As a leading authority of Antarctica cruises, we are often asked “What is the best Antarctica cruise line?” Below we have compiled a curated list of the best Antarctica cruise lines.

Our experts outline why each Antarctica cruise line shines and why travelers might consider choosing them. If you are seeking cruise lines that go to Antarctica, you are in the right place. Find your best Antarctica cruise line then contact us to plan your dream trip.

IN THIS POST – Antarctica Cruise Lines:

The Best Antarctica Cruise Lines
Antarctica 21
Antarpply Expeditions
Aurora Expeditions
G Adventures
Lindblad Expeditions
Oceanwide Expeditions



Polar Latitudes
Ponant
Poseidon Expeditions
Quark Expeditions
Intrepid Travel
Selecting the Best Antarctic Cruise Lines
Our Recommendations
More Resources

The Best Antarctica Cruise Lines

The logistics of operating cruises in Antarctica are formidable and not to be taken lightly. These cruise lines that go to Antarctica are the best in the business. Each cruise company is committed to safety, service, guest experience and environmental stewardship. We are proud to partner with the best Antarctica cruise lines in the world. 

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Antarctica 21

Antarctica 21, an expedition cruise line based in Punta Arenas, Chile, pioneered the concept of air cruises to Antarctica. This innovative concept of combining flights from Chile to the Antarctic Peninsula gave birth to an entire industry. Since their first cruises in 2003, many polar operators have copied the idea. In 2019 they applied their cumulative experience to design, build and launch the Magellan Explorer, custom built their Antarctic Air Cruise.

Why Cruise with Antarctica21

The logistics of operating a fly-and-cruise program in Antarctica are enormous. Antarctica21 has the right mix of strategic partnerships, operational experience and exceptional leadership that it takes to be at the forefront of this unique niche in expedition travel. More than an Antarctic cruise line, they are an air cruise institution. 

As part of an Air Cruise itinerary a white air plane lands on a grey run way in the middle of a snowy mountainous Antarctica landscape.
Against a grey Antarctica ocean landscape two yellow tank-like land rovers drive across the snow as part of an Air Cruise.
A white van with tracked triangle shaped tires for snowy Antarctic driving carries guests and their luggage from the ship to the air plane for an Air Cruise itinerary
Guests wearing red parkas hike up a barren hillside in Antarctica as a blue and white ship floats in the dark ocean behind them.
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Antarpply Expeditions

Based in Ushuaia, Argentina, and operating only one ship of the same name, Antarpply Expeditions offers some of the most intimate and affordable Antarctic cruises available. Originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the 90-guest Ushuaia is one of the smallest ships operating in Antarctica.

Why Cruise with Antarpply Expeditions

Antarpply keeps operations simple and straightforward, with one ship currently sailing all their itineraries. This offers guests a consistent onboard experience, with more specialized operational touches that only a small Antarctica cruise company, and a small ship like the Ushuaia, can provide.

Aurora Expeditions

With a history of pushing the boundaries of expedition travel, Aurora Expeditions is known for pioneering several activities such as scuba diving and climbing in Antarctica. Indeed, they distinguish themselves from other small cruise lines by their selection and quality of extensive off-vessel activity options. They were the first adventure cruise company to introduce a passenger vessel, the Greg Mortimer, featuring Ulstein X-Bow technology. 

Why Cruise with Aurora Expeditions

Choose to cruise with Aurora Expeditions if you are seeking a true adventure aboard the most modern and sophisticated ships available. Aurora is a great choice for travelers looking for added activity and more extensive adventure such as camping, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, ski and snowboard touring, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, ice climbing and stand-up paddleboarding. 

An Antarctic landscape of floating icebergs and a ship, guests riding an inflatable zodiac, a group of kayakers plus a group of penguins on a snowy shoreline.
An all white futuristic and modern ship cruises the dark ocean water in front of a mist covered snowy mountain range in Antarctica.
A group of kayakers are dwarfed in size as they paddle around a massive teal and white floating iceberg in Antarctica.
On a grey overcast day in Antarctica a group of guests ascend a snowy hillside on skis as part of an added cost activity provided by an active Antarctica cruise line.

