If you’re planning the ultimate adventure to Antarctica, timing and Expedition line choice are key. As New Zealand's Top online Cruise agents, we help travellers make informed decisions for this once-in-a-lifetime journey. We asked our Founder Jeff Leckey to share his Top Tips. Here’s everything you need to know about the best time to visit Antarctica and the top expedition cruise lines that make the experience unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit Antarctica
The Antarctic cruise season runs from late October to March, which is summertime in the Southern Hemisphere. Each part of the season offers unique highlights:
- November (Early Season):
The landscape is pristine and icy, ideal for photographers. Penguins begin nesting, and the dramatic icescapes are still largely untouched. - December to January (High Season):
This is the warmest time of year in Antarctica, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 5°C. Expect longer daylight hours, active wildlife (especially penguin chicks), and better access to landing sites. - February to March (Late Season):
Whales are at their most active, and seal sightings are common. This is also a great time for marine photography and for potentially catching discounted cruise fares.
Top Expedition Cruise Lines to Antarctica and Why They Stand Out
Quark are widely regarded as a leader in polar travel. They offer:
- Purpose-built Expedition ships with ice-strengthened hulls
- Expert expedition leaders, scientists, and guides
- Unique itineraries including fly-cruise options (ideal for avoiding the Drake Passage)
- A strong commitment to sustainability and safety
Why Choose Quark Expeditions:
For travellers wanting a deep, immersive Antarctic experience backed by scientific expertise and a pioneering legacy, Quark are a top choice. Some impressive stats from the recent Antarctic season
* 40 Departures completed across Ocean Explorer, World Explorer & Ultramarine
* 473 Quark Guests Kayaked
* 878 Quark Guests paddled in the inflatable yaks
* 218 Quark Guests stand-up paddled boarded
* 210 Quark Guests camped out overnight on the Ice
* 135 Exclusive Heli-Tour adventure landings
* Rare, fast-ice landing near The Gullet
This French luxury cruise line blends elegance with exploration and has one of the most unique Expedition vessels their Ice-Breaker Le Commandant Charcot, which has the ability to go beyond the range of traditional Expedition ships. Image is our founder Jeff Leckey & friends in Antarctica Feb 2024
- Eco-friendly vessels purpose built for the polar regions
- French-inspired cuisine and 5-star service
- Zodiac landings and guided wildlife tours
- Enrichment programs with expert naturalists, marine biologists and historians
Why Choose Ponant:
Perfect for travellers who want to combine laid back luxury and adventure in Antarctica, with an emphasis on comfort and environmental responsibility. Ponant also offer an annual Ross Sea expedition roundtrip from Dunedin which is super popular with Kiwis
3. Aurora Expeditions
An Australian expedition line with a strong presence in the NZ market operating the unique X-Bow Expedition ships designed to create a smoother crossing of the Drake passage & heavy seas
- Small-group expeditions with a relaxed onboard atmosphere
- Specialised activities like kayaking, mountaineering, and polar diving
- New state-of-the-art X-Bow vessels designed for polar regions
Why Choose Aurora:
Great for active travellers and nature lovers who want to explore Antarctica in a more hands-on way, supported by a passionate expedition team.
4. Silversea Luxury Expeditions
An ultra-luxury option that doesn’t compromise on adventure: Our Founder Jeff Leckey attended the christening of Silver Endeavour in Antarctica (Pictured in the Lemaire Channel 21 Nov 2022)
- All-suite accommodations with butler service
- Enrichment lectures and curated landings
- All-inclusive pricing including flights, transfers, and shore excursions
- Antarctic Air Bridge programme for those who wish to avoid the Drake
Why Choose Silversea:
For those who want the highest standard of comfort while exploring Antarctica’s remote wilderness.
Seabourn brings ultra-luxury cruising to Antarctica with its purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. These vessels are equipped with cutting-edge technology and designed for both comfort and adventure in the harsh polar environment.
Highlights of Seabourn Expeditions:
- All-veranda suites with ocean views
- Gourmet dining and open bars throughout the ship
- An onboard team of 26 expedition experts including scientists, naturalists, and scholars
- Optional submersible and kayaking experiences for a unique perspective of Antarctica
- Seabourn Moments – attentive, personalised service known across the fleet
Why Choose Seabourn:
Perfect for discerning travellers who want to explore Antarctica without sacrificing luxury. The blend of high-end comfort, expert-led excursions, and intimate expedition experiences makes Seabourn a standout choice for luxury polar cruising. We offer Exclusive discounts on select Seabourn Antartica departures, talk to our team for details
6. HX Expeditions (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
HX Expeditions, formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions, offers a sustainability-first approach to Antarctic cruising with a strong scientific focus. They pioneered polar exploration tourism and remain a trusted name in responsible adventure travel.
Highlights of HX Expeditions:
- Unique Hybrid-powered ships like the MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen allow a switch to quieter electric power when in the presence of Cetaceans
- A strong focus on sustainability and carbon reduction
- A Science Centre onboard with interactive learning and research opportunities
- In-depth shore landings and citizen science programs
- Competitive pricing and frequent sales for budget-conscious adventurers
Why Choose HX Expeditions:
Ideal for travellers who value environmental responsibility, education, and authentic exploration. HX offers a deeper connection to the polar environment with a focus on learning and conservation, all while delivering an excellent guest experience. We offer a number of select departures per season with Exclusive pricing, talk to our team for details
Planning Your Antarctic Cruise from New Zealand
Departing from New Zealand or Australia gives Kiwis unique proximity to Antarctica. Annual departures to the Ross Sea are a fantastic way to avoid an International flight for those who can spare a little more time and offer a unique perspective of East Antarctica vs the Antarctic Peninsula. Many cruises sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, but fly-cruise options via Punta Arenas, Chile, are ideal if you want to skip the Drake Passage.
Jeff advises: Pack your sense of adventure and prepare for the unexpected. All Expedition itineraries are just a suggestion with itineraries and destinations subject to change based on weather & wildlife activity etc.
Ready to Start Your Antarctic Adventure?
Visit our Expedition Pages to view itineraries & Contact us today to find the best Antarctic expedition cruise for your travel window, preferences, and budget. Let New Zealand’s trusted online cruise experts guide you to the end of the world.
