Antarctica
at the edge
Welcome to the
White Continent.
Antarctica is the most singular destination on earth — a continent without nations, without cities, without permanent residents. Eighty percent of the world's fresh water rests here in ice.
This lookbook is built around a simple question: what are the strongest Antarctica options for a March 2027 departure? Two operators stand out: HX Expeditions, the polar-cruise pioneer with 130 years of heritage, and Viking, whose two purpose-built expedition vessels brought the line's signature Scandinavian comfort to the Southern Ocean in 2022.
A note on timing: HX's Antarctica season runs through late March 2027, with peak whale-watching and the most dramatic low-angle light of the entire austral summer. Viking's 2026/27 season concludes in February. For travelers attached to a March 2027 window, the HX options are the direct fit; for those flexible into February, the Viking voyages remain compelling. Inside, you'll find a first-timer's primer, three voyages from each operator, and a recommendation on which voyage suits which kind of traveler.
A First-Timer's Guide to
the Antarctic Experience
Antarctica is unlike any cruise you've taken. A few things to understand before comparing voyages, because they shape everything else.
01.The Drake Passage
The 600-mile body of water between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula. Crossing takes roughly two days each way and is famously unpredictable — sometimes called the "Drake Lake" when calm and the "Drake Shake" when not. Modern expedition ships are stabilized and built for these waters, but seasickness affects up to half of passengers in some form. Bring scopolamine patches, Bonine, or Dramamine and start them before departure, not after.
02.Why March Is Special
The austral summer runs late October through March. March is shoulder season — cooler temperatures (-5°C to 2°C), the longest hours of golden, low-angle light of the entire season, and peak whale-watching as krill draws humpbacks, minkes, and orcas to the peninsula. Penguin chicks are now fledged and active. The trade-off: somewhat rougher Drake conditions on average compared to December/January, and less daylight than peak season.
03.The IAATO Rules
Every reputable Antarctica operator belongs to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). The key rule that shapes the experience: no more than 100 passengers may be ashore at any landing site at one time. This is why ship size matters. Larger ships rotate passengers in shifts and visit fewer sites per day; smaller ships move more nimbly and offer more landings.
04.The Itinerary Is a Suggestion
Antarctic itineraries are aspirational, not guaranteed. Weather, sea ice, and wildlife dictate where the ship goes each day. The captain and expedition team brief guests each evening on the next day's plan, and that plan can change at any moment. Travelers who need a controlled, predictable schedule will struggle. Travelers who embrace the improvisation will find it the most rewarding part of the journey.
05.The Daily Rhythm
On a typical Antarctica day, guests do two excursions weather permitting: a Zodiac cruise (small inflatable boats) to glide near icebergs and wildlife, and a landing on shore to walk among penguin colonies or visit historic huts. Active extras — kayaking, snowshoeing, camping on the ice — are offered by both lines, sometimes included, sometimes at additional cost, often with limited capacity.
06.What to Pack
Both HX and Viking provide the parka. Bring waterproof pants (essential for Zodiac landings — without them, some operators won't allow boarding), thermal base layers, warm gloves with liners, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, plenty of camera batteries (cold drains them fast), and a swimsuit if you're doing the polar plunge. Bring all prescription medications you need plus extra; onboard medical supplies are limited.
07.Fitness & Medical Screening
Antarctica isn't an easy cruise. Landings involve climbing into and out of Zodiacs, walking on uneven snow and rocks, and moderate cold exposure. Both HX and Viking require a medical screening form for Antarctica voyages, reviewed by an independent medical service. The screening can begin up to four months before departure. Roughly 0.1% of guests are declined for medical reasons, so it's rarely an issue, but worth flagging early.
08.What's Typically Included
Both operators are all-inclusive in the polar sense: meals, soft beverages, basic excursions, expedition jacket, and Zodiac cruising are included. Beer/wine with lunch and dinner are standard. Premium spirits, optional extras like kayaking or camping, and gratuities vary by line. International airfare to Buenos Aires is generally not included, though both lines offer add-on air packages.
HX Expeditions
Pioneers of polar exploration since 1896.
