What to Expect on an Antarctica Cruise with Collette
What’s it like to cross the Drake Passage, make Zodiac landings, and live on an expedition ship?
August 21, 2026
7 minute read
What Makes Tours of Antarctica Unique
No two journeys to Antarctica are ever the same. This is one of the few destinations in the world where nature truly sets the agenda, making every expedition a unique and unforgettable adventure. The ever-changing weather, sea conditions, and wildlife activity create opportunities for unexpected discoveries and extraordinary moments that can't be scripted.
Travelling to the White Continent requires a spirit of flexibility and adventure. One day may bring close encounters with penguins and seals, whilst the next could reveal towering icebergs, breathtaking landscapes, or a rare wildlife sighting. It's this sense of unpredictability that makes Antarctica so exciting — and so rewarding.
Meet Your Guides: The Expedition Team
Collette partners with Atlas Ocean Voyages on our journeys to Antarctica . On an Antarctica cruise, daily activities are guided by an expedition team, not a traditional Tour Manager. This team is made up of specialists — polar experts, naturalists, marine biologists, glaciologists, and experienced expedition leaders — whose role is to safely navigate one of the most remote environments on Earth.
The expedition team:
Works closely with the ship’s captain to plan daily routes and landings
Monitors weather, ice, and safety conditions continuously
Leads Zodiac operations and shore excursions
Provides daily briefings so travellers understand what’s happening and why
Offers lectures and informal explanations so you can learn more about what you’re seeing
You’ll see the expedition team throughout the day: on Zodiacs, on landings, in briefing rooms, and around the ship. They’ll keep you informed as plans adapt to changing conditions, so you’ll always know what to expect each day.
Listen to Sam talk with Antarctic experts.
An Antarctica Cruise is Different from Other Tours
Unlike most of Collette’s guided tours, the Antarctica cruise is operated in partnership with a specialised expedition cruise company. This gives you access to specialists who can plan and lead daily activities and excursions in polar conditions.
Because ice, wind, and visibility change constantly, itineraries are designed to be flexible, meaning every trip is unique. The expedition team evaluates conditions day by day to determine what landing sites are safe and worthwhile. This helps you get the most out of your adventure.
Instead of moving between designated stops, you’ll explore the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands. The expedition team looks for the best opportunities for landings and Zodiac cruising given the conditions at hand.
How is an Expedition Cruise Different from a Traditional Cruise?
An Antarctica expedition cruise follows a different cruising model than other cruises you may have taken.
On a traditional ocean cruise, much of the experience centres on onboard amenities, scheduled entertainment, and time spent at sea between destinations. In Antarctica, the ship serves as a comfortable base that supports daily exploration.
Key differences include:
The day revolves around going out on excursions, not onboard activities
Plans adapt in real time based on conditions (and staff keep you informed)
Common areas are used for learning and observation rather than entertainment
Onboard programming focuses on briefings and expert talks, not shows
That said, this is a premium experience. You'll be on a luxury expedition yacht with a lot of special touches to keep you warm and comfortable between excursions — including gourmet meals, afternoon tea, room service, all-inclusive beverages, and other thoughtful amenities.
“The ship was amazing, food outstanding and the crew excellent. The explorations we did everyday were so wonderful. Lots of wildlife, the exploration staff are so knowledgeable and helpful.” — Janet D., traveller on Collette’s Antarctica Tour.
How You’ll Spend Your Time on an Antarctica Cruise
Although Antarctica tours don’t run on a rigid schedule, most days have the same flow.
Morning Briefings
Each day typically begins with a briefing led by the expedition team. This is where you’ll learn about current conditions, what’s possible that day, and how the team plans to approach the day safely.
Briefings ensure that everyone understands what the plan is, why it was chosen, and how it might shift if conditions change.
Zodiac Excursions and Landings
For excursions, you’ll head out by Zodiac — small inflatable boats designed for icy waters and shore access.
Depending on the day, you may step ashore and walk along the coast to view wildlife or take a Zodiac cruise to explore ice formations and observe animals from the water.
These excursions are when you’ll see penguins, seals, and other Antarctic wildlife. You’ll come home with thousands of photos, trust me.
