I’ve never been into cruises, but I am seriously considering what could be a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica. Luxurious five-star accommodations via Seabourn Cruise for under $9,000 per-person is the best price I’ve ever seen.
Antarctica Expedition From $8,999 Via Seabourn Cruise
I’ve arranged airfare to position for Antarctica cruises for hundreds of clients over the years at Award Expert and always marveled at the beauty of that place…but also at the price tag. It’s not a cheap trip. Even today, it’s not a cheap trip. But Rocky, a fellow alumni of UPGRD, brought to my attention a particularly attractive deal that is only running through June 1, 2022. If you can plan ahead to 2023 and pre-pay, the “sail” price right now is quite compelling.
Everyone who has been to Antarctica has told me that it worthwhile. Every single person. They’ve told me that the beauty is unparalleled, impossible to articulate in words or photos, and leads to an even greater appreciation of our beautiful Earth. With pictures and video this stunning, I can only imagine how great it must be:
It’s a huge investment even with the discount, but one of those bucket list items that is increasingly on my mind. Once in my life, I hope to experience this and 2023 might be the appointed time for my wife and I to go (unfortunately, the kids will have to stay with parents!). Wildlife viewing of the penguin colony (especially the Emperor penguins), orcas, and scenic vistas are certain draws for us to the white continent. But doing so on a luxury cruise with an expedition leader like Seabourn seems like the ultimate way to execute our Antarctic exploration.
Let’s review the details.
The Deal: Seabourn Antarctica Expedition
What I find particularly compelling about Seabourn is that the cruise ships are quite luxurious – different from the sort of ships that have traditionally been required for Antarctica journeys.
The Seabourn Venture and Pursuit vessels used for Antarctic expeditions accommodate only 264 passengers. Each room has an exterior view and the ship also has several dining rooms, bars, hot tubs, as well as a large heated pool (and of particular interest to me, a sauna!). Take a look at the ship:
It used to be that cruising to Antarctica meant roughing it. That is not the case anymore.
Each cruise to Antarctica includes the following amenities:
- Inclusive Zodiac tours and landings (Zodiac is the preeminent inflatable boat maker)
- Digital photography workshops
- Parka and day pack
- Opportunities for frequent wildlife sightings from the ship and on shore
- Onboard expedition team providing narration and insight to all aspects of the experience
- Special guest speakers on board
Pricing And Dates For Seabourn Antarctica Expedition
Antarctica cruises began in Buenos Aires and are 11-nights, including the first night in Argentina.
November 24, 2022 – December 5, 2022
December 4, 2022 – December 15, 2022
- Veranda from $11,199 – $10,079 (prepaid price)
- Panorama from $19,999 – $18,000 (prepaid price)
- Penthouse from $22,999 – $20,700 (prepaid price)
January 15, 2023 – January 26, 2023
- Veranda from $21,199 – $19,080 (prepaid price)
- Panorama – sold out
- Penthouse – sold out
February 6, 20223 – February 17, 2023
- Veranda from $16,199 – $14,580 (prepaid price)
- Panorama from $20,999 – $18,900 (prepaid price)
- Penthouse from $22,999 – $20,700 (prepaid price)
November 17, 2023 – November 28, 2023
December 9, 2023 – December 20, 2023
- Veranda from $9,999 – $8,998 (prepaid price)
- Panorama from $18,999 – $17,100 (prepaid price)
- Penthouse from $21,999 – $19,080 (prepaid price)
January 8, 2024 – January 21, 2024
January 30, 2023 – February 12, 2024
- Veranda from $14,999 – $13,500 (prepaid price)
- Panorama from 25,999 – $23,400 (prepaid price)
- Penthouse from 28,999 – $26,100 (prepaid price)
January 20, 2024 – January 31, 2024
February 11, 2024 – February 21, 2024
- Veranda from $11,999 – $10,800 (prepaid price)
- Panorama from $20,999 – $18,900 (prepaid price)
- Penthouse from $23,999 – $21,600 (prepaid price)
Key notes:
- Your pre-payment (or 20% deposit if you choose not to pre-pay) is fully refundable until 120 days before the cruise
- Economy class round-trip airfare from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is included
- Hotel night in Buenos Aires include
Longer tours that include the Falkland Islands and South Georgia are also available (these 21-day cruises start at $27,999) as well as expanded antarctic cruises through the polar regions and more broadly in South America. These extensive expedition cruises around the Antarctic peninsula are one of the most exciting ways to see this part of the world.
