Antarctica in Supreme Comfort & Value
Not every traveler wants to don bulky rubber boots, climb into cold Zodiacs, and brave punishing Drake Passage swells on a small vessel. Princess Cruises offers an elegant, accessible alternative: 16 to 22 days of sublime scenic navigation around Cape Horn, the Chilean Fjords, and four breathtaking days deep in Antarctica—all from the warmth and stability of a grand resort ship.
The Scenic Cruising Advantage: Why Choose Princess?
Antarctic expedition voyages on small 200-passenger vessels are physically demanding, frequently priced between $15,000 and $35,000 per traveler, and require navigating the turbulent Drake Passage aboard relatively light hulls.
Princess Cruises redefines polar travel through scenic polar cruising. At 116,000 gross tons with computerized dynamic stabilizer fins, Sapphire Princess glides smoothly through open ocean swells.
Smooth Sailing & Stability
Sapphire Princess's massive displacement and advanced stabilization systems dramatically reduce ship pitch and roll across the Drake Passage, minimizing seasickness concerns.
Balcony Stateroom Living
Watch towering blue icebergs, breaching humpbacks, and diving penguins directly from your heated private balcony while sipping hot coffee or Champagne in your bathrobe.
Fares from $2,499 per Guest
Expedition cruises easily exceed $30,000 per couple. Princess offers the identical Antarctic vistas, Cape Horn, and South American cultures at a fraction of the investment.
Full Entertainment & Dining
Broadway productions, Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini's Italian trattoria, Lotus Spa, and Movies Under the Stars with warm fleece blankets and fresh cookies.
Observation from a private balcony on Sapphire Princess: Unmatched panoramic views of icebergs and wildlife without the physical rigors of Zodiac landings.
The Itinerary: 4 Full Days Deep Inside Antarctica
Princess crafts its 16-day Cape Horn & Antarctica voyages (sailing between Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Antonio/Santiago, Chile) to maximize daytime scenic navigation through the most photogenic polar waterways on Earth.
| Antarctic Region | Key Sights & Wildlife Highlights | Scenic Cruising Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Elephant Island | Chinstrap penguin colonies, Point Wild, Cape Valentine, storm petrels | Site of Sir Ernest Shackleton's legendary 1916 rescue base. Narrated by bridge naturalists as the ship navigates close to towering cliff faces. |
| Antarctic Sound | Gigantic tabular icebergs, Adélie penguins, killer whales (orcas) | Often nicknamed "Iceberg Alley," this northern corridor displays massive tabular ice sheets that have calved from the Larsen Ice Shelf. |
| Gerlache Strait | Humpback whales, minke whales, crabeater seals on ice floes | A calm, protected passage between Anvers Island and the Danco Coast. Mirror-flat waters frequently reflect jagged glaciated peaks. |
| Admiralty Bay | Gentoo penguins, giant petrels, King George Island research bases | A sheltered bay in the South Shetland Islands with dramatic hanging glaciers and active international polar research stations visible from deck. |
Beyond Antarctica: South America Highlights
In addition to 4 days in Antarctica, the 16-day voyage includes memorable South American calls:
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: Tango clubs, San Telmo architecture, and world-class steakhouses.
- Montevideo, Uruguay: Ciudad Vieja, vibrant port markets, and Uruguayan Tannat wines.
- Falkland Islands (Stanley): Rockhopper penguins, British pub heritage, and historic battle sites.
- Cape Horn: Legendary maritime landmark at the southernmost tip of Tierra del Fuego.
- Ushuaia, Argentina: The "End of the World" gateway nestled beneath the Martial Mountains.
- Punta Arenas & Chilean Fjords: Glacial alleys, Beagle Channel, and dramatic Andean fjords.
OceanMedallion Technology in Polar Waters
Sapphire Princess is fully integrated with Princess's groundbreaking OceanMedallion smart wearable device. The size of a coin, the Medallion transforms the polar cruise experience:
- Keyless Stateroom Entry: Your cabin door automatically unlocks as you approach with your hands full of binoculars and camera gear.
- OceanNow On-Demand Delivery: Relaxing on an open deck wrapped in blankets watching whales? Order hot chocolate, specialty coffees, cocktails, or hot snacks delivered directly to your exact deck chair via Medallion geolocation.
- MedallionNet Polar Wi-Fi: High-speed satellite connectivity allows you to video call family directly from the Antarctic Sound, upload real-time iceberg photos to social media, and stay connected at sea.
- Ship Companion Locator: Easily find traveling companions and family members across the ship's 14 passenger decks.
Princess Plus & Premier: All-Inclusive Value
Vincent Vacations highly recommends adding Princess Plus or Princess Premier to your Antarctica booking. These inclusive packages eliminate extra onboard bills:
Princess Plus Package
- Plus Beverage Package (drinks up to $15 each)
- Single-device MedallionNet Wi-Fi
- Prepaid Crew Appreciation (gratuities included)
- 2 Casual dining meals (Alfredo's Pizza, pub fare)
- Premium crafted desserts & fitness classes
Princess Premier Package
- Premier Beverage Package (top-shelf drinks up to $20)
- Multi-device MedallionNet Wi-Fi (up to 4 devices)
- Prepaid Crew Appreciation (gratuities included)
- 2 Specialty dining meals (Crown Grill & Sabatini's)
- Reserved theater seating & unlimited digital photos
Princess South America & Antarctica Flyer
Download the official Princess Cruises collateral featuring complete day-by-day itineraries, cabin deck layouts, cruisetour options with Iguazú Falls and Machu Picchu, and Signature perks.
Frequently Asked Questions: Princess Cruises Antarctica
Plan Your Princess Cruise
Exclusive Perks, Balcony Staterooms & Complimentary Guidance
Princess Antarctica Guides
Speak with Karen Barton
Senior Polar & Scenic Cruise Specialist
"For travelers who want to witness the glory of Antarctic ice and wildlife with complete comfort, incredible dining, and zero seasickness stress, Sapphire Princess is unbeatable."
Call 1 (888) 883-0460