Penguin with a cruise ship in the background

Antarctic Circle Cruise

Penetrate the true Antarctic at the bottom of the world
Starting at:
Per Person
$ 7,559

Highlights

  • Travel in the footsteps of famous explorers and navigators such as Captain James Cook in a quest for the Antarctic Circle
  • Visit the less-visited central and southern portions of the Antarctic Peninsula such as Lallemand Fjord and Marguerite Bay
  • Journey to amazing locations off the main tourist circuit in Antarctica
  • Join the jubilant celebrations of the “crossing the Antarctic Circle ceremony”
  • Enjoy 24 hours of daylight for maximum sightseeing and photography

Enticing history and geography buffs alike, Antarctic Circle tours traverse the southernmost of the globe’s great lines of latitude, the thrilling invisible threshold of the Antarctic Circle marking the northern limit of the Antarctic zone. Set at roughly 66 degrees, it encompasses the near entirety of the continent of Antarctica, and delineates the realm to the south where, at least once a day each year, the Sun remains above the horizon—and, on the opposite end of the calendar, below the horizon—for 24 hours.

Inaccessibly shrouded in ice until late December each season when Antarctic Circle cruises can begin, it’s a select share of the White Continent’s annual visitors who get to embark upon Antarctic cruises below the Antarctic Circle and join the likes of Captain James Cook of the British Royal Navy who first accomplished the incredible feat in January 1773, and Russian admiral Thaddeus von Bellingshausen whose Antarctic Circle expedition reached it nearly half a century later.

Penguins on the ice shelf Icebergs in the water in Copper Bay

Antarctic Circle Cruises

Embark on an extraordinary voyage to the southernmost reaches of the planet beyond 66.5 degrees south, where surreal landscapes and untouched beauty unfold.

Up to 41% savings

Antarctic Circle Expedition

Length: 18 Day / 17 Night
Ships: MS Roald Amundsen
$ 13,219 - $ 21,283
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Across the Antarctic Circle: Sail-Fly

Length: 13 Day / 12 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
$ 15,296 - $ 39,895
Per Person
Up to 40% savings

Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition + Flights

Length: 14 Day / 13 Night
Ships: Ultramarine
$ 13,857 - $ 41,582
Per Person

Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - Whale Watching

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Hondius
$ 8,200 - $ 14,900
Per Person

Journey To The Antarctic Circle

Length: 14 Day / 13 Night
Ships: Ocean Endeavour
$ 9,520 - $ 15,320
Per Person

Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: Ocean Endeavour
$ 17,055 - $ 30,240
Per Person

Polar Circle Air-Cruise

Length: 10 Day / 9 Night
Ships: Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova
$ 14,995 - $ 38,995
Per Person

Crossing 66º South Latitude

Length: 15 Day / 14 Night
Ships: Sea Spirit
$ 13,195 - $ 28,995
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Antarctica Complete

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
$ 26,771 - $ 67,995
Per Person

In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Ross Sea Antarctica

Length: 28 Day / 27 Night
Ships: Heritage Adventurer
$ 31,500 - $ 50,620
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Antarctic Express: Crossing The Circle

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer
$ 24,316 - $ 46,508
Per Person

In The Wake Of Jean-Baptiste Charcot

Length: 16 Day / 15 Night
Ships: Le Commandant Charcot
$ 27,290 - $ 92,230
Per Person

The Ultimate Antarctica Experience - Quest for The Circle

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory
$ 13,195 - $ 27,095
Per Person
Up to 51% savings

Epic Antarctica: Crossing The Circle Via Falklands & South Georgia

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: Ultramarine
$ 22,397 - $ 50,061
Per Person

Unexplored Antarctica Between Two Continents

Length: 30 Day / 29 Night
Ships: Le Commandant Charcot
$ 52,810 - $ 87,700
Per Person

Antarctic Circle Map

FAQ About Crossing the Antarctic Circle

What are Antarctic Circle cruises?

Antarctic Circle cruises are expeditions that take you south of the Antarctic Circle, which is located at approximately 66.5 degrees south latitude. These cruises offer a unique opportunity to venture into the realm of the Antarctic wilderness and witness pristine landscapes and wildlife.

What can I expect during an Antarctic Circle cruise?

During an Antarctic Circle cruise, you can expect breathtaking scenery, encounters with penguins, seals, and whales, and the chance to witness mesmerizing ice formations. You’ll sail through icy channels, visit remote islands, and experience the sense of awe and achievement that comes with reaching the Antarct...

When is the best time to go on an Antarctic Circle cruise?

The best time for Antarctic Circle cruises is during the Antarctic summer months from November to March. This period offers longer daylight hours, optimal weather conditions, and a higher chance of crossing the Antarctic Circle, as ice conditions permit.

How long do Antarctic Circle cruises typically last?

Antarctic Circle cruises typically last around 10-14 days, although the duration can vary. These longer expeditions allow for more extensive exploration and greater chances of reaching the Antarctic Circle while also offering opportunities for wildlife encounters and immersive experiences.

Is reaching the Antarctic Circle guaranteed on these cruises?

Reaching the Antarctic Circle on cruises is subject to ice and weather conditions. While cruise itineraries are designed to maximize the chances of crossing the circle, reaching it cannot be guaranteed. However, even if the circle is not reached, the overall Antarctic experience remains incredible.

Ships Crossing The Antarctic Circle

Join our intrepid ships crossing the mythical Antarctic Circle, and experience the thrill of exploration beyond this elusive boundary, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Le Commandant Charcot

16-30 Days, 5 Itineraries
245 Guests, Luxury
$ 27,290 - $ 92,230
Per Person

Le Soléal

22 Days, 1 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
$ 21,220 - $ 52,530
Per Person
Up to 51% savings

Ultramarine

12-23 Days, 5 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
$ 12,004 - $ 57,329
Per Person
Up to 40% savings

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days, 7 Itineraries
138 Guests, Luxury
$ 12,597 - $ 46,508
Per Person
Up to 49% savings

MS Roald Amundsen

12-18 Days, 5 Itineraries
532 Guests, Luxury
$ 9,015 - $ 21,283
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Douglas Mawson

22-34 Days, 4 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 21,756 - $ 62,726
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Sylvia Earle

12-23 Days, 14 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,716 - $ 56,521
Per Person

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days, 6 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 6,795 - $ 38,995
Per Person
Up to 40% savings

Sea Spirit

12-23 Days, 7 Itineraries
114 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,095 - $ 43,995
Per Person

Ocean Albatros

9-19 Days, 10 Itineraries
169 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 8,095 - $ 47,195
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

Seaventure

11-21 Days, 12 Itineraries
164 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,450 - $ 40,135
Per Person

Heritage Adventurer

28 Days, 1 Itineraries
184 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 31,500 - $ 50,620
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Greg Mortimer

9-24 Days, 14 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 11,756 - $ 56,436
Per Person

Ocean Victory

9-19 Days, 7 Itineraries
189 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 7,895 - $ 43,395
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Ocean Endeavour

11-23 Days, 7 Itineraries
200 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 7,400 - $ 30,240
Per Person

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
134 Guests, Authentic
$ 6,299 - $ 33,999
Per Person
Up to 41% savings

Hondius

10-23 Days, 6 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
$ 8,650 - $ 31,000
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Authentic
$ 4,500 - $ 20,390
Per Person

Ocean Nova

6-10 Days, 4 Itineraries
72 Guests, Authentic
$ 4,995 - $ 26,395
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Plancius

11-21 Days, 8 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
$ 6,050 - $ 24,400
Per Person

Ortelius

11-28 Days, 8 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
$ 7,700 - $ 39,000
Per Person