Where to Go When You Want to Actually Pay Attention to Your Loved Ones

Getting everyone to put down their screens and be present on vacation can feel like a tall order. But taking the whole crew to Antarctica might just be the answer.

For starters, there’s no cell service at the bottom of the planet. Instead, there’s the braying call of gentoo penguins and the peeps of fuzzy chicks alongside them; the briny tang of the sea as it splashes your face on an adrenaline-pumping Zodiac ride; the thunderous booms of cracking glaciers, and, if you’re lucky, the roar of new icebergs calving from them into the water. Whether you’re watching wildlife or simply taking in the icy scenery, you’re bound to be entertained by nature in Antarctica—in real time.

And on the cruise ship, Wi-Fi quickly becomes an afterthought. There’s hardly any time to sit and scroll when you have such action-packed days planned. If there is any downtime, it’ll likely be filled with fascinating lectures by naturalists and guides about the history, wildlife and geography of Antarctica, or maybe even citizen-science sessions, during which you’ll collect data, such as counting seabirds, to fuel real-world research. On my seven trips to Antarctica, I’ve packed a book every time and have never opened one. I’m always engaged with what’s going on around me and sharing those experiences with other guests on board.

But booking the right ship for your group can make the difference between a transformative trip and a missed opportunity for deeper connection. Choose well, and a trip to Antarctica becomes the ultimate shared adventure.

Choose Your Cruise

Ponant operates the only true passenger icebreaker in Antarctica, making it ideal for travelers wanting to push deeper into frozen seas. (Photo courtesy of Ponant/Gilles Trillard)

In Antarctica, your ship is your home—and the one you pick will shape your entire experience. When choosing, it helps to think about what kind of explorer you are.

Families with curious kids often gravitate toward National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, whose Explorers-in-Training program pairs education with hands-on fun, from peering at phytoplankton under microscopes to learning how to drive a Zodiac (the inflatable boats used for excursions). If you’d like to take to the skies, Quark Expeditions offers aerial sightseeing via helicopter aboard its flagship Ultramarine.

Aurora Expeditions ups the adrenaline with intensive kayaking, skiing, snorkeling and even scuba diving programs. But if you’re dreaming of accessing harder-to-reach corners of the ice, Ponant operates the only true passenger icebreaker in Antarctica, capable of pushing deeper into frozen seas. For seasoned explorers looking to try something new, Heritage Expeditions runs longer voyages into the rarely visited Ross Sea bordering East Antarctica, where you can visit historic huts from the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, including ones built by Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott, as well as potentially see emperor penguins on the ice.

Eat and Drink

Grab a pie before embarking at Pizzería Güerrín in Buenos Aires. (Photo courtesy of The Infatuation/Leo Patrone)

Many Antarctic expeditions begin in Buenos Aires, where guests gather for a predeparture overnight. Celebrate the adventure ahead with an Argentinean classic: steak at Don Julio. Just be sure to make reservations well in advance. For a more casual dinner after a long travel day, the beloved Pizzería Güerrín, as its name implies, serves up a lesser-known Buenos Aires specialty.

Once on board your ship, expect far more than utilitarian fare, but do look up your cruise’s dining options ahead of time. Some lines have just one or two restaurants, while others offer multiple dining venues.

Things to Do

If you’re on a ship with fewer than 500 guests, take a Zodiac cruise one day to get up close and personal with whales. (Photo courtesy of Ponant/Clément Vial)

On ships carrying fewer than 500 guests, days revolve around Zodiac cruises and landings, getting you up close and personal with penguins, whales, seals and icebergs. (Larger vessels will offer only sail-by voyages.) Some expedition companies add other activities to the mix: Quark Expeditions, for instance, offers helicopter flights for sightseeing. Many operators have kayaking on a weather-dependent basis, while others, including Aurora Expeditions, do overnight camping on the ice.

Back on board, lectures, bird-watching and whale-spotting keep every generation engaged. Nighttime entertainment is generally infrequent, though film screenings and live music may be available.

How to Go Big

The key to a perfect Antarctica cruise is advanced planning. (Photo courtesy of Ponant/Nathalie Michel)

Antarctica cruises book up fast, especially over holiday breaks, so plan at least a year in advance. Check your chosen line’s minimum age requirements and accessibility guidelines carefully, as not all ships are suitable for young children or less-mobile travelers. Prevent seasickness before it starts by taking medication upon departure—the Drake Passage, one of the roughest stretches of ocean in the world, has a reputation for a reason.

And don’t overlook the power of your Sapphire Reserve card to elevate the experience. When you book sail-by cruises on lines like Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises through Voyages by Chase Travel, you’ll earn 8x points and receive exclusive perks like onboard credits and package upgrades.