Antarctica or the Arctic: Which Polar Expedition Is Right for You?

As I trekked through the steady snowfall to the summit of Danco Island off Antarctica, it felt as if I had walked into an action-packed adventure film, akin to a Disney classic.

After enduring several days navigating the notoriously turbulent Drake Passage and facing storms with winds gusting up to 100 knots, we finally experienced a soothing calm, providing the perfect opportunity for one last landing among hundreds of charming, waddling penguins dressed in tuxedos.

Many of the penguins, blissfully unaware of our presence, ventured away from their colony to climb alongside us up the slope. Some took a moment to squabble, while others courteously bowed.

This encounter brought to light one of the most common questions that travelers ponder as they increasingly embark on a new era of expedition cruises to the world's farthest reaches: What are the differences between Arctic and Antarctic cruises?

Of course, it’s a matter of penguins versus polar bears, highlighting how you can have a closer encounter with the flightless birds compared to the more elusive and majestic white bear.

While catching a glimpse of some of the approximately 20 million penguins residing along the coasts of Antarctica is nearly certain, exploring the Arctic resembles a quest for hidden treasures. There are many more species to discover in the Arctic, but they tend to be more challenging to spot. However, that's part of the thrill of the journey.

Numerous differences exist between cruising in Antarctica and the Arctic, each offering its own subjective advantages and disadvantages. These include aspects such as travel logistics, climate, onshore activities, and the striking contrasts in their dramatic landscapes. So, how do you determine which destination is right for you? Here’s a summary of the key differences between cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic to help you make a more informed choice.

Reaching Your Destination

Less than 24 hours into my Antarctic voyage last month on the inaugural trip of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ newest yacht, World Voyager, I quickly recognized another significant difference between Antarctica and the Arctic, where I sailed in July aboard Aurora Expeditions’ new 132-passenger Sylvia Earle expedition vessel: the journey to get there.

Only a few hours into the notorious two-day trek across the Drake Passage from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Seventh Continent, passengers were dashing out of the lecture hall in search of sickness bags. At dinner that evening, it felt as if dishes were toppling around us as we navigated what the captain described as 30-plus-foot waves.

We certainly experienced the infamous “Drake shake” during much of the initial crossing, rather than the calmer “Drake lake,” although we did enjoy more of the smooth sailing on the return trip. Experiencing the tumultuous nature of the Drake Passage could be seen as either an advantage or a drawback, depending on whether you’re prone to seasickness. For those with sturdy stomachs, it adds to the excitement of the adventure.

For those who aren’t keen on rough waters, there is an alternative option offered by many cruise lines and tour operators: flying, at least one way, to King George Island, the largest of the Shetland Islands located off the northern tip of the Antarctic peninsula. However, flights are still subject to the whims of the weather gods, and few places have more unpredictable weather than Antarctica.

In the Arctic, you can embark on your cruise from various cities, including Longyearbyen in Svalbard. This settlement, which is the northernmost in the world with a population exceeding 1,000, lies deep within the Arctic Circle. Longyearbyen is approximately a four-hour flight north of Oslo, and from there, you are just a few hours of sailing away from the nine primary islands of the archipelago. During my 14-day Arctic cruise last summer, the only full day spent at sea was the last one, as we sailed across the Denmark Strait to conclude our journey in Reykjavík, Iceland. Despite experiencing a few windy days, we encountered nothing nearly as tumultuous as in Antarctica.

Climate Conditions

“That looks a bit frightening,” remarked one friend when I shared some photos from my Antarctic adventure during cocktails after returning home.

“It looks frigid. I’m not sure that’s going to make my bucket list,” another friend commented.

Indeed, polar cruises aren’t for everyone. Yes, it’s chilly, and Antarctica is particularly harsh, with phenomena like katabatic winds that can shift from zero to 60 mph in seconds.

After enduring rough seas in the Drake Passage, we awoke on our first morning in the South Shetland Islands to a tranquil and mostly sunny day, where we hiked and spotted our first penguins on Deception Island. However, that pleasant weather didn’t last.

The following morning, just as we were about to board our Zodiac for a morning cruise, the captain’s voice crackled over the radio to halt operations. As the day progressed, conditions worsened, and despite the crew’s valiant attempts to seek shelter from the storm, we found ourselves facing 100-knot winds with snow swirling in every direction. Once again, the captain—whose announcements one passenger humorously dubbed as “the voice of doom”—informed us via the PA system that afternoon excursions were canceled.

However, nestled comfortably on our luxurious yacht, no one seemed to mind. In fact, cheers erupted when the champagne was served, as passengers are not permitted to enjoy Atlas’s unlimited beverage policy on expedition days until the off-ship activities have concluded.

Arctic cruises can also be unpredictable, though Antarctica tends to be wilder due to its extreme wind shifts. While there is less ice in the north, it can still have a significant effect. For example, in July, we nearly missed making any landings in eastern Greenland because of ice accumulation along the coastline.

