Christmas & New Year Cruises in Antarctica

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA СRUISE

Antarctica / Christmas & New Year in Antarctica

Christmas & New Year in Antarctica

Come on a real Antarctic adventure and be part of the best expedition team in the world! As your small expedition ship leaves the port of Ushuaia, Argentina, you’ll cruise south through the infamous Drake Passage on the way to Antarctica. You’ll already be able to spot albatross and other rare seabirds on your voyage to the peninsula.

Look out for the South Shetland Islands, the first sighting stop on the way to the White Continent: you’ll learn about the islands’ rich history and get the best opportunities to spot wildlife. Continue further south and finally set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula! This moment will make the heart of any avid explorer beat a little faster. Nothing can compare to the feeling you get from adding the most remote continent on the planet to your list of travelled places. Majestic mountains, glaciers, towering icebergs and the unique scenery of Antarctica await you.

Expect incredible penguin and wildlife encounters. Sail the Gerlache Strait - a paradise for photographers and adventurers! And our active expeditioners will enjoy sea kayaking and Antarctica camping.


Why travel with Poseidon Expeditions?

Poseidon Expeditions is one of the leading operators of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. Since 1999, we’ve offered voyages that combine the spirit of adventure with a generous measure of onboard comfort and well-being, along with educational enrichment.

Why travel with us?

M/V Sea Spirit – Tiny but Mighty
M/V Sea Spirit – Tiny but Mighty
With a maximum capacity of just 114 passengers, we usually operate with 100 guests off the ship. It maximizes our travelers' time ashore because there is no need for splitting passengers into groups for landing rotations as required on larger ships.
A real polar expedition
A real polar expedition
Experience active exploration of the polar regions through a variety of activities. Weather permitting, we schedule up to 3 excursions per day and offer optional kayaking and, in Antarctica, camping. Enrich your polar knowledge in interactive way through Poseidon’s edutainment program.
25 years of polar cruising
25 years of polar cruising
Polar cruising is our passion and expertise and over the past 24 years, we’ve gained tremendous experience building a strong team of enthusiastic polar professionals who are all experts in their field. Each cruise is a thoughtfully crafted expedition voyage.

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

New Year & Christmas in Antarctica_ABUNDANT ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE
ABUNDANT ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE

Antarctica is a penguin lover's paradise! While we keep our distance, penguins are naturally curious and often waddle right by our expeditioners. Encounter gentoo, chinstrap and adélie penguins on the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Spot marine mammals like Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, along with humpback and killer whales feeding on krill.

New Year & Christmas in Antarctica_DRAMATIC POLAR SCENERY
DRAMATIC POLAR SCENERY

Antarctica has a unique feel and beautiful scenery. Snow-capped mountains, lenticular clouds, calving glaciers and deep blue waters will give you the surreal feeling of being on another planet. Enjoy this polar paradise from the deck of our small expedition ship, cruise in inflatable Zodiac boats and enjoy hiking, kayaking or even camping ashore.

New Year & Christmas in Antarctica_POLAR EXPLORATION NOW & THEN
POLAR LEGENDS AND HISTORY

Follow in the footsteps of historic polar explorers and get a glimpse of the excitement they must have felt discovering the White Continent. Learn about the history of whaling, scientific expeditions and the heroic tales of polar exploration throughout history. Visit historically significant places on the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

Itineraries

Region

Departures

itinerary dates days activities special offers rates from
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica
Christmas in Antarctica
16 Dec - 27 Dec 2024 12 Sea Kayaking Camping Photography

25% OFF ON SELECTED CABINS

US$ 10 095 US$ 13 196 per person
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica
New Year in Antarctica
26 Dec - 06 Jan 2025 12 Sea Kayaking Camping Photography US$ 10 595 per person
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica
Christmas in Antarctica
17 Dec - 28 Dec 2025 12 Sea Kayaking Camping Photography

Early Bird Special

Up to 15% OFF

US$ 10 395 US$ 9 356 per person
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica
New Year in Antarctica
27 Dec - 07 Jan 2026 12 Sea Kayaking Camping Photography
Sold out

Through the Viewfinder

Activities

PHOTOGRAPHY

Antarctica is a must-visit destination for professional and amateur photographers alike. Join our masterclasses aboard and learn from top photographers about how to get the best shots. 

Wildlife in Antarctica is protected and not easily spooked by responsible expeditioners who keep the allocated distance; hence, you’re likely to get that perfect penguin picture or catch a beautiful seal relaxing on an ice floe. 

Experiment with perfect light during the golden hours to take advantage of the Southern sky’s amazing color patterns. Practice your skills while exploring in Zodiacs, kayaks and on land and bring home amazing pictures to remember your adventures.


PHOTOGRAPHY

SEA KAYAK CLUB

Paddle at your own speed and fully immerse yourself in the polar beauty of Antarctica! Enjoy pristine waters and paddle up close to wildlife, explore secluded bays and float amid towering icebergs. 

