How Much Does It Cost to Go to Antarctica?

To experience the White Continent off the ship, the average Antarctica cruise cost is about $12,000 per person; the least expensive trips start around $5,000, while luxury voyages can exceed $20,000. How much might it cost you? Read on for our experts‘ inside knowledge and money-saving tips to help you answer the question “How much does it cost to go to Antarctica?”

IN THIS POST – Antarctica Cruise Cost:
Antarctica Price Factors
Cruise Types: Budget, Mid-Range, Luxury
Ship Considerations: Size, Cabin
Itinerary Pricing
What’s Included?
Extra Costs & Essentials
Solo Traveler Costs
Price By Season
How to Save on Antarctica
Cost to Go to Antarctica
More Resources

Antarctica Trip Price Factors

Antarctic trip costs can vary widely based on several things. Here are the primary factors influencing Antarctica cruise price:

• Number of Days
• Time of Year
• When You Book
• Ship Selection
• Cabin Category

The price is also based on where you are going, with Falkland Islands and South Georgia cruise itineraries and emperor penguin voyages in the Weddell Sea being among the highest since these voyages are longer.

On top of the cruise price, there are additional expenses travelers should account for to calculate the full Antarctica travel cost. These include the cost of flights, pre- or post-cruise hotel overnights, added optional adventure activities and gear.

There are Antarctica trips to fit every budget and style. Read on for a breakdown of the budget, mid-range and top-end options, followed by considerations when comparing Antarctica cruise prices.

Budget Antarctica Cruises

Budget cruises range from just under $5,000 per person to just under $10,000. These cost-effective expeditions feature simple ships, fewer inclusions, basic amenities and smaller cabins. The experience is aboard a cruising base camp that focuses on adventure over amenities. Expect simple but clean and comfortable accommodations. These ships feature no-frills common areas, basic but satisfying meals and foreign crew.

A budget Antarctica cruise will offer an experienced expedition crew and off-vessel activities to explore up close. These affordable cruise packages may not include internal flights, pre-cruise hotel overnights, airport transfers, or added excursions such as sea kayaking or snowshoeing. Be sure to review inclusions before you budget the full cost of your Antarctica trip.

Budget Antarctica Cruise Expert Tips:

• Review inclusions/exclusions for possible additional fees
• Triple/quad cabins & shared bathrooms can keep costs down
• Get more Antarctica money saving tips

Mid-Range Cruises

Most cruises fall into the mid-range price category and will cost $10,000 to just under $20,000 per person. These are typically seasoned expedition vessels with many years’ experience plying polar waters. These ships offer the sweet spot between comfort and price.

A variety of cabins and onboard comforts, from simple to upscale, will satisfy most travelers. Amenities such as gyms, libraries, lecture rooms and comfortable lounges create an atmosphere familiar to experienced small ship cruisers. Expedition crew and onboard programs are a highlight, meals are delicious and off-vessel activities are extensive. You do not have to sacrifice comfort for price on a mid-range cruise. 

Luxury Cruises

Expect to pay $20,000 or more for a cruise aboard a luxury ship. A modern fleet of purpose-built expedition ships has emerged in recent years, offering a new level of comfort and efficiency in polar cruising. Newly launched luxury ships with modern amenities, the finest cabins and upscale service will cost more. Entry level cabins may cost a bit less while the sky is the limit for luxury suites. Many travelers think the extra price is worthwhile.

The benefits of these ships are many. Modern design with stabilizers and even X-BOW® technology can make a smoother (less rough) voyage. Newer, more efficient engines travel faster, shortening the time to cross the Drake Passage or other rough seas. Luxury Antarctica cruises will feature Jacuzzis and saunas, a full-service spa, gourmet cuisine and five-star service. Cabins and suites are larger and can include large view windows or even balconies. Guides and science-based tools for exploration, such as underwater rovers, video microscopes and onboard science labs, are the best available. 

Ship Size & Fleet Considerations

The size of the ship may influence your Antarctica cruise cost and the experience. Larger ships have economies of scale and can present a good value. But also consider that only 100 guests are allowed ashore at one time in Antarctica. So, a larger Antarctica ship might present more time in the Zodiac or more time waiting and less time ashore. AdventureSmith only works with ships limited to 200 guests or fewer in Antarctica, as ships over 500 passengers can’t make landings at all.

Different ships within the same fleet can vary. As stated above, newer and more recently remodeled ships with updated amenities and more space will typically cost more. However, as more Antarctica cruise operators move to dynamic pricing, the cost can revolve more around remaining capacity. Sometimes a more upscale ship can be less expensive than others in its fleet.

This is where one of our experts can help hone in on the current best rates, and provide deeper knowledge to help you compare ships. We have cruised aboard or personally inspected every ship we represent. Our experience will help you find your best trip at the lowest price.

Cruise Ship Cost Expert Tips:

• Larger ships may mean less time ashore
• Work with an expert to compare ships + find unexpected savings
• Get more Antarctica money saving tips

Cabin Category & Antarctica Price

Once you have selected your ship, the cabin category will greatly influence the overall cost of a cruise to Antarctica.

In general cabins lower on the ship, closer to the waterline, are the least expensive. These cabins are often the quad, triple or entry-level double cabins, and they’re sometimes located on the interior of the ship. They typically have portholes instead of view windows, or have windows with obstructed views. A benefit of being lower on the ship is less rocking when rough seas are encountered.

As you get higher on the ship the staterooms often get nicer and feature more space, large view windows and oftentimes balconies. On higher decks you are closer to outdoor observation decks and therefore closer to Antarctica. Suites can offer much more space, with a sitting area in addition to the bedroom. Luxury ships might offer upscale amenities such as heated bathroom floors, entertainment systems, bathtubs, private hot tubs, or even butler and room service.