G Adventures

G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering one of the largest selections of affordable and adventurous expeditions, including polar sailings on their flagship vessel, the 134-guest M/S Expedition. Destinations like Antarctica are deeply rooted in their history of taking small groups of curious adventure seekers around the world.

Why Cruise with G Adventures

The company’s specialty lies with why they do what they do, more than where they go. Their style is to embrace authenticity, exotic cuisine and local traditions to connect travelers with the region’s landscapes and wildlife. G Adventures’ commitment to sustainable, environmentally conscious travel is part of everything they do with commitments around the world towards giving back to the communities and environments they travel in.

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Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions is a pioneer in small ship expedition cruises and one of the biggest names in small ship cruising today. The company is synonymous with exploration, education and conservation. Operating under the idea that a cruise is passive but an expedition is active, Lindblad delivers an authentic and exhilarating travel experience through all-five-senses engagement with the world’s most exotic locations worldwide.

Why Cruise with Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad’s reputation for being at the top of the expedition market is well deserved. A cruise aboard any one of Lindblad’s small ships is marked by a top-notch expedition team with some of the best service in the industry. Despite Lindblad’s luxury price tag, the onboard atmosphere is casual and practical in an expedition style. The true value is in the naturalists, historians, undersea specialists, guest lecturers, highly trained guides and partnership with National Geographic. Choose Lindblad Expeditions if you are seeking the highest quality onboard educational programs and intellectual stimulation.

Guests wear red parkas and hike up a snowy hillside in Antarctica as part of a daily shore excursion provided by Antarctica cruise lines.
Two people wearing red parkas send a robotic drone into the air as part of scientific research program in Antarctica.
A group of white and black penguins rest on a rocky black beach white a National Geographic ship floats just offshore in Antarctica.

Oceanwide Expeditions

Oceanwide Expeditions is a Dutch vessel operator specializing only in polar cruising. Like the Dutch cartographers of their namesake ships, they follow meticulous attention to detail and refinement because safety and experience depends on it. Their fleet of three expedition ships are not fancy but known for excellent standards of service and comfort. Oceanwide operates a unique Antarctica basecamp cruise which is popular with travelers seeking ample opportunities for active exploration.

Why Cruise with Oceanwide Expeditions

A five-time winner of the World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator award, Oceanwide is passionate about polar expedition cruising. The company distinguishes itself from other operators with an emphasis on educational lectures by experienced guides and by delivering an active shore program.

A guest wearing snowshoes lays on the snow, in the distance a blue and white ship navigates the polar ocean in front of white Antarctica mountain landscape
In front of a snow covered mountains cape a female guests sets up her sleeping pad and and bag as part of a polar camping activity in Antarctica.
Guests paddling a red double kayak watch a whale breach the polar water in front of them, beyond them a blue and white Antarctic ship floats on the horizon.
Guests gather at the bow of a ship as it breaks through a field of icebergs floating in the ocean of Antarctica.

Polar Latitudes

Founded in 2010 by a group of veteran polar specialists, Polar Latitudes wanted to buck the trend of ever larger ships with more berths. The company aims to preserve the atmosphere and camaraderie, as well as the level of service, that can only be sustained aboard smaller vessels.  

Why Cruise with Polar Latitudes

People and passion distinguish Polar Latitudes. The company only cruises in Antarctica and this singular focus results in a deep knowledge of the continent. They are founder-owned-and-operated and it may be the only Antarctica cruise line where you might find an owner driving you on a Zodiac excursion.

On a sunny blue sky day in Antarctica guests sit on the top deck of the ship and enjoy an outdoor BBQ lunch in front of a snow covered jagged rock formation.
A happy crew member holds tongs and bbq's kebabs outside on a grill for a top deck outdoor dining experience in Antarctica.
On shore in Antarctica a naturalist guide from Polar Latitudes cruise line wears snow goggles and looks down as she writes on a clipboard
guests set up orange and white tents on the snow in Antarctica for a polar camping activity provided by popular Antarctica cruise line Polar Latitude.

Ponant

Ponant is the world’s only French cruise ship operator specializing in intimately sized luxurious small ships all flying under the French flag. Their fleet of small expedition ships are the finest available. The “French touch” is exemplified by the presence of French Naval officers, elegant cuisine and internationally recognized interior design. French and English are spoken on board.

