If you want to go somewhere truly unique, where few people have gone before you, take a cruise to Antarctica. The ice-encased continent is largely unexplored and yet, there is plenty to do here. Antarctica expedition cruises let you float past massive icebergs, hike over snowy trails, kayak in the fjords, and more. You can get up-close views of penguins, seals, native birds and maybe a few whales too.

There are dozens of Antarctica tour packages available today. When you’re choosing between them, pay close attention to the ship size. Small ships can use Zodiacs to take guests onshore in groups. However, cruise ships with more than 500 passengers cannot take their passengers on shore. They offer more of a scenic overview.

Guided shore excursions, when permitted, are usually included in the Antarctica cruise deals. Other activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, etc. may be available at an additional fee.

On that note, let’s take a look at the best cruises to Antarctica.

Antarctica 21
Antarctica 21 pioneered Fly & Cruise Expeditions to Antarctica. This is the only luxury boutique cruise to Antarctica where you’ll sail with less than 100 other passengers. Choose from 6 to 20-day cruise itineraries. The Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise and the Polar Circle Air-Cruise include a round-trip flight over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions offers many Antarctica tour packages with itineraries ranging from 8 to 23-days. This includes Antarctica cruise deals where you can sail across the Antarctic Circle, at 66°33' S. – it’s a milestone achieved by very few travelers. Some of their Antarctica tour packages include a one-way or return flight experience over the Drake Passage.

Poseidon Expeditions 
Poseidon Expeditions has over 25 years of polar cruising experience. The Antarctica Expedition Cruises usually operate with 100 -114 guests. Cruises range from 12 to 23 days with innumerable opportunities to gaze at the incredible scenery and view the Antarctic wildlife.

Lindblad Expeditions
The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic partnership takes travelers on some of the best cruises to Antarctica. Each cruise has 100-150 guests. Their crew includes naturalists, scientists, certified photo instructors, and cultural experts! There are 9 all-inclusive cruises spanning between 8 and 22 days.

Oceanwide Expeditions
Oceanwide Expeditions operates activity-focused expedition cruises along 4 routes in Antarctica. The crew often includes a professional photographer to help you frame breathtaking photographs. Helicopter rides in search of the Emperor Penguin is another unique experience that sets Oceanwide Expeditions apart.

Silver Sea
Silver Sea is known for its luxurious Antarctica expedition cruises. Picture a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio and round-the-clock butler service. They offer a door-to-door tour to Antarctica from India and all-inclusive port-to-port Antarctica tour packages. You can also get voyage-only Antarctica cruise deals. The 6-day express cruise includes round-trip flights over the Drake Passage. Longer cruises can last for up to 22 days.  

Hurtigruten Expeditions
Hurtigruten Expeditions promises luxurious 12 to 24-day Antarctica expedition cruises. If you're interested in research and experimentation, this is the ideal cruise for you. The ship has a Science Center where you can attend daily lectures and get involved in Citizen Science projects.

Ponant
Ponant expeditions to Antarctica range from 12 to 22-day cruises. In addition to the luxurious service, Ponant expeditions stand out for the company of passionate professionals. These experts add historical, cultural and environmental context to every excursion.

Seabourn 
Seabourn cruises range from a thrilling 11-night Antarctica cruise to a longer 21-day cruise to Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands. Antarctica is also included in many of their multi-country cruise itineraries. It’s not the onboard experiences alone that make this one of the best cruises to Antarctica - There's also a submarine ride to see life under the icebergs.  

Aurora Expeditions
Whether you choose a 9-day express cruise to Antarctica or a 34-day polar expedition, Aurora Expeditions promises a thrilling adventure on every cruise. Some of their experiences include a 1-way flight over the Drake Passage

Hiking over snow and ice isn’t for everyone. 'Sail by’ Antarctica cruises do not include on-shore excursions but bring you close enough to marvel at the whales, penguins and seals in their natural habitat. The most popular ‘Sail By’ Antarctica cruises are: 

Holland America
Holland America takes you on a 22-day cruise between Buenos Aires and San Antonia. This includes a day in the Falkland Islands and 4 days sailing along the northern tip of the Antarctic coast. Shore excursions are limited to ports in South America. 

Celebrity Cruises
The Celebrity Equinox takes you on a 14-day cruise along the coast of Antarctica and South America. While the cruise doesn’t stop at ports in Antarctica, you’ll have opportunities to go ashore in Ushuaia, the Falkland Islands and Puerto Madryn.

So, are you ready for your tour to Antarctica from India? Get in touch and we’ll help you plan an exciting holiday to Antarctica.