Now is the time that some lucky travellers are getting ready to pack their bags and set off on the adventure of a lifetime! From November through to March, cruise ships take guests on incredible voyages to the White Continent during Antarctica’s summer months.
A trip like this doesn’t happen just overnight. Usually a trip to Antarctica takes a fair bit of planning and preparation so people mostly book these trips months, if not a year, ahead. If Antarctica is on your radar for 2024/2025, now is the time to start those plans.
Small ship cruise lines such as Ponant offer the best savings the earlier you book. You can save 30% of your cruise fare if you book early and 30% of an Antarctica cruise goes a long way towards your airfare costs!
Therefore it’s good to start taking a look at what cruise lines are operating, where they depart from, the duration of their voyages and what pre/post cruise accommodation/activities you would like to include, well in advance.
Consider the size of ship you prefer – do you prefer a cruise line that is smaller and can offer land excursions but may not have the same entertainment options on board, or do you prefer a larger cruise line that offers plenty of on-board activities but are too large to allow guests onto land (due to Antarctica’s strict limitations on permitted landings per day)?
Another thing to think about is the time of season you would like to go. If you would like to see the penguins nesting, you’ll need to go earlier in the season than if you would prefer to see the chicks in all their fluff and noise! If you are combining your Antarctic cruise with other destinations (Machu Pichu etc), then this may also influence the time of season you can travel.
Itineraries also vary. While the traditional Antarctic cruise heads out across the Drake Passage, spends several days cruising the Antarctic Peninsula then heads back, you can also combine Antarctica with South Georgia and/or the Falkland Islands. Consider whether these destinations appeal or are important and whether you can choose a longer cruise to take these areas in as well. After all, how often will you get back to these parts, if ever?
At Ultimate Cruising, we understand that an Antarctic expedition is often a lifelong dream coming to fruition. We are here to help you choose the cruise line and itinerary that suits you and to help you put it together with international flights, accommodation, connecting domestic flights and pre/post cruise sightseeing.
Feel free to give us a call to discuss the options and start making your dream happen.
Image: PONANT | N. Michel