Why Cruise with Ponant

If you are seeking to explore aboard the most luxurious Antarctica ships available, Ponant is for you. You will not sacrifice experience for comfort as the off-vessel expedition program is exceptional.

An elegant dining room aboard a luxury Antarctica cruise line filled with white tables clothes, white roses and cream leather chairs sit empty as 3 crew members set the table ware.
Guests sit in theatre style seating facing the stage watching two guest speakers give a lecture aboard a ponant cruise line ship.
Guests finishing a zodiac excursion disembark the black inflatable rafts onto the stern of a four level luxury ship from Ponant cruise lines.

Poseidon Expeditions

Poseidon Expeditions is one of the leading providers of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. Founded in 1999, the company is a recognized leader in icebreaker cruises. Poseidon is very well known for their Arctic cruises and has successfully navigated to the North Pole well over 100 times. The company brings this expertise to Antarctica with an experienced expedition crew, a luxury expedition ship and a commitment to sustainability. 

Why Cruise with Poseidon Expeditions

Poseidon offers an upscale ship and one of the best staff-to-passenger ratios in Antarctica. Choose this Antarctica cruise line to combine the spirit of adventure with a generous measure of onboard comfort and well-being.

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Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions is a recognized leader in polar cruising and offers the widest array of Antarctic expeditions on the planet. The company boasts a number of firsts including the first non-scientific visits to emperor penguin rookeries, first circumnavigation of Antarctica for commercial passengers, and the discovery of the emperor penguin rookery at Snow Hill Island. In 2015 they were recognized as the World’s Leading Specialty Cruise Line at the World Travel Awards.

Why Cruise with Quark Expeditions

When you cruise with Quark Expeditions, you can rest assured that you are traveling with one of the most conscientious companies in the polar expeditions industry, from safety standards to customer service and sustainability. Many of the most interesting itineraries and routes are offered by Quark Expeditions. 

Mud room aboard Quark Antarctica cruise line ship. Yellow parkas are hung up in open long cubbies with a bench seat on the floor.
All of the guests, crew and guides from a Quark Antarctica cruise gather at the stern of the ship for a group photo in front of a snowy Antarctica mountain scape.
Three Antarctica cruise guests wear yellow parks and take photos of a group of fuzzy grey black and white emperor penguin chicks
Quark expeditions, a top Antarctica cruise line begins their daily activity excursions, with guests enjoying a zodiac ride and kayaking.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel has been an industry leader for over 30 years, using travel as a force for good. Intrepid is the largest travel industry B Corporation, and they’ve been raising standards since 2018, creating benefits for all stakeholders: travelers, staff, suppliers, shareholders, and the environments and communities they visit. The Intrepid Foundation, Intrepid’s philanthropic non-profit, provides visibility, connection and financial support to various organizations around the world.

Why Cruise with Intrepid Travel

Cruising in Antarctica with Intrepid is a feel-good opportunity. Your Antarctica voyage is carbon-neutral; in fact, 125% of emissions are offset. The company is working toward 100% renewable energy. And in Antarctica, Intrepid partners with World Wildlife Fund researchers, sources sustainable seafood and avoids single-use plastics.

How Does AdventureSmith Select the Best Antarctica Cruise Lines? 

We created this list of the best Antarctica cruise lines based on several factors. First and foremost is operational safety and experience in polar cruising. Off-vessel exploration and activity program logistics are an important consideration. Onboard programs, lectures and the experience of the expedition crew are critical for a top ranking.

The ships themselves must be polar class but ship amenities are a secondary consideration. There are ships for every style and budget, from simple research ships to extravagant luxury expedition ships. Take a deep dive to learn more about Antarctica expedition cruise ships. 

Which Antarctica Cruise Lines Do We Recommend?

Each of the Antarctica cruise lines on our list is a good choice. We feel it is not our role to play favorites. Our job is to match the traveler with the right itinerary, ship and cruise line for their interests, budget and schedule. We take this commitment to our clients seriously and endeavor to personalize our recommendations. 

View our full selection of partner small ship cruise companies and our full list of small expedition ships. Learn more about choosing a cruise in our Antarctica travel guide.

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