A trip to Antarctica can be priced. It is one of life’s most meaningful and authentic experiences. And it’s “Yes”. However, while many think an Antarctica vacation is a ‘priceless’ experience, Antarctica trips incur significant costs.
Antarctica Travel Price Factors
Antarctica costs vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. The price of a cruise to Antarctica is largely determined by the number of nights, the season you booked, the ship, and the cabin category.
Prices vary depending on where you go. The Falkland Islands and South Georgia cruise and emperor penguin voyages to the Weddell are the most expensive, as they are the longest.
The total Antarctica travel costs should include all expenses, including the cruise. This includes the cost of the flight, pre or post-cruise hotel nights, optional adventure activities, and gear.
Antarctica Travel Costs Vary By Ship
Prices for Antarctica cruises can vary greatly depending on the amenities and style of the ship. Converted research ships are easy to convert and inexpensive.
For years, traditional expedition ships have been cruising in comfort. The next generation of ships, which are newly designed and built, will take technology and luxury to a whole other level. There are Antarctica ships for every budget.
Budget Antarctica Cruise
Simple expedition ships, with basic amenities, smaller cabins, and fewer inclusions, are cheaper. Budget cruises are priced between $5,000 and $8,000.
These budget-friendly expeditions are similar to cruising base camps, focusing on adventure rather than amenities. Simple, comfortable, and clean accommodations are to be expected.
Costs can be reduced by using shared bathrooms, triple or quad cabins, and sharing the bathroom between three cabins. These ships offer basic but satisfying food and an international crew.
Budget Antarctica Cruises will provide an expedition crew with experience and offer off-vessel excursions to explore the continent up close.
Some cruise packages are affordable but may not include airport transfers, internal flights, overnights at hotels before a cruise, or extra excursions like snowshoeing or sea kayaking. Make sure you review all inclusions before budgeting for your Antarctica trip.
Mid Range Cruiser
Most cruises will cost between $8,000 and $15,000. These vessels are usually experienced expedition vessels that have been navigating polar waters for many years. These ships strike the right balance between comfort and cost.
There are a variety of cabins available, ranging from simple to luxurious. Small ship cruisers will recognize the familiarity of amenities like gyms, libraries, and lounges.
Expedition crews and onboard programs are highlighted. Meals are delicious, and there are many activities available off the vessel. On a midrange cruise, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to save money.
Why Is Antarctica Such An Expensive Destination?
Antarctica travel is costly, particularly when compared to other cruises.
The cost of Antarctica travel may seem high initially, but there are several reasons for this in such a pristine, ice-laden environment.
It is expensive to build and maintain ice-strengthened ships.
And then, the fuel costs to operate the ship can be as high as 50%. In 2011, new fuel standards were implemented that prohibited the burning of heavy oil fuel and required ships in the Antarctic Treaty Area to use lighter, more environmentally friendly fuels like Marine Gas Oil.
In remote regions, already expensive fuels can become even more expensive when supplies are limited and demand is high. Refueling larger vessels becomes prohibitively costly.
Additional Costs
Additional costs hit the traveler’s pocketbook due to other conservation-related regulatory obstacles. Each journey must be accompanied by a detailed assessment of the environmental impact (in the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for this) to confirm that planned activities won’t have more than a temporary or minor impact on Antarctica (or any associated or dependent ecosystems).
Crewing costs, around 30% of the total operating cost, come in second place after fuel. More than 80 crew members, including experts, naturalists, or expedition leaders, can be expensive and need to get paid.
Due to the smaller ship capacity, the crew and passengers ratio and their split wages are much higher than traditional cruises.
Unsurprisingly, expedition crews earn more than the average industry wage because they must be highly specialized, well-trained, and experienced. IAATO estimates that at least 75 percent of expedition teams will have Antarctic experience.
Antarctica cruise costs may appear high, but when you compare them to other cruises, such as river or ocean cruises, and take into account all of the operational obstacles, including logistical challenges, staffing issues, and safety concerns, the question that arises is, “How do they manage it?”
Antarctica Deals & Antarctica Tips To Save
Antarctica can be yours for a bargain price.
Many agencies offer budget Antarctica Cruises. We recommend that travelers focus on both price and value. The right cruise is equally important as the lowest Antarctica price.
Check out Vacation Amour Antarctica cruise offers and money-saving tips. Our experts can help you find the best deal and price for your Antarctica vacation.
