Antarctica had always seemed financially out of reach—until Bill and I discovered there was another way. This unforgettable Bucket List trip may be more affordable than you think.
The cost of an Antarctica cruise was the biggest reason Bill and I almost gave up on visiting the seventh continent during our four-month South America adventure. Like many people, we assumed it would cost $15,000 or more per person—until I discovered a 17-night scenic cruise round trip from Buenos Aires for a fraction of that price.
If you’re wondering whether you can actually afford an Antarctica cruise, you’re in the right place. I’ll share exactly what we spent, where we splurged, where we saved, and the choices that made one of our biggest Bucket List dreams far more affordable than we ever imagined.
Quick Verdict: Can You Afford an Antarctica Cruise?
Yes. Your Antarctica cruise cost depends more on the choices you make than most people realize.
- Scenic Antarctica cruises cost much less than Expedition cruises.
- We paid $3,344.50 per person for our cruise fare before upgrades and extras. Before finding this cruise, I honestly believed Antarctica was one Bucket List trip we’d never be able to afford.
- Your cabin choice can save—or cost—you thousands of dollars.
- Whether you buy a cruise package can significantly affect your total cost.
- Resisting onboard upsells and splurges kept our spending surprisingly low.
Our Antarctica Cruise Cost Breakdown
One of the things I want to know before planning a big trip is what someone actually spent. Here’s exactly what Bill and I paid for our 17-night scenic Antarctica cruise aboard Sapphire Princess, round trip from Buenos Aires.
Our cruise fare was $3,344.50 per person for an obstructed ocean-view cabin. We later won a bid upgrade to a mini-suite with a balcony, purchased the Premier Package, and booked two shore excursions. The table below shows our actual costs.
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
| 17-Night Antarctica Cruise (2 people) | $6,689.00 |
| Mini-Suite Balcony Upgrade | $2,270.00 |
| Premier Package (2 people) | $3,060.00 |
| Penguin Shore Excursions | $644.80 |
| Miscellaneous (Laundry & Photo) | $10.00 |
| Total Trip Cost | $12,680.82 |
| Cost Per Person | $6,340.41 |
We don’t mind booking an inexpensive cabin, but we’re willing to spend more on things we’ll use every day. For this cruise, that meant upgrading to the Premier Package for Wi-Fi, unlimited drinks, specialty dining, and prepaid gratuities, while skipping most of the onboard extras the cruise line tried to sell us.
Looking at that total might feel overwhelming at first. The good news is that nearly every major expense came down to deliberate choices we made before we ever stepped onboard.
One note: these costs do not include airfare to South America because we were already traveling there as part of our four-month South America adventure. If you’re flying in specifically for your cruise, be sure to budget for airfare, airport transportation, and any pre- or post-cruise hotel stays.
Why Our Antarctica Cruise Cost Much Less Than We Expected
We Chose a Scenic Cruise Instead of an Expedition
The biggest reason our Antarctica cruise cost was so much lower is that we chose a scenic cruise instead of an expedition cruise. While many expedition cruises start around $15,000 per person, our 17-night Princess cruise let us experience the incredible beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula for a fraction of that price.
Would I have loved to set foot on Antarctica? Absolutely. But scenic cruising made this Bucket List trip affordable, and I never once regretted our decision.
If you’re still deciding between the two styles of travel, read my Scenic vs. Expedition Antarctica Cruise Guide. It walks through the trade-offs, costs, and who each experience is really best for.
We Started with an Affordable Cabin
I’m usually too frugal to splurge on a balcony, so we booked an obstructed ocean-view cabin. A few days before sailing—and without telling me—Bill placed the lowest possible bid for a balcony upgrade, even though Princess kept insisting it was “highly unlikely” to be accepted and encouraging us very strongly to increase our bid.
To our surprise, our low bid was accepted, and we were upgraded to a mini-suite with a huge balcony. It ended up being one of the best surprises of the trip, and I was incredibly grateful for it. But Frugal Kari still would have been perfectly happy with our original cabin.
We Chose the Premier Package
The package was one of the decisions we agonized over the most. Between my Diet Coke habit, Wi-Fi for working on the travel blog during sea days, more dining options, and prepaid gratuities, the Premier Package made sense for this trip.
Would I buy it again? Probably not. I don’t regret choosing Premier on this trip, but now that I know how we actually used it, I’d save the money and book the Plus Package next time..
If you’re sailing on Princess, my Sapphire Princess guide explains exactly how we decided between the Premier Package, Plus Package, and paying à la carte.
Hidden Costs That Can Increase Your Antarctica Cruise Cost
Cruise Line Upsells Before You Sail
Cruise lines hope to earn significantly more after you’ve booked, so the emails started arriving almost immediately. Upgrade your cabin. Book shore excursions. Buy a package. Reserve specialty dining.
We ignored most of them—except for Bill’s last-minute balcony bid, which turned out to be worth every penny.
It’s Easy to Spend More Once You’re Onboard
Once you’re on the ship, the sales really heat up. Tables selling jewelry, skincare products, spa treatments, art, and future cruise deposits seemed to be everywhere. Even many of the “educational presentations” turned out to be cleverly disguised sales pitches.
