the one that fits your style and budget.

View our full selection of partner small ship cruise companies and our full list of small expedition ships. Learn more about choosing a cruise in our Antarctica travel guide.

MORE ANTARCTICA RESOURCES:
Antarctica Travel Guide
Antarctica Cruises
Luxury Antarctica Cruises
Falkland Islands & South Georgia Cruises
Cruises with Flights to Antarctica
Best Time to Visit Antarctica
Antarctica Cruise Cost
How to Get to Antarctica
Things to Do in Antarctica
Places in Antarctica
Antarctica Ships
Antarctica Cruise Deals
Antarctica Cruise Reviews