Finding the Best Value Antarctica Cruise: A Practical Guide

For many travellers, a trip to Antarctica represents the ultimate adventure — a journey to the last great wilderness on Earth. The White Continent offers pristine landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the profound experience of visiting a place so remote that only a fraction of people on Earth will ever set foot there. But one thing is certain: it isn’t cheap. Most cruises start above $6,000, with premium experiences stretching far beyond $15,000. So how do you find the best value — that sweet spot where the experience, inclusions, and cost all align?

Below, we’ll explore strategies for getting the most out of your Antarctic journey, highlight what drives cruise pricing, and share examples from leading small ship operators such as Ocean Nova, MV Ushuaia, Expedition, Plancius, Sea Spirit, as well as fancier new vessels like Ocean Albatros and World Explorer.

Why Are Antarctica Cruises So Expensive?

Before hunting for deals, it helps to understand why costs are high in the first place. Antarctica is protected by strict environmental guidelines, which limit ship size, the number of passengers allowed on shore at once, and the infrastructure that can support visitors. This means:

• Polar ships are small expedition vessels, carrying fewer than 200 passengers, and require specialized crews and equipment.
• Voyages are long, with most itineraries spanning 10–14 days, including at least four days spent crossing the Drake Passage or flying into remote gateways like King George Island.
• Logistics are challenging — provisions, fuel, and emergency systems all must be self-contained.
• Expert staff — naturalists, scientists, and polar guides — accompany the ships, adding both educational and safety value.
• Inclusions – accommodation, all meals and excursions are all included and often much more. There is not a lot extra to spend on the expedition itself.

In short: prices are high because delivering safe, meaningful Antarctic travel is resource-intensive. The good news? Within that range, there are many ways to maximize value.

How Much Does an Antarctica Cruise Cost in 2025–2026?

Most Antarctica cruises cost between US $6,000 and $15,000 per person. Entry-level options, such as basic ships with shared cabins, start from around $5,000–$8,000. Mid-range cruises average $8,000–$12,000, while luxury or longer expeditions can easily exceed $20,000.

Antarctica Cruise Price Factors: What Impacts the Cost

Not all Antarctica cruises are created equal. These factors affect the price tag:

1. Timing – High season (mid-December–February) brings longer days and peak wildlife activity but also the highest fares. Shoulder season (November or March) is often 20–40% cheaper.
2. Itinerary length and scope – A simple “Classic Antarctica” cruise (10–11 days on the Peninsula) costs less than extended journeys that reach past the Polar Circle or include South Georgia and the Falklands.
3. Ship class and amenities – Older, simpler expedition ships are budget-friendly; newer or luxury vessels offer more comfort at a premium.
4. Cabin type and Availability – A shared quad or triple with porthole costs far less than a balcony suite. The difference can be several thousand dollars. Actual availability is critical, given that the cheapest cabins are often sold-out months or more than a year in advance.
5. Inclusions – Some operators include extras like kayaking, camping, or charter flights in the price, while others charge separately.

Best Time to Book an Affordable Antarctica Cruise

November and March are often the best times for budget-conscious travellers. Wildlife may be slightly different (penguin courtship in November, whale activity in March), but savings are significant. The vessel often regarded as the very cheapest, MV Ushuaia, lists November and March departures for under $6,000 compared to $10,000+ in peak season.

Usually, the cheapest cabins do sell out first, so booking early is the best strategy to secure such cabins with the lowest fares, especially on popular ships. On the other hand, if you’re flexible, last-minute deals (often released 1–2 months before departure) can slash prices — though you’ll have fewer options – and this can also impact on things like more expensive airfares and even availability for flights to Ushuaia (which are busy).

Budget vs Luxury Antarctica Cruises: Which Is Right for You?

If luxury amenities matter less to you, choose an older or simpler vessel. A lower-deck porthole cabin delivers the same landings and wildlife as a balcony suite. A lot of your time is anyway spent ashore, in public areas or on deck, so you’ll see the same Antarctica whether your cabin has a porthole or a panorama window and balcony.

Luxury ships, however, do offer extras like significantly larger cabins, spas, fine dining, free Wi-Fi access, and personalized service. For some, these comforts enhance the polar experience; for others, they’re unnecessary add-ons.

Adventure Options: Camping, Paddleboarding or Kayaking in Antarctica

Many ships do offer a variety of extra activities at (mostly) extra cost. Regular excursions and landings by Zodiacs are always included so there is plenty of sightseeing anyway but if you want to try out extras like kayaking, or paddleboarding, or camp out overnight in Antarctica then you will likely have to fork out more money – ranging from around $300 to more than $1000 depending on activity or if it is single-time or a full program of multiple activities during the voyage. A few Antarctica expeditions do offer all-inclusive adventure activities where you can try out all activities at no extra cost. If you really want to try out such adventures, such voyages could represent extra value!

Top Antarctica Cruise Deals from the most popular vessels

Different ships have similar itineraries with varied inclusions:

• MV Ushuaia at just 90 passengers offers the most affordable selection of budget Antarctica cruises and is virtually the only ship to feature Antarctica expeditions under 6000 USD (November or March). High-season rates trips start from around $7,000-$12,000, depending on cabin category.
• MS Expedition features its Antarctica Classic expeditions with competitive pricing (starting from US$7200–$9,000 depending on start date and cabin availability) and a solid expedition focus. Camping and Kayaking options available on some departures.

