The Aurora

Antartica Heritage Cruises & Tours

Follow in the wake and footsteps of Antarctica’s greatest explorers
Starting at:
Per Person
$ 8,995

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, Mawston. 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.

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: MS Fram
$ 9,931 - $ 55,669
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Antarctica Complete

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle
$ 27,451 - $ 56,521
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Wild Antarctica

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
$ 10,716 - $ 23,516
Per Person

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (19D)

Length: 19 Day / 18 Night
Ships: Hondius, Plancius
$ 14,600 - $ 26,300
Per Person

Unexplored Antarctica Between Two Continents

Length: 30 Day / 29 Night
Ships: Le Commandant Charcot
$ 52,810 - $ 188,640
Per Person
Up to 10% savings

In Shackleton’s Footsteps

Length: 20 Day / 19 Night
Ships: Greg Mortimer
$ 20,336 - $ 41,756
Per Person

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle

Length: 15 Day / 14 Night
Ships: Plancius
$ 10,500 - $ 15,300
Per Person
Up to 10% savings

Scott & Shackleton's Antarctic - Ross Sea Expedition

Length: 22 Day / 21 Night
Ships: Le Soléal
$ 20,718 - $ 66,978
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula

Length: 21 Day / 20 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
$ 20,651 - $ 49,976
Per Person

Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: Ocean Endeavour
$ 18,949 - $ 33,599
Per Person

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (21D)

Length: 21 Day / 20 Night
Ships: Plancius, Ortelius
$ 13,350 - $ 19,350
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey

Length: 21 Day / 20 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
$ 19,121 - $ 52,016
Per Person

In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Ross Sea Antarctica

Length: 28 Day / 27 Night
Ships: Heritage Adventurer
$ 31,500 - $ 63,000
Per Person

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Circle

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: Hondius
$ 16,700 - $ 29,000
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Length: 18 Day / 17 Night
Ships: Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory
$ 10,497 - $ 47,195
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

16-30 Days, 4 Itineraries
245 Guests, Luxury
$ 52,810 - $ 188,640
Per Person
Up to 10% savings

Le Soléal

22 Days, 1 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
$ 20,718 - $ 66,978
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ultramarine

12-23 Days, 5 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
$ 11,421 - $ 77,311
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days, 6 Itineraries
138 Guests, Luxury
$ 8,046 - $ 42,921
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Sylvia Earle

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

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days, 6 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 6,495 - $ 38,995
Per Person
Up to 41% savings

Ocean Albatros

9-19 Days, 7 Itineraries
169 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 4,424 - $ 47,195
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

Seaventure

13-21 Days, 3 Itineraries
164 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 7,915 - $ 42,495
Per Person

Heritage Adventurer

28 Days, 1 Itineraries
184 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 31,500 - $ 63,000
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Greg Mortimer

9-24 Days, 12 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,236 - $ 49,976
Per Person
Up to 41% savings

Ocean Victory

9-19 Days, 8 Itineraries
189 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 7,137 - $ 34,846
Per Person

MS Fram

22-23 Days, 3 Itineraries
318 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 9,931 - $ 55,669
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Ocean Endeavour

11-23 Days, 8 Itineraries
200 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 6,319 - $ 33,599
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
134 Guests, Authentic
$ 7,599 - $ 27,899
Per Person

Hondius

10-24 Days, 9 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
$ 8,500 - $ 29,000
Per Person

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Authentic
$ 4,860 - $ 20,180
Per Person

Plancius

11-21 Days, 9 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
$ 7,700 - $ 26,860
Per Person

Ortelius

11-21 Days, 6 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
$ 7,900 - $ 24,310
Per Person