While last-minute deals may sound great, they are not something you can depend on unless you can afford to be spontaneous. But don’t lose hope just yet. Here are some other factors that can considerably bring down the cost of a trip to Antarctica:
Plan early
This goes completely against the concept of last-minute deals, but sometimes it works like a charm. Some of the best chances of buying a cheaper cruise ticket run out the fastest — like shared cabins or smaller boats. If you want to get the best price of the lot, plan at least a year in advance.
Travel before December
The window for traveling to Antarctica is late October to early March, with the peak season running from December to February. So, if you don’t mind missing out on seeing penguins during December and January or whales in February and March, opt for a cruise early on in the season. While you might not find the biggest discounts, you have more chances of finding a good deal before December.
Look for short cruises
For the cheapest trips, look for shorter cruises. A 9-day cruise may not hit all the destinations in Antarctica or may not make long stops, but it will be cheaper than a 23-day trip by a long haul.
Book a small boat
Depending on the size, boats can accommodate between 80 to 500 people at a time. Larger boats may be more spacious, comfortable and susceptible to less movement, but they are often more expensive than smaller boats. Also, since only 100 tourists are allowed onto Antarctica at any one time, your opportunities to disembark will be more limited on a big boat.
Share a cabin and amenities
Again, it’s all about flexibility. If you are ready to share a three-berth cabin with strangers, you have more chance of getting a comparatively cheaper deal. That being said, most of us are looking to explore Antarctica at the lowest price possible, which is why the shared cabins are the first things that get sold out.
Book flights in advance
Just arriving in Ushuaia can cost quite a bit, especially if you keep it until the last minute. The earlier you find your tour, the earlier you can book flights in advance, usually saving quite a bit. You can also save more money by booking a return trip rather than one-way.
Consider taking the bus
Another option to save money is to take the bus from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. There are two schools of thought on this one. While bus services in Argentina are comfortable and efficient, the journey will take at least 20 hours and there is no direct bus, so you will need to change. The big advantages are the cheaper price and the fact that there is no risk of the airline losing your bags.
Pay attention to what is included
With any Antarctic cruise, three meals a day plus snacks will always be included. Many cruises also offer activities such as kayaking, hiking and camping in the total price. Compare different tours on offer. It is better to go for a trip that includes activities of your interest than for a really cheap tour that doesn’t give much.