• MV Plancius, MV Ortelius and MV Hondius sister vessels with Oceanwide Expeditions offer small ship Antarctica tours with strong value, as well as a range of adventure options like kayaking and camping – all of which are actually free of charge on their ‘Basecamp’ style Antarctica itineraries.

• MV St Helena is a new ship featuring budget Antarctica cruises for the 2026/27 season - with prices starting from under US$8000 – with all adventure activities like day Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Camping and Yoga in Antarctica included in the tour price.

• MV Ocean Nova is another small ship offering affordable Antarctica cruises with prices ranging from $8500 to $12500, especially good value with its late season Antarctica cruise deals. Camping and Day Paddle options available on some departures.

• MV Sea Spirit is a luxury Antarctic vessel in boutique form with just 112 passengers and surprisingly good-value Antarctica cruises on departures with special offers. Her shorter Peninsula cruises start from around $9000 –$12000 in the cheapest categories, subject to availability. Camping and Kayaking programs cost extra on most sailings, subject to availability.
• MV Ocean Albatros is one of the brand-new X-Bow vessels but with surprisingly good value luxury Antarctica trips given her modern standards and spacious cabins - cruise prices start from just over $8000 on late March departures. Kayaking experience and other activities available on board.
• World Explorer with Quark Expeditions is very much a luxury Antarctica vessel, with sometimes great deals on her shorter Antarctic Explorer cruises, with prices starting from as little as USD 10,000. A broad range of optional adventure activities are offered, from Stand-Up Paddleboarding to Camping.

Antarctica Cruise Cost Per Day: Is Longer Better Value?

Sometimes longer itineraries deliver better value per day. For instance, 20-day South Georgia and Falklands cruise itineraries  might cost more overall, but on a per-day basis, it can rival or better a 10-day Antarctic Peninsula trip. Note that ‘value’ is not always only measured in money – a longer cruise delivers many more landing days, and a significantly greater variety of wildlife and landscapes visited. If you think that you are only visiting Antarctica as a once in a lifetime adventure, it is worth considering the longer trips if you can stretch your time and money budget a little.

What’s Included in an Antarctica Cruise Price?

Inclusions vary, but most cruises cover:

• Accommodation and all meals on board
• Zodiac landings and guided shore excursions
• Lectures and educational programs
• Loan of boots (parkas are provided by many but not all ships)

What may cost extra:

• Flights to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas
• Travel Insurance
• Gear rental (parkas)
• Specialty activities (kayaking, camping, mountaineering)
• Gratuities and bar tabs

How to Choose the Best Value Antarctica Cruise for Your Budget

1. Be flexible on dates — if your goal is savings, avoid Christmas/New Year and aim for early or late season.
2. Ask about cabin availability — sometimes a slightly different category offers a price drop – OR surprising value with a nicer cabin for relatively upgrade cost.
3. Plan for extra costs — flights, insurance, gear, and optional excursions add up. Do you really need to go kayaking when all the Zodiac exursions are anyway included? Or if going on an
4. Work with a specialist — at Expeditions Online we have more than 30 years of polar travel experience and work with all vessel operators. We provider expert, independent advice and can help you compare ships, adventure options, inclusions and live availability to find you the perfect match. Contact us now to start a conversation and we will be happy to guide you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Antarctica Cruises

What is the cheapest way to visit Antarctica?

The most affordable way is to book a shorter “Classic Antarctica” cruise (10–11 days on the Peninsula) on one of the budget Antarctic expeditions, in a shared cabin, during the shoulder season (November or March). Prices can start from as little as US $5,000–$7,000 but cabin availability is the key - it helps to book very early!

How much does an Antarctica cruise cost?

Most cruises cost between US $6,000 and $15,000 per person, depending on ship class, itinerary length, cabin type, and timing. Luxury voyages and longer trips (including South Georgia and the Falklands) can exceed US $20,000. Look out for trips with special offers to find the best deal.

When is the best month to cruise to Antarctica?

December and January are peak months with the most daylight and active wildlife. November offers lower prices and penguin courtship displays, while March is great for whale watching and end-of-season discounts. You check out this Antarctic Calendar with list of all departures by each month.  

Are Antarctica cruises worth the price?

Yes — every cruise includes shore landings, expert guides, and close encounters with wildlife and glaciers. Even budget-friendly options deliver the core experience, though premium ships add comfort and amenities.

Where can I find last-minute Antarctica cruise deals?

Voyages with Last-minute deals are often only released 4–8 weeks before departure can cut prices significantly. Availability is often limited and you do require flexibility – and be able to make a quick decision! The best deals are often on trips that were longer or more expensive to start with. However, you may have fewer choices of ship and cabin.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best value Antarctica cruise is about aligning your expectations, budget, and priorities. Do you want the lowest possible entry price, even if it means a no-frills cabin? Are you aiming for comfort and a festive holiday sailing? Or are you searching for that sweet spot: a reputable operator, a good ship with nice cabin, and a fair price in shoulder season?

Whether you choose a budget berth or a premium cabin, you’ll stand among penguins, witness calving glaciers, and cross one of the world’s most storied seas. The real value of Antarctica isn’t just in the price tag — it’s in the experience of setting foot on the White Continent, a memory that will last a lifetime.

Following is just a small selection of currently available budget Antarctica tours: