Shebs Alom
At Halal Travel Network (HTN), we have shared and discussed a variety of destinations over the last year, from Laos's changing landscape to what Greece has to offer halal-conscious travellers. Some trips make you smile, and some trips make you gasp. But there are some trips that find you eating dinner on a ship at the southern edge of the world, thinking, ‘Did I really just see a penguin waddle past an iceberg the size of a cathedral?’
This is what you call a once-in-a-lifetime experience - cruising to the southern tip of the world, and it will be a halal-friendly Antarctic voyage, setting sail on 3rd January 2026 with Albatros Expeditions. This really isn’t an ordinary cruise, as you will find yourself close to the penguins gossiping whilst you take your Instagram selfies. The ice is so spectacular you’ll wonder if you are on a different planet. And whilst you wonder at the ethereal beauty of this magical place, those on board the ship will be serving halal meat with no pork products or lard. There will even be ladies-only sauna hours, making Antarctica one of the most remote inclusive destinations you will ever find.
Has the Antarctic always been on your clients' bucket list? Click here to find out more about January's expedition.
The Ocean Albatros
Onboard the Albatros cruise ship (photo: Albatros Expeditions)
When it comes to the ship, we are not talking about any old boat here. The Ocean Albatros is a purpose-built ice-class vessel designed to take on the notorious Drake Passage, which is meant to be the roughest part of the journey, without making you feel like your stomach is jumping from side to side. Its sleek X-Bow design means the boat will rock less and be more relaxing, so you can focus on the scenery and not worry about getting seasick. For someone like me who does get seasick, that’s music to my ears.
One of the perks of this trip is that the ship has just 175 guests onboard, making it intimate for making friends but spacious enough for finding your own quiet time to sip your tea whilst hopefully spotting a humpback whale in the distance. This is the first expedition in Antarctic history with a fully Halal‑certified kitchen; a milestone in inclusive tourism.
What to Expect
(Photo: Albatros Expeditions)
For many Muslims, Antarctica isn’t a destination on top of their radar. Think of it as the route to the bottom of the world, where Patagonia meets the sea and far-flung adventures meet with reality. It is also not a destination that has ever catered to the halal-conscious traveller before. You will start in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southern tip of South America, the world’s southernmost city, and one of Antarctica’s key gateway cities for cruise travellers.
Operated by IAATO‑member Albatros Expeditions, this voyage adheres to the strict environmental protocols essential for responsible Antarctic tourism, which allows you to set off knowing both you and the wilderness will be in safe hands. With only a handful of sailings each year, and this being the first Halal-certified voyage of its kind, early reservations are strongly recommended to be a part of this historic expedition while taking advantage of Albatros' 40 years of experience on the high seas.
From there, you set off through the Beagle Channel to try to get a glimpse of dolphins and whales. Then comes the Drake Passage, a rite of passage for polar explorers. Two days of open ocean to enjoy whilst the temperature drops as you cross into the Antarctic waters.
By day three, if the weather plays nice, you’ll set foot on the South Shetland Islands, where you will get your first real feel of Antarctica. If you have hiked Machu Picchu or experienced the gorillas in Uganda, seeing the penguins on land will be another milestone. They will inspect your boots as if you're the novelty. If penguins are at your feet and Halal is dining under the southern stars, it sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime match, but this is a great chance to make it real.
The Main Event: The Antarctic Peninsula
(Photo: Albatros Expeditions)
This is where you will get your money’s worth and where the magic happens. For three days, you will glide through the Gerlache Strait, where you will weave past icebergs. Every landing will be different. One might be Cuverville Island, alive with thousands of Gentoo penguins; another might be Paradise Bay, where the silence around you stretches into the distance as you listen for the faint sound of the ice creaking and cracking in the ocean currents.
Then there will be the Zodiac boats, which will take you right up to the action, from whales lunging for krill in Wilhelmina Bay to the mirror-like water of the Lemaire Channel. You’ll explore historic huts, stand in awe of the blue ice caves, and learn from expert guides who can spot a leopard seal at 200 metres.
When you’re back on board, you will have time to enjoy the amenities. You can enjoy a sauna or a hot drink in the lounge and enjoy the sunshine view, as during that time of the year, you get 24 hours of daylight. You can also hear a lecture about Antarctic explorers who did this trip the hard way. With how technology has moved on, and with the advent of social media, you have the luxury of telling all of your friends what you are getting up to in real time.
For many Muslim travellers, this may be the first time Antarctica feels truly within reach. However, whilst places are limited on the January 2026 departure, there are still some cabins offering unparalleled views and access to that place as far south as it can be.
Wildlife, Ice, and That Feeling You’ll Never Forget
Spectacular scenery (photo: Albatros Expeditions)
The South Shetland Islands will be your farewell stop, where the rugged archipelago is bursting with life. Deception Island will also be a highlight, as you will get a chance to sail through an active volcano crater. From there, it’s back across the Drake Passage, two days to reflect on the fact that you’ve been somewhere not many people in the world ever visit. Your final night features a farewell party and a photo presentation so you can relive every penguin, iceberg, and gasp-worthy view.
Why This Trip is Special for Muslim Travellers
Special destination (photo: Albatros Expeditions)
There will be halal meat, no pork or lard, so that you can enjoy every meal without worry. There will be ladies-only sauna hours for you to relax with panoramic views in total privacy. In general, it will be an inclusive, intimate environment, where everyone is made to feel welcome, and where everything’s designed with your comfort in mind. Antarctica is already the ultimate bucket-list destination. With Albatros Expeditions making it accessible for Halal-conscious travellers, the only step left is deciding to go.
What’s Included
- 10-day expedition cruise with an ensuite cabin
- All Zodiac landings and excursions
- Expedition parka (yours to keep) and loan of rubber boots
- Halal meat dining options
- Ladies-only sauna hours
- Tea & coffee 24/7, plus drinks at dinner
- Lectures, briefings, and a digital voyage log
- Welcome & farewell parties
- Transfers in Ushuaia
Not included? Tips, extra excursions, and international travel to and from Argentina.
Book now and let the edge of the world become part of your own story.
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About the Author
Shebs Alom