Is a Cruise to Antarctica Worth It? Our Top Reasons to Say Yes!

Meet Katrina and Karen from House of Travel Botany Junction, doing the hard yards to quality test an Antarctica expedition and report back - tough job, we know - but someone's got to do it!

When most travellers daydream about an epic holiday, they usually picture South America’s vibrant culture or a charming European escape. But not Katrina and Karen. These two daring travellers from little old Botany, set their sights on Antarctica - one of the most remote, exhilarating and untouched places on Earth.

We caught up with them to hear all about their life-changing experience on an incredible 10-day Antarctica cruise - And Karen swears by cruising. 

Our trip began with a 12-hour flight to Santiago, Chile, then a 2-hour flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina and finally another 3.5-hour trip to the historic city of Ushuaia. From there we boarded the Seabourn Pursuit and began our 10-day expedition cruise to Antarctica.

HOT Tip: Split up this long journey with overnight stays as Santiago and Buenos Aires - two interesting cities that are worthy of exploration.

We sailed aboard Seabourn Pursuit from Ushuaia and headed south by way of the Beagle Channel. By the next morning, we were well into the infamous Drake Passage. It usually takes two days, however, we managed to get to the deserted continent in just 36 hours.

Onboard the cruise, we found the atmosphere to be very social, as the other passengers were very well-travelled and as excited as we were to add this amazing experience to our bucket list. The average age of our travel companions were around 40 to 50 years old. 

On our third day at sea, everything changed as we launched into a series of exciting firsts. Each day followed a similar rhythm, if the morning brought an ice landing, the afternoon was all about zodiac exploration, and vice versa. No matter how many times we suited up, stepping onto the ice or zooming between icebergs in a zodiac never lost its thrill.

Heading into Antarctica, we were instantly captivated by the striking white and dreamy azure shades of the icebergs, glaciers and ocean. Our very first ice landing was beyond words... a proper goosebump moment! Standing right there among Gentoo penguins, watching them nest, fish, swim and socialise in their natural habitat, really brought home the magic of, Wow, I’m actually in Antarctica!

They were just as curious about us as we were about them, waddling right up on their so-called penguin highway for a closer look. We’d been told to keep about 15 feet away, but they often came closer anyway - an adorable reminder that you’re truly a guest in their world.

Onboard each zodiac, you’ll meet a fascinating range of specialists, everyone from penguin gurus and iceberg experts, to nature-loving ecologists. Believe it or not, the temperature was a surprisingly balmy -2°C. Because you’re at the very bottom of the planet, there’s about 20 hours of daylight each day, with only four hours of gentle twilight to break up the sun.

We were lucky enough to cross the Antarctic Circle, and even received a special certificate to prove we’d ventured to one of the most remote places on the planet. This side trip was part of Seabourn’s flexible route planning, which can change depending on the weather or any unexpected opportunities.

Antarctica also offers a surprising mix of activities. You can glide through icy waters in a kayak, take a submarine ride to glimpse the ocean floor, or dare to do the legendary polar plunge. We took the plunge ourselves, and, refreshing, doesn’t even cover it. Those 30 seconds in Antarctic waters are heart-racing in the best possible way. It’s a must-do for anyone looking to truly feel alive in this frozen wonderland.

On one zodiac outing, the driver switched off the engine and asked us all to stay completely still and quiet. It was one of those pinch me moments. Everything fell silent... no hum of machinery, no chatter... just the distant crackle of ice and the soft flap of a passing gull’s wings.

1. Pay attention to the packing list... Pack some cosy Uggs; they were a lifesaver for moving from the cabin to the boots room and strolling around the ship.

2. Layering is key - wear a gaiter to insulate the neck and prevent warm air from escaping. And opt for merino thermals, we wore singlets layered with two layers of merino, topped with a jacket.

3. We wore polar fleece tights but also had thermals if needed. A must is to have waterproof pants. Get them in a size bigger to accommodate layers.

4. Warm wool socks or good ski socks.

5. Ski gloves and also something like a head band or muffs that cover your ears... thank us later!

6. A good beanie and our new best friend - a gaiter. You need this on the zodiacs.

7. If you can get ski goggles they would be preferable but sunglasses are a must.

8. Around the ship during the day you'll want leggings, a track suit or jeans. At night, it's not as dressy as other cruises, but bring what you might wear to dinner out when at home.

9. Sunscreen and lip balm are a must.

The main season runs from end of November until March. Go early for lots of snow, early December for nesting season or January through to  March for hatchlings and whale watching.

The cost of embarking on a cruise to Antarctica can vary depending on the departure date, how long the cruise goes for and the type of cabin you book on the ship. Some cruises might start at around NZD$8,000 per person, while others might be NZD$20,000 per person or more. It just depends on the cruise line and length.

There are different types of cruises - either scenic where you sail around and don’t get off, or ones like we did, where you do ice landings - Choose whichever activities suit you and your budget. 

Connect with Katrina Cole, a true Antarctica expert, tried and tested to help you tailor your epic bucket list expedition to the frozen frontier.