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