Highlights of Antarctica
The single most popular HX Antarctica itinerary, and the line's most affordable entry point. Begins with an overnight in Buenos Aires, then a charter flight to Ushuaia to join the ship. Two days crossing the Drake Passage, followed by five full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Two-day Drake return, then back to Buenos Aires.
- Day 1Arrive Buenos Aires — overnight
- Day 2Charter flight to Ushuaia · embarkation
- Days 3–4Drake Passage south
- Days 5–9Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
- Days 10–11Drake Passage north
- Day 12Disembark Ushuaia · charter to Buenos Aires
Iconic Antarctica — The Explorer's Route
For travelers who want maximum time on the continent. The extended itinerary ventures beyond standard routes to include the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, Gerlache Strait, and Penola Strait — areas associated with the earliest Antarctic explorers. With nearly twice the on-continent time of Highlights, this voyage is built for those who don't want to feel rushed.
- Day 1Arrive Buenos Aires — overnight
- Day 2Charter flight to Ushuaia · embarkation
- Days 3–4Drake Passage south
- Days 5–13Deep Antarctic Peninsula exploration — Weddell Sea, Antarctic Sound, Gerlache & Penola Straits
- Days 14–15Drake Passage north
- Day 16Disembark Ushuaia · charter to Buenos Aires
Antarctica & the Falklands — Northbound
A late-season northbound itinerary that pairs Antarctic Peninsula exploration with stops in the Falkland Islands (capital Stanley, plus albatross and penguin colonies) and Puerto Madryn on the Patagonian coast — the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Valdes Peninsula, home to whales, sea lions, and 180+ bird species. Disembarks in Buenos Aires, no return Drake crossing required.
- Day 1Arrive Buenos Aires — overnight
- Day 2Charter to Ushuaia · embarkation
- Days 3–4Drake Passage south
- Days 5–9Antarctic Peninsula exploration
- Days 10–11Falkland Islands · Stanley & wildlife colonies
- Days 12–13At sea · arrive Puerto Madryn
- Day 14Valdes Peninsula nature reserve
- Day 15Disembark Buenos Aires
Viking
Scandinavian comfort meets purpose-built polar exploration.
Antarctic Explorer
Begins in Buenos Aires with a charter flight to Ushuaia, then a Drake Passage crossing south. Six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula via Zodiac, kayak, and Special Operations Boats — Viking's distinctive RHIB-style craft. Return Drake crossing, sail the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn, then return to Buenos Aires. Currently bookable with free Viking airfare promotion. Viking's 2026/27 Antarctica season concludes in February — those are the latest sailings before the next austral spring.
- Day 1Arrive Buenos Aires
- Day 2Buenos Aires
- Day 3Charter to Ushuaia · embarkation
- Days 4–5Drake Passage south
- Days 6–11Antarctic Peninsula
- Days 12–13Drake Passage north · Beagle Channel · disembark Ushuaia · return to Buenos Aires
Into the Antarctic Circle
Viking's deeper Antarctica voyage adds the rare crossing of the Antarctic Circle, the latitude where the sun does not set on the southern summer solstice. The extended itinerary allows for narrower channel navigation by Zodiac, kayaking among ice floes, and meaningful participation in onboard science programs alongside resident experts. Champagne ceremony at the Circle crossing is a Viking tradition.
- Days 1–2Buenos Aires
- Day 3Charter to Ushuaia · embarkation
- Days 4–5Drake Passage south
- Days 6–12Antarctic Peninsula · Antarctic Circle crossing · deeper exploration
- Days 13–14Drake Passage north
- Day 15Disembark Ushuaia · return to Buenos Aires
Antarctica & South Georgia Island
The most ambitious of Viking's Antarctica offerings. South Georgia is one of the least-visited landmasses on earth, home to colonies of tens of thousands of king penguins, elephant seals, and the burial site of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. The itinerary pairs South Georgia and the Falklands with the Antarctic Peninsula — three of the most wildlife-rich destinations on the planet in a single voyage.
