Antarctica Travel Forum

Does anyone know if it would be cheaper to book a cruise going to Antarctica online or booking it in Ushuaia?

I would suggest that you research it online, but then book by phoning the cruise line you decide upon. Antarctica is not cheap -- it's more of a big-ticket item to visit, partly due to the fuel costs of crossing the Drake Passage, and also because it is only accessible by ship, thus the cruise marketplace dictates the pricing. In Ushuaia, if you just showed up, I doubt you would be able to find anything available. Good luck with your search!

You certainly can fly to the Antarctic: http://www.aeroviasdap.cl/reyjorge-en.html
Last minute tickets can be bought much cheaper at Ushuaia on the standby basis, but that is a huge risk as you may not get a space.
Check the Transportation tips here on VT by members on the Antarctic Travelguide page. Good luck.

You're right, Pam, and I forgot about that DAP flight from Punta Arenas. However, I wouldn't ever take that one, as it only allows 1-2 days in Antarctica, and with flying weather a big risk for flight cancellation. On the other hand, very few of the cruises ever get cancelled, even though it can be rough seas out there. And you get more time in ANT when going on a ship, most often 7 or more days, once the ship reaches the ANT Peninsula. More penguin sightseeing!

Yes of course :-))
And if you want to areas less populated with cruise boats, don't forget the other side of Antarctica :-)

You're right -- and the newish ship Orion (Aussie-based) appears to be doing a great job of capturing the Down Under side of ANT, albeit that there are about 4-5 days at sea both ways to ANT, so longer trips, thus more expensive. That is a beautiful ship! I've been on board, but only in N.T.