Live and Let’s Fly is working exclusively with Scott & Thomas Travel to help you secure this deal. Please consider supporting the independent content of this website by booking directly with us. Feel free to reach out to me personally if you have any questions.
CONCLUSION
For the first time in my life, I’m not only dreaming, but actually thinking about visiting Antarctica. The Seabourn accommodations look marvelous and the pricing, while still high, is not so out-of-touch as to be a deal-breaker. Take advantage of booking before June 1, 2022 to enjoy 10% off. Again, thank you for booking via Live and Let’s Fly.
all images courtesy of Seabourn
Close friends did an Antarctic cruise a few years back with their 14 yo. They loved it but the weather was brutal. There were days they couldn’t be on deck because the winds. They loved seeing the penguins but the stench of their urine was overwhelming.
Look into Alaska Dream Cruises for a family trip, amazing! The on board educators are terrific, they tailor the experience for the age of the kids. We walked on glaciers, watched whales, plucked glacier ice one of the water for drinks, hiked in islands, learned about local culture, etc.
We are not cruise people but with only 69 guests, it wasn’t a “cruise”, it was an experience.
Hey Matthew,
Hate to be that guy, but since you say you are not a cruiser, you really need to understand what you are getting into here. Turbulence in a plane for an hour or two is harsh, but 48 hours crossing one of the wildest stretches of water during bad seas is as Heather says, BRUTAL. And you have to cross it TWICE.
Not trying to steer you off, but I have done 24 hours of this and it sucked. Not enough to make me stop cruising, but certainly being selective. My advice, watch a few youtube videos to fully understand what you are committing to….like an airplane, there is no pulling over to the side of the road.
Tempting…but I promised myself an Antarctic cruise as a retirement gift for myself, and I’m sticking with that plan.
To echo the comments above, if you’re not an experienced cruiser, I’d suggest doing some reading and watching YouTube videos of the Drake Passage crossing to make sure you understand what you’re getting into before plunking down that $3,600 deposit. They don’t call it the “most powerful convergence of seas” for nothing.
Interesting to see that it’s sold out but I’m a warm weather person, thank you.
You want a smaller ship or you’ll not be able to spend as much time off the ship. Above 100 you’re taking turns getting on the land.
Actual itinerary also seems a bit Antarctica light. Certainly fine, but it’s catering more toward luxury on the ship rather than seeing more of the continent.
Another place where the a-holes that had no hand in creating the beauty will go pollute it and spoil it for everyone else and the animals that live there.
Antarctica should be declared protected. Only a handful tourists that are willing to pay usurious sums of money should be allowed to go there. All the money raised should be used to protect antarctica including from whaling and fishing boats.
I spent a year there. You may want to see my video:
https://youtu.be/Tcrf61CEx2s
Remember to turn the captions on.
We did an Antarctica trip years ago and I wouldn’t call it a cruise. Our trip was on a Russian ship (built in Finland in the 70’s) and we had reasonably good weather across the passage — but even with good weather it was bit of an Exorcist experience when you “slept” in the cabin and flew around the bed. Half of the guests were in their cabins feeling sick. It was an experience due to everything, it would have been much less if it was a luxury trip.
As others have said, one should do it only on a small ship where you are guaranteed access to the ground and water. I’m not sure if I trust the modern luxury ships in those waters and as also mentioned, I’m not huge fan of the growing tourism in the region. It’s a unique place.