Antarctica / Antarctic Peninsula / Christmas cruises to Antarctica

The Antarctic Peninsula is a pristine polar wilderness featuring abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery.

This classic voyage to Antarctica departs from Ushuaia, Argentina. The air gets colder and daylight grows longer as we head south across the infamous Drake Passage, accompanied by albatross. Our first sighting of the White Continent is the South Shetland Islands, historically significant and rich with iconic Antarctic wildlife.

Our time in the Antarctic Peninsula region focuses on the Gerlache Strait area, where towering mountains, immense glaciers, and blue icebergs create a picture-perfect setting for incredible penguin and marine mammal encounters. This is an authentic expedition in a wilderness of epic proportions.

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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

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

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 an engaging and interactive way through Poseidon’s edutainment program.

24 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.

Thank you for choosing poseidon expeditions

EXPLORE OUR CRUISES

Highlights

ABUNDANT ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE

Antarctica is famous for its penguins. In the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula you can go ashore at sites where gentoo, chinstrap, and adélie penguins come together in boisterous nesting colonies. Meeting with an inquisitive penguin chick is an experience not to be forgotten.

The waters of Antarctica are also home to impressive numbers of marine mammals. Pinnipeds such as weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals are commonly seen reposing on ice floes or hauled-out on shore. Humpback and killer whales can also be spotted feeding in bountiful seas.

DRAMATIC POLAR SCENERY

The scenery in Antarctica is unique in the world. Tall, rugged, gleaming white mountains—covered on all but their sheerest faces by innumerable glaciers and permanent snow—rise from deep blue waters to form idyllic bays and scenic passages.

Afloat everywhere in these protected waterways are fragments of Antarctica’s frozen surface. From billowy blankets of brash ice crackling in the wake of our Zodiacs to gargantuan tabular icebergs that dwarf our ship, ice is a dramatic and inescapable feature of any Antarctic tableau.

HUMAN ENTERPRISE, PAST AND PRESENT

Antarctica has been the setting of many heroic adventures and journeys of discovery. On this voyage you will be following in the historic footsteps of early whalers, polar explorers, and scientific expeditions. Evidence of these intrepid first visitors can still be seen in locations around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

In these areas you also have the opportunity to appreciate modern human ingenuity at scientific research stations of various nationalities. Some of these stations, such as Port Lockroy, even boast a museum, gift shop, and post office.

Departures

Itinerary Dates Days Activities Special Offer Rates from

Antarctic Peninsula
Christmas in Antarctica

19 Dec - 29 Dec 2023

CALL NOW FOR THE BEST PRICE

US$ 9 695

per person

CRUISE DETAILS

Antarctic Peninsula
New Year in Antarctica

28 Dec - 07 Jan 2024

CALL NOW FOR THE BEST PRICE

US$ 10 295

per person

CRUISE DETAILS

Antarctic Peninsula
Christmas in Antarctica

16 Dec - 27 Dec 2024

SUPER EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

US$ 10 095
US$ 8 581

per person

CRUISE DETAILS

Antarctic Peninsula
New Year in Antarctica

26 Dec - 06 Jan 2025

SUPER EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

US$ 10 595
US$ 9 006

per person

CRUISE DETAILS

Itinerary

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Through the Viewfinder

Activities

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Antarctic Peninsula is the ultimate destination for experienced and novice photographers alike. Our free photography program gives you the chance to learn and practice your photography skills alongside an expert photographer.

Antarctic wildlife is famously obliging to photographers. Having evolved without terrestrial predators, animals such as penguins and seals do not spook easily when on land or on ice floes. At sea, whales and seabirds also make excellent subjects.

With ice features of every description and scenery beyond comparison, Antarctica also provides a wealth of inspiration for the landscape photographer. Our expert will be available to help you make the most of this bounty in your viewfinder.

