How Much Does It Cost to Go to Antarctica?

Our analysis indicates that the average Antarctica cruise cost is about $9,000 per person; the least expensive trips start around $5,000, while luxury voyages can exceed $20,000.

How much might it cost you? This authoritative guide outlines inside knowledge and money-saving tips to help you answer the question “How much does it cost to go to Antarctica?”

Key Factors That Influence Antarctica Cruise Pricing

Antarctic trip costs can vary widely based on many things. The primary factors influencing Antarctica cruise price are (more details on each in the sections below):

• Itinerary & Destinations – Where you go is an important factor. Cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula are less expensive than those to the Weddell Sea, Anractic Circle, South Georgia Island the Ross Sea and beyond.
• Length of the cruise – It makes sense that longer cruises are more expensive than shorter ones. However consider that as cruises get longer the price per day often comes down.
• Time of Year – Cruises during the high season mid December through mid February are more expensive than shoulder seasons in November or March.
• When You Book – Booking in advance, sometimes up to a year, saves money and offers the best selection of cabins and dates. Last minute bookings can save money, but with less selection.
• Ship Selection – Ships range from simple and no frills to luxury state of the art expedition with a type for every budget.
• Cabin Category – Triple and quad occupancy along with entry level cabins with portholes are less expensive than luxury suites with balconies. Your cabin will have a large impact on price.
• Activities – Optional adventure activities, above and beyond included shore visits, such as sea kayaking, scuba diving, stand up paddleboarding, skiing and camping can add to the overall price.
• Added Costs – On top of the cruise price, additional expenses include the cost of flights, pre/post-cruise hotel overnights, optional adventure activities, alcohol, gratuities and gear.

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

IN THIS POST – Antarctica Cruise Cost Explained:
Antarctica Price Factors
Antarctica Cruise Pricing Table
Budget Antarctica Cruises
Mid-Range Cruises
Luxury Antarctica
Ship Size & Features
Cabin Considerations
Route & Itinerary Factors
What’s Included?
Extra Costs to Consider
Solo Traveler Costs
Price By Season
How to Save on Antarctica
Your Budge & Next Steps
More Resources

Antarctica Cruise Pricing 2021-2026

The average cost of an Antarctic cruise has increased steadily in recent years. Many travelers secure a discount so we’ve included that in the overall average. The following table assumes a 12-day voyage.

Season	Avg. Price (USD)	YOY Change	With 20% Discount	Per Person Per Day
2021-22	$8500	—	$6800	$618
2022-23	$9500	+11.8%	$7600	$691
2023-24	$10000	+5.3%	$8000	$727
2024-25	$11000	+10%	$8800	$800
2025-26*	$11800	+7.3%	$9440	$858

*2025-26 reflects current published rates & projections.

Factors responsible for price hikes include availability, new ship launches, depressed pricing after the pandemic and the increasing popularity of polar travel. The cost of fuel, operations, insurance and general inflation are also increasing.

Data in the chart above chart above draws from published pricing provided by our operators, the actual cost paid by our travelers as well as Cruise Industry News 2025 Expedition Market Report and Travel Market Report’s Outlook on Expedition Cruise, 2025.

Budget Antarctica Cruises: Starting Prices

Budget cruises range from $5,000 to $10,000 per person. These cost-effective expeditions feature simple ships, fewer inclusions, basic amenities and smaller cabins. The experience is like a cruising base camp that prioritizes 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.

Pro Tips:

• Review inclusions/exclusions for possible additional fees
• Triple/quad cabins & shared bathrooms can keep costs down
• Book early for best price and selection
• Last minute savings is possible, but with less selection
• Get more Antarctica money saving tips

Mid-Range Expedition Cruises: Comfort & Value

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 Antarctica Cruises: Premium Ammenities

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 & Features: How They Impact Cost

The size of the ship will 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. 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.

Pro Tips on Ships:

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

How Cabin Type Affects Your Cruise Cost

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.

Crossing the infamous Drake Passage takes two full days. If the crossing is rough you may spend more time in your cabin. So it pays to be comfortable.

Pro 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

How Route & Itinerary Affect Antarctica Cruise Rates

Aside from the ship, Antarctica cruise itineraries also factor into the price of your trip.

Routes from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula are the most common itinerary. It takes two full days to cross the Drake Passage each way. So on a 12 day itinerary expect 7-8 days exploring Antarctica. These are the least expensive Antarctica cruises.

Longer itineraries strive to reach the Antarctic Circle or may explore the Weddell Sea. Longer still are cruises that take in South Georgia Island and /or the Falkland Islands. Other specialty cruises depart from Australia or New Zealand to visit the Ross Sea. Some rare trips offer a semi circumnavigation of the Antarctic continent and can last 25 days or more. Of course the longer the cruise the higher the price.

A ship’s first and final departures of the season are often the least expensive, for a reason. These are typically positioning cruises, 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.

Pro Tips to Choose Your Itinerary:

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

What’s Included vs. What’s Not

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 Costs: Flights, Gear, and Optional Activities

In addition to your cruise consider these additional expenses in your budget.

International Flights

In addition to your cruise, flights are the largest expense to consider. 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. Like the cruises early and late season flights offer lower prices.

Domestic Flights in Argentina

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 cruises with flights to Antarctica.

Optional Activities

All 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.

Clothing & Gear

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 or using you existing ski parka should suffice and is the most cost-effective option.

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. Enhance your experience with our selection of the best Antarctica books.

Pro Tips on Gear:

• Check if your ship provides a parka & boots
• Consider renting boots if they are not provided
• Use your existing cold weather gear and dress in layers
• Get more Antarctica money saving tips

Solo Antarctica Travel: How to Save on Single Traveler Costs

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 (or 2 or 3 in triple and quad cabins) to keep costs down and avoid paying a single supplement.

Some ships offer dedicated single cabins at a reduced rate. 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. 

Pro Tip for Solo Travelers:

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

How Season Impacts Antarctica Cruise Prices

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.

Pro Tip to Save Money

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

How to Secure the Best Antarctica Cruise Deals

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. 

Tips for Deal Seekers:

• Book early, often a year in advance
• Travel in early or late season
• Don’t focus entirely on price
• Get more Antarctica money saving tips

Antarctica Cruise Cost FAQs

Our experts answer your questions about the price of travel to Antarctica. Have more questions? Ask us in the comments below.

Final Thoughts

Put it all together and the average cost to go to Antarctica is $9,000-$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. Are you ready to set sail?  

MORE ANTARCTICA RESOURCES:
Antarctica Travel Guide
Antarctica Cruises
Luxury Antarctica Cruises
Falkland Islands & South Georgia Cruises
Antarctica Fly Cruises
Antarctic Circle 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

Have a question about the cost of Antarctica travel? Please use the comments below and our experts will answer right away. Or sign up for the AdventureSmith Explorations newsletter to have the latest about Antarctica delivered to your inbox. Interested in a quote or want to check availability? Contact us.