If you're considering an Antarctic expedition cruise, you might be wondering what your evenings will look like?
Well, you’re not alone, I have plenty of people asking me ‘what do you actually do in the evenings once the zodiac landings are done and you've peeled off your many layers?’.
Firstly, let me say that the evenings can definitely be fun on Antarctic cruises. However, they are completely different to what you might expect on a more traditional, larger cruise ship.
Given that most expedition cruises to Antarctica take between 170 - 300 guests, it is easy to see why you won’t find casinos or Broadway-style shows onboard.
For me though, this is what makes Antarctic cruising so special. It is this slower, more reflective pace of life at the bottom of the world that I absolutely love.
The adventure is the main event, and everything else is designed to support it.
Briefings: The Daily Ritual
Every evening aboard an Antarctic cruise typically starts with a briefing from the expedition team.
These briefings are a key part of life onboard and, for many, a highlight of the day.
Held before dinner, briefings cover what you experienced during the day, offer fascinating insights from the experts onboard, and give a detailed look at the plan for tomorrow—including weather updates, landing site information, and any wildlife you might be likely to see.
They're informative, often entertaining, and help bring context to the incredible environment you're exploring. See picture below.
The Evening Vibe
After the briefing, dinner is usually served. On most ships, meals are open-seating and relatively informal, so it’s easy to meet new people and exchange stories from the day's adventures.
Dinner is often where you get to know your fellow passengers. I have never been the most outgoing person, but I have to say, you meet a lot of like-minded individuals, often with great stories.
The day's adventures also provide plenty to talk about. You will often chat about your favourite sightings, swap photos, and share that communal sense of awe that comes with being in Antarctica.
Once dinner is done, the evening takes on a quieter, more laid-back rhythm.
Some people (like myself!) head to the bar for a nightcap, others settle in the lounge with a book or their journal, and a few might retreat to their cabins to relax or sort through the day's photos.
There’s often live music playing in the background—nothing flashy, just a pianist or guitarist creating atmosphere as the ship gently rolls through the Southern Ocean.
Operator-Dependent Entertainment
That all being said, the evening experience can vary greatly depending on which operatoryou sail with.
Some expedition ships lean into the quiet, reflective vibe of the polar regions, while others sprinkle in more traditional entertainment for those who want it.
Here are some of the more common evening activities you will find with many operators:
- Karaoke Night: Yes, really. Almost every ship I’ve been on has a karaoke night! It is usually near the end of the voyage when everyone's bonded and a bit braver. It can be hilariously fun and surprisingly heartwarming.
- Movie Night: Documentaries about Antarctica, wildlife films, or even light-hearted classics get shown in the lounge or dedicated theatre rooms. Popcorn included, of course. On our last voyage we watched the Shackleton series starring Keneth Branagh.
- Charity Auction: On some voyages, the crew will host an auction where guests can bid on signed charts, expedition art, or quirky mementos. Proceeds often go toward polar conservation or local charities in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.
- Cocktail-Making Class: A few operators offer this fun and interactive evening, usually hosted by the bar team. You might even get to create your own Antarctic-themed drink (see picture below).
- Dance Show or Live Music: While rare, a few ships have entertainment teams that put on performances. I have historically found that the operators that put dance shows on tend to be luxury operators. More commonly, there might be live acoustic music or a small band in the lounge.
Embrace the social side
It's important to remember that the appeal of evenings on an Antarctic cruise isn't about being big shows, it’s about hanging out with your fellow passengers.
Most of my evenings onboard Antarctic cruises are spent sharing some wine or coffee with newly-made friends, or playing cards.
On our last cruise we actually set up a mini chess tournament which was great fun (see picture below!). On a previous cruise we managed to get a ping pong table tournament going, which was very funny, especially when playing on the Drake Passage!
This slower pace is all part of the experience. The early mornings, the fresh air, the emotional weight of where you are—they all naturally lead to evenings that are gentler, quieter, and in many ways, more meaningful.
Final Thoughts
So, are evenings fun on an Antarctic cruise? Yes—just not in the way you might expect. They're not packed with activities, but that doesn’t mean they’re dull.
Some of my most memorable evenings have been spent in Antarctica, usually thanks to the people you meet and interact with.
If you want to know more about each operator and what you can expect in the venings, then please use the enquiry form here and we will get our unbiassed expert in touch with you.
