Every season we send off dozens of groups on Antarctic cruises from Ushuaia. The same questions — again and again. Here are honest answers.

1. How much does an Antarctic cruise cost?

Starting prices in the 2025–2026 season: from $5,500 – $7,000 per person for a 10–12-day classic route. Average budget with a decent cabin — $10,000 – $15,000. Premium ships: $20,000 and up.

Add to the cruise price:

  • Flight to Ushuaia (from Moscow via Europe or Latin America): $1,200 – $2,500
  • Lodging in Ushuaia before/after the cruise: $100 – $300 per night
  • Excursions in Ushuaia: from $288 per group
  • Gear (jacket, waterproofs, thermals): $300 – $800 if buying new

2. When's the best time to go?

Antarctic season: November – March.

  • November: wildlife is waking up, penguins have returned, lots of ice. Daylight is growing.
  • December–January: peak season. Penguin chicks, midnight sun, lots of tourists, highest prices.
  • February–March: chicks have grown, fewer people, whales start to appear. Early March — often the best price/experience ratio.

3. Do people get seasick in Drake?

Yes, sometimes. About 30% of passengers — mild seasickness, 10–15% — severe on the first day. About 50–60% of crossings happen in relatively calm seas.

Helps: scopolamine patch, Dramamine, mid-ship cabin, the horizon, horizontal position at the first signs.

4. What to bring to Antarctica?

The main thing — layers and waterproofs. Weather changes fast.

  • Waterproof jacket and pants (often provided on board)
  • Thermal underwear (merino wool or synthetic — not cotton)
  • Fleece or down jacket — middle layer
  • Waterproof boots (provided on board) or hiking boots with a membrane
  • Gloves, hat, balaclava
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ — reflection off snow and ice is very intense
  • Chargers and batteries — cold drains batteries fast

5. How does landing on shore work?

The ship lowers zodiacs (inflatable motorized boats). Groups of 10–12 land on shore in turns. Maximum on shore at once — 100 people. Landing lasts 1.5–3 hours.

Our tourists' reviews say the strongest moment is the first landing. Silence, smell (yes, penguins smell), scale of glaciers and the feeling that you're on another planet. Many are surprised how close the penguins come — literally a meter from you.

6. Can you touch the penguins?

No. IAATO rules (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators): minimum 5 meters from penguins. But the penguins didn't read the rules — they come closer themselves if they're curious.

7. How physically demanding is Antarctica?

Main landings are on flat shore or gentle snow. More challenging routes are optional. Most passengers are regular people, not athletes.

One couple of our tourists — she was 72, he was 75. Worried they wouldn't be able to climb into the zodiac and walk on snow. In the end they landed at every spot and said it was the best trip of their lives. The crew helps — gives a hand, supports. Antarctica is more accessible than it seems.

8. Is there Wi-Fi on board?

Yes, on most modern ships — satellite internet. Slow and expensive. Better to think of the cruise as a digital detox.

9. What to do in Ushuaia before the cruise?

We recommend: half-day national park excursion, half-day Beagle Channel cruise, dinner with centolla (Patagonian king crab) at one of the seafront restaurants. Buy thermal underwear if you didn't bring any — Ushuaia has outdoor gear shops. Many later regret not visiting the penguins on Martillo.

Arrive in Ushuaia at least 1 day before the cruise — flight delays are real, the ship doesn't wait.

10. Is it worth it?

Almost everyone says the same thing: "Photos don't capture it." The scale stuns — glaciers that go past the horizon, and the silence you'll hear nowhere else. As a guide who sees off and meets dozens of groups every season, I can say: people come back changed. Calmer, more thoughtful. Antarctica puts everything in its place.