Here are the best gay cruises to Antarctica so you can tick off the ultimate travel bucket list item.
Antarctica – free of mankind, homophobia, and city noise!
A vast landscape of snowy ice caps and monumental glaciers, home to an assortment of creatures that couldn't survive anywhere else… now THIS is the ultimate Winter Wonderful!
What used to be a destination only for scientists and explorers, Antarctica is fast becoming a popular tourist destination with many luxury cruises on offer. Gay travelers who wish to plant the rainbow flag in Antarctica can now do this aboard a fabulous gay cruise!
We've rounded up the best gay cruises to Antarctica for LGBTQ travelers. So grab your cuddly Olaf toy and live out your Elsa fantasy on the world's most remote continent!
Note: all the gay cruises mentioned here are made of gay groups joining a larger expedition trip with other (i.e. non-gay!) travelers.
Heads up: We just wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links. That means if you book something through one of those links, we'll get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep our blog going – so thank you in advance for your support! ♥
1. Antarctica Pride Cruise with Aurora Expeditions: Feb 6-15, 2025
Antarctica with Pride, different continents one family, this cruise is billed as the first-ever Pride Antarctica Adventure aboard The Greg Mortimer ship.
Unlike all other cruises in this list, this glorious Pride cruise is fully chartered so you'll have your own cruise director and entertainment as well as 132 queer souls on board!
“Let's plant the ever-colorful Pride flag on a side of the Earth that remains virtually untouched. An entire continent of windswept expanses, snow-shrouded peaks, and haunting emptiness stretching to the far horizon. A place where ice takes on hues of turquoise and iridescent blue so surreal, you feel you've entered a dream world. Where even as you reach for words to describe your sense of awe, you realize none will ever capture the experience of being there!”
Antarctic Explorer Express is a condensed version of the longer itinerary. It may seem indulgent to embark on a quick trip to Antarctica, but for travelers who are short on time, a short trip to the Antarctic Peninsula could be just what you are looking for. By flying across the Drake Passage in at least one direction combined with a compacted time in the Antarctic Peninsula, our Antarctic Explorer Express voyages are tailored for travelers seeking a quick adventure to the frozen continent. Enjoy Zodiac excursions to explore rugged coastlines, where unexpected appearances from curious whales are known to occur.
Mention us when you book and they'll offer you a discount 🙂
Prices start from $13,995 per person.
Find out more on the Pride Tours website.
2. Out Adventures Antarctica Gay Expedition: December 6-17, 2024
The cruise at a glance
- Prices start from $15,445
- Dates: December 6th-17th, 2024
- Large luxurious cruise ship
- Ushuaia – Drake Passage – Antarctic Peninsula
Out Adventures is one of our favorite gay cruise companies out there, and their annual gay Antarctica cruise is notorious!
The group starts in Ushuaia, located right on the southern tip of Argentina. Here you'll kiss the world of grass and rocks a final goodbye before heading out into the icy waters…and beyond!
Penguins and seals and whales, OH MY! When you think about it, Antarctica is very much like Oz. Spot as many of these creatures as you can, as you're unlikely to see them anywhere else. This gay cruise will take you on an exploration of the Drake Passage – a vast body of water between South America's Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. Whilst the waters around here can be unpredictable, the South Shetland Islands are a big highlight of the cruise. You get to go on Zodiac boat excursions onshore to visit penguin rookeries and seal spotting. You also have the option to go kayaking and do stand-up paddleboarding. You can even take a plunge into the freezing Antarctic waters…(if you dare!), in what is coyly referred to as “The Polar Plunge!”
The Out Adventure gay cruise to Antarctica takes place aboard the luxurious World Explorer expedition ship. The ship features luxurious rooms, all with exterior views. Some have private balconies so you can watch the icebergs sliding by. There are plenty of open spaces for relaxing and socializing, like the glass-domed Observation Lounge and the ship's library. You can also keep fit in the small gym, or go for a run on the outdoor track. There's even a sauna and spa to relax in after the daily excursions.
3. Source Events Antarctic Solar Eclipse Cruise: Jan 29 to Feb 9, 2025
The cruise at a glance
- Prices start from $16,499 per person
- Dates: January 29 to February 9, 2025
- Large eco-friendly and luxurious expedition ship
- Ushuaia – Drake Passage – Weddell Sea
If you missed the previous cruise, bookings for next year's are open!
Climb aboard the World Navigator ship, with 5-star treatment, a heated outdoor pool, and two spa hot tubs – you can count us in!