SEA KAYAK CLUB

Antarctica is truly a paddlers’ paradise. The White Continent delights kayakers with its spectacular polar landscapes, mesmerizing ice features, abundant marine wildlife, and variety of excellent paddling locations.

Sea Kayak Club participants in Antarctica have the coveted opportunity to paddle with playful penguins in waters sparkling with ice while enjoying magnificent vistas of mountains and glaciers.

The picturesque and protected waters of the Antarctic Peninsula offer some of the best paddling opportunities in the world. If you enjoy sea kayaking, then be sure not to miss your chance to participate in this incredible optional activity.

ANTARCTICA CAMPING

Antarctica Camping is a unique and unforgettable way to expand your experience on the White Continent. This optional activity allows you to meet Antarctica on its own terms by spending a night out on the ice and snow.

Camping is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the Antarctic wilderness. Spend hours watching the drama of ever-changing light upon the landscape, capturing that perfect photo, or simply falling asleep to the mysterious sounds of the ice.

On your camping night you can take the time to fully experience whatever joy Antarctica holds for you. You will also gain undeniable bragging rights, lasting memories, and a newfound appreciation for your warm bed back on the ship.

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Christmas cruises to Antarctica

Top reasons to join our Antarctic Christmas Expedition

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, singing and dancing. 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, seals, icebergs and snow-covered landscapes for the best holiday cards of your lifetime. 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 depending on your nationality. Contact us if you need help.

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. The ship also features a restaurant, bar, outdoor bistro, 24-hour tea and coffee station, polar library, lecture hall and a 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

View the full deck plan here.

Cabins:

En-suite facilities, wardrobes or walk-in closets, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control and hair dryer are available in all categories.

Triple Suite

This 21m2 picture-windows cabin for 3 offers two twin beds (convertible to a king size bed) and one sofa bed. It’s located on the Oceanus Deck.

Main Deck Suite

This 23m2 suite for 2 people is equipped with portholes and offers two twins or a king size bed. It’s located on the Main Deck.

Classic Suite

Designed for 2, this 21m2 suite features picture windows and is located on the Oceanus Deck. Choose twin beds or a king size.

Superior Suite

These 20m2 two-person suites are located on the Club Deck and feature picture windows overlooking the walkway. Choose twin beds or a king size.

Deluxe Suite

Designed for 2 people, this 24m2 suite comes with a private balcony. Choose twin beds or a king size.

Premium Suite

This 2-person suite with 30m2 of space is located on the Sun Deck and features a private balcony. Choose twin beds or a king size. It also features a lounge area.

Owner’s 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 a 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 is included

Airport pickup and the first night in a hotel are included in your cruise cost. Onboard accommodation and meals, Poseidon Expeditions parka, 24-hour tea and coffee station, Zodiac cruising, rubber boots for the duration of your cruise, lectures, use of the polar library, free Wi-fi access and gym are also included.

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

FAQ

How cold is the expedition?

As we cruise in the Antarctic summer, so temperatures will average around 0°C.

What currency do you accept and how much money should I bring?

Consider tips, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages and other expenses. You can pay with USD Dollars, but you don’t have to bring cash because we also accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX). We don’t accept traveler’s checks. Accommodation and all meals aboard the Sea Spirit, one night in a hotel before your departure, as well as airport pickup are included in the price.

How do we celebrate Christmas in Antarctica?

We’ll enjoy a sumptuous feast, a beautifully decorated expedition ship with an artificial Christmas tree, hot chocolate, music and dancing. Even Santa Clause may crash our party!

What is the best month to go to Antarctica?

The best time to cruise is during the Antarctic summers. We organize cruises from December to March, where you can also expect the best wildlife viewing options. Temperatures during these months are around 0°C.

How much does it cost to go on a cruise to Antarctica?

We have cruises for various budgets, depending on your schedule and preferences. Cruises start from around 8795 USD per person. Check out our program for 2022 and 2023 and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date for discounts and special offers.