- Days 1–2Buenos Aires
- Day 3Charter to Ushuaia · embarkation
- Days 4–5Beagle Channel · at sea
- Days 6–7Falkland Islands
- Days 8–10South Georgia Island — king penguin colonies, Shackleton's grave
- Days 11–14Antarctic Peninsula
- Days 15–16Drake Passage north
- Day 17Disembark Ushuaia · return to Buenos Aires
How HX and Viking Compare
Both operators deliver world-class Antarctica experiences — but in distinctly different ways. The differences below can help clarify which approach resonates more with how you want to travel.
| HX Expeditions | Viking | |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage | 130 years in polar travel. Sailing Antarctica since 2013. | 25+ years cruise heritage. Purpose-built Antarctica fleet launched in 2022. |
| Ships | MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen (500 guests each, hybrid-electric); MS Fram (200 guests). | Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris (378 guests each, identical sister ships). |
| Onboard Experience | Expedition-first, science-led. Strong educational programming via University of Tasmania partnership. | Scandinavian luxury. Spa, multiple dining venues, 8K panoramic auditorium, on-board submarines. |
| Entry-Level Fare (12–13 days) |
From ~$16,677 pp · March 2027 (Highlights of Antarctica). Lower fares earlier in season. | From $14,995 pp (Antarctic Explorer), currently with free airfare promotion. |
| March 2027 Departures | Multiple sailings through late March 2027. | 2026/27 season concludes in February 2027 — no March departures. |
| Itinerary Range | 12 to 23+ days. Largest selection of Antarctica departures in the industry. | 13 to 17+ days. Smaller fleet, fewer departure dates. |
| Deposit | 25% of fare at booking, non-refundable. | $25 per person for 2027 departures (during current promotion, expires May 31, 2026). |
| Final Payment | 90 days before departure. | Pay in full by September 3, 2026 for 2027 sailings. |
| Solo Travel | Allocated cabins available at a reduced 45% solo supplement; standard 100% once those sell out. | Standard 100% solo supplement; occasional promotional waivers. |
| Air to Argentina | Not included; up to $1,000 pp air credit currently available (book by June 30, 2026). | Free airfare promotion currently included on Antarctic Explorer sailings. |
Why You Might Choose HX
Strengths- Generally lower entry pricing for comparable days on the continent
- The deepest Antarctica itineraries available anywhere (up to 16+ days on the continent)
- 130 years of polar exploration heritage and the most experienced expedition team
- Industry-leading sustainability through hybrid-electric ship technology
- The widest selection of Antarctica departures, making it easier to find dates that work
- The 45% solo supplement structure is meaningfully more accessible for solo travelers
- Sailings available through late March 2027
- Up to 500 passengers per voyage means shore landings rotate in shifts under IAATO's 100-person rule
- Bookings require a 25% deposit at confirmation — no preliminary holds available
- Cancellation charges begin 90+ days before departure
Why You Might Choose Viking
Strengths- Right-sized 378-guest ships balance comfort with nimble IAATO landing rotation
- Industry-leading inclusive value: complimentary shore excursion in every port, beer and wine with meals, spa access included
- Distinctive expedition gear — on-board submarines, Special Operations Boats, dedicated science lab
- Current $25-per-person deposit makes commitment painless
- Free airfare promotion currently included on Antarctica sailings
- Familiar onboard experience for returning Viking guests
- Generally higher base fares than HX, partially offset by the current free airfare offer
- Newer to Antarctica — first expedition sailings in 2022
- Standard 100% solo supplement applies
- Smaller fleet means fewer date options across the season
- 2026/27 Antarctica season concludes in February — no March 2027 departures
Which One for Whom?
A working framework for the most common client profiles. Always confirmed against specific traveler priorities — these are starting points, not prescriptions.
The Budget-Conscious First-Timer
The Viking Loyalist
The Solo Traveler
The Wildlife Maximalist
The Repeat Expedition Traveler
The Drake-Averse Traveler
The Conversation
Starts Here.
Antarctica is rarely a transactional booking. Every traveler arrives with a different priority — wildlife, photography, exploration, comfort, budget, schedule. Once we know yours, the right voyage usually becomes obvious.
All fares, itineraries, ship assignments, and promotional offers cited in this lookbook are starting points and subject to change. Confirm specific March 2027 departure dates, current pricing, cabin availability, and applicable promotions at the time of inquiry. HX air credit offer (HX-AIRCREDIT-26) and Viking's $25 deposit and free airfare promotions referenced are valid for new bookings only and subject to operator terms.