Budget Antarctica Cruise?
Jan 30, 2016, 3:55 pm
#16
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Programs: Hertz and Best Western, a free agent in all other respects
Posts: 384
I had thought the 1400 people and no zodiacs would be bummers, but that turned out to be trivial. It was the best whale trip ever according to the naturalists on board, seven species and over 200 individuals. Wandering Albatross was a highlight of a fantastic trip.
For a third the cost of the expedition ships it was a really good trip!
Feb 9, 2016, 8:00 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CHA, MAN;
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM; Hz PC
Posts: 11,169
Apr 3, 2016, 3:28 pm
#20
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 24
As a travel agent I get specials from time to time on affordable Antarctic and Arctic expedition cruises. Generally you have 30 to 60 days notice before the sailing date. They are often on undersold cruises and sold through agents who have clients who can turn it around quickly. Only do an expedition sized ship of around 100 passengers so you can actually get off on the continent and explore. The big cruise lines have so relatively cheap cruises but you might only get off once - the rest of the trip is seeing icebergs and the continent from the ship. Nothing beats seeing a penguin rookery of 20,000 of these incredible birds at your feet! PM and I will contact you when something comes up.
Apr 3, 2016, 3:32 pm
#21
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 24
Book your trip through an agent who can honestly sell you the best for what you want to do - and offer options that work for you. It costs you no more to go through an agent than to book direct. An agent gives them more business than you do and can often get better deals, etc.
Apr 4, 2016, 5:37 am
#22
Moderator, SkyTeam and Germany
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: FRA/STR/NUE
Programs: BA, LH, KL, EY, IHG, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Radisson
Posts: 5,946
We're booked on an 14 day Buenos Aires - Antarctica cruise on Celebrity next February. At 1 year out the cruise is sold out. Once every few days a cabin is cancelled and back on the market again for a few hours and at very high price. Best seems to be to book very early - we booked at more than 2 years out and many good cabins had already been reserved. At 2 years out a inside cabin could have been booked for ~ 1500 $ p.P., now if one pops up its more then 3.000 $ p.P.
Apr 10, 2016, 8:19 pm
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
We're booked on an 14 day Buenos Aires - Antarctica cruise on Celebrity next February. At 1 year out the cruise is sold out. Once every few days a cabin is cancelled and back on the market again for a few hours and at very high price. Best seems to be to book very early - we booked at more than 2 years out and many good cabins had already been reserved. At 2 years out a inside cabin could have been booked for ~ 1500 $ p.P., now if one pops up its more then 3.000 $ p.P.
i think biggest name cruiselines can have a premium
Apr 11, 2016, 8:45 am
#24
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta SkyMiles, AmEx, NorthWest WorldPerks, Jelly of the Month. S&H Green Stamps, Subway sub club
Posts: 1,754
As a travel agent I get specials from time to time on affordable Antarctic and Arctic expedition cruises. Generally you have 30 to 60 days notice before the sailing date. They are often on undersold cruises and sold through agents who have clients who can turn it around quickly. Only do an expedition sized ship of around 100 passengers so you can actually get off on the continent and explore. The big cruise lines have so relatively cheap cruises but you might only get off once - the rest of the trip is seeing icebergs and the continent from the ship. Nothing beats seeing a penguin rookery of 20,000 of these incredible birds at your feet! PM and I will contact you when something comes up.
Please and thank you.
Jun 28, 2016, 3:30 am
#25
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AS MVP, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 803
We're booked on an 14 day Buenos Aires - Antarctica cruise on Celebrity next February. At 1 year out the cruise is sold out. Once every few days a cabin is cancelled and back on the market again for a few hours and at very high price. Best seems to be to book very early - we booked at more than 2 years out and many good cabins had already been reserved. At 2 years out a inside cabin could have been booked for ~ 1500 $ p.P., now if one pops up its more then 3.000 $ p.P.
Jun 28, 2016, 11:49 am
#27
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AS MVP, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 803
Where did you find those companies? I checked wikitravel and the price seems to be similar. But I guess they are just "big names" anyway.
Jun 28, 2016, 12:29 pm
#28
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
Posts: 2,417
Jun 28, 2016, 1:23 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,141
1. Cruise. There are cruises that start from there, and one flies there to meet the boat. Sorry, can't remember the line.
2. Employment. Get a job helping to service one of the research stations. Everything from cook to electrician to custodian to scientist.
Jun 28, 2016, 1:59 pm
#30
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
Posts: 2,417
2. Employment. Get a job helping to service one of the research stations. Everything from cook to electrician to custodian to scientist.