While Zodiac boats can get you close to the action, this activity will get you even further. You’ll get prime views from your stable sea kayak, and don’t be surprised to see a penguin jumping out of the water onto the shore right next to you! Exploring in a non-motorized watercraft allows you to observe wildlife with minimal disturbance. 

The Antarctic Peninsula offers some of the best paddling opportunities in the world, so it’s no surprise that our sea kayak club is so popular. We offer this opportunity only to a small group of travelers, so sign up as soon as possible to get a spot!


SEA KAYAK CLUB

ANTARCTICA CAMPING

Imagine a cozy night in a comfortable sleeping bag under the sky of the Southern Hemisphere. Penguins cackle in the distance while you feel the remoteness of the White Continent, surrounded on all sides by ice and snow.

Experience how historic explorers began their adventures in Antarctica, but with all the modern comforts. Only a small group of brave expeditioners will get the chance to experience this unique adventure. Don't miss out of Antarctica camping and book your spot as soon as possible. We’ll prepare the campsites, offer sleeping bags, set up a camping toilet and offer state-of-the art equipment.

Leave your comfortable cabin for one night of pure polar pleasure ashore and return to the ship the next morning for a hearty breakfast with ultimate bragging rights and lasting memories!


ANTARCTICA CAMPING

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Frequently Asked Questions

Travel insurance covering journeys to the polar regions and with an evacuation and repatriation coverage for no less than 200,000 USD is required on your polar circle expedition.

It’s not mandatory, but we also recommend cancellation insurance.

On our expedition ship, the Sea Spirit, there is Wi-Fi available at no additional cost.

We recommend layering your clothes, so you can add or subtract based on weather conditions. Start with warm thermal undergarments made from merino wool or synthetics (not cotton), layer with polar fleece and wool and finish off with water and windproof materials. Once we cross the Antarctic Circle, the weather may get harsher with high winds. Don’t forget your hats, scarves and gloves. We’ll have our warm expedition parka ready for you aboard, which you can take home with you, as well as rubber boots for landings, which are yours for the duration of the trip.

Click here to review our check-list on what clothes to bring with you.

Flights to and from the departure port, as well as travel insurance are not included. Any personal equipment, clothes, cameras, etc. need to be brought with you, with the exception of our signature Poseidon Expedition parka (which you can keep after the cruise). Additional activities such as kayaking and camping in Antarctica, as well as alcoholic beverages and gratuities to our team are not included.

Top reasons to join our Antarctic Christmas Expedition

Are you dreaming of a Christmas holiday that you’ll remember forever? Are you tired of the usual holiday routine? Then join us for an unforgettable Christmas and New Year’s in Antarctica! Pack your festive attire and enjoy sumptuous meals, try traditional mince pies and spend a wonderful Christmas Day aboard the Sea Spirit sailing the Weddell Sea. Mix active exploring, Zodiac cruising, kayaking and camping ashore with relaxing moments aboard the beautifully decorated expedition ship. With expeditioners from around the world, you’ll get to know other holiday traditions and customs.

Take your family and friends along on this journey, join in on the festivities of various holiday traditions from around the world and celebrate with like-minded travelers! Take pictures with penguins, cute penguin chicks, seals, icebergs and snow-covered landscapes for the best holiday cards of your lifetime. This is also the best time to spot humpback whales in the Southern Ocean.

Spend the holidays with us in Antarctica and we can guarantee a white Christmas: plenty of ice and snow await us. We’ll have everything that makes celebrating Christmas special, including a Christmas tree aboard! And watch out, even Santa Claus may crash our party!

Expedition Highlights

A guaranteed white Christmas

Snow-covered landscapes, icebergs and glaciers – if you want a white Christmas, then come aboard! Give yourself and loved ones a unique gift with this cruise.

A very special New Year

Instead of watching fireworks in a crowded city, set your sights on icebergs, glacier-covered mountains and iconic wildlife. Stand aboard the Sea Spirit with a glass of ice-cold bubbly to ring in the New Year.

Iconic wildlife

See iconic wildlife on your way down south. Spot gentoo, chinstrap, king and adélie penguins, weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and even humpback and killer whales.

South Shetland Islands

Discover the history and landscapes of the South Shetland Islands with their adjoining krill-rich waters. Look out for seabirds and other wildlife while exploring the volcanic beaches.

Gerlache Strait

The perfect place for your holiday pictures! Pose in front of pristine landscapes, spectacular glaciers and beautiful mountain peaks.

Lemaire Channel

Known as the “Kodak Gap” for its picture-perfect scenery, this narrow iceberg-filled channel is one of the most stunning spots for wildlife viewing and photography in the world.

About Antarctica during Christmas and New Year’s

Climate and weather

During our cruising season, temperatures are mild at around 1 to 2 °C in January. During the winter months, temperatures range from -15 to -20°C. While you find little to no precipitation in continental Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula gets rain occasionally.

