Most visitors reach Antarctica by expedition cruise ship from Ushuaia, Argentina, the world's southernmost city. The voyage across the Drake Passage takes about two days each way, and the Drake has earned its reputation — these are some of the roughest seas on earth. On a good crossing you'll barely notice. On a bad one, you'll remember it for the rest of your life. Bring seasickness medication regardless.
If you'd rather skip the Drake, fly-cruise options depart from Punta Arenas, Chile. You fly two hours to King George Island in the South Shetlands, then board your ship. It costs more but saves roughly four days of open ocean sailing. Several operators now offer this, and it's become increasingly popular with travelers who have limited time or weak stomachs.
From the other side of the world, a handful of expeditions sail from Hobart, Australia, or Christchurch, New Zealand, to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea. These are longer voyages — typically three to four weeks — and significantly more expensive. They visit sites like McMurdo Sound and the historic huts of Scott and Shackleton, which most Antarctic Peninsula trips never reach. From Cape Town, South Africa, a very small number of trips head to Dronning Maud Land, known for its dramatic mountain scenery and extreme remoteness.
Expect to pay $5,000 to $15,000 for a standard Antarctic Peninsula cruise, depending on cabin class and operator. Fly-cruise options run $8,000 to $20,000. Ross Sea and East Antarctica expeditions start around $15,000 and can exceed $30,000. South Pole fly-in experiences — yes, they exist — cost upwards of $50,000. These prices typically don't include flights to the embarkation city.
Most trips sell out six to twelve months in advance, especially for peak January departures. That said, if you're flexible and can get yourself to Ushuaia on short notice, last-minute deals do appear. Agencies along the Ushuaia waterfront sell unsold berths at steep discounts, sometimes 30 to 50 percent off. It's a gamble — you might wait a week and find nothing — but budget travelers have made it work.