When we think of holidays, Antarctica is often the last place on our minds. This continent is not known for its friendliness to visitors, but climate change and human persistence have changed that. During the summer months of November to March, the ice shrinks, allowing tourists to explore one of the most mysterious parts of the world. If you’re planning to visit, take a look at the top 3 Antarctica cruises with airfare options.

Swoop Antarctica
Start your journey from Punta Arenas, Chile, from where you fly to King George Islands in the South Shetland Islands, bypassing the 2-day sail on the Drake Passage. You then embark on the 68-passenger expedition ship, which will house you for the duration of your trip. Depending on your itinerary, which can be 8 to 12 days, you will visit various islands, sit in on educational lectures, go snorkeling, kayaking, and whale watching, among others. Prices range approximately from $10,000 to $15,000 per person. They can go higher depending on your choice of accommodation.

Adventure Life
Adventure Life has a variety of Antarctica cruises. From small expedition ships, luxury ships, or fly and cruise combinations, every voyage has optional activities like skiing, sea kayaking, and camping. They have minimum 6-day to maximum 19-day trips departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. A popular choice is the Antarctica and Patagonia 18-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Orion. You will get to explore Antarctica’s wildlife, hike among the snow capped Torres del Paine National Park, discover Karukinka Natural Park, and cruise waters of Francisco Coloane Marine Park. Prices for a 6-day voyage, including the air cruise, start from $5000 per person and go up to a little over $21,000 for a 19-day trip.

Antarctica21
This cruise has limited but affordable options. Their Antarctica Express Air-Cruise is a 6 days 7 nights package that starts from Punta Arenas, Chile. Passengers then fly to Puerto Williams, Chile, to set sail for Cape Horn. Next, you sail through the Drake Passage to King George Island and cross the Antarctica Convergence. The prices of this voyage depend on the ship you choose. Ocean Nova is between $5,000 to $10,000 per person, Hebridean Sky is $5000 to $9000, and Magellan Explorer starts from $5000 to $17,000. These prices are based on 21/22 and 22/23 seasons and lowest to highest cabin categories, the company’s website has more details on the same. This cruise line also has 8, 9, 17, and 18-day voyage options.