Short answer: for the 2026–27 season, most 10 to 11 day Antarctic Peninsula cruises from South America start at roughly 7,500 to 11,000 US dollars per person for a shared cabin. Premium ships, bigger cabins and fly-cruises cost much more. Once you add flights, insurance and extras, plan for about 12,000 to 25,000 dollars per person in total. These are rough ranges from travel companies and guides, so always check the exact price with the operator.
Typical cruise prices (2026–27 season)
- Entry-level, 10 to 11 days: roughly 7,500 to 11,000 US dollars per person in a shared twin or triple cabin. A few budget ships advertise prices below 8,000 dollars.
- Mid-range and premium ships: many cabins sit between about 14,000 and 31,000 dollars per person on 10-day voyages, depending on cabin type. Large suites cost more.
- Luxury cruises: from about 1,000 to 1,500 dollars per person per day or more for entry-level cabins.
- Expedition-focused lines: one cruise guide put lines such as Quark Expeditions at around 650 to 750 dollars per person per day and up. Check the company’s own site for the current fare.
Prices change by date, ship and cabin, and companies update them often. Treat any number you read online as a starting point.
What affects the price most?
- The ship: small, ice-strengthened ships with fewer guests cost more per person.
- The cabin: a shared cabin is cheapest. Balconies and suites cost much more.
- The route and length: longer trips, like those that include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, cost more in total, but can be better value per day.
- The month: the busiest dates, such as late December and January, usually cost the most. See the best time to go to Antarctica.
- Sailing or flying: a fly-cruise skips one or both Drake Passage crossings, but costs more.
Fly-cruises: skip the Drake, pay more
A fly-cruise uses a charter flight to cross the Drake Passage in a few hours instead of about two days at sea. Guides say the flight adds roughly 1,500 to 3,000 dollars per person. A travel article listed Quark Expeditions’ 8-day “Antarctic Express” fly-cruise at about 17,591 dollars per person for a 2026–27 trip from Punta Arenas. Other companies list fly-cruises from about 11,500 to 16,000 dollars per person. Read our Drake Passage guide to decide if the flight is worth it for you.
What is usually included?
- Your cabin and all meals on the ship
- Landings and Zodiac rides with expert guides
- Talks and lectures on board
- Often a parka, and boots to borrow
Extra costs to add to your budget
- Flights to the port, such as Ushuaia in Argentina, if they are not part of the package.
- Hotel nights before the trip, in case of delays.
- Travel insurance that covers medical care and emergency evacuation. One guide says a deluxe plan for an older traveller can reach 2,000 to 3,000 dollars.
- Tips for the crew: often about 10 to 16 dollars per person per day.
- Optional activities such as kayaking, camping or paddling. Kayaking programs can cost from about 350 to 2,000 dollars per person, and a single paddling session may be a few hundred dollars.
- Single supplement: if you travel alone and want your own cabin, many ships charge 1.7 to 2 times the per-person price.
- Cold-weather gear if you do not already own it. See the Antarctica packing checklist.
- Visas and fees, if your passport needs them.
How to pay less
- Travel in November or March. These shoulder months are often cheaper.
- Book early. Many operators give early-booking or early-payment discounts, often in the range of 5 to 10 percent.
- Watch for sales. Travel agents sometimes advertise bigger discounts, up to 30 percent or more on certain departures, especially around late-year sales.
- Choose a shared cabin. It is the cheapest way to go.
- Compare operators. Look at what is included, not just the headline price.
Is it worth it?
That depends on what you value. You are paying for a trip to one of the most remote places on Earth, on a small ship with expert guides. For many travellers, the wildlife, ice and silence are the main reasons. Read the Antarctica expedition guide and the wildlife guide to see what you would get for the money.
Quick FAQ
What is the cheapest way to go to Antarctica?
A shared cabin on a budget ship in a shoulder month, with a long enough notice to catch early-booking deals.
Are meals included?
Yes, on expedition ships, meals are normally part of the fare. Check the details for drinks and special diets.
Do prices include flights to Ushuaia?
Usually not. Many cruises start in port, so your flights to the starting city are extra, unless the package says otherwise.
This page is general information. Prices were compiled from travel guides and operator listings and change often. Always confirm the current price, what is included and the cancellation rules with the company or a travel agent. Back to the travel section