Yes, it’s adventurous to climb El Chalten in Argentina, or trek through a remote jungle in the Amazon. But if you want to go all explorer a la Sir Francis Drake, there’s only one answer, and that’s Antarctica.
Antarctica is the hardest continent to reach, and a cruise there is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These cruises do the heavy lifting of research and logistics, so you can relax and enjoy the views while still experiencing the luxury. These are the best cruises to consider for your upcoming trip.
Seabourn Venture
The Seabourn Venture offers rugged polar exploration paired with ultra luxury comfort, and it carries only 264 guests. Most packages include a luxury hotel stay in Buenos Aires and a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Every cabin is a spacious suite with a private balcony, a separate tub and shower, and a complimentary minibar. The thermal suite pool and glass walled oceanfront sauna let you relax while icebergs drift past outside. Each guest receives a Helly Hansen PolarShield parka, a waterproof daypack, and complimentary use of Swarovski Optik binoculars so you’re both fashionable and functional.
Seabourn Pursuit
Like the Seabourn Venture, the Seabourn Pursuit begins its Antarctica voyages in Argentina and heads south toward the ice. The ship carries two submersibles that each hold six people and dive deep beneath the icy water. Watching marine life from a pressurized underwater dome is a rare upgrade that belongs on any bucket list. A team of 24 experts, including marine biologists, historians, glaciologists, and naturalists, guides every landing and leads daily presentations. Every room is a suite with a private balcony and a walk-in closet featuring a heated wardrobe. The heated wardrobe dries wet parkas and boots after excursions, and rooms also include complimentary Swarovski binoculars. Unlimited complimentary caviar is served anywhere on the ship at any time, even on deck beside massive glaciers. In the evening, The Club lounge becomes a fresh sushi bar serving made-to-order dishes. The spa also has a panoramic cedar wood sauna with floor to ceiling windows that frame the landscape.
Silversea Silver Endeavour
The Silver Endeavour is built for extreme polar ice while keeping the comfort expected from a five star ship. Silversea voyages typically last anywhere from 6 to 21 days, giving travelers flexibility in how long they stay. Most guests fly internationally into Santiago, Chile, where Silversea hosts a pre-cruise night at a luxury hotel. Every suite has a dedicated butler who unpacks your bags, polishes your shoes, and restocks the complimentary bar. Your butler can even serve multi-course dinners in your suite, one course at a time. Four fine dining venues are unusual for a small expedition ship and give guests plenty of variety. Opt for The Restaurant for international dishes and seafood or Il Terrazzino for authentic Italian cuisine. If you want something casual in the solarium, then a visit to The Grill is a must.
Scenic Eclipse
The Scenic Eclipse and its sister ship, Scenic Eclipse II, rank among the most advanced six star polar expedition yachts. The ship caps its polar guest count at 200 passengers, which creates a high ratio of space to guests. Service is nearly one staff member for every guest, so attention is personal throughout the voyage. Every cabin is a spacious suite with a private exterior verandah and personalized butler service. Suites also include luxury king beds, a minibar stocked to your drink preferences, a Dyson hairdryer, and Swarovski binoculars.
Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot from PONANT is widely regarded as the ultimate luxury vessel for polar exploration. It is the world’s first luxury hybrid electric icebreaker powered by LNG, built to Polar Class 2. That capability lets it push deep into ice-locked zones that standard cruise ships simply cannot reach. Michelin starred chef Alain Ducasse curates the ship’s culinary program, which includes two distinct venues on board. Nuna is a panoramic fine dining restaurant, while Sila is a more casual grill for relaxed meals. The Blue Lagoon pool deck is outdoors and heated, with heated benches and open air fire pits. Guests can stay comfortably warm there, while soaking in views of the icebergs that surround the ship. All 123 staterooms and suites have a private glazed balcony or terrace for enjoying the polar scenery. High tier suites add personalized butler service and private outdoor jacuzzis for a more indulgent stay. Other expedition activities include ice fishing, snowshoeing, polar plunges, and kayaking for guests who want more adventure.
Other Articles You’ll Like
The More Off-Grid, the Better
The Boat Issue: Ultra-Luxury Time At Sea
A $250,000 Honeymoon in Antarctica
FAQs
Q: How much does a luxury Antarctica cruise cost?
A: Prices vary by date, suite category, and itinerary, so check current listings before you plan, but roughly the total package will cost $15,000 and $30,000 per person, based on double occupancy.
Q: How long are these cruises?
A: Voyage length depends on the ship and itinerary, ranging from about six nights to several weeks. Seabourn trips to Antarctica commonly run 10 to 13 nights, and Silversea voyages last 6 to 21 days.
Q: Do the fares include flights and hotel stays?
A: Seabourn packages typically include a pre cruise hotel stay in Buenos Aires and a private charter flight to Ushuaia. Silversea hosts a luxury hotel night in Santiago before departure, but international flights to South America are usually extra. Always confirm which gear, excursions, and transfers are included, because inclusions change by cruise line and sailing date.
