A bucket-list item for most, the booming cruising market has made Antarctica so much more accessible for eager travelers. In the past, cruising infrastructure has meant that itineraries have only been able to enter the Antarctic circle, however new purpose-built cruising vessels are now getting guests deeper into the Great White Continent. Most Antarctic cruises depart and return from the South American mainland, however there are also a handful of unique itineraries that cruise from New Zealand.