Antarctic Cruises from Australia & New Zealand

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with cruises from Australia and New Zealand to East Antarctica! Discover the pristine beauty of the world’s most remote continent as you sail through the Southern Ocean, encountering breathtaking icebergs, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. These expeditions offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore East Antarctica’s untouched wilderness, from the historic Mawson’s Hut to the majestic landscapes of the Ross Sea.

Cruises typically depart from either Hobart in Australia, Invercargill in New Zealand or Ushuaia in Argentina and focus on either the Commonwealth Bay area or the Ross Sea. These are some of the most remote regions of the earth and only a few hundred people are able to visit each year. Wildlife is abundant and it is in this region that the relics of the ‘heroic period’ of Antarctic exploration can be seen and experienced. Some of the wildlife you might experience while exploring the Ross Sea include the Antarctic and Snow Petrel, the Adélie and Emperor Penguin, and south polar skua. Marine mammals in the Ross Sea include Orca, the Antarctic minke whale, Weddell and Crabeater seals, and the formidable leopard seal.


There are also a few shorter cruises offered each season which focus on the sub-Antarctic islands such as Macquarie Island, Campbell Island, Snares Island and Auckland Island. home to the southern royal albatross. These remote islands are home to a rich diversity of plants, seabirds and marine mammals, many of which are endemic to the region. Often the longer cruises to the Ross Sea will include stops at some of these islands.

With a landscape that almost defies description, a journey to Antarctica is simply life-changing. Travellers are invited to join us on a small ship expedition cruise as we explore the planet’s most remote continent with its unspoilt, awe-inspiring scenery and incredible wildlife encounters.

Antarctica is the fifth largest, coldest and driest continent on Earth. Not only are travellers given the opportunity to observe the abundance of wildlife it has to offer from the comfort of their expedition vessel, but also to gain inspirational insights from a dedicated and knowledgeable crew.

Many consider Antarctica as the last frontier, and few get to experience its marvels. Travel to the end of the earth and explore the vast wilderness of the great white continent on one of our many incredible Antarctic expeditions.


Unexplored Antarctica between Two Continents
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Unexplored Antarctica between Two Continents

Charcot, Bellingshausen, Dean, Fisher, Ross, Amundsen… Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the names of these legendary explorers resonate at every moment.…

Duration: 31 Days
Ship: Le Commandant Charcot
Next Departure Date: 16 Jan 2026