Many people dream of visiting Antarctica, but it is also one of the most expensive vacation destinations. An Antarctic cruise typically costs around $10,000 per person, not including airfare, insurance, gear, or other extras. However, this should not deter you from fulfilling your bucket list. You can visit the frozen continent without spending a fortune if you know what to expect and where to look.
Here are some tips for affordable travel to Antarctica based on the experiences of three people who have visited the region.
Book discounts at the last minute
One of the best ways to save money on Antarctic cruises is to book at the last minute. This means waiting until a few weeks or days before the departure date when the operator tries to fill their ship with discounted fares. You can find these deals online, through travel agencies, or by visiting the port towns of Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile, where many Antarctic cruise ships depart.
However, booking last-minute deals can also bring some risks and challenges. You need to be flexible with dates, itineraries, and cabin types since you don’t have many options. You also need to prepare for the trip in a short time, which means arranging flights, gear, insurance, and visas in advance. Be ready to pay in cash, as some operators don’t accept credit cards for last-minute bookings.
A voyager who booked a trip without a second to spare was 28 year old Pete from the UK, who visited Antarctica in February 2020. He found a multi day voyage transport at $4500 per individual, which is a portion of the first cost. He reserved web-based spot through a site called Polar Travels, which spends significant time in Antarctic and Cold investigation. He said:
“I was searching for a modest approach to Antarctica when I coincidentally found this site offering limits without a second to spare. I saw a site leaving in about fourteen days and thought, ‘Why not?’ I had a few reserve funds and yearly leave, so I chose to make it happen. It was a piece like betting, however it paid off. It was an astounding encounter and I don’t think twice about it by any means.”
Choose off-season
Another way to save on Antarctic cruise costs is to choose the off-season, usually from November to March. This is when the weather is colder, the days are shorter, and wild animals are less active. However, there are also times when prices are lower, there are fewer people, and the scenery is more primitive. You can find a cruise ship worth $5000 per person during the off-season, while it costs $8000 or more during the peak season.
One traveler who chose the off-season is Perry, a 32-year-old from the US who visited Antarctica in November 2019. He found a 10-day cruise worth $5200 per person, including a flight from Santiago to Ushuaia. He booked through a travel agency called ‘Antarctic Travel Service,’ which provides customized packages for Antarctic travel. He said:
“I need to go to Antarctica, however I would rather not burn through huge load of cash. I did a few examination and observed that slow time of year is less expensive and less swarmed. I wouldn’t fret the cold or dull, as long as I can see icy masses and penguins. I booked through a travel service since they have many limits, including flights. It was an extraordinary excursion and I’m happy I went.”
Join repositioning cruise control
The third cash saving tip in Antarctic cruising is to consolidate repositioning cruising, where boats move starting with one region then onto the next toward the finish of a season. For instance, a few boats working in Antarctica throughout the mid year will move to the Icy throughout the colder time of year, as well as the other way around. These voyage ships are generally longer, less expensive, and more assorted than ordinary journey ships since they stop at various ports en route. Contingent upon the time and course, you can find a repositioned journey transport worth $3000 per individual.
An explorer taking part in a repositioning journey is Anna, 26 years of age from Australia, who visited Antarctica in Walk 2021. She found a multi day voyage transport, evaluated at $3500 per individual, beginning from Ushuaia and finishing off with Cape Town, South Africa. She booked the boat through a site called “Repositioning Travels”, which records generally accessible repositioning travels from around the world. She said:
“I have been looking for a modest and brave approach to Antarctica, and I coincidentally found this site, which offers repositioned voyage ships. I saw a voyage transport from Ushuaia to Cape Town, and I thought it sounded perfect. I have for practically forever needed to go to Africa, so it resembles solving two problems at once. It’s a long and various excursion, and I love each moment of it.”
Expectations for Antarctic Cruise
Regardless of how you arrive at Antarctica, you can anticipate an extraordinary experience that will make you wheeze for breath. You will see fantastic ice and snow scenes, experience extraordinary natural life like penguins, seals, and whales, and find out about the set of experiences and study of the African mainland. You will likewise have the potential chance to go to the Antarctic mainland, which is an uncommon honor experience that couple of individuals can have.
However, you should also be aware of the challenges and risks of visiting Antarctica, such as turbulent seas, unpredictable weather, environmental impacts, and safety regulations. Conduct research and preparation before departure, and follow the instructions and guidelines of the operator and crew. Respect wildlife and the environment, leaving no trace behind.
Antarctica is not a cheap or easy destination, but it is definitely worth it. If you have the opportunity to go, don’t hesitate. This will be one of the most incredible journeys of your life.
Related posts:
Budget Travel to Antarctica: Top Tips | Bookmundi
Get to Antarctica on a Budget: 4 Ways (With 2023 Prices) – Pete and Perry
Set foot on the Antarctic Continent | Oceanwide Expeditions
