Can We Get a Group Discount?
Almost certainly not. But you should feel good about asking, and you might get lucky depending on who and how you ask.
Deals & Discounts
13 posts — Articles geared toward saving money or looking for deals.
Should I Book On A Brand New Ship?
Unless it is an identical sister ship operated by a long-standing company with a proven Antarctica track record, a new ship in its first season carries risks that a discounted rate rarely compensates for.
Antarctica Operators Can, and Do, Go Out of Business
Travel companies in the expedition industry have failed before, sometimes without warning, sometimes after years of looking perfectly stable. There is no way to guarantee it won't happen to the company you book with. There are ways to limit your exposure if it does.
Should I Book Directly or Use a Travel Agent for Antarctica?
There are about 500 voyages to Antarctica each season on over 50 ships from more than 20 companies. Once you've figured out what you want, you still have to decide how to book it.
How to Choose a Polar Travel Agent
Not all travel agents are the same. Not all Antarctica specialists are either. The person who books your Antarctica voyage should know this world the way a cardiologist knows the heart. Generalists are fine for a lot of things. This is not one of them.
When Is the Best Time to Book an Antarctica Voyage?
Book early if you know what you want. The best combination of selection, price, and peace of mind comes at the beginning of the cycle, not the end.
Is That Sold Out Voyage Really Sold Out?
A voyage that shows as sold out on an operator's website may still have cabins available. The inventory you can see is not always the inventory that exists.
What Are the Best Ways to Save on an Antarctica Voyage?
The single most reliable way to save is to book early. Everything else is a variation, a long shot, or a consolation prize. But there are several legitimate strategies worth knowing about, and a few popular ones worth ignoring.
How Do I Know If a Deal Is Actually a Deal?
A deal is only a deal if the price you're paying is lower than what you would have paid otherwise. The percentage off is only meaningful if you know what it's off of.
Is the Last-Minute Deal in Ushuaia Real?
The last-minute deal in Ushuaia is real. Whether it makes sense for you depends entirely on how you got there and why.
What If I See My Trip Advertised for Less After I've Booked?
Most Antarctica expedition operators do not offer price adjustment guarantees after booking. The price you agreed to is the price you pay.
Should I Pay in Full For a Discount?
Paying in full early ties up a large sum of money with an operator for months or years, with limited recourse if something goes wrong. The 5% discount rarely justifies the risk.
Don't Be the Jerk
Every voyage has one. Usually they don't know it. Here are some suggestions for Antarctic Expedition etiquette.