Not only is the ship luxurious but it's also equipped with the most eco-friendly technology available. We love that it combines luxury whilst being eco-friendly at the same time.
Starting off from, yep you guessed it, Ushuaia, the Source Events Solar Eclipse Cruise takes you off through the Drake Passage. Throughout the trip, you'll explore the South Shetland Islands, South Georgia and Sandwich Islands. You'll also sail on the Wedell Sea, with its blindingly blue waters and fresh, crisp air. On top of all this, the cruise coincides with a total eclipse, which you will be able to witness on December 4th while surrounded by icebergs!
The ship offers truly luxurious accommodation, with capacity limited to just under 100 suites, all with panoramic ocean views and most with balconies. The package includes all meals and drinks as well as a private jet chartered flight to Ushuaia, Argentina departing from Orlando, Florida.
4. HE Travel Antarctica Adventure: Feb 25 to March 9, 2025
The cruise at a glance
- Prices start from $11,000 per person
- Dates: February 25 to March 9, 2025
- Large eco-friendly and comfortable expedition ship
- Ushuaia – Drake Passage – Vernadsky Research Base
Starting in charming Ushuaia, you'll spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the tip of South America. From here you wave goodbye to civilization as you know it before heading south toward Antarctica.
Crossing through the Drake Passage, you'll be treated to marvelous sights. It generally takes two days to make the trip giving you ample time to chill, kick your feet back, and gasp in awe at the towering glaciers and icecaps.
This gay cruise, in particular, takes a deep dive into all the surrounding islands of the mainland like Melchior, Brabant, and Anvers. Here you can see penguins, sea lions and if you're lucky, a few blue whales. You'll have the option to join shore excursions on Zodiac boats, allowing you to cross off ‘walking on Antarctica' from your bucket list. The best part? You don't have to worry about checking your surroundings before indulging in any PDAs as there's no such thing as a homophobic penguin!
You'll also get to learn about all of the fascinating projects conducted by scientists who call Antarctica their home. They do various research studies, discovering all sorts of secrets of the Earth. You'll swing by The Vernadsky Research Base – where the hole in the ozone layer was first discovered. And to top it all off, there's a visit to the world’s southernmost bar for some Antarctica-inspired cocktails!
The gay cruise takes place on the m/v Hondius, a very comfortable polar expedition ship that's also one of the most environmentally friendly ships out there. This means you get to enjoy the incredible landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica while impacting them as little as possible. The rooms vary in size but with a high standard of comfort. If you're looking for a splurge, you can book a grand suite, which has its own private balcony.
HeTravel is offering our readers an exclusive 5% discount valid for their gay cruise to Antarctica. Click the button below to find out more.
5. Out of Office Antarctica Expedition: Feb 25 to March 7, 2025
THE CRUISE AT A GLANCE
- Prices start from $10,900
- Dates: February 25 to March 7, 2025
- Small-ish expedition ship
- Ushuaia – Drake Passage – Vernadsky Research Base
Out of Office always curates 5-star experiences, and this cruise to Antarctica is no exception!
Join other gay travelers on a cruise to the uttermost south and see how many seals, penguins, whales, and birds you can spot.
This is quite an intimate experience, as you'll be traveling with other gay men and women on the MV Plancius; an ice-strengthened passenger expedition ship that only carries 108 passengers. But a small group means you're likely to make friends for life as you experience some of the most stunning sights in the world together.
The ship is comfortable but this is not a journey that focuses on luxury. It's all about the views to enjoy the scenery and wildlife (with large open decks including the ability to walk all the way around on deck four), along with lots of quality time ashore.
If you want to spend the majority of your trip getting up close to nature then this cruise is for you, as there are many shore excursions on zodiac boats to see penguin colonies, seals, terns and gulls while Humpback, Minke, or Fin Whales can often be spotted from the boat. A real highlight is a visit to the Vernadsky Research Base and a drink at the world’s southernmost bar!
PREVIOUS GAY CRUISES TO ANTARCTICA
The following are gay cruises to Antarctica that have departed but have not yet announced future dates. We've kept them here just in case they operate another Antarctica expedition. When they do we will update this article, so watch this space!
Pied Piper Travel South America and Antarctica Cruise
The cruise at a glance
- Prices start from $1,381 per person
- Dates: upcoming dates TBA
- Huge luxury cruise ship
- Buenos Aires – Cape Horn – Falkland Islands
Follow the sweet trails of the Pied Piper. Just like the character in the old fable, this cruise has such a magnificent charm about it. Firstly, it's a massive ship, that can welcome almost 3,000 passengers onboard. Like a floating hotel, every detail within is picked for maximum comfort.
