The headline price of an Antarctic or Arctic expedition cruise covers a defined set of inclusions that vary significantly between operators and price tiers. Knowing what is inside the price prevents costly surprises on arrival.
Standard inclusions at most operators:
Items typically charged as extras:
These ships adhere strictly to the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) rule that no more than 100 passengers land at any site simultaneously. Smaller ships land all passengers in fewer zodiac rotations, producing more time ashore per passenger.
| Operator | Ship Size | 10-12 Day Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Quark Expeditions | 50 to 199 passengers | $9,000 to $25,000 |
| Hurtigruten | 100 to 130 passengers | $8,000 to $18,000 |
| G Adventures | 50 to 100 passengers | $7,000 to $15,000 |
| Aurora Expeditions | 130 passengers | $10,000 to $22,000 |
Larger ships with more facilities and entertainment but fewer landing opportunities per passenger. Some sites close to ships above 200 passengers under IAATO guidelines.
| Operator | Ship Size | 10-12 Day Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Viking Expeditions | 378 passengers | $12,000 to $35,000 |
| Silversea | 100 to 300 passengers | $15,000 to $40,000 |
| Ponant | 184 passengers | $12,000 to $30,000 |
Have a question about what a specific Antarctic or Arctic expedition fare covers, which operators allow what activities or how expedition insurance requirements work? Get specific answers before you commit to a booking.
Ask Expedition Fare BotCalculate Expedition CostExpedition cruise pricing follows two optimal windows:
Early booking (12 to 18 months ahead): Operators release their lowest cabin prices when a season's departures first go on sale. Early booking discounts of 15 to 25% below standard brochure price are standard. Cabin selection is at its best.
Late booking (within 60 to 90 days of departure): Operators discount unsold cabins significantly. Savings of 30 to 50% off brochure price appear on last-minute expedition platforms. Drawbacks: cabin category choice is limited; flights to embarkation ports at short notice are expensive.
The worst time to book: 6 to 9 months before departure at standard brochure prices with no early booking discount active.
Platforms for late-booking deals:
All Antarctic expeditions depart from Ushuaia, Argentina (or occasionally Punta Arenas, Chile). Getting to Ushuaia adds significant cost:
Flights to Ushuaia:
Pre-cruise hotel in Ushuaia: Allow 1 to 2 nights before departure. Hotels fill completely during expedition season (November to March). Book simultaneously with your expedition cruise. Prices: $80 to $250 per night.
| Factor | Antarctic | Arctic (Svalbard/Greenland) |
|---|---|---|
| Season | November to March | June to September |
| Price range | $7,000 to $30,000 | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| Wildlife focus | Penguins, seals, whales | Polar bears, walrus, reindeer |
| Landscape | Ice shelves, dramatic mountains | Glaciers, tundra, fjords |
| Remoteness | Extreme | Moderate |
| Base port | Ushuaia (Argentina) | Longyearbyen (Norway) |
The Arctic is generally cheaper because Svalbard and Greenland are more accessible from Europe than Antarctica is from anywhere. A Svalbard expedition from Longyearbyen adds a single flight from Oslo (2.5 hours, NOK 800 to 2,500 each way).
Every reputable polar expedition operator requires travel insurance that includes:
Policies specifically listing "polar regions" or "remote expeditions" are required. Standard travel insurance frequently excludes Antarctica in the fine print. Check before buying.
Operators that accept your booking without confirming insurance exist but should be treated with caution. Medical emergencies in Antarctica involve the most expensive evacuation logistics on earth.