The Aurora

Antartica Heritage Cruises & Tours

Follow in the wake and footsteps of Antarctica’s greatest explorers
Starting at:
Per Person
$ 12,144

Highlights

  • Tour historic whaling stations from South Georgia to the South Shetlands
  • Earn bragging rights traversing such momentous geographic markers as the Drake Passage, Antarctic Circle and Geographic South Pole
  • Peer inside the time-capsule innards of Ernest Shackleton’s and Robert Falcon Scott’s huts on Ross Island
  • Visit designated heritage sites such as Cape Denison and the Antarctic Treaty Monument
  • Reflect on the White Continent’s unique history of international cooperation and scientific endeavor dropping in at research bases

The White Continent may not have a long human history, but it’s an incredibly rich and heraldic one. Heritage cruises to Antarctica see you trace the paths of some of the most iconic geographies in the annals of exploration. Crossing the legendary Drake Passage—which separates the southernmost tip of South America from the South Shetland Islands—summons dramatic maritime sagas; crossing the Antarctic Circle is an almost sacred achievement for history (and geography) buffs.

Tours of South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula evoke the routes of the earliest forays into the Antarctic zone. Venture deeper in—to the Ross Sea, McMurdo Sound, the South Pole itself—to shadow the bygone exploits of Shackleton, Scott, and Mawson. From Whalers Bay to the Observation Hill Cross, from the marvelously preserved huts of Scott and Shackleton to the poignant Antarctic Treaty Monument, anyone interested in history, exploration, geography—not to mention the courage and endurance of the human spirit—will revel in experiencing Antarctic heritage firsthand.

Old sleds on the snow Large domes

Heritage Cruises in Antarctica

Embark on a captivating journey through Antarctic history. Join our heritage cruises in Antarctica and explore the rich cultural and historical sites of the White Continent.

Up to 49% savings

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: MS Fram
$ 32,498 - $ 50,907
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings

Length: 20 Day / 19 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer
$ 47,496 - $ 64,816
Per Person

Weddell Sea - In Search of the Emperor Penguin

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Ortelius
$ 20,345 - $ 28,151
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Islands

Length: 19 Day / 18 Night
Ships: Ocean Victory
$ 25,275 - $ 68,438
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey: Sail-Fly

Length: 20 Day / 19 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle
$ 37,087 - $ 81,498
Per Person
Up to 19% savings

Epic Antarctica: Crossing The Circle Via Falklands & South Georgia

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: Ultramarine
$ 46,938 - $ 107,617
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

The Antarctic Peninsula & Extreme Weddell Sea

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Ocean Albatros
$ 17,287 - $ 35,384
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey featuring the South Sandwich Islands

Length: 24 Day / 23 Night
Ships: Greg Mortimer
$ 36,456 - $ 75,064
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition To Snow Hill

Length: 14 Day / 13 Night
Ships: Ultramarine
$ 31,835 - $ 72,154
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent

Length: 34 Day / 33 Night
Ships: Douglas Mawson
$ 56,966 - $ 98,925
Per Person

Classic South Georgia

Length: 22 Day / 21 Night
Ships: MV Ushuaia
$ 15,755 - $ 32,157
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Mawson’s Antarctica

Length: 24 Day / 23 Night
Ships: Douglas Mawson
$ 44,633 - $ 71,176
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

In Shackleton’s Footsteps

Length: 20 Day / 19 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle
$ 36,992 - $ 45,706
Per Person

Ross Sea Odyssey

Length: 25 Day / 24 Night
Ships: Douglas Mawson
$ 49,671 - $ 102,030
Per Person

The Emperor Penguins Of The Weddell Sea (16D)

Length: 16 Day / 15 Night
Ships: Le Commandant Charcot
$ 50,893 - $ 77,735
Per Person

FAQ About Antarctica Heritage Cruises

What are Antarctica heritage cruises?

Antarctica heritage cruises are specialized expeditions that focus on visiting historical sites in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. These cruises offer unique opportunities to explore sites of historical significance and learn about the rich human history of the region.

What kind of historical sites can be visited on Antarctica heritage cruises?

Antarctica heritage cruises allow you to visit sites such as former whaling stations, scientific research stations, historic huts of explorers like Shackleton and Scott, and remnants of early Antarctic expeditions. These sites provide insights into the explorers’ challenges and achievements in this extreme env...

When is the best time for Antarctica heritage cruises?

Antarctica heritage cruises primarily take place during the Antarctic summer months of November to March. This is when conditions are most suitable for exploration, and many historical sites are accessible, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the region’s rich heritage.

What activities are included in Antarctica heritage cruises?

Antarctica heritage cruises offer a combination of guided shore excursions, lectures by historians and experts, visits to historical sites, and opportunities to interact with scientific communities, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of the region’s historical significance.

Are Antarctica heritage cruises suitable for all ages and interests?

Yes, Antarctica heritage cruises cater to a wide range of ages and interests. Whether you have a passion for history, exploration, or simply enjoy learning about the human stories of Antarctica, these cruises offer engaging experiences for travelers with varied backgrounds.

Ships Exploring the Heritage Sites of Antarctica

Step aboard our heritage cruises and uncover the secrets of past explorers. Prepare to be immersed in the enchanting stories that echo through these icy landscapes.

Le Commandant Charcot

13-30 Days, 5 Itineraries
245 Guests, Luxury
$ 46,272 - $ 125,584
Per Person

Le Soléal

22 Days, 1 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
$ 42,361 - $ 93,617
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ultramarine

12-23 Days, 6 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
$ 19,296 - $ 107,617
Per Person
Up to 35% savings

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days, 8 Itineraries
138 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 18,872 - $ 69,033
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Douglas Mawson

22-34 Days, 4 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 34,311 - $ 102,030
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Sylvia Earle

10-23 Days, 14 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 18,225 - $ 94,382
Per Person
Up to 34% savings

Ocean Albatros

10-19 Days, 13 Itineraries
169 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 12,106 - $ 72,381
Per Person
Up to 16% savings

Seaventure

11-21 Days, 8 Itineraries
164 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 17,782 - $ 49,076
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Greg Mortimer

9-24 Days, 8 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 23,333 - $ 89,005
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Ocean Victory

9-19 Days, 9 Itineraries
189 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 12,358 - $ 68,438
Per Person
Up to 49% savings

MS Fram

23 Days, 2 Itineraries
318 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 32,178 - $ 50,907
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
134 Guests, Authentic
$ 8,389 - $ 41,634
Per Person
Up to 41% savings

Hondius

10-23 Days, 7 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
$ 12,223 - $ 49,442
Per Person

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Authentic
$ 9,037 - $ 32,157
Per Person
Up to 16% savings

Ocean Nova

6-24 Days, 9 Itineraries
72 Guests, Authentic
$ 9,455 - $ 69,889
Per Person
Up to 41% savings

Plancius

10-20 Days, 8 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
$ 7,255 - $ 38,481
Per Person
Up to 41% savings

Ortelius

11-28 Days, 7 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
$ 8,911 - $ 61,507
Per Person