Our strategy was simple: if it wasn’t something we’d already planned to buy, we kept walking. By sticking to our budget, we finished the cruise spending just $10 more than we’d planned.
How to Save Money on an Antarctica Cruise
Choose a Scenic Cruise
If your goal is simply to experience Antarctica, a scenic cruise is almost always the most affordable option. You’ll still sail through breathtaking landscapes, see incredible wildlife, and create lifelong memories while spending far less than an expedition cruise.
Book an Inside or Ocean-View Cabin
A balcony is nice, but it isn’t necessary. We originally booked an obstructed ocean-view cabin because it fit our budget, and I would have been perfectly happy staying there. If a last-minute upgrade comes along, great. If not, you’ll still have an amazing trip.
Skip the Package If You Won’t Use It
Cruise packages aren’t automatically a good value. Before buying one, honestly estimate how much you’ll spend on drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and gratuities. If the numbers don’t work, pay as you go instead.
Book Excursions Independently When It Makes Sense
Cruise line excursions are convenient, but they aren’t always the best value. We always compare prices and reviews with companies like Viator and GetYourGuide before deciding who to book with.
Take Advantage of What’s Already Included
Your cruise fare already covers your cabin, meals, entertainment, incredible scenery, and countless wildlife viewing opportunities. You don’t have to spend extra every day to have an unforgettable experience.
Some of my favorite memories—watching whales surface beside the ship and photographing penguins from the deck—didn’t cost us an extra dollar.
Resist the Constant Sales Pitches
The easiest way to stay on budget is to decide what matters before you board. If it wasn’t part of your original plan, don’t let a sales pitch convince you otherwise.
Was Antarctica Worth the Cost?
Before this trip, Bill couldn’t understand why anyone would spend thousands of dollars to “go look at ice.” By the end of the cruise, he completely understood.
We’ve visited a lot of incredible places around the world, but Antarctica still stands out. Watching whales surface beside the ship, thousands of penguins waddling across the shore, and icebergs the size of buildings drifting silently past us felt almost surreal, making every day feel like another Bucket List moment.
If you’re worried that Antarctica is only for luxury travelers or people with unlimited budgets, don’t be. We proved to ourselves that a frugal traveler can absolutely visit the seventh continent by making thoughtful choices about where to spend and where to save.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. If your dream is to experience Antarctica but you’ve assumed it’s financially out of reach, don’t cross it off your Bucket List just yet. With thoughtful choices and realistic expectations, this incredible destination may be far more attainable than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Pack for an Antarctica Cruise?
Layers are much more important than one bulky winter coat. During our four days in the Antarctic Peninsula, I was comfortable wearing a merino wool base layer, a fleece jacket, lightweight rain jacket when it was windy, leggings under my travel pants, wool socks, gloves, and a knit hat. Bill wore a lightweight down jacket along with a warm hat.
Kari’s Travel Tip: If your cruise also visits places like Buenos Aires or Santiago, pack layers instead of a heavy parka. They’ll be much more useful throughout your trip, and you can always add or remove clothing as the weather changes.
What Time of Year Is Best for an Antarctica Cruise?
Antarctica’s cruise season runs during the Southern Hemisphere summer, from October through March. Most scenic cruises sail in December and January, while expedition cruises operate throughout much of the season.
No matter when you visit, expect unpredictable weather. We enjoyed sunny days around 30–35°F, but the cruises immediately before and after ours experienced much colder, windier conditions. Pack layers so you’re prepared for anything.
Which Cruise Lines Offer Antarctica Cruises?
If you’re looking for a scenic Antarctica cruise, Celebrity Cruise Line and Holland America Line currently offer the most options. Princess Cruises unfortunately is ending its Antarctica cruise itinerary very soon.
If you want an expedition cruise with Zodiac landings and guided excursions, look at operators like Quark Expeditions, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea Expeditions, and Viking Expeditions.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Always read the day-by-day itinerary before booking. Some cruises only cross the Drake Passage, while others spend several days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
Can You Visit Antarctica Without an Expedition Cruise?
Absolutely. Many people assume you have to take an expedition cruise with Zodiac landings to experience Antarctica, but that’s not true. Scenic cruises sail through the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula, giving you the chance to see towering glaciers, icebergs, whales, seals, and thousands of penguins—all without stepping ashore.
For Bill and me, scenic cruising was the perfect balance of affordability and unforgettable scenery. If you’re trying to keep your Antarctica cruise cost down, it’s one of the smartest ways to make this Bucket List dream a reality. If you’re still deciding between the two experiences, read my complete guide comparing scenic and expedition Antarctica cruises.
More Info on Antarctica
Here are some more guides about Antarctica. If you’d like to receive emails when I’ve posted new content to the site, please complete the short form above.
- Antarctica Cruise: Scenic Vs. Expedition – Which Is Right For You?
- Antarctica Cruise Cost: Can You Afford This Bucket List Trip?
- Best Time to Visit Antarctica: When Should You Go?
- Packing List for Antarctica: A Scenic Cruise Packing Guide
- Surviving the Drake Passage to Antarctica: A First-Timer’s Guide
- Antarctica Wildlife: What Animals Can You See On An Antarctica Cruise?
- Sapphire Princess: Everything You Need To Know Before You Sail
