Expedition Guide: How much is an Expedition Cruise to Antarctica?

Booking an expedition cruise to Antarctica is nothing like planning a beach holiday. With only a handful of ships allowed into the White Continent each season, berths are limited, itineraries are tightly regulated, and the demand for prime cabins is fierce. Prices reflect this exclusivity, but how much you’ll actually pay depends on when you book, where you want to go, and the level of comfort you’re after.

Most operators now release their Antarctic programs two years in advance, and for good reason. The expedition season runs only from late October to March, when sea ice retreats enough to allow access. That narrow window creates a supply-and-demand crunch: the earlier you secure your spot, ideally 12 to 18 months before departure, the better your chance of locking in lower fares and your preferred cabin choice. Those who book late often find themselves with fewer options, higher prices, or “guarantee fares” that don’t reveal cabin locations until closer to sailing.

Expedition cruises also use tiered pricing, meaning fares will typically climb as cabins sell. And it is worth remembering here that there are far fewer cabins than traditional cruise ships, so good availability one day could quickly change.

A twin-share cabin/stateroom might start at around $8,000–$10,000 per person for a 10-day Antarctic Peninsula voyage. At the same time, suites or extended itineraries including South Georgia or the Falklands will often exceed $20,000 and 20 days. Early bookers not only save money but also secure comfort, such as mid-ship cabins that can make the notorious Drake Passage a little smoother.

Planning ahead also pays off when it comes to logistics. Flights to gateway ports like Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile, are limited and expensive if left too late. Many operators require specialist travel insurance and medical checks, all of which take time to arrange and process. Also, if you are booking an expedition cruise that includes a flight to Antarctica, whilst this flight cost will be included in the fare, your main flight to reach your travel entry point will not. 

When it comes to Antarctica, timing influences more than just your itinerary; it shapes both the price you’ll pay and the experience you’ll have. Early in the season, November and December unveil untouched snowscapes and dramatic seabird courtship displays. By January, the austral summer is at its warmest, bringing peak wildlife activity and the arrival of penguin chicks. Later in February and March, as ice barriers retreat, the spotlight shifts to spectacular whale encounters and fledgling penguins.

Each window offers something unique, but demand, pricing, and supply follow the rhythm of the season. Expedition cruising is never a bargain holiday, yet with thoughtful planning, the journey of a lifetime doesn’t need to cost more than it should. After all, how do you put a price on standing among penguin colonies or watching a humpback breach against an iceberg? These may sound like cliches, but when you are there, they feel very real and very valuable. 

Here’s a clear, at-a-glance breakdown of what you can expect to pay for an Antarctic expedition cruise.