The Aurora

Antartica Heritage Cruises & Tours

Follow in the wake and footsteps of Antarctica’s greatest explorers
Starting at:
Per Person
$ 30,758

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.

Explorers Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula & Extreme Weddell Sea

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Ocean Victory
Sold Out

Weddell Sea Quest

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: MV Ushuaia
Sold Out

Deep Weddell Following Nordenskjöld

Length: 14 Day / 13 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle
Sold Out
Up to 10% savings

In Shackleton’s Footsteps

Length: 20 Day / 19 Night
Ships: Greg Mortimer
$ 30,758 - $ 63,156
Per Person

Shackleton's Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Explorer

Length: 21 Day / 20 Night
Ships: Ocean Endeavour
Sold Out
Up to 26% savings

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings

Length: 20 Day / 19 Night
Ships: Ocean Adventurer
$ 30,849 - $ 64,918
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.

Up to 30% savings

Ocean Victory

9-19 Days, 7 Itineraries
189 Guests, Luxury
$ 10,795 - $ 52,705
Per Person

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Luxury
$ 7,351 - $ 30,522
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Greg Mortimer

9-24 Days, 12 Itineraries
132 Guests, Luxury
$ 15,482 - $ 75,589
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Sylvia Earle

12-23 Days, 14 Itineraries
132 Guests, Luxury
$ 16,208 - $ 85,488
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Ocean Endeavour

11-23 Days, 7 Itineraries
200 Guests, Luxury
$ 9,557 - $ 50,818
Per Person

Ocean Adventurer

16 Days, 1 Itineraries
128 Guests, Luxury
Sold Out