Antarctica. The name alone conjures images of towering glaciers, waddling penguins on pristine snow, whales spouting flumes high into the air, and seals basking on drifting ice. As one of the last pristine wildernesses on Earth, Antarctica is both awe-inspiring and humbling — a precious place that commands respect, reverence, and preservation. 

For many, an Antarctica cruise is an adventure experienced once in a lifetime. 

But it’s not a journey to embark on lightly. You’ve invested significantly in the trip and want to ensure that every moment is experienced to its fullest. Perhaps you’ll upgrade to a more spacious stateroom or suite, sign up for an optional activity like kayaking, and enrich your experience by extending your journey in South America. And choosing when to travel, what to pack, and who to travel with leaves much to consider.  

While Antarctica’s extraordinary beauty is unmatched, its environment remains among the harshest on Earth, and there’s good reason why an Antarctica cruise is called an expedition. An Antarctic expedition is, at heart, a quiet promise — to challenge yourself and step beyond your comfort zone. The infamous Drake Passage — the stretch of sea between Ushuaia and the Antarctic Peninsula — adds a thrill of anticipation to any Antarctica cruise. Often dubbed the ‘Drake Lake’ or ‘Drake Shake’, depending on conditions, it’s a legendary body of water that has become a rite of passage for polar-bound travellers. 

With APT, you’ll travel aboard the purpose-built, ultra-luxury Seabourn Venture, where just 260 guests are invited to explore the icy realm of Antarctica in unrivalled style.  

The Best Time to Go to Antarctica 

From October, Antarctica slowly reawakens after months of darkness. Late October to November reveals Antarctica at its most pristine, with untouched landscapes blanketed in fresh snow. Gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins return to shore, filling the air with ecstatic braying vocalisations as they find their partners. You’ll witness courtship displays, nest building, penguins stealing stones for their own nests, and you might even glimpse some freshly laid eggs. October and November also see ice seals return to Antarctica to give birth to pups on ice.   

By early December, Antarctica becomes a crèche with penguins incubating their eggs, seal pups weaning and whales arriving in larger numbers. Come January, adorable penguin chicks take their first wobbly steps, while the continent basks in near-constant daylight. 

By late February and March, whale sightings peak as these giants exhibit thrilling behaviours — lobtailing, pec-slapping, and occasionally breaching in a dramatic show of strength. Sightings of the solitary leopard seal become more frequent, with these skilled predators patrolling the shorelines, in stealth, for their next unsuspecting prey. Juvenile leopard seals are known to occasionally exhibit amorous behaviours with Zodiacs, mistaking the inflatable boats for a mate; offering adventurers an unforgettable, up-close moment with these beguiling creatures.    

Expert-Led Antarctica Tour Packages 

APT offers expertly curated Antarctica tour packages designed to showcase this extraordinary destination in unmatched comfort and style. Nature is in full command on the White Continent, and each day, your experienced captain and Expedition Leader will design an itinerary shaped by the elements. Your Antarctic voyage will be led by an APT Cruise Director and a 23-person expert Expedition Team, whose deep knowledge of the region ensures every moment is exceptional. Hand-picked for their profound knowledge and engaging style, your Expedition Team brings Antarctica’s history, geology, wildlife and photography to life. Complex topics are distilled into fascinating, easy-to-follow presentations and lively discussions. Learn expert techniques to capture the perfect shot — whether you're photographing the iceberg-strewn Lemaire Channel or the black-sand beaches of volcanic Deception Island. At Port Lockroy on Goudier Island, your onboard historian will share stories of its past before you step inside the iconic black-and-red-painted post office to send a postcard from the world’s southernmost postal service. 

During your Antarctica tour, your vessel will anchor in tranquil bays, which serve as base camps for the day’s exploration. Zodiacs are agile vessels for exploration and become your gateway to the continent’s shores. You’ll land on beaches teeming with wildlife, hike snowy ridges, and cruise along spectacular fjords and coastlines. You might encounter seals hauling out on ice floes, witness a whale breaching nearby, or experience the unforgettable spectacle of a calving glacier. Reaching shore often involves a ‘wet landing’ — your skilled Zodiac driver nudges onto the beach, where your Expedition Team is ready to assist you ashore. On land, you’ll enjoy walks along the beach, encountering various species of penguins, and set off on hikes that offer panoramic views of pristine bays and spectacular ice-capped mountains. After adventures on shore, return to the sanctuary of your luxury ship to unwind and share stories with new-found friends.  

Preparation and Packing for Antarctica Cruises 

Physical preparation pays off. Start walking more in the months before your departure to build stamina for hikes and shipboard exploration. The Seabourn Venture may be intimate, but you’ll still be active, navigating stairs, moving between decks, and getting geared up for excursions and activities. You might even choose to take a polar plunge into Antarctica’s icy waters — an experience you’ll truly never forget. 

Pack wisely. Layers are key. Antarctica’s weather conditions change rapidly, and you’ll go from the climate-controlled comfort of your suite to open Zodiacs exposed to wind, sea spray, and snow. Pack thermal garments, gloves, scarves, head cover and sunglasses to wear on outings. And apply lip balm and moisturiser regularly to protect your skin from the dry climate. While on board, smart casual attire is appropriate, but you might choose something dressier for the captain’s welcome and farewell events.  

While the spellbinding natural beauty of Antarctica takes centre stage during your voyage, you’ll be forgiven for occasionally wanting to stay on board to enjoy the generous amenities on offer. Relax on your private verandah and marvel at the exquisite scenery, indulging in your personalised mini-bar stocked with your choice of spirits and wine. Savour 24-hour gourmet in-suite dining, relishing delectable dishes from an extensive menu of à la carte meals. Treat yourself to a massage in the tranquil spa, swim in the infinity pool, then soak in the soothing whirlpool, surrounded by spectacular scenery. There’s equally as much to do on board as there is ashore.  

Luxury expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula generally begin and conclude in the Argentine city of Ushuaia, and many travellers extend their journey with a tour in South America to experience the neighbouring continent’s incredible natural and cultural wonders. A tour in South America, prior to commencing your Antarctic expedition, allows you to recover from a long flight and adjust to the local time zone to alleviate any jet lag before crossing the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Concluding your holiday in Antarctica ensures the White Continent leaves the final, unforgettable impression before you begin your journey home.  

Words: Mark Lee