East Antarctica Cruises View Cruises
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TRAVELING TO East Antarctica Cruises
East Antarctica may take some effort to reach from North America, but these longer expeditions explore some of the least visited, wildest and most historically significant regions of the White Continent. Only a few East Antarctica and Ross Sea expedition cruises depart each year.
From the US, you'll fly to Australia or New Zealand to board your East Antarctica and Ross Sea cruise.
The intense journeys to East Antarctica usually span 25-30 nights in the peak Southern Hemisphere summer months of January and February, with the season limited due to sea ice accessibility.
Why go on an East Antarctica expedition?
An extended cruise to East Antarctica is more than worth the effort as you follow in the footsteps of famed explorers like Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton. This region of Antarctica is far less visited than the Antarctic Peninsula and offers a more remote wilderness than many can imagine - some of the largest seabird colonies, historic huts dating back to the Heroic Age, and isolated glacial landscapes await.
Plus, whales, seals, and the epic Commonwealth Bay and Ross Sea Shelf mean that each day will bring completely unique scenery and adventures.
Many East Antarctica cruises also visit Australia and New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands, known for their endemic species, biodiversity, and unique landscapes.
The haunting beauty of East Antarctica will stay with you forever, long after you become one of the few to venture into the icy oasis.
East Antarctica may take some effort to reach from North America, but these longer expeditions explore some of the least visited, wildest and most historically significant regions of the White Continent. Only a few East Antarctica and Ross Sea expedition cruises depart each year.
From the US, you'll fly to Australia or New Zealand to board your East Antarctica and Ross Sea cruise.
The intense journeys to East Antarctica usually span 25-30 nights in the peak Southern Hemisphere summer months of January and February, with the season limited due to sea ice accessibility.
Why go on an East Antarctica expedition?
An extended cruise to East Antarctica is more than worth the effort as you follow in the footsteps of famed explorers like Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton. This region of Antarctica is far less visited than the Antarctic Peninsula and offers a more remote wilderness than many can imagine - some of the largest seabird colonies, historic huts dating back to the Heroic Age, and isolated glacial landscapes await.
Plus, whales, seals, and the epic Commonwealth Bay and Ross Sea Shelf mean that each day will bring completely unique scenery and adventures.
Many East Antarctica cruises also visit Australia and New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands, known for their endemic species, biodiversity, and unique landscapes.
The haunting beauty of East Antarctica will stay with you forever, long after you become one of the few to venture into the icy oasis.
WHY TRAVEL WITH CHIMU ADVENTURES
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With over 20 years of experience, Chimu are true Polar specialists. Almost every Chimu team member has traveled extensively in Antarctica and South America, with strong first-knowledge to help make your trip the best it can be.
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We have inspected and continue to thoroughly research each individual vessel we work with, selecting only small ships with strong environmental, safety, and ethical credentials.
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We know all things Polar by heart and will work with you to determine which ship and itinerary is best suited. We'll find the perfect expedition for your interests, travel dates, and budget.
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From your initial inquiry until your trip ends, you'll be assigned a personal Destination Specialist who can look after everything you need, including your Antarctic cruise, international flights, and any pre or post travel in South America.
FEATURED East Antarctica TRIPS & DEALS
In the Wake of Scott and Shackleton
Ross Sea and Subantarctic Islands
Ship: Heritage Adventurer
Start: Queenstown, New Zealand
Finish: Queenstown, New Zealand
Departures: 10 Jan 2026 05 Feb 2026 06 Jan 2027 01 Feb 2027 More x
East Antarctica CRUISES
South Pole & Emperors
Antarctica, South Pole
Start: Cape Town, South Africa
Finish: Cape Town, South Africa
Departures: 09 Dec 2025 16 Dec 2025 23 Dec 2025 13 Jan 2026 20 Jan 2026 01 Dec 2026 08 Dec 2026 15 Dec 2026 22 Dec 2026 29 Dec 2026 05 Jan 2027 12 Jan 2027 19 Jan 2027 26 Jan 2027 More x
Ross Sea Expedition 2027
New Zealand, Sub Antarctic Islands, Ross Sea, East Antarctica, Antarctica
Ship: Le Soleal
Start: Dunedin, New Zealand
Finish: Dunedin, New Zealand
Departures: 25 Jan 2027 More x
Ross Sea Expedition 2026
Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand & Antarctica
Ship: Le Soleal
Start: Dunedin, New Zealand
Finish: Dunedin, New Zealand
Departures: 26 Jan 2026 More x
Unexplored Antarctica Between Two Continents
Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle & Ross Sea
Ship: Le Commandant Charcot
Start: Santiago, Chile
Finish: Hobart, Australia
Departures: 16 Jan 2026 More x
The Greatest Day
Antarctica
Start: Cape Town, South Africa
Finish: Cape Town, South Africa
Departures: 02 Dec 2025 09 Dec 2025 16 Dec 2025 06 Jan 2026 20 Jan 2026 27 Jan 2026 08 Dec 2026 15 Dec 2026 05 Jan 2027 12 Jan 2027 More x
Early Emperors
Antarctica
Start: Cape Town, South Africa
Finish: Cape Town, South Africa
Departures: 20 Nov 2025 26 Nov 2025 19 Nov 2026 25 Nov 2026 More x
East Antarctica REVIEWS
All Chimu Adventures' clients are given the opportunity to review their trip once they return home. These reviews are administered by a third party and as such are unfiltered by Chimu Adventures.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Due to ice, ships can only access East Antarctica during the peak Southern Hemisphere summer months. Generally, East Antarctic cruises depart in January or early February.
Our experienced team works with a range of Antarctic operators and can help you find the ideal East Antarctic cruise to suit your schedule, budget, and prefered style of travel.
Cruises to East Antarctica depart from New Zealand or Australia.
Chimu Adventures specialize in small ship expedition cruising, so there will be fewer than 200 guests on each East Antarctica cruise.
East Antarctica cruises often take between 25-30 days, but this remote landscape is worth the effort to reach.