Antarctica Expedition Cruise Cost: Is It Worth the Price
A classic Antarctica expedition cruise costs roughly US$8,000–15,000 per person for 10–12 nights at recent prices, and longer itineraries run well past US$20,000. Add flights from Canada, insurance and extras, and most travellers spend somewhere around C$15,000–27,000 each. It is cruising's most expensive mainstream trip, so the real question is whether it is your priority.
How much does an Antarctica cruise cost?
Price depends mostly on route, length and cabin. Rough per-person ranges at recent prices, before flights:
- Classic Antarctic Peninsula from Ushuaia, 10–12 nights: about US$8,000–15,000, with shared triple cabins at the bottom and suites at the top.
- Fly the Drake Passage, usually from Punta Arenas in Chile: typically more per day, in exchange for skipping the two-day sea crossing each way.
- Peninsula plus the Falklands and South Georgia, around 18–23 nights: often US$15,000–30,000 or more.
- Larger cruise ships that sail past Antarctica without landings: far cheaper, but you only see it from the deck.
Why do Antarctica cruises cost so much?
The ships are small, often carrying 100–200 guests, and are built or strengthened for ice. Industry guidelines limit how many people can be ashore at a landing site at once, which keeps passenger numbers low and fixed costs high per head.
The season runs only from about November to March. Expedition staff such as naturalists, glaciologists and Zodiac drivers come at a premium, and the fuel and logistics of operating so far from any port are significant.
What's included and what isn't
Most fares cover Zodiac landings, lectures, guiding and meals, which makes them close to all-inclusive by cruise standards (see what "all-inclusive" actually means on a cruise). Loaned rubber boots are common, and some operators hand out a parka to keep.
Usually extra:
- Flights from Canada to Buenos Aires or Santiago
- The flight to Ushuaia, unless the fare bundles it
- Pre- and post-trip hotel nights
- Gratuities, on lines that don't include them
- Kayaking, camping or snowshoeing add-ons, which can cost several hundred dollars or more
- Alcohol, on some ships
What a Canadian really spends
Here is a rough per-person budget for a classic 10–12 night Peninsula trip in a shared twin cabin.
| Item | Rough cost per person |
|---|---|
| Expedition fare | US$9,000–14,000 |
| Return flights, Canada to Buenos Aires | C$1,500–2,500 |
| Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, if not included | US$300–600 |
| Two or three hotel nights, sharing | US$200–450 |
| Travel insurance with evacuation cover | C$400–1,200, by age and health |
| Gratuities, if not included | US$150–250 |
| Thermals, waterproof trousers, gloves | C$200–500 |
| Optional kayaking or camping | US$0–1,200 |
| Total | roughly C$15,000–27,000 |
Getting there from Canada
Most routes from Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal to Buenos Aires involve one or two connections, through a US hub, Toronto or another South American city. Plan to arrive at least a day before your connection south, because a missed charter to Ushuaia can mean missing the ship.
When to go
- November: courtship season for penguins, lots of snow, often lower prices.
- December to January: longest daylight, penguin chicks, peak prices. This overlaps Canadian Christmas holidays.
- February to March: good whale watching and some discounts. Late departures can line up with March break.
Is an Antarctica cruise worth it?
It tends to be worth it for:
- People who have wanted this for years and will plan everything around it
- Wildlife and photography enthusiasts who will use every landing
- Travellers comfortable with rough seas, early starts and cold, wet Zodiac rides
It may not suit:
- Anyone prone to bad seasickness who won't pay to fly over the Drake (see seasickness on a cruise)
- Travellers who mostly enjoy ship life, shows and dining
- Anyone stretching a budget that would cover several excellent trips elsewhere
If you want expedition-style wildlife for less, the Galápagos expedition cruise for Canadians is a useful comparison. Solo travellers should read solo cruising supplements, since some operators offer share-a-cabin pricing.
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Get a quote or book online →Frequently asked questions
Why are Antarctica cruises so expensive?
Small expedition ships carrying around 100–200 passengers, a season of only about five months, ice-strengthened vessels, specialist expedition staff and fares that bundle landings, guiding and gear all push costs well above standard cruising.
What's included in an Antarctica cruise price?
Most expedition fares include Zodiac landings, the expedition team's lectures and guiding, all meals, and loaned cold-weather gear such as rubber boots, and some include the flight to the South American gateway city. International flights, insurance, tips and add-ons like kayaking are usually extra.
When is the cheapest time to cruise to Antarctica?
The edges of the season, November and March, tend to be cheaper than the December to February peak, with Christmas and New Year departures usually the priciest. Late-season trips also tend to be good for whales.
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