Popular Ports & Stops on an Antarctica Cruise
From the “end of the world” in Ushuaia to the ice cliffs of the Ross Sea: where Antarctic voyages go and what you’ll see.
Get free Antarctica cruise quotes »Most Antarctica cruises follow the same broad path: fly to southern Argentina, board in Ushuaia, cross the Drake Passage, then spend several days landing and Zodiac-cruising among the South Shetland Islands and along the Antarctic Peninsula. Exact landing sites are chosen day by day by the expedition team, depending on ice, weather and wildlife.
1. Ushuaia, Argentina
Often called the gateway to Antarctica, Ushuaia is usually billed as the southernmost city in the world. Key attractions include:
- Tierra del Fuego National Park — forests, lakes and coastline just west of town.
- The Beagle Channel — a historic waterway; boat trips visit sea-lion and cormorant islets and the Les Éclaireurs lighthouse.
- End of the World Museum (Museo del Fin del Mundo) — the history and culture of the region.
Stay: Ushuaia hotels on RoomsCheap.com · Fly: flights to Argentina on AirfaresForLess.com
2. South Shetland Islands
The South Shetlands are a popular first stop after the Drake, known for their rugged beauty and abundant wildlife. Key sights include:
- King George Island — home to several countries’ research stations, penguins and seals; fly-cruise passengers board here.
- Deception Island — sail into the flooded caldera of an active volcano; when conditions allow, brave guests take a “polar plunge” where geothermal water warms the shallows.
- Half Moon Island — a small, crescent-shaped island with a chinstrap penguin colony and dramatic views.
3. The Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of the mainland, with stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Key sights include:
- Paradise Bay — a beautiful bay ringed by ice cliffs, ideal for kayaking and Zodiac cruising.
- The Lemaire Channel — a narrow, steep-sided passage famous for its scenery (ice sometimes blocks it).
- Port Lockroy — a historic British base, now a museum run by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, surrounded by gentoo penguins. Visitor access has varied in recent seasons during conservation work — ask your specialist.
4. The Ross Sea
The Ross Sea is one of the most remote and pristine regions of Antarctica, reached only on a few long voyages a year from New Zealand or Tasmania. Key sights include:
- McMurdo Station — the largest research station in Antarctica, operated by the United States (visits are at the station’s discretion).
- Mount Erebus — one of the world’s most active volcanoes, known for its persistent lava lake.
- The Ross Ice Shelf — the largest ice shelf in the world, ending in ice cliffs that tower above the sea.
- Scott’s and Shackleton’s huts — the preserved expedition huts at Cape Evans and Cape Royds.
Gateways: Christchurch hotels · Hobart hotels · flights to New Zealand
Getting to Your Ship
Classic Drake crossing
Fly to Buenos Aires, then on to Ushuaia and board. The Drake Passage takes about two days each way — calm (“Drake Lake”) or rough (“Drake Shake”).
Fly-cruise
Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island and board there, skipping one or both Drake crossings. Flights are weather-dependent. See flights to Chile.
South Georgia & Falklands
Longer voyages of roughly 18–23 days add the king-penguin colonies of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Plan the Rest of the Trip
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Get your best cruise price free »Ports & Stops — FAQ
Is Ushuaia really the southernmost city in the world?
Ushuaia is usually billed as the world’s southernmost city. Puerto Williams, across the Beagle Channel in Chile, lies farther south but is a much smaller town.
Can I visit the South Pole on a cruise?
No. Cruises reach the coast — the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetlands and, on rare voyages, the Ross Sea. The South Pole lies far inland on the polar plateau and is reached only by specialist flights.
How often do cruises visit the Ross Sea?
Rarely. Only a handful of expedition departures a season sail to the Ross Sea, usually from New Zealand or Tasmania, and ice conditions decide which sites can be visited.