Antarctic Cruise: Family-Friendly Exploration of the Final Frontier

If you’re familiar with our blog, you know we’re all about multigenerational and intergenerational travel. And when it comes to family-friendly adventures, there are few places we won’t go. Polar bear expeditions, dog sledding, and rainforest caiman expeditions included. But what do we recommend for exploring the last real frontier, Antarctica? We’re all-in for an Antarctic cruise.

Of course, not all cruises are kid friendly. And it’s not uncommon to find other cruise and tour companies with prohibitions of children under the age of 15 or even 12. Fortunately, families on the go can still enjoy a trip to Antarctica. Keep reading to learn more.

Antarctica Tours for the Whole Family

Finding the right travel companies to work with when voyaging with kids can be a hassle. This is something Our Whole Village understands well. It’s also part of why we go the extra mile to ensure your family enjoys the most meaningful and age-appropriate adventures possible.

And we don’t just talk the talk. We take our children on the many excursions we offer, vetting each experience with great care. When you book with us, you can rest assured our adventures have been kid-tested and parent-approved.

For Antarctica travel, we’ve fallen in love with the cruises offered by Atlas Ocean Voyages. Their Atlas Antarctica expeditions permit children eight years and older to come along on the adventure. And as we can personally attest, you and your kids will make memories to last a lifetime! Here are some of the highlights we’ve enjoyed with our families and want to help you and your kids experience, too. Other kid-friendly operators include Lindblad Expeditions and Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Venturing to the White Continent

Because of its snow-swathed terrains, glaciers, and towering icebergs, Antarctica has long enjoyed the nickname “The White Continent.” On a cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll navigate frigid waters to places like Brown Bluff, Beak Island, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay, and more.

Depending on the time of year and itinerary, you’ll visit the captain’s choice of these landing points. (More on this later.) Along the way, savor Antarctica’s one-of-a-kind geography, characterized by rugged mountain ranges, expansive tundra, and icy ocean panoramas. Following in the footsteps of famed explorers, you’ll go where only the bravest have dared to tread.

What’s the deal when it comes to ports of call? Most cruise lines leave these up to the captain of each cruise ship. This adds to the anticipation, excitement, and uniqueness of each voyage. It also permits your captain to navigate to the best areas for seasonal wildlife viewing and visits to secret and remote landings. The result? Your family will enjoy total immersion in one of the world’s most pristine and wild locations.

Notable Spots to Explore on an Antarctic Journey

Besides the potential landing points in the Antarctic Peninsula, depending on the itinerary, your family may explore the Falkland Islands. Also known as the Islas Malvinas, they contain a surprising variety of wildlife, including dolphins, elephant seals, and Magellanic penguins. The Falkland Islands connect the seventh continent and South America, which means less snow and ice and more sandy beaches. (Get the inside scoop on where to see penguins in the wild.)

Prepare to be dazzled by the incredible ecosystems that have arisen in this location, where some of the plants and animals of the tropics coexist with those of the frozen south. The island chain includes unique destinations like Port Stanley New Island, Carcass Island, Prion Island, and West Point. And the fun doesn’t end there.

Visit Gold Harbor, Stromness Bay, Salisbury Plain, and Cooper Bay on the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. These destinations let you indulge in abundant wildlife observation. Discover lush natural landscapes carpeted with tussock grass and impossibly rugged sea cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for elephant seals, Gentoo penguins, and many species of birds, including albatrosses gliding effortlessly through the sky.

The South Shetland Islands Welcome Visitors

Your family will fall in love with the South Shetland Islands. This archipelago offers visitors wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking trails, panoramic landscapes, and expansive views. Some cruise ships land at Elephant Island, which received its moniker from the elephant seals that frequent it as well as the shape of the cliffside. This destination also places you on the trail of the famous Shackleton Expedition.

Other captains opt for a stop on Deception Island, which contains unique marvels. These include striking black sand beaches and a volcanic caldera, complete with heated springs. Possible stopover points are Yankee Harbor, Half Moon Island, Point Wild, and Barrientos Island, known for its Gentoo penguin rookeries.

Antarctic Cruise in Style

What else have we loved about our family Antarctic cruise experiences? Atlas Ocean Voyages take place on yacht-style ships that enhance the sense of intimacy and uniqueness. Throughout your journey, you’ll enjoy impeccable service and a welcoming and relaxed ambiance. Every trip comes with a free cultural immersion experience and luxurious amenities, from delectable dining to handcrafted cocktails and fine wines. When you work with a travel advisor, you’ll gain access to additional perks and streamlined travel to and from the cruise departure site.

Read our full Atlas Ocean Voyages review here.

Have we piqued your curiosity yet? If so, it’s time to learn more about how to make an Antarctic expedition a reality for your family.

Or, if you’re after something else, check out our wide range of other family-friendly itineraries.

Let’s chat!