Antarctica

Antarctica cruises have been notoriously expensive for years although the sheer demand and stiff competition among cruise companies have driven the overall price down considerably over the last few years. The cost of a cruise to Antarctica will highly depend on a few factors:

1) where you’d like to cast off from

2) where in the Antarctica region you’d like to go (add South Georgia and the Falklands, for example, and the price increases)

3) when you’d like to set sail (pre, during or post the height of cruising season?)

4) what kind of luxury level are you happy to pay for

5) how long you’d like to cruise

The most affordable Antarctica cruises are ‘Classic Routes’ departing Ushuaia and visiting the Antarctica Peninsula for about 10-11 days (NZD 7,500 at time of writing), followed by slightly longer cruises crossing the Antarctic Circle (14 days, NZD 12,000). Add the Falklands and South Georgia to the plan and you’re looking at about NZD 21,000 and, if you set sail from New Zealand/Australia, you can look forward to a magnificent, month-long adventure to the wild east of Antarctica, one that will set you back about NZD 27,500. Given the array of ship, itinerary and starting date choices, however, do know that there are A LOT of in-between budgets, so do enquire with us when you have specifics in mind.

At Viva Expeditions, we keep our eyes firmly peeled on the ‘special deal fronts’, which include:

- early-bird sales

- last-minute deals

- special charters

- introductory deals on new vessels

Our Specials Page is constantly updated with new deals as they’re offered and do note that the list can cover all cruise itineraries: from classic routes to extended itineraries including South Georgia and the Falklands, Antarctic Circle cruises and plenty of Fly+Sail options, whereby you fly to King George Island, bypassing a crossing of the Drake Passage, and join a shorter cruise from there.

When it comes to mitigating costs, note that booking months in advance (both flights and cruises) can actually save you a neat bundle, oftentimes more than if you were to simply wait for a deal on the cruise alone. Moreover, know that being among the first or last cruise passengers in Antarctica can also slash the cost considerably, as the great majority of visitors head down over the Christmas break, making December and January the busiest and most expensive months of all. Early and late Antarctic cruises also offer unique advantages that go beyond savings – the former offering pristine landing sites with not a footstep to be seen and, the latter, sensational whale-watching galore.

The Antarctic cruising season starts in late October and runs until March. These are the only months of the year when temperatures are known to reach above 0 degrees Celsius during the day on the Antarctic Peninsula, and through the east tends to be colder, it is still more tolerable at this time of the year. 

Weather in Antarctica is unpredictable, in addition to the cold temperatures, it is often windy as well.

• Knee high waterproof boots
• Waterproof pants
• Base Layers
• Warm socks
• Hat, gloves and scarf
• Sunscreen
• Everyday clothes to wear on board

Other gear;

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Backpack
• Waterproof camera
• Waterproof camera bag
• Sunglasses
• Seasickness medication
• Something to read 

No, special immunisations are not required when cruising to Antarctica. However, you can consult your doctor about taking a drug to combat sea-sickness, the sea can be quite rough between Ushuaia and Antarctica.

Although you cannot fly to the Antarctic Peninsula proper, there is an option to fly to the South Shetland Islands, a sub-Antarctic archipelago that floats off the peninsula’s northern coastline. The airport at King George Island offers fantastic Fly+Sail options for those who are short on time and/or just wish to bypass the Drake Passage. Simply board a plane in South America, fly to King George and board your cruise ship there.

You can choose to fly only once (and cruise the Drake once) or in both directions, depending on just how much time or Drake-apprehension you have. This fly+sail option is available on almost every route, whether you want to only sail around the Peninsula, had beyond the Polar Circle or visit the Falklands and South Georgia as well. Do note that Fly+Sail options are not available for cruises departing directly from New Zealand or Australia.