Antarctic voyage: What costs should I expect?

Many people believe that the cost of a trip to Antarctica is too high for them. But in fact, there is a suitable itinerary on a suitable ship at a suitable price for (almost) every potential polar pioneer.

In this article, we give you an insight into the costs you can expect for an Antarctic trip, present the most affordable Antarctic trip in our range, and give you tips on how to find an expedition that offers good value for money.

Why the cost of an Antarctic trip should not be the deciding factor

Before we give you specific figures, we would like to say a few words about the importance of price when it comes to Antarctic travel.

In our opinion, an Antarctic voyage is not defined by its price. It is a life-changing experience, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for everyone who undertakes it. Even weeks and months after your return, you will still be reliving and raving about your experiences there.

It is the value of a trip that remains when the price has long been forgotten.
Stephanie Gräf – founder of inventia & specialist in once-in-a-lifetime trips

Of course, the cost of an Antarctic vacation is not insignificant for any traveler. However, based on our experience, we advise you not to make price the deciding factor in your choice.

How much does an Antarctic cruise cost?

But now to the figures: our Antarctic trips can start at around €6,000 and cost up to €130,000 per person.

Why is there such a wide range? This is because the price of a trip to Antarctica depends on several factors, namely:

• In terms of trip duration: A 5-day trip is significantly cheaper than a 23-day trip.
• From the ship: A five-star luxury yacht with luxurious suites, butlers, entertainment programs, and gourmet menus commands a higher price than the classic former research vessels, which offer a nature-oriented expedition without any frills.
• About the travel season: The travel season for Antarctica begins in November and lasts until the end of March. I would say that the peak season is from mid-December to early February. Prices in November and March are more moderate.
• From the time of booking: There may be cheap last-minute deals from time to time. However, experience shows that these are not particularly worthwhile. This is because the significantly higher flight price to/from Europe quickly offsets the discount.

>> We will help you find the right expedition for you. Enquire about your Antarctic trip here.

What is included in the price of an Antarctic voyage?

The price of the Antarctic cruise itself includes a great deal, so you will incur hardly any additional costs during the expedition. Each ship has a slightly different offering, but the following services are usually included in the price of the trip:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Coffee, tea, and water
• All landings and excursions in the ship's own Zodiac boats. On ships with their own helicopters, additional panoramic flights and landings. In addition, there are often photo workshops, (snowshoe) hikes, and the popular Polar Plunges (a jump from the ship into the cold Antarctic water).

However, the following is usually not included in the travel price:

• most sporting activities such as camping, kayaking, diving, or stand-up paddleboarding
• Beverages other than coffee, tea, and water
• Wellness services such as massages
• Return flight and accommodation before and after the cruise
• Land programs before and after the expedition

By the way: You cannot buy anything during landings in Antarctica. You will search in vain for souvenir shops on the white continent. Only at the Port Lockroy research station, in Port Stanley on the Falkland Islands, and of course at the starting point of your expedition in Ushuaia (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Chile), Hobart (Tasmania), or Queenstown (New Zealand) is it worth having a little money in local currency with you. In addition, the wonderful crew of your ship will be happy to receive tips in US dollars or euros.

The most affordable Antarctic trip in our program

We are often asked which trip to Antarctica is particularly inexpensive. As already mentioned, we firmly believe that a trip to Antarctica should not be chosen solely on the basis of price (because a lower price = fewer services). Nevertheless, we are happy to answer your question.

Our most affordable Antarctic trip is this one:

Why is this expedition so affordable?

• The trip lasts only six days/five nights. After departing from Ushuaia, you will travel south through the Drake Passage for one and a half to two days. Only then will you reach the Antarctic Peninsula. You will then cruise through Antarctica for two days.

• On the fifth day, you will leave the ship and fly from King George Island via the South Shetland Islands and the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas (southern Chile). There you will spend one night in a hotel, which is included in the price of the trip.

• So this is a real express trip, with your net time in Antarctica amounting to just two days. That is very (too) short.

• The total cost of your trip will be higher because you will need to fly from Germany to Ushuaia and take a return flight from Punta Arenas.

Despite its short duration, there are several advantages to this offer:

• You will travel on a small expedition ship for a maximum of 72 people without any frills – perfect for a close-up experience of nature.

• Fly & Cruise: You fly over the Drake Passage on the return journey. This saves almost two days of travel time.

• Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks are available free of charge with lunch and dinner, as are coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks throughout the expedition.

• All shore excursions and activities throughout the trip, including Zodiac excursions, are included in the price.

Our second cheapest trip is a little more expensive, but lasts 10 days/9 nights:

Here, too, you will be traveling on a small expedition ship (maximum 190 passengers) with rustic charm, but the extra days will allow you to get much more out of your trip.

 Traveling to Antarctica: 3 things you should know about the costs

There's no question about it: an Antarctic expedition is not a trip like any other – and that includes the price. These three tips will help you find the right offer:

1) Book early: You will be rewarded with a wide selection of trips, ships, and itineraries. There are also worthwhile early bird discounts, and airfares are cheaper a year in advance. The earlier you book, the more cabin categories and activities (such as camping, scenic flights, etc.) are still available.

2) Prioritize value for money: It is rarely the trips with large discounts that promise really good value for money. Rather, it is usually the solid, long-established, and specialized polar shipping companies that offer the best value for money.

3) Don't be blinded by special offers: When a cruise line advertises special offers, it doesn't automatically mean you're getting a bargain. After all, the trip may be an expedition in the upper price segment. Other trips, on the other hand, are very affordable even without a special offer. Or: A special offer is still expensive because the services simply do not meet your personal expectations.

>> Find out how to find your perfect Antarctic expedition in just 6 steps.

In our opinion, the Antarctic experiences offering the best value for money can be found on the following ships: MS Ortelius, MS Plancius, MS Sea Spirit, MS Ushuaia.

Conclusion: Research the costs of an Antarctic vacation thoroughly, but also consider other aspects.

A trip to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people. Due to the relatively high cost of such a vacation, it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option. We strongly recommend that you do your research and choose the most affordable trip: one that is truly worth the price.

I know all the pros and cons of the ships, cruise lines, and routes, and I would be happy to help you choose your perfect Antarctic voyage.Call me or send me an email.
Stephanie Gräf – Owner of inventia & specialist for once-in-a-lifetime trips