So, whether you head north or south, the top rule is to stay adaptable regarding weather and sailing conditions.

The Fauna

Another important factor to consider when deciding between a cruise in Antarctica and one in the Arctic is the wildlife you wish to encounter and how accessible those sightings will be.

With countless penguins populating the shores of Antarctica during the Southern Hemisphere summer (which corresponds to winter in the Northern Hemisphere), you are virtually guaranteed to see penguins in their natural habitat—and plenty of them—along with whales and seals.

In the Arctic, you may spend days hiking and taking Zodiacs in hopes of spotting a polar bear, Arctic foxes, reindeer, walruses, seals, and whales. This often results in days of anticipation followed by sheer joy when you finally catch sight of one of the elusive white giants in the wild, whether it’s swimming, hunting, or simply lounging on a rock. Alternatively, you might see a group of inquisitive walruses swimming alongside your Zodiac, or glimpse an Arctic fox sprinting along a riverbank, a freshly caught bird in its mouth.

However, while weather conditions in Antarctica greatly influence activities, in the Arctic, the focus shifts to the polar bears, which are incredibly swift—and potentially dangerous. Often, itineraries must be adjusted to ensure the safety of both passengers and polar bears.

Excursions

When discussing the distinctions between Arctic and Antarctic cruises, our captain on the World Voyager remarked that Antarctica is “much wilder.” And in reality, you often feel completely isolated.

In the Arctic, many cruises begin in Longyearbyen, where you can experience life within the Arctic Circle. While most of the journey involves exploring the wilderness—hiking on islands and embarking on Zodiac excursions around towering glaciers, ice caps, and icebergs—most itineraries also include at least one stop on the remote eastern shores of Greenland to engage with Indigenous communities, providing further insight into life in the northernmost regions of the globe.

Conversely, Antarctica represents the pinnacle of remoteness, with civilization limited to a few research stations scattered throughout the region. Additionally, due to numerous environmental protection agreements that travel companies must adhere to, you may find that your time off the ship is restricted to only an hour or two each day.

While sailing in the Arctic with Aurora Expeditions on one of its small expedition vessels, which carried a similar number of passengers as the World Voyager, we often enjoyed more than three hours off the ship each day, including some demanding hikes.

In Antarctica, only ships with a capacity of 500 passengers or fewer can allow disembarkation—whether via Zodiacs, kayaks, or for direct landings. Moreover, only 100 passengers can be on land simultaneously, requiring organized shifts for disembarkation. Consequently, vessels with over 200 passengers typically permit only about an hour to an hour and a half of time off the ship each day.

On our voyage, we had just under 150 passengers, and the maximum time we spent off the boat ranged from 45 minutes to 90 minutes, twice daily.

Both destinations provide opportunities for thrilling adventures, weather permitting. For example, I had signed up to camp overnight under the stars in Antarctica, nestled in a sleeping bag partially buried in snow. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), severe weather canceled that plan, along with kayaking and paddleboarding activities.

However, with the increasing number of new ships now navigating the polar regions, it’s easy to find one that caters to diverse preferences for both onboard and offboard activities. Some of the latest luxury vessels even offer helicopter and submersible experiences, while certain operators provide more extreme adventures like scuba diving.

I have a preference for smaller vessels like the World Navigator, which offers an intimate and casually luxurious experience along with stunning views from almost every cabin and lounge. This setup fosters connections with fellow travelers, crew members, and the expedition team, making it particularly rewarding for solo adventurers.

Sustainability

There is an undeniable downside to both Arctic and Antarctic cruises: their environmental impact. Indeed, reports of a record influx of ships entering these delicate ecosystems, coupled with the accelerating pace of ice melt, made me reconsider my choices.

The positive aspect is that the latest generation of expedition ships navigating polar waters—both large and small—are equipped with cutting-edge green technology. For example, the World Voyager boasts some of the most sophisticated sonar, stabilization, and engine systems, including a hybrid electric-diesel engine and a hydro-jet propulsion system, ensuring smoother, safer, and more energy-efficient journeys.

Moreover, I have never encountered a group more dedicated to wildlife conservation and environmental protection than the expedition team members I’ve sailed with in the polar regions. Through onboard lectures and engaging discussions during hikes or Zodiac rides, they continuously educate us about these ecosystems, the wildlife inhabiting them, and the threats posed by human activity and climate change.

The silver lining to the downside? As one expedition leader mentioned, after an expedition in the polar regions, many travelers return home with heightened awareness of their environmental impact and the significant risks we pose to the breathtaking glaciers, ice caps, and wildlife in these vulnerable areas.

As I relaxed in the World Navigator’s Dome Lounge, observing a pod of whales frolicking at the bow while the setting sun painted the icebergs, mountains, water, and clouds in vibrant hues, I understood why a trip to Antarctica is often described as life-altering—it's an experience that undoubtedly inspires many to become lifelong environmental stewards.

At the top of the story, the left image captures a Zodiac excursion in Antarctica, while the right image shows a Zodiac group exploring Greenland in the Arctic.