How to cruise to Antarctica - without spending tens of thousands of dollars
Seeing the icy continent of Antarctica is on many people's bucket list.
But sadly, being able to afford one of the epic expedition cruises which venture there, is out of reach for most people.
They generally start at tens of thousands of dollars.
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Sapphire Princess is cruising in Antarctica. Supplied
However, there is a much cheaper way to tick off the unique destination - and you won't need to buy those snow boots either.
Many cruise lines venture to the bottom of the world - you just don't get off the ship. Instead you will sail past the dramatic sights while aboard the warm ship.
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The cruises generally set sail from South America and take in spots such as the Falkland Islands, Buenos Aires in Argentina and Ushuaia in Chile, before venturing to the icy continent.
Cruise expert Adrian Tassone, AKA The Cruise and Travel Guy, reckons it's a perfect compromise for holidaymakers who don't want to splash their life savings on one trip.
"Cruises that pass by Antarctica offer a really good taste of the continent, without the extreme cost or commitment of a full expedition," he tells 9Travel.
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Cruises to Antarctica are a popular bucket-list item for many. Getty Images/iStockphoto
"You'll miss out on stepping onto the ice itself, but the scenic cruising will still take your breath away.
"You're likely to see towering glaciers, drifting icebergs, and even sightings of whales or penguins from the ship.
"It's a great option for travellers who are Antarctica-curious but not quite ready for the cost or time that a full expedition calls for."
Princess Cruises has a 17-Day Antarctica and South America cruise on offer. The cruise line says it takes the most passengers there compared to any other company.
The trip on Sapphire Princess starts at just under $6200 for an inside cabin. A port lecturer will be on board to point out the sights of the world's most isolated continent.
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You won't get to step onto the actual continent but get a feel for it from the ship. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Holland America Line also offers Antarctica cruises.
A 22-day experience on Oosterdam from either San Antonio or Buenos Aires includes crossing the Drake Passage - which takes a day and a half.
Renowned for sometimes being a choppy, that's set to be an experience in its self. It's worth it though, as you'll then have four days sailing past Antarctica.
That includes sailing through the bays and islands of the Palmer Archipelago, off the northern tip of the long Antarctic Peninsula.
You'll also pass Cuverville Island, home to 6,500 pairs of gentoo penguins. Prices start at $6109.
Celebrity Cruises also make the epic journey in January and February. They sail for 14-days with six days at sea.
Celebrity Equinox is departing on January 3, 2026, with an inside cabin starting at $2,868 person.
It takes in Elephant island, where the crew of Endurance, led by intrepid explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, which was trapped in the ice during a 1914 polar expedition, they took refuge.