Expert Tips on Choosing Your Cabin:

• Look Deeper: Many From prices reflect quad or triple pricing in Antarctica
• Entry-level balcony cabins near the waterline combine stability & viewing opportunities, often for good value.
• Get more Antarctica money saving tips

Itinerary & Antarctica Cruise Cost

Aside from the ship, Antarctica cruise itineraries also factor into the price of your trip. A ship’s first and final departures are often the least expensive, for a reason—they’re typically a positioning cruise, where the ship is making its way to start or end its regular departures. These are often longer cruises at lower rates, making them appealing, but consider that they usually spend most time at sea. Some itineraries also enable the ship to resupply, focusing on operational needs and shortening the opportunities for off-ship exploration. When considering one of these itineraries, keep in mind the on-ship spaces and amenities for the days at sea.

Expert Tips on Choosing Your Itinerary:

• Be mindful of sea days vs days with off-ship activities
• Longer cruises can offer better value
• Get more Antarctica money saving tips

Antarctica Cruise Price: What’s Included?

When researching Antarctica cruise costs, be sure to review inclusions and exclusions carefully. Antarctica luxury cruises will have a higher initial price, but often include items such as pre-cruise hotel overnights, round-trip charter flights to Ushuaia and ground transportation between the airport and the ship. Luxury cruises may also include complimentary amenities such as expedition parkas, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, unlimited WiFi and even all shore excursions.

Budget-minded cruises will not include flights or pre-cruise hotel overnights. They may charge for optional activities such as kayaking or snowshoeing. Some may even add port fees or taxes to the advertised price. These costs can add up so be sure to include them when calculating your overall Antarctica trip cost.

Extra Antarctica Trip Costs

Flights are the largest expense in addition to your Antarctica cruise cost. Airfare from North America to Buenos Aires averages $1,200 to $1,500 per person. Flights can drop as low as $600 or go as high as $2,000 if you book last-minute.

If not included in your cruise cost, the round-trip flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia can set you back an additional $300 to $1,000. Some cruises will offer an optional charter flight package to Ushuaia while for others it may be required but not included. Specialty Antarctica air cruises that fly passengers over the Drake Passage include this charter flight in the trip cost; learn more about these cruises with flights to Antarctica.

All our Antarctica cruises include complimentary shore excursions such as small craft explorations and shore walks. Some include additional activities such as sea kayaking and overnight camping, but most will charge extra for this type of optional activity. A typical sea kayaking, snowshoeing, one-time paddle or stand-up paddleboarding package will cost $300 to $1,400 per person. More extreme activities such as mountaineering or scuba diving can run as high as $2,200.

Travel Essential Expenses

You don’t need much gear to travel to Antarctica but there are a few things to consider. Most ships include insulated rubber muck boots needed for excursions ashore. If not, there are gear rental services available so you don’t have to purchase and pack boots you may use on this trip only. See our outfitters page for gear rentals.

The days of an included expedition parka on every trip are over. Luxury ships will include this in the price and it’s yours to keep. Some ships offer one for use for the duration of the trip. Others don’t include one at all. Most outfitters will be happy to sell you a parka, which can be a nice memento of your adventure. Purchasing a heavy snow jacket at your local outfitter should suffice and is the most cost-effective option.

Antarctica Travel Cost—Expert Tips on Essentials:

• Check if your ship provides a parka & boots
• Budget for the gear you will need
• Get more Antarctica money saving tips

Other items you will need include waterproof pants, gloves, a warm hat, binoculars, camera and other travel essentials. AdventureSmith will provide a packing guide, but don’t forget to add these items to your Antarctica travel budget if you don’t already own them. View our online store stocked with adventure gear and accessories. Stock up on our selection of the best Antarctica books.

Antarctica Cruise Cost for Solo Travelers

Some ships offer a willing-to-share program to help solo travelers keep costs down. If you are willing to share with a same-sex roommate, then you will be paired with another traveler to avoid paying a single supplement. Other ships might offer dedicated single cabins at a reduced rate. Or single travelers can opt to pay a supplement to guarantee a double-occupancy cabin for themself. Antarctica is popular with solo travelers, so we advise you book early to get the best price. 

Expert Tips for Solo Travelers:

• Consider a cabin share to reduce costs
• Get more Antarctica money saving tips

Antarctica Cruise Costs by Season

The time of year you travel will have a significant impact on your Antarctica cruise cost. The most expensive time to travel is during high season from mid-December through the end of February. The cost is lowest in November and March. In general travelers can save about 20% by traveling in the shoulder seasons. Learn more about the best time to visit Antarctica.

Expert Tips on Antarctica Cost by Season:

• Travel in November or March for lower prices
• Get more Antarctica money saving tips

Antarctica Deals & Tips to Save

Saving money is your best ticket to Antarctica. There are no shortage of agencies advertising budget Antarctica cruises. We advise travelers to focus not only on price, but also on value. Picking the right cruise is as important as finding the best Antarctica price. See our selection of Antarctica cruise deals and money saving tips. Then contact our experts to get the best value and price on your trip to Antarctica. 

Expert Tips for Deal Seekers:

• Don’t focus entirely on price
• Get more Antarctica money saving tips

So, How Much Does It Cost to Go to Antarctica?

Put it all together and the average cost to go to Antarctica is $10,000-$15,000 per person. With this budget you’ll get a solid vessel, up-close explorations, great guides and the trip of a lifetime; your expedition cruise will be worth every penny. 

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

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