Choose Your Ideal Antarctica Cruise: Which Expedition Fits Your Travel Style?
When travelers dream of exploring the most remote place on Earth, Antarctica is at the top of the list—a destination of absolute purity, where immense glaciers, endless wildlife, and surreal silence leave a lifelong impression. Every cruise to this continent is extraordinary, but each offers a unique way to experience it.
At ATN Travel Services Argentina, with over 20 years of experience crafting tailor-made tours for international visitors, we know that no two travelers are alike. Some prefer refined comfort and fine dining; others seek raw adventure and close contact with nature. To help you choose the perfect journey, we’ve compared three of the most popular Antarctica cruises departing from Buenos Aires:
- Celebrity Cruises – 15 Days of Luxury and Exploration
- NCL Norwegian – 15 Days of Adventure and Discovery
- Sapphire Princess – 17 Nights of Scenic Exploration
Each itinerary unveils a different side of Antarctica and southern South America. Let’s explore their highlights, differences, and the experiences that will make your journey unforgettable.
1. Celebrity Cruises: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Discovery
If your dream is to experience Antarctica surrounded by elegance, comfort, and attentive service, Celebrity Cruises delivers exactly that.
Itinerary Overview
The 15-day Antarctica Cruise with Celebrity departs from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and follows a stunning route that includes Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Paradise Bay, and the Gerlache Strait, before returning via the Falkland Islands, Puerto Madryn, and Montevideo.
You’ll witness glaciers up close, sail through icy fjords, and explore some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. Each day offers a balance between onboard relaxation and breathtaking exploration.
Duration and Departures
Celebrity offers three sailings in 2026:
- January 3–17 (from USD 2,520)
- January 17–31 (from USD 2,640)
- January 31–February 14 (from USD 2,770)
Experience Onboard
Onboard the Celebrity ship, travelers enjoy award-winning cuisine, elegant lounges, spa services, and entertainment that makes every evening special. It’s an ideal choice for couples, mature travelers, or those seeking a luxury Antarctic experience without sacrificing adventure.
What’s Included
- Full-board dining in main restaurants and buffets
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Entertainment and daily shows
- Cabin accommodation
- Access to gym, pools, and children’s programs
What’s Not Included
- Specialty restaurants and premium beverages
- Spa and beauty services
- Shore excursions and casino
- Internet, laundry, and gratuities
Who Should Choose This Cruise
If you appreciate comfort, sophistication, and personalized service, this is your cruise. It’s a great choice for honeymooners, retirees, or anyone who wants to combine luxury with awe-inspiring Antarctic landscapes.
2. NCL Norwegian: Adventure and Freedom at Sea
For travelers who prefer flexibility, fun, and a modern cruising style, NCL Norwegian’s 15-day Antarctica cruise is a perfect match. Norwegian’s “freestyle cruising” concept lets you dine, relax, and explore on your own terms—without fixed schedules or dress codes.
Itinerary Overview
This route also departs from Buenos Aires, with stops in Montevideo, Puerto Madryn, Punta Arenas (Chile), and Ushuaia (Argentina) before reaching Paradise Bay and Elephant Island in Antarctica. The journey continues through the Falkland Islands, returning to Buenos Aires via the South Atlantic.
It’s a complete South American experience that combines wildlife, culture, and polar adventure in one unforgettable voyage.
Duration and Departures
For the 2024–2025 season, Norwegian offers several departures:
- December 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- January 5–19, 2025 (from USD 2,226)
- January 19 – February 2, 2025 (from USD 2,125)
- February 2–16, 2025 (from USD 2,226)
- February 16 – March 1, 2025 (from USD 1,811)
Onboard Experience
Norwegian’s ships offer a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of dining options—from buffets to specialty restaurants. Passengers can enjoy outdoor pools, modern gyms, and family-friendly activities. Entertainment is lively, with music shows, comedy, and cultural performances every night.
What’s Included
- Accommodation with daily housekeeping
- Buffet and main dining rooms
- Basic beverages (water, tea, coffee, juices)
- Gym, sports courts, pools, and jacuzzis
- Kids and teens clubs
What’s Not Included
- Specialty dining and alcoholic drinks
- Shore excursions
- Spa services, casino, and shopping
- Internet, gratuities, and laundry
Who Should Choose This Cruise
This cruise is ideal for younger travelers, families, and adventurers looking for flexibility, value, and a more social onboard atmosphere. Norwegian offers the best price range among the three options, without compromising the experience of stepping foot near Antarctica.
