Best Luxury Cruise To Antarctica For 2024 and 2025

Disclaimer: As an affiliate I may earn a commission on any qualifying purchases, including those from Amazon.com, at no extra cost to you.

A trip to Antarctica is for most people a once-in-a-lifetime experience – so why not do it in luxury?

From helicopter rides and kayaking, to deluxe suites and fine dining, a luxury cruise offers everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure. 

With that said, the Polar Guidebook team has done your research for you, drawing on expert insights and real customer reviews from private online forums to find the best luxury cruise to Antarctica for you. Let’s dive in!

Top choice: The Eclipse 2 Ship, operated by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Starting from a cool $55,990, this is a 22 day adventure that will take you through the wonders of Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands in unparalleled luxury.

Why the Eclipse is our top choice luxury Antarctica cruise ship

• Just 114 suites, making it a smaller, more intimate experience than many other Antarctica cruise ships. 
• Total luxury, from elegantly appointed suites with butler service, to spas and fine dining.
• Unique experiences, such as an optional helicopter tour of Antarctica and a submarine.
• Almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, ensuring impeccable service.
• Stabilizers on the ship to reduce sea sickness.

Itinerary Highlights: A 22 Day Luxury Ship Cruise Through Antarctica

This carefully designed itinerary ensures you experience the best of Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands. Key highlights include:

• Ultimate Luxury at Sea: Experience world-class amenities, gourmet dining, and personalized service aboard the ultra-luxurious Scenic Eclipse.
• A New Perspective: See Antarctica from the skies on an optional helicopter tour – or from deep down in their custom built submarine. 
• Unparalleled Wildlife Encounters: Walk among bustling king penguin colonies in South Georgia, witness playful seals, and marvel at majestic whales in their natural habitat.
• Historic Adventures: Explore the intriguing history of the Falkland Islands and visit the final resting place of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. Board Scenic Eclipse and settle into your luxurious suite as you sail away from South America.

Days 2-4: At Sea

Get acquainted with the ship’s world-class facilities. Attend informative presentations, enjoy various dining options, and relax in the bars and lounges as you sail towards the Falkland Islands.

Days 5-6: Falkland Islands

Explore the wildlife paradise of the Falkland Islands. Visit penguin colonies (did you know the world’s largest population of Gentoo penguins is found here?), see seals on sandy beaches, and explore the historic town of Stanley. There, you’ll meander through its central streets, visit an array of local shops, see impressive landmarks like the Christ Church Cathedral, and perhaps grab a drink at an English pub. 

Days 7-8: At Sea

Relax and enjoy the amenities on board as you sail towards South Georgia. Engage in wildlife spotting through the Swarovski telescopes and attend educational lectures.

Days 9-11: South Georgia

Discover the stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife of South Georgia. With several land and zodiac excursions, you’ll visit king penguin colonies, spot albatrosses, and explore historic sites like Grytviken with expert guides.

Days 12-13: At Sea

Continue your journey towards Antarctica. Enjoy the ship’s luxurious facilities and look out for wildlife as you sail through Antarctic waters.

Days 14-19: Antarctica

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica. Take Zodiac excursions, kayak among icebergs, and observe penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitat. Participate in the thrilling polar plunge and enjoy expert-led excursions – for example through Deception Island in the South Shetland Islands, where you can step into the caldera of an active volcano. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, hop on Scenic’s helicopter or submarine to experience Antarctica from a new perspective. 

Days 20-21: At Sea

Reflect on your incredible journey as you sail back to South America. Indulge in the ultra-luxury of Scenic Eclipse.

Day 22: Ushuaia, Argentina > Buenos Aires

Disembark in Ushuaia and fly back to Buenos Aires, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Antarctic adventure.

This 22-day luxury cruise offers an unparalleled exploration of the Antarctic region, combining comfort, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Departure Dates in 2024 and 2025

Currently there are only two trips remaining aboard the Eclipse ship with Scenic.

“A trip of a lifetime”: What past guests are saying

We did the research for you, finding real, independent reviews in private online forums and on social media. 

The overall conclusion: Scenic’s luxury Antarctica cruise aboard the Eclipse ship is an incredible experience. 

Take a look for yourself: 

Preparing for Your Antarctic Adventure: What to Pack

Here are essential packing tips, based on insights from people who’ve traveled to Antarctica, to ensure you’re well-prepared for the Antarctic elements, focusing on waterproof and layered clothing to navigate the region’s variable conditions.

1. DRY BAG: Take a small dry bag to stow your camera when on a zodiac / kayak. 
2. GLOVES: Take at least 3 pairs of gloves so you always have a dry pair – you will have these on while out on deck and on landing, so you needs a dry pair on hand if the others gets wet. 
3. HAT: Take at least 2 hats with liners. 
4. SHOES: Lots of people recommend the North Face slip on shoes – not necessary – just comfy, stable shoes for ship is all you need. I.e. good trainers. 
5. T-SHIRTS: The ship will be hot, pack shorts and T-shirts for when you’re on board. 
6. MARINO: You only need to pack one Marino wool layer – you will only have this on when you are off the ship. 
7. WATERPROOF: Light waterproof is all you need, ski pants not necessary.
8. SOCKS: Take a nice thick pair of socks for your boots, insoles may also work but again not necessary. Or, a thin Marino sock liner with a standard pair of wool socks on top. 
9. LAYERS: You can gauge and change thickness as the days go by on the ship. Think one Marino layer (top and bottom) and then jumper with coat. But, you may want to add more layers. Take a thin fleece, instead of lots of regular jumper with a zip. Pack one of each.

Book Your Luxury Ship Antarctica Cruise

Embarking on the 22 day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands adventure isn’t just a trip; it’s an investment in a lifetime of memories. That’s why we used insights from expert Antarctica travel guides and reviews from happy customers to put together this recommendation.

If you’re interested in exploring more options for Antarctica cruises, read our full guide here.