View Wishlist

Antarctica Cruise Reviews

22 Blog Posts

These expert reviews and traveler-written Antarctica cruise ratings detail everything from the meals to the off-ship activities. Read on for more insight, or ask us direct for our unbiased one-on-one advice. We’re here to help you decide.

LEARN MORE
in Antarctica an inflatable skiff full of travelers in red parkas cruise by a massive floating iceberg the size of a building

Antarctica cruise reviews reflect firsthand travel experiences from AdventureSmith travelers and professional Adventure Specialists. Learn what a cruise to Antarctica is really like with these personal stories, expert insights and unfiltered opinions.

SORT
22 OF 22
gravel air strip on King George Island, Antarctica. A white airplane is about to touchdown, surrounded by snow-covered mountain range.

8 Things I Learned Flying to Antarctica

Considering flying to Antarctica? Read firsthand tips on air cruises, from flight logistics and weather delays to what to pack and how to plan for a smoother trip.

Kelly Gorrell
Kelly Gorrell Expert Since 2018
Expedition ship Magellan Explorer anchored in a bay in Antarctica with large sea ice floating by with mountainous terrain off in the distance

Expert Aboard: Magellan Explorer Ship Review

Step aboard the 76-guest Magellan Explorer in Antarctica. Two of our experts share firsthand insights on what makes this under-100-guest vessel so special, plus perspectives from travelers who’ve sailed aboard it.

Grace Bosco
Grace Bosco Expert Since 2024
Exterior shot of Douglas Mawson anchored in a bay off the coast of Australia on a cloudy day with calm seas

Expert Aboard: Douglas Mawson Ship Review

Our Director of Operations was aboard the inaugural sailing of the Douglas Mawson. Read on for his insight on what makes this 154-guest vessel stand out.

Justin Massoni
Justin Massoni Expert Since 2015
Sylvia Earle off in the distance in Antarctica with snow covered and giant icebergs and mountains on a cloudy calm day

Expert Aboard: Sylvia Earle Ship Review

What's it like aboard the Sylvia Earle ship? Learn about the service, sustainability, smooth ride, tips for choosing your cabin and more. Our expert's insights from her voyage in Antarctica will help you decide whether this ship's right for you, no matter where in the world she's sailing.

Jennifer Morse
Jennifer Morse Expert Since 2016
Bridge of Hondius small antarctica expedition ship on a bright sunny day lookin gout at the large icebergs and snowy mountains.

Expert Aboard: MV Hondius Review 

Join our expert as she crosses the Drake Passage for her tenth time aboard Hondius. Learn what she thinks sets this ship apart from others in the polar regions, plus find more traveler reviews all on this page.

Lauren Pilholski
Lauren Pilholski Expert Since 2018
A Quark expedition guide raises a hand while driving a zodiac and speaking to a group of travelers in yellow jackets with an iceberg behind them

Quark Expeditions Reviews

Our in-house polar experts review Quark Expeditions from their time aboard multiple trips & ships in both poles. Then read traveler-written ratings on everything from food to expedition guides.

Lis Larson
Lis Larson Expert Since 2012
Small expedition ship World Voyager with blue hull & white upper decks sits in calm sea beside snowcapped peaks in Antarctica.

Expert Aboard: World Voyager Ship Review

Get aboard with an AdventureSmith expert as he showcases his top spaces and cabins on the 172-guest World Explorer, sister ship to World Voyager. Then read reviews and ratings from other travelers.

Kevin Marshall
Kevin Marshall Expert Since 2022
landscape of antarctica at dusk with pink sky, floating icebergs and a mountain on the right

My Quest to Golf in Antarctica

AdventureSmith traveler Binod Thapa shares his travel journal from his 14-day Quest for the Antarctic Circle expedition.

AdventureSmith Traveler
AdventureSmith Traveler
Ultramarine expedition cruise anchored in the distance while passengers ride in several zodiacs on a sunny day in Greenland.

Expert Aboard: Ultramarine Ship Review

Read a detailed ship review from our expert who was aboard Ultramarine, plus see traveler ratings on everything from the food & helicopters to his Greenland itinerary highlights.

Andrew Browning
Andrew Browning Expert Since 2007
Showing 9 of 22

OUR EXPERTS WERE HERE

You have questions.
We have answers.

GET IN TOUCH

Antarctica Cruise Review Testimonials

Our Antarctica cruise reviews also include testimonials rating important elements of the cruise including the ship, cabins, meals, guides and experiences. Our travelers and staff have traveled extensively on Antarctica cruise and Falkland Islands and South Georgia cruise itineraries, and share their experiences in detailed trip reviews. Find your perfect cruise with our expertise and Antarctica tour reviews. View all of our small ship cruise reviews or view our Antarctica cruise deals.

Antarctica Ship Reviews

Our experts and travelers have cruised aboard every Antarctica ship listed on our site. Look for our “expert aboard” ship reviews for added insights and firsthand knowledge of ships. These ship reviews will help you find the best cabin or location aboard the ship, the most knowledgeable expedition leaders, the most interesting off vessel activities, and the most delicious food.  

Antarctica Cruise Reviews Online

You can find countless Antarctica trip reviews and review websites online. Most offer trusted advice, but some should be considered with a grain of salt. You should not rush to judgement if you read a poor review about an Antarctic expedition or ship. We have learned that poor Antarctica reviews are frequently the result of a discrepancy between the interests of the traveler and the style cruise they were on. For instance, if a traveler is expecting luxury but ends up in a cabin with only porthole windows, they will be disappointed. The best type of Antarctica expedition cruise review is a personal referral. Request that your booking agent connect you with a past client who has cruised Antarctica on a comparable trip or ship. Trustworthy agencies will happily refer their previous guests.

How to Pick the Best Cruise?

Beyond individual ship reviews, choosing the right itinerary and cruise line is crucial for your Antarctic adventure. Our comprehensive guide on the best Antarctica cruises delves into some of our expert picks and what makes each operator stand out—from pioneering air-cruises and extensive adventure activities to luxurious experiences and deep commitments to sustainability. Discover which cruises excel in expedition programs, and expert crews, helping you align your priorities with the perfect polar journey. 

Antarctica Cruise Reviews & Testimonials from Our Travelers

  • “Loved It From Start to Finish!!!”

    Loved it from start to finish!!! From the house staff to the expedition leaders, everyone was a pleasure, informative and helpful. The itinerary was indescribable. This was a trip that I will not soon forget.

    S. Heffernan Jersey City, NJ

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Unbelievable”

    Aurora was the best. [We most enjoyed]...the zodiac rides -- seeing wildlife and icebergs was unbelievable.

    Sandy Z. Omaha, NE

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “FANTASTIC TEAM!”

    Antarctica is a winning destination...but the fantastic service and attitude of the staff put this trip right over the top! I'm TELLING YOU, this was a FANTASTIC TEAM that I will never forget!

    Steve Z. Pittsford, NY

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Great Experience”

    I really enjoyed the zodiac cruises where I could take photos of and just observe everything going on.

    Michelle H. York, PA

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Surpassed My Expectations”

    Antarctica was amazing and completely surpassed my expectations.

    K. McIntosh Mt Martha, Australia

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 4.0/5

Top-Rated Antarctica Cruises

If our Antarctica holiday reviews have informed and inspired you, begin your trip planning here. The cruises listed below are consistently top rated by our travelers and experts. Explore these cruises then contact our experts to be your guide to selecting and booking your cruise. Our award-winning team is known for its extensive knowledge of Antarctica ships and routes, personalize service and unbiased suggestions to help you select the perfect cruise. Come explore with us!
View All Antarctica Cruises