All outings are done in small groups with a guide. Some landings are dry; on others you’ll wade through shallow water to get to shore. Waterproof gear is essential and waterproof boots and a parka are provided for you — check out our Antarctica packing guide for more tips.
“The daily expeditions captured us completely. We were in awe of the sites, the climate, and the wildlife. We also thoroughly enjoyed meeting new friends.” — Donald H., traveller on Collette’s Antarctica.
Time Onboard Between Excursions
Between outings, you can warm up, attend lectures, sort photos, or watch wildlife from observation decks and lounges. It’s a good time to relax and take in the experience at your own pace. You can even just read a book surrounded by gorgeous scenery.
Afternoons and Evenings
Most days you’ll do a second excursion in the afternoon.
Evenings onboard the ship are informal, with dinner followed by a recap of the day, a preview of what might be possible tomorrow, and some live entertainment like a piano player or singer.
The Drake Passage
Everyone wants to know what the Drake Passage — the stretch of ocean between South America and Antarctica — is like.
Crossing the Drake Passage takes a day and a half to two days each way, depending on the conditions. Expedition ships are designed for this environment, and captains adjust routing and speed to work with weather systems to make the crossing as comfortable as possible.
Whilst some tours fly over the Drake, for many, sailing across it is an essential part of the Antarctic experience. The crossing offers a front-row seat to the Southern Ocean's wildlife, with albatrosses, petrels, and other seabirds gliding effortlessly alongside the ship. As the days pass, the excitement grows — the first glimpse of floating ice signals that you're getting close, followed by increasingly dramatic icebergs that announce Antarctica's arrival long before you reach the continent itself. Even after getting seasick, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
Tips for crossing the Drake Passage:
Try not to worry, most people manage the crossing well
If you are concerned, you can speak to your doctor about using scopolamine patches
If you do get sick, everyone is very accommodating and there is medical support
You can always rest. Briefings can be viewed in cabins, so you won’t miss anything essential.
Living on an Antarctic Expedition Ship
For an Antarctica expedition, one of the biggest surprises is just how comfortable life onboard the ship can be. Whilst the focus of the journey is exploring the White Continent, the ship itself feels more like a boutique luxury hotel than a traditional expedition vessel. With a maximum capacity of just 200 guests, the atmosphere is relaxed and uncrowded.
The spacious staterooms are thoughtfully designed with warm elegant furnishings, and large windows that keep Antarctica's incredible scenery front and centre. Most accommodation feature either a private veranda or expansive floor-to-ceiling glass, so even when you're warming up in your room, you're never far from the views.
The ship's interior spaces are equally inviting. Rather than flashy cruise ship attractions, Atlas focuses on comfortable lounges, observation areas, and intimate gathering places where travellers can relax, enjoy a drink, attend a presentation from the expedition team, or simply watch glaciers and wildlife pass by the windows. During sea days crossing the Drake Passage, these spaces become favourite spots for reading, chatting with fellow travellers, or finding a quiet corner to take in the Southern Ocean.
See available dates for Collette's Antarctica Cruise.
Antarctica Cruise FAQs
Will I be active every day?
Activity levels vary. Some days include two excursions; others may be lighter depending on conditions. Most excursions are spent cruising on a zodiac, so you’ll want to be comfortable climbing in and out and sitting on the edge. During landings you will walk on snow-covered paths, but it is generally not strenuous.
What happens if the weather prevents a landing?
That's part of the adventure! If conditions make a landing unsafe, the expedition team adjusts plans. This may mean Zodiac cruising, alternative sites, or onboard lectures and discussions. Don’t worry, I can almost guarantee you will never be bored or disappointed in this destination.
Is this suitable for first-time expedition travellers?
Yes. Many travellers on Antarctica cruises are new to expedition travel. The briefings, guide support, and structured approach help first timers feel comfortable and supported.
Learn More About Collette’s Antarctica Tour
If Antarctica is on your bucket list, don’t miss your chance to book a tour for Antarctica’s cruise season. To help you prepare more for your tour, dive deeper into what it’s like to travel to Patagonia and Antarctica on a guided tour with Collette