Wildlife preservation and ecotourism

The Antarctic Peninsula and its waters are rich in krill and attract an abundance of marine mammals and seabirds. The Antarctic Treaty System protects the unique ecosystem of the Antarctic region. Ecotourism and sustainable tour operators like us comply with its rules, thereby minimizing human impact.

History

Cuddle up aboard with a warm cup of tea and enjoy the heroic stories of Antarctic explorers of the past. Learn about Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated journey aboard the Endurance, Robert Falcon Scott’s attempt to reach the South Pole and the rise and fall of the whaling industry in the region.

Itinerary for our Christmas cruise

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia

Day 2: Board the Sea Spirit and start your Christmas cruise to Antarctica. Get your signature expedition parka and settle in. Join our briefings, get to know our expedition team and explore the ship.

Day 3-4: Cross the infamous Drake Passage and spot humpback and fin whales on your way.

Day 5-8: It’s time to celebrate! Passing the Shetland Islands on your journey en route to the Antarctic peninsula, we will celebrate the holidays with gourmet meals, dancing and music. Take the most memorable holiday photos ever with icebergs, glacier-covered mountains and penguins! Share this magical Christmas with fellow travelers and meet Santa Claus before continuing south.

Day 9-10: Cross the Drake Passage on your way back to port, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and end-of-voyage slideshow.

Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia and start planning your next polar adventure!

Plan your Antarctic New Year’s cruise

How to get to the departure port of your expedition

You’ll cover the airfare to and from Ushuaia or Buenos Aires, Argentina (depending on the cruise) by yourself. We’ll pick you up from the airport, accommodate you for the first night in a local hotel and board the Sea Spirit the next day.

Visa control

You may require a visa to enter Argentina. We can assist with arrangements, such as contacting the consulates or advice on what documents are required.

Antarctic Christmas cruise ships

We’ll celebrate Christmas aboard our small expedition ship, the Sea Spirit, with a maximum of 114 passengers. Choose your desired level of comfort from our many cabin categories: porthole, picture window and balcony. We offer various suite types, triple and double cabins and for our solo travelers – ask us about the single occupancy option, for that extra level of privacy! We recommend booking your Antarctica cruise December 2023 as soon as possible, as Christmas and New Year cruises are extremely popular among travelers. Also, for our Antarctica cruises 2024, we recommend not delaying your booking. For our holiday expedition cruise, our ship will be beautifully decorated to bring you into the holiday spirit. From our spacious deck, you can enjoy amazing vistas on the mesmerizing beauty of Antarctica and spot iconic wildlife. The ship also features a restaurant, bar, outdoor bistro, 24-hour tea and coffee station, polar library, lecture hall and gym.

Packing list

Pack warm undergarments (wool or synthetics, not cotton), middle layers (polar fleece, wool), wind- and water-proof clothes for the top layers. Bring comfortable footwear for the ship and we’ll provide boots for landings. Don’t forget your cameras, spare batteries, chargers, personal hygiene products and medications (if applicable).

Deck Plan and Cabin Descriptions

Please find a photo of the deck plan here.

Choose your cabin category aboard the Sea Spirit:

Triple Suite

Suited for 3 passengers, this 21m2 cabin with picture windows offers two twin beds (convertible to a king size bed) and one sofa bed. Located on the Oceanus Deck, it features 2 wardrobes, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.

Main Deck Suite

Designed for 2 passengers, this 23m2 suite on the Main Deck, equipped with portholes, offers two twins or a king size bed. The suite features 2 wardrobes, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.

Classic Suite

Perfect for 2 passengers, this 21m2 suite located on the Oceanus Deck features picture windows. Choose either two twin beds or a king size. The suite features 2 wardrobes, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.

Superior Suite

Located on the Club Deck, these 20m2 suites for 2 passengers feature picture windows overlooking the walkway on the Club Deck. Choose either two twin beds or a king size. The suite features a walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.

Deluxe Suite

Designed for 2 passengers, this 24m2 suite located on the Sports Deck comes with a private balcony. Choose either two twin beds or a king size. The suite features a walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.

Premium Suite

This 30m2 suite for two is located on the Sun Deck and features a private balcony. Choose either two twin beds or a king size. It features a lounge area, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.

Owners Suite

As only one of its kind aboard, this 63m2 suite is located on the Sun Deck and features a king size bed, a sofa bed, a private living room with game and meeting area, a BOSE stereo system and plasma TV. You’ll have your own private deck and a jetted bathtub in addition to en-suite facilities.

What’s Included in the Rate?

Airport pick-up and the first night in a hotel before you board your cruise are included in the fee. Accommodation, as well as all meals aboard, 24-hour tea and coffee station, landings and excursions in Zodiacs, rubber boots for the duration of your cruise, lectures, use of polar library and gym are included. We provide free Wi-Fi on board. You will also receive your signature Poseidon Expeditions parka, which you can take home with you!

For a full list of items included and not included in the cruise fee, please check a cruise page.