The long-awaited Antarctic travel guide is finally here! 🌟
1️⃣ First, the tickets 🎫
I managed to snag a last-minute ticket, which is essentially a seat that hasn’t been sold or has been canceled just before departure. To minimize losses, these tickets are often offered at a steep discount, usually 30-50% off.
In the past, securing a last-minute ticket meant traveling to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina, and waiting to see if any ships about to depart would offer discounts. However, with the advent of the internet, there are now two convenient alternatives:
✔️ Official cruise company websites: It’s essential to research the companies that operate in Antarctica, such as Altas, Quark, Oceanwide, and G Adventure.
Choose your preferred ship and itinerary, then monitor the official website for price drops and book directly.
✔️ Travel agencies: Both domestic and international travel agencies can help you secure last-minute bookings for Antarctic cruises. They provide quick access to pricing information from various companies, helping you find the perfect ship.
The prices are typically the same as those on the official websites and in Ushuaia.
For my adventure, I chose a 13-day, 12-night trip to the Antarctic Peninsula with Oceanwide. The original price was $9,100, but I scored it at 50% off just two weeks before departure, bringing the total to RMB 33,000. Interestingly, I met some fellow travelers on the ship who booked their tickets just one day before departure and paid the same amount, indicating this was likely the maximum discount.
What truly captivated me about this ship was the inclusion of all outdoor activities at no extra cost, with two landings scheduled every day. It was an absolute dream! We enjoyed camping ⛺, mountain climbing 🏔️, kayaking 🚣, and even diving 🧜♂️. If I ever return, I will definitely choose this ship again!
However, the hardware facilities were somewhat lacking. The entire ship lacked balcony rooms, offering only portholes. The ship and the cabins were small, making the journey across the Drake Passage quite challenging for those prone to seasickness 🚢.
I wholeheartedly recommend this experience for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, but if you prioritize comfort and luxury, this might not be the best fit for you.
2️⃣ Then, preparation before the trip ⚠️
Before purchasing your ticket, it’s crucial to obtain an Argentine visa (either a sticker visa or an electronic visa). I’ve seen many cases where people had to cancel their trips because they bought their plane tickets first and then couldn’t secure the visa [Crying with laughter R]
I strongly advise getting a US visa first: Firstly, with a US visa, you can easily apply for an Argentine electronic visa, which is a simpler and faster process; secondly, it provides more options for connecting flights, as there are no direct flights from China to Argentina; and thirdly, after your Antarctic expedition, you can explore other parts of South America, where many countries allow entry with a US visa without additional visas.
3️⃣ How much does it cost to go to Antarctica alone ⁉️
My total expenditure came to a whopping 💰$48,467! For a detailed breakdown, check out the attached picture. While I can’t dive into all the specifics here due to character limits, I promise to share a comprehensive guide soon, where I’ll break down every detail for you. Stay tuned!
Wow, snagging a last-minute ticket at such a discount sounds like an adventure in itself! The photos from your trip look incredible—Antarctica seems even more breathtaking than I imagined. I never realized how much planning goes into these luxury ship trips.