The seventh continent, honestly priced: four days of actual Antarctica after two days of earning it on the Drake Passage each way. Every landing is by Zodiac, every day is weather-led, and there is no version of this trip that is cheap.
The route at a glance
Eleven days, roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, November to March. The standard peninsula expedition - here on the 175-guest Ocean Victory - sails the Beagle Channel, crosses the Drake Passage for two days, then spends four days along the Antarctic Peninsula's western shore: Zodiac landings at penguin colonies and research stations, cruising among icebergs, seals on the floes and whales when the season peaks, then two days back across the Drake. Landings run twice daily when conditions allow; the captain and expedition leader set each day's plan around ice and weather.
Who this route suits
Best for bucket-list travelers, wildlife photographers, and expedition-cruise veterans ready for the big one. Zodiac boarding requires basic agility, and the Drake can be genuinely rough, so sea-sickness preparation matters. Less ideal for travelers who need guaranteed schedules (landings are cancelled for weather more often than brochures admit), for limited-mobility travelers, and for anyone whose budget expects Caribbean prices - see what the longer South America and Antarctica voyage adds if you want more sailing for the fare.
What it costs
Peninsula expeditions on modern ships list from $11,295 per person in a triple stateroom for early-season November 2027 departures, with 15% early-booking discounts bringing that to about $11,100; balcony staterooms run from about $13,300 discounted, suites from $15,300. Peak January dates price higher, from about $12,600 list in a triple. Fares include landings, the expedition team, parkas and boot loan on most lines; flights to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires are the major extra. Booking a season ahead is normal - the November and January departures sell first.
The five-minute version
- Eleven days from Ushuaia; four days actually on the peninsula.
- Two Zodiac landings a day when weather allows; penguins, seals, icebergs.
- The Drake Passage is two days each way and can be rough.
- From about $11,100 discounted, balcony from about $13,300; flights extra.
- Book a year out; November and January sell first.