Antarctica is the one destination where the deal logic runs backwards: the season opens in November, and the cabins that survive to September and October often price below the early-booking rates. The 2026-27 season is on sale now, with real space left.
The essentials
Three patterns define 2026-27. First, prices start lower than the brochures suggest: 10-night Antarctic Peninsula expeditions from Ushuaia list from about £8,636 per person cruise-only on established operators, and Swan Hellenic's SH Vega sails a 10-night Antarctic Peninsula Odyssey from Ushuaia on November 24, 2026, from AU$15,900 per person. Second, the calendar is fixed and short: departures run November through March, with November and early March cheapest and the Christmas-to-February window priced highest. Third, the longer voyages price like a different product: a 19-day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica expedition starts from about US$16,046 per person - roughly double the peninsula lead for three times the wildlife.
The deals worth watching right now
- Peninsula classic: 10-night Antarctic Explorer from Ushuaia, cruise-only, from about £8,636 per person including pre-cruise hotel night - the season's cleanest lead price.
- Swan Hellenic SH Vega: 10-night Antarctic Peninsula Odyssey from Ushuaia, November 24, 2026, from AU$15,900 per person - boutique expedition hardware early in the season.
- Long-voyage option: 19-day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica from about US$16,046 per person (Poseidon Expeditions) - the king-penguin trip at under $850 a day.
- Season shape: operator calendars confirm November 2026 departures already scheduled across multiple expedition lines, with 9 to 11-night peninsula trips the core product.
How to read these prices
All prices are per person, usually twin share, and almost always cruise-only - the flight to Buenos Aires and on to Ushuaia adds real money, and some operators bundle a charter flight from Buenos Aires while others leave it to you. November sailings trade slightly colder, whiter landscapes for the lowest fares; January and February bring chicks, whales and the highest prices. Ask what is included: parka, boots, landings and the hotel night vary by operator. The South America and Antarctica route guide covers the longer cruise alternative, and the Voyageworthy fare database tracks expedition prices as they move.
The five-minute version
- Antarctica 2026-27 is on sale now; the season runs November to March.
- Leads: 10-night peninsula from about £8,636 cruise-only; SH Vega Nov 24 from AU$15,900.
- Long option: 19-day Falklands and South Georgia from about US$16,046.
- November and early March are cheapest; Christmas to February prices highest.
- Prices per person twin share, verified September 2026; check what is bundled.