Antarctica Cruises 2026, 2027 & 2028

Meals Review

We very much enjoyed the meal service!  The breakfast and lunch buffets had a great selection of choices, and plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables.  There was always a vegetarian option.  All the food we tried was very tasty and well-prepared.  Dinners were plated, and visually pretty, which was a treat.  The dinner choices covered vegetarian, fish and meat, so there was always something suitable.  It would be hard to choose a standout meal, as so many were really good.  That said, the chef's special meal somewhat near the end of the voyage, with a steak plate, was particularly enjoyable.

All the service staff were so conscientious.  I was impressed with how well they kept everything on track and timely, given that they were only a few individuals taking care of 170 passengers.  They are a wonderful team.

There was one night with an outdoor barbecue.  The grilled meats were great!  The only downside (a mild one) was that it was a bit cold and windy for sitting to eat outside on that particular evening.  It was a fun and lively time all the same.

At the end of the journey, the final dinner, the hotel manager gave us an opportunity to see the full complement of staff (including the staff we didn't normally see, like cooks) and give all of them a round of applause for service.  I was so glad to have this chance to express appreciation for the whole range of staff.

Crew & Guides Review

Our principal expedition leader Chloe was incredibly energetic and enthusiastic.  Her enthusiasm for every site and experience made us eager for our shore and Zodiac excursions, even on the colder windier days.  I felt that she really worked hard to be sure we had sites where the weather would allow us to land or have a Zodiac cruise, and the result was that we had two excellent active outings each day in Antarctica (most all of the outings included both a landing and a Zodiac cruise). 

We thought all the guides were professional, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and we learned from many of their presentations, as well as the time they took individually to speak with us and even eat meals with us. They all made us glad that this was the cruise we had selected.

Itinerary Review

The overall trip was fantastic.  Everything on our cruise was truly done very well, often exceeding our expectations.  We really appreciated our agent Taylor's work in handling our reservation and putting all the details into place, so that we had the trip we'd really hoped for.  We were able to see and experience Antarctica without any other concerns getting in the way!

Accommodations Review

We were on the Hondius, and we were given a room upgrade to a Junior Suite!  The room was a comfortable size, plenty of room and storage, and excellent housekeeping throughout the cruise.  The ship was overall very comfortable too, from the lounge where we met and watched presentations, to the dining room with lots of windows to see the scenery.  The food service was delicious.  The staff were always helpful and friendly.  We were well cared for every day of the journey.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

I'd recommend AdventureSmith!  I have, in fact, already had the opportunity to recommend you to colleagues. 

I reached out to AdventureSmith because there seemed to be a lot of options for Antarctica cruises, and I was having difficulty working through which ones fit my budget and had a good program and accommodations. I also had a medical concern.  Taylor was assigned to my query, and she did a wonderful job of helping me to narrow down the cruise options, including with input on the companies from AdventureSmith's experiences, which I couldn't have gotten anywhere else.  She even worked to extend the courtesy hold so that my medical concern could be worked out before payment.  That was such a help and relief to me!  After the cruise was booked, Taylor provided hotel recommendations, so I could make a good and informed hotel choice.  The planning information I received was thorough, detailed, and incredibly helpful.  My husband and I read and used all of it.  (We definitely used the checklists.)  The final instructions email was likewise so thorough and helpful, and so useful. 

Traveler Advice

I'd advise future travelers to read and use the detailed information from AdventureSmith and the cruise operator on travel to Antarctica, as that really helped me to be prepared.  In particular this helped for having the right winter gear, so that I was comfortable and could really enjoy the outings.  But it also helped for logistical planning too, and making sure I was aware of insurance and documentation requirements.

I'd also advise travelers to know their budget ahead of time.  I didn't realize how many options would be open to me within my budget, until Taylor was able to start listing them out.  Having a budget number let me choose more confidently and find a cruise that was an excellent fit for us.

Accommodations Review

Despite an old interior which needs a remodel refresh in the cabins and common area, it was a really fun boat. Being allowed access to the bridge made us feel a part of the team. The best views were there anyway.

Meals Review

I was always well fed, never hungry.  The food was good and sometimes excellent. Maybe more salty snacks when snacks were put out (there were many sweets). At the end of the trip maybe a bit of variety added to the breakfast menu (always same for 12 days).  I think the eggs are powdered.

Itinerary Review

Such a great trip. I’d do it again!

Crew & Guides Review

We felt as if we were a part of the expedition and as if the guides were family towards the end. They were very capable, intelligent and always approachable and kind.

Fellow Passengers Review

It was a worldwide gathering of interesting fit people.  If you aren’t fit you probably shouldn’t go on this boat.  There were times when you had to be downright nimble.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Excellent, we felt well cared for. Thank you!

Traveler Advice

Make sure you are fit, open for an adventure and meeting new people, and open to cultural experiences.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Taylor's amazing research and answers to our questions regarding what would work best for my mom (who has mobility challenges), and her take on the benefits and disadvantages between fly/fly vs sail/fly was a great help.

Meals Review

Loved the flexibility, such as an outdoor barbecue when the weather permitted. Lunches were a little heavy for my taste, maybe a few more salads to offer.

Itinerary Review

Each of the landings and zodiac rides were special in their own way. The night on the ice was cool, literally.

Transportation Review

When we misunderstood the itinerary and arrived a day early, Arielle got us fixed up with a transfer and hotel right away.

Crew & Guides Review

The team was awesome. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic, clearly loving the place and eager to share their passion for Antarctica. Loved the weather dependent flexibility too — we got several bonus outings because it was possible.

Fellow Passengers Review

A fun international group. Love small ship cruises.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Arielle answered nerdy question after nerdy question!

Accommodations Review

Magellan Explorer was a great ship…comfortable, very good food, clean, safe.

