Budget cruises
The most affordable polar expedition cruises
Budget cruises
The most affordable polar expedition cruises
Antarctica or the Arctic are obviously not exactly the world's cheapest destinations, however there are some surprisingly affordable alternatives. Consider also that polar expedition cruises do include all meals and excursions, with little else to spend - and of course do represent the holiday of a lifetime! Even the most simple expedition ships are still extremely comfortable.
Following are expedition cruises in the budget category, with sharing options often possible in the cheapest Quad or Triple cabin categories (subject to cabin availability). Occasionally, we do also have last-minute specials that bring an otherwise more luxurious cruise ships to a more budget price level. To reach Antarctica on a budget, look out for Antarctic Peninsula cruises sailing in the shoulder-season period of November or March. It may not be peak-season, but this is still a wonderful time to travel to Antarctica! In November the landscape is very pretty and snow-covered and in March you can enjoy extra special encounters with whales.
Classic Antarctica Cruise: MV Ushuaia
November - March
10 or 11 day departures
A small ship cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands aboard the M/V Ushuaia
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
November-February
11 days
A 10 night Classic Antarctic route on a small and comfortable expedition ship, with regular landings and sightseeing in Antarctica and expert guidance
On Sale!
Antarctica Classic - M/S Expedition
November-March
11 days
This 11-day itinerary with the M/S Expedition will introduce you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
Weddell Sea Quest: M/V Ushuaia
February
11 days
An 11 day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands & Weddell Sea aboard the M/V Ushuaia
Antarctic Whale Watching
March
10 days
A classic Antarctic route on the Ice Class Plancius, searching for whales and penguins in the wondrous polar environment
A 7 night adventure cruise on board ice-strengthened M/V Ortelius exploring the northwestern Arctic wilderness of Spitsbergen looking for polar bears
North Spitsbergen Basecamp – Summer Solstice
June-July
8 days
A 7 night Arctic adventure on board ice-strengthened Ortelius with free kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop and optional diving
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Summer Solstice
June
8 days
A 7 night adventure cruise on board a small, ice-strengthened ship exploring the best of the northwestern Arctic wilderness of Spitsbergen
East Greenland Scoresby Sund Long Hikes: Plancius
August
10 days
A 10 day expedition with Plancius, taking you to experience history, dazzling glaciers, and search for polar bears in aurora-lit southeast Greenland!
On Sale
Best of Antarctica, Small Ship Expedition
November-March
11 days
A boutique adventure cruise to Antarctica. Sail to the beautiful Antarctic Peninsula on the small expedition ship Ocean Nova
Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise 4 nts
May-September
6 days
Embark on a high-Arctic adventure with this mini-cruise package, perfect for those eager for a taste of Svalbard’s pristine wilderness
Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise 3 nts
May-September
6 days
Embark on a high-Arctic adventure with this mini-cruise package, perfect for those eager for a taste of Svalbard’s pristine wilderness
South Spitsbergen, Bear Island, Norway: Plancius
September
6 days
A 6 day expedition on the small ship Plancius sailing from Southern Spitsbergen to the northern Norwegian mainland via remote Bear Island
Classic South Georgia: M/V Ushuaia
October-November
22 days
A 22 day expedition to the remarkable sub-Antarctic paradise of South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the M/V Ushuaia
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: Magellan Explorer
January
6/7 days
A 6 day air-cruise to Antarctica for those short on time or budget! Sail on the brand new Magellan Explorer and then fly back directly from Antarctica
Antarctica Whale watching discovery voyage
March
11 days
A 10 night Classic Antarctic expedition on the Polar Class 6 M/V Hondius, focussing on whales, spectacular landscapes and other wildlife sightings
Expeditions Online Newsletter
Sign up to be an Expeditions Online insider and receive info on exclusive deals, discounts and more!