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
$ 7,649

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 42% savings

Antarctic Circle Expedition

Length: 18 Day / 17 Night
Ships: MS Roald Amundsen
$ 12,708 - $ 20,246
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Epic Antarctica: Crossing The Circle Via Falklands & South Georgia

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: Ultramarine
$ 34,591 - $ 54,932
Per Person

Unexplored Antarctica Between Two Continents

Length: 30 Day / 29 Night
Ships: Le Commandant Charcot
$ 52,810 - $ 87,700
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Length: 14 Day / 13 Night
Ships: MS Expedition
$ 7,649 - $ 21,799
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Crossing The Circle: Southern Expedition

Length: 14 Day / 13 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer
$ 14,696 - $ 31,716
Per Person

Scott & Shackleton's Antarctic - Ross Sea Expedition

Length: 22 Day / 21 Night
Ships: Le Soléal
$ 21,220 - $ 52,530
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent

Length: 34 Day / 33 Night
Ships: Douglas Mawson
$ 33,996 - $ 59,036
Per Person

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle

Length: 15 Day / 14 Night
Ships: Plancius
$ 10,500 - $ 16,650
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Mawson’s Antarctica

Length: 24 Day / 23 Night
Ships: Douglas Mawson
$ 28,301 - $ 45,131
Per Person

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Whale Watching

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Plancius
$ 9,450 - $ 11,200
Per Person

Polar Circle Quest

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: MV Ushuaia
$ 8,990 - $ 16,760
Per Person

Quest For The Circle

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Ocean Albatros
$ 10,995 - $ 26,195
Per Person

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

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: Hondius
$ 16,700 - $ 31,000
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Across the Antarctic Circle (13D)

Length: 13 Day / 12 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
$ 17,276 - $ 35,456
Per Person

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery Voyage (12D)

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Ortelius
$ 7,700 - $ 11,200
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 30% savings

Ultramarine

12-23 Days, 5 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
$ 12,541 - $ 54,932
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days, 7 Itineraries
138 Guests, Luxury
$ 11,546 - $ 46,508
Per Person
Up to 44% savings

MS Roald Amundsen

12-18 Days, 4 Itineraries
532 Guests, Luxury
$ 8,414 - $ 20,246
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Douglas Mawson

22-34 Days, 4 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 21,756 - $ 59,036
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Sylvia Earle

12-23 Days, 14 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,046 - $ 56,521
Per Person
Up to 22% savings

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days, 6 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 5,495 - $ 38,995
Per Person
Up to 40% savings

Sea Spirit

12-23 Days, 6 Itineraries
114 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 9,356 - $ 42,695
Per Person
Up to 50% savings

Ocean Albatros

9-19 Days, 10 Itineraries
169 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 5,098 - $ 47,195
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

Seaventure

11-21 Days, 12 Itineraries
164 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,450 - $ 40,135
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

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
Up to 50% savings

Ocean Victory

9-19 Days, 8 Itineraries
189 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 7,798 - $ 43,395
Per Person
Up to 35% savings

Ocean Endeavour

11-23 Days, 7 Itineraries
200 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 6,635 - $ 30,240
Per Person
Up to 36% savings

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
134 Guests, Authentic
$ 5,719 - $ 33,999
Per Person
Up to 40% savings

Hondius

10-23 Days, 6 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
$ 7,750 - $ 31,000
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Authentic
$ 4,500 - $ 20,390
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

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
Up to 20% savings

Ortelius

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