Starting the new year off right, the Pied Piper takes you from the mountainous South American tip to the stunning whiteness of Antarctica.
With 10 days to explore Antarctica, this gay cruise offers up some of the most magnificent views. You'll also have ports of call in Puerto Madryn (Argentina), Cape Horn (Chile) and Port Stanley (the Falkland Islands), allowing you to explore more of South America and its wildlife as part of this cruise. From Paradise Bay to Elephant Island, the Pied Piper leads you on a trail that you'll never forget. A highlight of the trip is exploring the Gerlache Strait – the only strai(gh)t thing about this tour! With mountainous glaciers that look like giant mushrooms and cotton candy on the horizon, you'll be starkly reminded of how far from home you are.
There's also plenty of breaks and rest times between excursions so you can soak up the majesty of the ship: the Celebrity Eclipse. This is one of the largest and most luxurious cruise ships, with a wide variety of entertainment options onboard.
NOTE: this is a cruise without any stops in Antarctica. So whilst you get to see Antarctica from the ship, you won't be walking on it.
Aquafest Hosted Group Cruise to Antarctica
THE PREVIOUS CRUISE AT A GLANCE
- Prices start from $9,609
- Dates: December 22nd, 2023 – January 2nd, 2024
- Large luxurious cruise ship
- Buenos Aires – Ushuaia – Drake Passage
What could be more incredible than ringing in a new year while simultaneously checking Antarctica off your bucket list?!
This cruise by Aquafest will ensure you have the most unforgettable New Year ever as you spend 12 nights and 12 days exploring the beauty of the southern continent.
The expedition begins in Buenos Aires, where you'll have one night in the city before flying to Ushuaia and getting on the ship. During the crossing of the Drake Passage, the expedition team will give lectures on the incredible and fascinating things you can expect to see once you get to the white continent proper.
Once you reach the Antarctic Peninsula there are plenty of opportunities to get off the boat and explore the scenery from on land. The exact locations for ice-landings are dependant on the weather, but no matter what you are sure to see breath-taking natural sights and cute animals.
Along the way, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable Scandinavian design on board the cruise ship MS Fridtjof Nansen. Suites feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views – can you just imagine watching the stars in Antarctica from your own hot tub? Talk about romance!
The MS Fridtjof Nansen was also named the safest and most sustainable cruise ship in the world in 2021, so you can feel good about the whole trip while enjoying the three onboard restaurants, gym, and wellness center.
Brand G Antarctica Luxury Expedition Group Cruise
The cruise at a glance
- Prices start from $16,999
- Dates: upcoming dates TBA
- Large luxurious cruise ship
- Punta Arenas – Antarctic Peninsula
Another gay cruise that skips the rough waters of the Drake Passage, this luxury expedition whisks you through the sky from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island.
Afterwards, you'll board the luxurious World Explorer ship, your new home-away-from-home while you experience the magic of Antarctica. This refined and roomy ship is very comfortable, so you can be well-rested for all your icy adventures!
After setting sail from the South Shetland Islands you'll head to the other-worldly landscapes of the Antarctic peninsula. Each day will be different, with guides keeping an eye out for whales and onboard lecturers teaching you all about the white continent's geology, history and wildlife. You'll get to take part in shore excursions to visit penguin and seal colonies, or just take a cruise in the small Zodiac boats. There are even options for stand-up paddle-boarding and sea kayaking – not many people can say they've done that in Antarctica!
One of the best things about this particular expedition is that the World Explorer is an environmentally friendly polar expedition ship, with a hybrid engine, so you don't need to feel guilty about visiting such a pristine environment. The ship also provides oodles of luxury, with six floors of accommodation and shared spaces. There is a sauna and spa for relaxing in after a long day of exploring as well as a small gym for keeping in shape. Our favourite part has got to be the stunning glass-domed Observation Lounge, where you can watch the stars at night.
For more inspiration:
- If you prefer some warmer destinations, make sure you also check out our bumper guide to the best upcoming gay cruises worldwide
- And if you like a bit of sunbathing au naturel these are the best gay nude cruises out there!
- For more cheeky nudity, these are the best nude beaches worldwide
- Speaking of beaches, these are our favourite beaches in Barcelona
- As well as our gay city guide to Barcelona
- Find out what it's like to attend gay Pride in Barcelona
- And then read about the biggest gay pride events in the world
- Get inspired by these fabulous gay pride outfit ideas as well
- And don't forget to pack these must-have pride accessories!
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