How Long Is a Cruise From Argentina to Antarctica?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica from Argentina? If so, one of the crucial factors that you need to consider is how long the cruise journey will take.

The answer to this question depends on various factors such as the departure location in Argentina and the itinerary of your chosen cruise. In this article, we will explore all these factors and give you a rough idea of how long your cruise from Argentina to Antarctica might take.

Factors that Determine the Length of the Cruise

Departure Location: Your cruise’s departure location in Argentina has a significant impact on its length. The two most common ports from which cruises depart for Antarctica are Ushuaia and Punta Arenas. If you choose Ushuaia as your departure location, your journey will be shorter than if you opt for Punta Arenas.

Cruise Itinerary: The itinerary of your chosen cruise also plays a vital role in determining its length. Some cruises are designed for shorter journeys, while others offer longer journeys with more stops along the way. Generally, most cruises to Antarctica last between 10-20 days.

Duration of Cruise from Ushuaia

If you choose Ushuaia as your departure point, your journey to Antarctica will be much shorter than if you opt for Punta Arenas. Most cruises from Ushuaia typically last between 10-12 days. However, some longer cruises may last up to 20 days.

Shorter Cruises (10-12 Days)

Shorter cruises from Ushuaia typically follow the classic route known as “The Drake Passage.” This route takes you across the infamous Drake Passage and then into the South Shetland Islands before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. These cruises generally spend around five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula before returning to Ushuaia.

Longer Cruises (13-20 Days)

Longer cruises from Ushuaia offer more time to explore Antarctica and visit more remote areas. These cruises typically include stops at locations such as the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands. These longer cruises may also include activities such as kayaking, camping on ice, or mountaineering.

Duration of Cruise from Punta Arenas

If you choose Punta Arenas as your departure point, your journey to Antarctica will be much longer than if you opt for Ushuaia. Most cruises from Punta Arenas last between 18-20 days.

Cruise Itinerary

Cruises from Punta Arenas offer a unique itinerary that includes stops at locations such as Cape Horn, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, and the South Shetland Islands before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. These additional stops can make for a more diverse and exciting journey but also add several days to the overall duration of your trip.

Conclusion

The length of a cruise from Argentina to Antarctica depends on various factors such as your departure location and chosen itinerary. If you choose Ushuaia as your departure point and opt for a shorter classic route cruise, your journey will last around ten days.

However, if you choose Punta Arenas and opt for a more extensive itinerary that includes additional stops along the way, your trip can last up to 20 days. Regardless of which option you choose, a cruise to Antarctica is an unforgettable experience that you will cherish forever!