Stand-by Cruises to Antarctica
 

We would like to know if anyone has picked up a stand-by cruise to Antarctica from Ushuaia? If so, approximately what was the cost? We have heard conflicting reports, some saying it is half price others saying there was not much difference to the full cost. We will be in Ushuaia Dec 2007 to Jan 2008 and would love to do a cruise but the cost of booking from Australia is around the AUD$5000 pp or more. Any information would be appreciated.

Carol & Ken Duval
Brisbane Australia

Prices are totally dependent on how many births are available, how good your bargaining skills are, and how long you're willing to wait! There's a number of boats going regularly, there can be several in a day or none for a few days, so if you have a little time you can get a good deal.

Antartica
 

Hi Guys, we're also planning to be there end of this year and book a cruise to Antartica late Dec 07 / Jan 08.

If we are there at the same time we may join forces. There is strengh in numbers when negociating a discount!

Keep in touch !

Antartica cruises
 

Hi Ken, hi Carol,

Trust the Aus HU meet went well? Although we didn t join a cruise, me met a few folks who did this January. All prices appreared to be in the region of USD3000 plus.

We met a couple of Germans who d experienced issues with credit card overcharging when using an agent. I guess the usual careful awareness applies.

Hope all is well with you guys, drop us a mail if we can be of any assistance.

Hame and Em

I was in Ushuaia at Xmas time, and the cheapest price I found for an Antarctic trip was 2800 USD. I think that was for 10 days, but not positive. There are a bunch of travel agencies on the main street, about 2 blocks up the hill from the waterfront parallel to the shoreline. I found the dirt cheap last minute cruises to be a myth. YMMV

I did a cruise in March 2005 on the Explorer - a 10 day cruise cost $2000. As for being last minute, I don't think so - I was in contact with the agent in Ushiaia recommended by Lonely Planet for several weeks before departure. These departures were the last of the season and there were a few disappointed folks in town who never got a berth.

However, when the ship sailed it did so with several empty berths - people just did not show up! There must be a way to access these - one girl that came along ended up paying $750 as a result of a mix-up with the admin office. Somehow there is a way to get one of these last minute deals - hanging round the port shortly before departure day... who knows?

Good luck. It is a wonderful trip - an absolute must if you can afford it. The only problem is that 10 days is not enough!!

Matt

Thank you for all the information. Ken & I decided to book the cruise from Brisbane and got what we think is a good deal. It is a ten day cruise leaving Ushuaia on the 14 Dec and returning on the 24 Dec 07. It cost us $3028 AUD which is not so bad when some of the quoted stand by prices are $2000 to $3000 USD. This way we won't be waiting around for weeks for a stand by fare and we will be back to spend Christmas and New Year with the other travellers in Ushuaia.

Carol & Ken

just a quick question.. is it possible to take the bike on the ship?

Hi Patrick,

The route seems to be flexible depending on conditions. At the end of the season most of the ships were going down the western side of the peninsula.

My recollections are Aitcho island in the South Shetlands then south to Neko harbour, Paradise Bay, through the Lemar channel down to the old Britsh Faraday Base (now in Ukrainian hands as Vernadsky Station). The route back took in Deception Bay, an Argentine research station (name forgotten right now) and a couple of other landings.

As for taking the motorcycle - the answer is a big NO from the operators of these trips.

Hope this helps.

Matt

Hi Patrick,

Yes it was Almirante Brown. Stopped off at Peterson Island too just north of Vernadsky base.

What an amazing place - I had no idea before I went as to just how beautiful it is. I will never forget Paradise Bay standing on the deck of the ship in perfect climatic conditions for hours watching the sun set below a horizon of immense glaciers seeing the ice and sky change colour dramatically. What a place - a real natural kaleidoscope. I would love to go again but perhaps take in some different places. Anyone been on one of the longer cruises which takes in South Georgia and the Falklands? Much more expensive but 10 days is hardly enough given 4 days at sea crossing the Drake Passage.

Cheers.

Matt