The Aurora

Antartica Heritage Cruises & Tours

Follow in the wake and footsteps of Antarctica’s greatest explorers
Starting at:
Per Person
USD$ 9,390

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.

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Length: 23 Days
Ships: MS Fram
USD$ 17,997 - USD$ 44,192
Per Person

The Heroic South

Length: 13 Days
Ships: St. Helena
USD$ 10,980 - USD$ 19,120
Per Person

South Georgia & The Falkland Islands

Length: 17 Days
Ships: Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer
USD$ 15,995 - USD$ 29,595
Per Person

In Shackleton’s Footsteps

Length: 20 Days
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle
USD$ 21,207 - USD$ 48,956
Per Person
Up to 11% savings

Deep South Basecamp Experience

Length: 14 Days
Ships: Ortelius
USD$ 13,700 - USD$ 19,600
Per Person

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (19D)

Length: 19 Days, 21 Days, 23 Days
Ships: Hondius, Plancius, Ortelius
USD$ 14,850 - USD$ 33,050
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle

Length: 24 Days
Ships: Ocean Nova
USD$ 20,860 - USD$ 41,708
Per Person

Beyond the Antarctic Circle – In the Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot

Length: 16 Days
Ships: Le Commandant Charcot
USD$ 29,190 - USD$ 93,860
Per Person

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle

Length: 15 Days
Ships: Plancius
USD$ 11,700 - USD$ 17,400
Per Person

In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Ross Sea Antarctica

Length: 28 Days
Ships: Heritage Adventurer
USD$ 33,075 - USD$ 53,031
Per Person

Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea (13D)

Length: 13 Days
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle
USD$ 13,257 - USD$ 29,916
Per Person

Spirit of Shackleton

Length: 21 Days
Ships: MS Expedition
USD$ 23,799 - USD$ 36,399
Per Person

Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise

Length: 18 Days
Ships: Magellan Explorer
USD$ 17,995 - USD$ 23,995
Per Person

Unexplored Antarctica Between Two Continents

Length: 31 Days
Ships: Le Commandant Charcot
USD$ 74,470 - USD$ 171,970
Per Person

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica

Length: 22 Days
Ships: MS Expedition
USD$ 17,599 - USD$ 26,499
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

13-31 Days, 8 Itineraries
245 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 29,180 - USD$ 171,970
Per Person

Le Soléal

15-22 Days, 2 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 17,060 - USD$ 81,940
Per Person

Le Lyrial

11-20 Days, 6 Itineraries
244 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 13,150 - USD$ 61,470
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Ultramarine

11-23 Days, 12 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 12,721 - USD$ 86,521
Per Person

Douglas Mawson

8-23 Days, 15 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,282 - USD$ 57,796
Per Person

Sylvia Earle

8-23 Days, 18 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,146 - USD$ 60,686
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days, 9 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 5,795 - USD$ 38,995
Per Person

Heritage Adventurer

8-28 Days, 5 Itineraries
184 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 5,279 - USD$ 53,031
Per Person

Greg Mortimer

8-29 Days, 12 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 15,466 - USD$ 57,116
Per Person

MS Fram

11-24 Days, 7 Itineraries
318 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 16,331 - USD$ 44,192
Per Person

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 8 Itineraries
128 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 9,599 - USD$ 36,399
Per Person
Up to 11% savings

Hondius

8-19 Days, 11 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 7,800 - USD$ 33,050
Per Person

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 6,390 - USD$ 20,390
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Ocean Nova

9-24 Days, 7 Itineraries
80 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 8,060 - USD$ 41,708
Per Person

Plancius

8-24 Days, 12 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 7,050 - USD$ 23,450
Per Person
Up to 11% savings

Ortelius

10-19 Days, 9 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 7,800 - USD$ 27,100
Per Person

St. Helena

11-13 Days, 3 Itineraries
98 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 8,790 - USD$ 24,250
Per Person
Up to 18% savings

Magellan Discoverer

6-17 Days, 7 Itineraries
96 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 8,495 - USD$ 42,995
Per Person