Ross Sea

Small Ship Cruises & Expeditions

Antarctica: Ross Sea Expeditions

The Ross Sea, often called ‘the heart of Antarctica,' is one of the last unspoiled ocean regions, with minimal human impact. Visiting this area is a rare privilege, with only a few hundred people allowed each year. The East Antarctic coastline is remote, ice-covered most of the year, and lashed by strong katabatic winds. During the brief summer, wildlife flourishes, including Adélie and Emperor penguins, South Polar Skuas, Snow Petrels, Southern Fulmars, whales, and seals. Discovered in 1841 by Sir James Clark Ross, the region also saw whaling in the 1920s and recent commercial fishing for toothfish. Sailing into the Ross Sea allows exploration further south than any other route, including East Antarctica, known for its historic exploration sites like Borchgrevink's Hut, Shackleton's Hut, Mawson's Huts, and Scott's Huts. Small ship cruising here offers unique access to these remote, wildlife-rich areas and historical landmarks, providing an unparalleled Antarctic experience.

Ross Sea Highlights

Benefits of Booking with Wild Earth Travel

Wild Earth Travel is owned and operated by expedition leaders with over 30 years' experience voyaging, leading and creating expeditions all over the globe.

• We Are Travellers. Our team of small ship cruise specialists is very well travelled. We have led small ship cruises all over the world and experienced the most unique and fascinating corners of the planet, and we love sharing our experiences with you!

• Unbiased Advice. Our team are all passionate expedition and small cruise ship travellers, and our knowledge and stories come from our own personal experiences, which we then use to match you with the best small ship options for you.

• Largest Choice Providers. Our collection of small ship cruises is constantly growing, we now feature over 1200 cruises aboard more than 80 small ships. Our insider knowledge of the industry means there is barely a ship or a destination worldwide that we haven't experienced.

• Convenience Matters. We offer you the ability to pay in the original currency of the ship operator, meaning that you won't pay more in currency buffers. You can be assured that you are in safe hands as our team of specialists guide you through the entire booking process.

• Personalised Service. As you prepare for your cruise, we will be in touch to ensure you have everything you need, from packing lists and suggested reading lists to pre- and post- transfers and accommodation. For some cruises, there may be the option to add on extra activities.

• We know this area! If you’re after a small ship cruise or an expedition ship cruise to the Ross Sea or East Antarctica region Wild Earth Travel can help you find a trip of a lifetime. We are ready to guide you through our range of different options with impartial advice so you can experience the very best of this unique destination.

Featured Ross Sea Cruises

Below is a selection of the expedition cruises we offer to Antarctica’s Ross Sea region. Our collection ranges from 22 to 34 days, and from adventure and expedition to luxury-style ships.

Antarctica / Ross Sea Region

In the Wake of Scott Shackleton aboard Heritage Adventurer

28 days from
$1,617 AUD per day
Selling out!
Antarctica / Ross Sea Region

Cruise Scott & Shackleton's Antarctic - Ross Sea Expedition

22 days from
$1,186 AUD per day
  • Ross Sea Region Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
  • Cruise Scott & Shackleton's Antarctic - Ross Sea Expedition in Ross Sea Region: ship
  • Next departure on Jan. 26, 2025
Antarctica / Ross Sea Region

Ross Sea Odyssey - Deep South Expedition from Dunedin, New Zealand

25 days from
$1,260 USD per day

If you'd like to learn about some of our other Ross Sea itineraries, please contact us. You may also be interested other Antarctic cruising destinations including the Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle or the Antarctic Peninsula.

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We look forward to helping you plan an incredible adventure to Ross Sea

Choose Your Adventure!