As you prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Antarctica, understanding the internet connectivity options available is crucial. This season, Unsold Antarctica focuses on helping you find the perfect cruise that not only matches your adventure needs but also keeps you connected.
Choosing the Right Antarctica Cruise
At Unsold Antarctica, we collaborate with a diverse range of operators to provide you access to the finest last-minute and same-season trips. Our firsthand knowledge ensures a lifetime adventure—from expedition cruises to luxury voyages—while offering exceptional value. Whether you're drawn to Quark Expeditions, Ponant Cruises, or Silversea Expeditions, we offer unbiased advice to help you choose your perfect Antarctic cruise. The types of amenities you want to have on your expeditions are yours to choose. For some having reliable internet access is a must in order to stay connected with loved ones or to upload the amazing videos and photos as soon as you arrive on board. Or for others it may be to find the latest content to pass the time on board or to research the wildlife you are seeing while sailing along the Antarctic peninsula.
Evolution of Internet Access and Allowances in Antarctica
Internet connectivity in Antarctica has seen significant advancements, with satellite internet such as Starlink becoming more prevalent starting in the 2023-2024 season, we've even done an entire article on it here. Seasoned operators like Quark Expeditions and Oceanwide Expeditions have offered connectivity for years now relying on geostationary satellites. These types of systems offered reliable connection with the trade off of varying speeds, limited data allowances and high latency. In contrast, the operators that have just started offering internet access have leapfrogged this older technology and engaged Starlink to provide fast, low latency and sometimes unlimited access. All thanks to the constellation of satellites that were launched in the past few years. Hurtigruten, Silversea, Scenic and Viking Expedition are examples of operators that now have this modern connectivity option installed ship-wide.
Geostationary Satellites vs. Starlink
Understanding the differences in speed and data allowances between providers is essential. Traditional geostationary satellites, used by operators like G Adventures, may offer slower connections with limited data, while Starlink delivers faster speeds and more generous data packages.
Connectivity Available as of the 2024-2025 season
| Cruise Operator | Complimentary Internet Allowance | Internet Provider | Commentary |
| Quark Expeditions | Unlimited at lower speed, higher speed available for purchase | Geostationary satellite provider | As of the Antarctic 2024/25 season (which starts in November 2024), each Quark Expeditions guest will be able to log onto the ship’s Wi-Fi service (one device at a time) at no cost. This complimentary Wi-Fi service will permit basic Internet browsing, texting, emails, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.) |
| Ponant | Free Wi-Fi included in the cruise fare | Starlink | |
| Silversea Expeditions | Free Wi-Fi for all guests with standard package | Starlink | |
| Hurtigruten | Unlimited | Starlink | Join their 1893 Ambassador program to enjoy free Wi-Fi* and other benefits from day one. |
| Oceanwide Expeditions | 1.5GB/day | Geostationary Satellite Provider | A code is given at boarding which provides 1.5gb per day of the cruise resetting at midnight. Additional data can also be purchased |
| Albatros Expeditions | For purchase on a capacity basis | Geostationary Satellite Provider | Where accessible, internet access is available for an extra charge. You may purchase a 60-min internet package to use for your browsing needs. |
| Antarctica21 | Free unlimited standard speed internet. | Geostationary Satellite Provider | Standard internet service will be provided on a complimentary basis on board Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova. Guests booked in Penthouse Suites on Magellan Explorer will enjoy complimentary premium internet service. |
| Aurora Expeditions | Complimentary Wi-Fi included for all guests | Starlink | |
| National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions | Free Wi-Fi allowance, depends on the ship and itinerary | Starlink | Lindblad Expedition offers complimentary, basic Starlink Wi-Fi to all guests aboard their ships, with the exception of Delfin II. There are two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: Enhanced (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage). |
| Swan Hellenic | Complimentary Wi-Fi included for all guests | Starlink | |
| Seabourn | Free Wi-Fi included in the cruise fare | Starlink | Seabourn offers fleetwide complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi. There is one level of bandwidth available |
| Scenic Cruises | Complimentary, unlimited Wi-Fi for all guests | Starlink | |
| Viking Expeditions | Free Wi-Fi included for all passengers | Starlink | Viking's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth, though the line advises users that it can limit heavy-bandwidth usage to ensure all have equal access |
| Atlas Ocean Voyages | 1GB complimentary | Starlink | |
| G Adventures | For purchase | Slow Geostationary Satellite Internet | No connection is available while in and around South Georgia Island. |
| Polar Latitudes | For purchase | Unknown | |
| Intrepid | For purchase | Geostationary Satellite Internet | |
| Poseidon Expeditions | Unlimited | Starlink | |
| Silversea | Unlimited, speed depending on itinerary and package | Starlink | Silversea Cruises' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Standard Internet (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Internet (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage). Your suite and ship class determine which option you receive at no extra charge. Upgrades in service are available for an additional fee. |
My Personal Experience with on-board Starlink Wifi
At first, I wasn't sure if I'd use much internet while on board. I was busy getting acquainted with the boat, its amenities, and the camaraderie that comes with joining 100 other explorers on a trip of a lifetime. I decided to save the free 1GB allowance that Atlas Ocean Voyages provided upon arrival for a few days. My plan was to wait until I had some good photos and videos before connecting with friends and family.
After about 48 hours, I finally took the plunge into the world of instant satellite connectivity. Getting online was simple—I just had to enter the voucher code left in my room at check-in onto a portal to activate the connection. The connection was then tied to the device I first used.
To conserve data for essential tasks, I enabled Low Data Mode on my iPhone. This feature allowed only actual browsing and photo uploads while disabling data-hungry processes like backups and updates. With light internet browsing, some social media uploads, and occasional email checks, the data lasted about five days. Afterward, I purchased another 2GB allowance for $100.
While some traditionalists may glorify going to Antarctica completely disconnected, I appreciated the ability to get informed about what I was seeing, using mapping applications to better put into context the stops we were making, and continuing with the ways of the modern world. I appreciated having the choice to be connected and the data cap albeit low, was a good nudge to keep me living in the moment,
Finding Your Dream Cruise
Our team is committed to finding you the dream cruise that meets your needs (including your internet needs!). We understand that each traveler is unique, and our impartial recommendations ensure you receive the best value. Whether you opt for a luxurious journey with Seabourn Expedition Cruises or an adventurous expedition with Atlas Ocean Voyages, we guarantee an unforgettable experience. Explore the 7th continent with confidence, knowing that our expertise will help you choose the right cruise and stay connected throughout your adventure.