Itinerary Review

The kayaking was a great addition to the trip. Really put the trip over the top. Our guide(German) and zodiac driver (Wei) were terrific, knowledgeable, safety conscious.

Fellow Passengers Review

Our fellow adventurers shared our interests and enthusiasm for the trip. Enjoyed meeting them and sharing the adventure with them.

Traveler Advice

Kayak!!!

Crew & Guides Review

All trip leaders and expedition team were so knowledgeable, personable, and eager to share their knowledge through the lectures and individual conversations. I really enjoyed speaking with them and learned a lot from them. They were on land explaining things to us as we were watching the penguins, birds, and other wildlife. Our kayak team of German and Wei were amazing, also eager to share their knowledge and very safety conscious. Wei (who stayed on the Zodiac while we were kayaking) took some great photos, which she was eager to share with us!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Thank you Andrew! We appreciate all of your advice and guidance! He answered all of our questions…and responded quickly. Also gave us great advice all around…to sign up for kayaking and build flexibility into the trip in case of weather delays.

Accommodations Review

Every aspect of the accommodations was incredibly comfortable.

Meals Review

The food was probably the hardest part for me. I am a very picky eater and at home we rarely eat anything other than chicken and beef. Each night there was a meat option, a fish option, and a vegetarian option. The meat was usually strange, a little too strange for me (rabbit, duck, yuck), and I don’t eat fish at all. That left us with the vegetarian option which was usually a very small portion and not anything I would normally eat. 

Itinerary Review

Camping on the continent of Antarctica was a dream come true. Riding around in the zodiac boats was the best way to see a lot of landscape and wildlife; however it is a bitterly cold experience. Most of the on-land gear you actually need doesn’t cut it for the zodiacs. If the boat rides did not result in going ashore we ended up skipping them despite how incredible they were because it was so cold and so wet.

Crew & Guides Review

Pippa, Chloe and King George, our expedition leadership team, were remarkable. We want to sail again just to see them. Also want to give a shout-out to Paolo who made our whole trip.

Fellow Passengers Review

We met people that will be friends for the rest of our lives. In fact, we already booked a group trip before we left the boat.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

I felt very prepared after reading all of the information provided by AdventureSmith.

Traveler Advice

Don’t overpack and don’t cheap out on proper gear. The one surprise we had was that Argentina was basically a cash-only country so be aware of that.

Accommodations Review

The Sylvia Earle is a great ship. The room was spacious, lots of storage, nice bathroom, loved the balcony.

Itinerary Review

[We most enjoyed]...the Antarctic Peninsula. Ice. Penguins. Sea Kayaking. Zodiac expeditions and landings. Expert lectures. [We least enjoyed]...crossing The Drake.

Traveler Advice

Be flexible since the ship can only make stops if the weather is cooperating. Participate in the lectures - you'll learn a lot. Don't overpack - it's easy to do laundry in the shower, our clothes dried over night and no one cares what you wear or how often you wear it!

Fellow Passengers Review

It was a good group of passengers and there is enough space to avoid people you might want to avoid.

Crew & Guides Review

Flo Kuyper was amazing. She has a wide breadth of knowledge and was excited to share it with us. I'd go on any trip she leads.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Great information to prepare us for the trip.

Accommodations Review

Our room was very comfortable, quiet, well-appointed, and safe. All the nice storage areas were appreciated as well. Also, having the screen with the daily schedule was very helpful. The friendly morning greetings over the PA system were nice as well along with the notices - like if some whale was spotted or there was something of note to see.

Meals Review

I liked all the variety and the quality was generally very good. It's amazing to me how they prepared so much food and offered so many choices under sometimes very trying conditions. The servers in the dining room were incredible too, balancing so many dishes when the ship is rocking so much.

Itinerary Review

My husband's dream has been for a long time to set foot on his seventh continent. We did it!! I went along to support him and also to have a unique travel experience different from any others I'd had before in my life. [We most enjoyed]...the landings and being among the penguins. They are so much fun to watch! Also, I loved the chance to take pictures of the beautiful icy landscape with its distinctive colors and light.

Transportation Review

It was to be expected, but the times when there was most swell on the ship were challenging. We had 100mph winds and 25' high waves at times so it was rough.

Crew & Guides Review

Hans was amazing - very knowledgeable, competent, and enthusiastic. Most of the other expedition staff also brought those qualities and it really made a big difference.

Fellow Passengers Review

Our fellow-travelers were a good bunch. We had many enjoyable conversations.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

No complaints. Everything went smoothly.

Traveler Advice

Remember to bring plenty of hand or body lotion for the dry, cold conditions.

Accommodations Review

Oceanwide / Hondius was a great combination.

Crew & Guides Review

Chris has a unique combination of leadership, enthusiasm and humility.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Helpful in making sure we had all necessary preparations completed.

Accommodations Review

The vessel was amazing. Brand new...hard to complain.

Meals Review

The food was amazing, I mean come on, lamb shank?! That's rad!

Itinerary Review

[I most enjoyed]...the Western side of the Antarctica Peninsula more because the rock formations were more impressive. The Weddell sea was a wonderful opportunity to observe and appreciate. The huts got old after seeing a few. I was more interested in the kayaking and activities on land.

Transportation Review

The transportation was great. The transfer between domestic and international in Argentina took a little thinking, but it was easy with your guidance to use Tienda Leon.

Crew & Guides Review

This group was top notch! On the kayaking side, Eamon and Segurt were very fun to be around and easy to get along with. I very much so enjoyed my time kayaking with these guides and they were very helpful with getting photos as well.

Fellow Passengers Review

The whole group was stellar, we bonded and had a great time.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

You all did an amazing job. I didn't have to think much and you took care of it all. That was much needed as I was swamped coming at the end of 6 months straight of travel.