3. Sapphire Princess: Extended Exploration and Classic Elegance
For travelers who want to spend more time exploring the White Continent, the Sapphire Princess Antarctica Cruise offers a longer itinerary—17 nights and 18 days—combining the majestic landscapes of Patagonia, the Falkland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Itinerary Overview
This cruise departs from Buenos Aires and includes key stops in Punta Arenas (Chile), Ushuaia (Argentina), Stanley (Falkland Islands), Montevideo (Uruguay), and several days dedicated entirely to exploring Antarctica.
Passengers enjoy three full days of scenic cruising through the Antarctic Peninsula, with opportunities to witness icebergs, whales, and seabirds up close from the decks.
Duration and Departures
Two departures are available for 2025:
- January 4–21 (from USD 2,455)
- January 21–February 7 (from USD 2,458)
Onboard Experience
The Sapphire Princess delivers a more traditional cruising atmosphere, ideal for travelers who appreciate classic service and refined details. The “Medallion Class” technology personalizes the experience—allowing touchless check-in, smart dining reservations, and real-time assistance throughout the voyage.
What’s Included
- Accommodation with regular cleaning service
- Buffet and main restaurants
- Beverages (water, tea, coffee, lemonade)
- Access to pools, gym, jacuzzis
- “Medallion Class” digital service and entertainment programs
What’s Not Included
- Specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks
- Shore excursions
- Spa, beauty, and medical services
- Internet, casino, and laundry
Who Should Choose This Cruise
If you value a longer, immersive experience and want to spend more time admiring Antarctica’s landscapes, this is your best choice. It’s ideal for photographers, wildlife lovers, and seasoned travelers seeking a balanced mix of exploration and comfort.
4. Comparing the Three Cruises
| Feature | Celebrity Cruises | NCL Norwegian | Sapphire Princess |
| Duration | 15 days | 15 days | 17 nights / 18 days |
| Departure Port | Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires |
| Destinations | Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Paradise Bay, Falklands, Montevideo | Montevideo, Paradise Bay, Elephant Island, Falklands, Ushuaia | Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Falklands, Montevideo, Antarctica Peninsula |
| Starting Price (USD) | 2,520–2,770 | 1,811–2,226 | 2,455–2,458 |
| Atmosphere | Elegant and luxurious | Casual and flexible | Classic and refined |
| Ideal For | Couples, luxury travelers | Families, adventurers | Photographers, nature lovers |
| Best For | Comfort and style | Value and freedom | Longer exploration |
5. Why Book with ATN Travel Services Argentina
Choosing the right cruise is important—but choosing the right travel partner makes all the difference. With over 20 years of experience in inbound tourism, ATN Travel Services Argentina offers:
- Personalized assistance from the moment you inquire until you return home.
- Expert advice on choosing the cruise that best fits your interests and budget.
- Pre- and post-cruise packages in Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and Iguazú Falls.
- Local offices and 24/7 support, ensuring a seamless, worry-free journey.
- Trusted partnerships with the most recognized cruise lines operating from Argentina.
Our team helps you compare cabins, select excursions, and coordinate transfers and hotels. We ensure every detail of your Antarctica adventure runs smoothly.
6. Choosing Your Path to the White Continent
Every Antarctica cruise is unforgettable—but the right one depends on your travel personality.
- Choose Celebrity Cruises if you love luxury, fine dining, and comfort.
- Choose NCL Norwegian if you want freedom, flexibility, and fun at an affordable price.
- Choose Sapphire Princess if you prefer a longer, more immersive voyage with classic service.
No matter which you pick, the result will be the same: breathtaking beauty, pristine nature, and a sense of accomplishment only a handful of travelers ever experience.
At ATN Travel Services Argentina, we don’t just sell cruises—we craft journeys that connect you to the essence of Antarctica.
Start planning your dream expedition today.
Contact our expert team and discover which Antarctica cruise fits your travel style best.
Your adventure begins in Buenos Aires—and ends in one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth
