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Several such companies in Ushuaia have been authorized to market the unsold inventory of expedition cruise companies. If you’re a bit of a gambler, you can fly to Ushuaia, walk into one of these tour companies, and book a last-minute walk-on cruise. Although rumors abound that you can arrive, book a cruise, and sail on the same day, I found that this is not possible.
What's typically included in the cost of an Antarctic cruise?
Find Sapphire Princess Cruises to Antarctica (with Prices) - Cruise Critic
Find Sapphire Princess Cruises to Antarctica (with Prices).
Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 02:30:06 GMT [source]
Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the price of Antarctic cruises…until a couple of years ago, when I discovered the secret to scoring a cheap fare. If you’re in the same boat (no pun intended), read on, because I’m going to tell you all the steps to take to find an affordable trip to Antarctica. There are no shortage of agencies advertising budget Antarctica cruises.
Antarctica Cruise Costs by Season
On the positive side, larger vessels tends to be more stable in what can be very rough seas. But a larger ship also means more passengers, up to 500 in some instances. Antarctica cruise prices can vary significantly depending on the style and amenities of the ship.
Crew & Guides Review

We advise travelers to focus not only on price, but also on value. Picking the right cruise is as important as finding the best Antarctica price. See our selection of Antarctica cruise deals and money saving tips. Then contact our experts to get the best value and price on your trip to Antarctica. The size of the ship may influence your Antarctica cruise cost and the experience.
Meals Review
Of course, all that luxury also comes with a fairly steep price tag, so if you’re looking for a deal, scratch this option off your list. All our Antarctica cruises include complimentary shore excursions such as small craft explorations and shore walks. Some include additional activities such as sea kayaking and overnight camping, but most will charge extra for this type of optional activity.
Unlike large cruise ships with almost unlimited availability, the small expedition ships that frequent Antarctica don’t suffer the same difficulties in selling their inventory, so last minute discounts are few and far between. In fact, the more popular, less expensive berths tend to sell out before all others, and with some operators now moving towards dynamic pricing models (like airlines), it’s quite likely that the longer you leave it, the more you will pay. Antarctica cruise prices on more budget lines such as Hurtigruten and Quark Expeditions run about $650 to $750 and up per person per day (based on double or triple occupancy). Expect a private bath and onboard amenities like a fitness center, lounge and library. Mid-priced Antarctic sailings, such as the "luxury light" Viking start at about $1,000 per person per day (without airfare). Onboard complimentary amenities include wine and spirits, gratuities and sometimes unlimited Wi-Fi, though it will be spotty on a polar cruise.
A sister vessel to Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022 and also will sail to polar regions. World Navigator is the first of five nearly identical sister vessels that Atlas Ocean Voyages will roll out by late 2024, many of which will sail regularly to Antarctica. They're also very stable ships, thanks to an unusual new sloping bow design -- something that can make a big difference when sailing to and from Antarctica across the notoriously rough Drake Passage.
But what if you want to go even farther South, to the fabled South Pole itself? That’s when things get really expensive, as cruising isn’t an option to this most landlocked of landmarks. Your only option is to do a fly-in, a flight that takes around 10 hours from Punta Arenas (with stop-over).
Built tough for polar exploring (it has a PC 6 rating, one notch below the Lindblad vessels), it also is designed to be upscale with elegant, 1940s-influenced decor, such pampering touches as a L'Occitane spa (the first at sea) and butler service in the top cabins. On your all-inclusive trip to Antarctica you'll get closer to the Seventh Continent than you ever dreamed. Experience the magic as you step off your expedition boat and feel the crunch of snow beneath your boots. Guided by your Expedition Team, you'll be able to paddle through icestrewn waters, photograph penguins and whales guided by our expert photographer, hike across pristine landscapes wearing snowshoes, and perhaps take a polar plunge if you're feeling brave. For a lucky few, camping in tents overnight is the ultimate Antarctic experience.
In September 2021, Ponant unveiled an even tougher polar vessel, the 270-passenger Le Commandant Charcot. Equipped with ice breaking capabilities, it's able to sail to polar areas that most other polar cruise vessels can't reach. Note that, currently, its Antarctica sailings are being mostly marketed by Ponant itself, which means they may draw mostly French-speaking travelers. Like Scenic river ships, Scenic Eclipse is a high-end vessel with all-suite accommodations (and we're talking real suites, with separate living rooms), butler service for all and a wide range of onboard dining options including a sushi restaurant.
Antarctic expedition cruises are conducted in smaller ships that carry less than 200 passengers. These smaller, more maneuverable ships can access sites that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships, providing a greater range of diversity for wildlife viewing. In most cases, expedition operators offer two Zodiac expeditions per day, morning and afternoon, at two different sites.
But I needed to be on Easter Island by New Year’s Eve, so this was not a viable option for me. Other items you will need include waterproof pants, gloves, a warm hat, binoculars, camera and other travel essentials. AdventureSmith will provide a packing guide, but don’t forget to add these items to your Antarctica travel budget if you don’t already own them.
The average cost of Antarctic cruises is $600 per day per person, with the average cruise package being $10,000 per person, based on double occupancy. Put in plain English, that means if you want a cabin all to yourself, the average price will be $20,000. And this price is usually exclusive of flights and accommodations before and after the cruise. I’m going to show you how to shave thousands of dollars off the average price.
View our online store stocked with adventure gear and accessories. As you get higher on the ship the staterooms often get nicer and feature more space, large view windows and sometimes balconies. On higher decks you are closer to outdoor observation decks and therefore closer to Antarctica.
Insurance can run up to $2,000 or $3,000 per person for a deluxe plan if you're 65 years old. Read the fine print, particularly the medical and cancellation exclusions, before purchasing. You might find it cheaper to book the flights yourself via a regularly scheduled airline; expect to spend about $400 per person.
Angry woman slams Norwegian Cruise Line for changing itinerary with no explanation - Cruise Blog
Angry woman slams Norwegian Cruise Line for changing itinerary with no explanation.
Posted: Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
If your cruise departs sooner rather than later, usually within 120 days, then you’ll be expected to cough up the entirety of the total amount due in one fell swoop. However, should your cruise depart beyond that timeframe, typically a deposit of 25% will need to be made to secure your booking, with the balance payable 120 days prior to departure. Perhaps another reason not to book right at the last minute—even if there is the slim chance of a bargain—so you can spread the cost somewhat. Expect to pay a minimum USD$6,000 per person for a classic Antarctica cruise. Prices rise quickly from there, with average prices more in the USD$10,000 range, and high-end berths on luxury ships costing up to four times that much.
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