Two voyages priced the same can deliver very different total experiences and very different total trip costs. The headline fare is only the beginning. Understanding what comes with it, and what doesn't, is essential to making an honest comparison between any two options.
What’s almost always included
Across the fleet, these items are standard on virtually every expedition voyage:
- Accommodation in your cabin for the duration of the voyage
- All meals onboard, typically three per day plus snacks
- Non-alcoholic beverages with meals
- Zodiac operations, including both landings and Zodiac cruising
- Guided shore excursions with the expedition team
- Lectures and educational programming onboard
- Port fees and IAATO levies
These are the core of what you are paying for. They do not vary much across operators at a given quality tier.
What varies significantly by operator
This is where comparisons get complicated.
Pre-voyage hotel and transfers
Some operators include a hotel night in Buenos Aires or Punta Arenas before embarkation, along with transfers to the ship. Others leave this entirely to you. Depending on the city, a hotel night plus transfers can add $300 to $600 or more per person to your out-of-pocket costs.
Charter flight to Ushuaia
A growing number of operators include a charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia as part of the fare. This can be a valuable inclusion. Arranging this independently adds cost and logistical complexity.
Expedition parka
Many operators provide a parka for the voyage. Some let you keep it. Others lend it and collect it at the end. A few don't provide one at all. If yours doesn't, factor in the cost of purchasing or renting one if you don't already own a windproof, waterproof jacket.
Alcoholic beverages
Some voyages include wine and beer with meals, or even an open bar policy. Others charge for every drink. On a 10-day voyage, this can add up to several hundred dollars depending on your preferences.
Gratuities
Some operators include gratuities for the crew and expedition team in the fare. Others add a recommended daily gratuity to your onboard account automatically, typically $15 to $25 per person per day. On a 10-day voyage, that comes to $150 to $250 per person that does not appear in the headline price.
Wi-Fi
Basic connectivity is included on some ships. On others it is available for purchase at a per-day or per-megabyte rate. On a few older vessels it is limited regardless of what you pay. Manage your expectations accordingly.
Laundry
Self-service laundry is available on most ships, sometimes free, sometimes for a fee. Full-service laundry is available on premium and luxury vessels, usually at an additional charge.
What’s almost never included
International and domestic flights.
Getting yourself to the embarkation port is your responsibility on virtually every voyage. This is a significant cost that belongs in your total budget.
Medical evacuation and Travel insurance
Required by all operators. Rarely included. Price it out early and budget for it separately.
Optional adventure activities
Kayaking, camping, scuba diving, snowshoeing, and photography programs are add-ons on most ships. Prices vary widely. A full kayaking program can run $500 to $1,000 or more. Camping is typically $150 to $300 per night. A handful of operators include these activities in the fare, which is a measurable value if you plan to use them.
Onboard purchases
Gift shop items, spa services, additional beverages beyond what's included, and medical consultations are billed to your onboard account and settled at the end of the voyage.
How to use this when comparing voyages
When you are looking at two options at similar price points, build a side-by-side list of what each includes and what each doesn't. Add the missing items back at their approximate cost. The voyage that looked more expensive may turn out to be the better value once the full picture is clear. This is exactly the kind of analysis a good polar agent can help you with before you commit.
But don't forget: cost isn't everything. Think about your priorities for traveling to Antarctica and give appropriate weight to the absolutes on your list.
