Antarctica cruise pondering and add ons

[JohnM]

Just encourage c. 50% of the other pax... err, on second thoughts, maybe not .

 

[VPS]

Just encourage c. 50% of the other pax... err, on second thoughts, maybe not .

no maybe at all - DEFINITELY not

 

[zig]

It is difficult to get reduced single supplements - can you give me an example of any you have encountered? TIA

I sailed with Silversea at a reduced SS, however I have checked their website and currently they aren't advertising any reduced SS rates. It would be worth your time phoning them though as sometimes I have found that the reduced SS rates aren't listed on the website.

Ponant currently has some with a reduced SS available. You see the rate when you go to book a voyage and change your occupancy from double to single.

I also signed up for email notifications from a range of companies offering cruises to the Antarctica and did receive some good offers, sometimes at short notice. In the end though having previously sailed with Silversea I opted to stick with what I knew and enjoyed, particularly given the reduced SS. I found the offers were available either for early bookings, or short notice bookings. I booked my Antarctica voyage 2 years out to secure the reduced SS.

 

[tgh]

I understand the butts on beds =$$ for the shipping companies, but also find the single supplements onerous.
I choose to pay for my privacy on my adventures, and for land based stuff it is usually bearable/manageable .
I have never cruised alone, simply because my wallet "nerve" argues that it's a better deal to go somewhere swmbo will agree.
Sadly this creates a lot of clout for the veto button , managed by swmbo….

 

[Pushka]

I understand the butts on beds =$$ for the shipping companies, but also find the single supplements onerous.
I choose to pay for my privacy on my adventures, and for land based stuff it is usually bearable/manageable .
I have never cruised alone, simply because my wallet "nerve" argues that it's a better deal to go somewhere swmbo will agree.
Sadly this creates a lot of clout for the veto button , managed by swmbo….

If I’m travelling solo I just regard the extra cost as an investment in my soul. Given the costs to service a cabin of one is the same as with two I don’t begrudge the cruise line the cost.

 

[VPS]

I can certainly understand a surcharge but I don’t eat twice as much or need twice as many towels etc

 

[Pushka]

I can certainly understand a surcharge but I don’t eat twice as much or need twice as many towels etc

No of course. On the other hand the cost of food for one isn’t really an issue considering sheer numbers. Alcohol may or may not be pre paid - that would make a slight difference. But on a cruise ship it’s all about space.

 

[ExpeditionCruiser]

For those looking at single traveller options, the new Greg Mortimer (Aurora Expeditions) is being built to accommodate 160 odd travellers - but as they are capping at 120 for Antarctica (given the '100 on the ice at any one time' rule) they're being quite generous to singles - just a 25% single supplement on top of the per person twin rate. And they're also offer the twin share match up option as well if you're willing to share..

You can see more about this ship at Greg Mortimer Aurora Expeditions | Expedition Cruise Specialists

 

[VPS]

Thanks - I guess I really need to reconsider my desire to step onto another continent - it's twice as expensive as the one I was looking at and for half the time

 

[JohnM]

Thanks - I guess I really need to reconsider my desire to step onto another continent - it's twice as expensive as the one I was looking at and for half the time

That's the point I was making above. A tricky dilemma.

 

[VPS]

It is indeed a tricky dilemma. It's a year since I got back from my big trip and I really feel I need to plan something so it's heart over wallet at the moment.

 

[get me outta here]

I have done a couple of Seaborns and the ability to order a room service souffle at 4am sounds attractive. But, there is a 100% SS, (although I see they have a 'special' on SS at the moment), is galling. The price includes drinks as well as food, and I only have a half glass of not expensive wine.
I agree though, a cabin of one's own is delightful.

No of course. On the other hand the cost of food for one isn’t really an issue considering sheer numbers. Alcohol may or may not be pre paid - that would make a slight difference. But on a cruise ship it’s all about space.

 

[Pushka]

It is indeed a tricky dilemma. It's a year since I got back from my big trip and I really feel I need to plan something so it's heart over wallet at the moment.

Oh. We have 3 big trips in play.

 

[VPS]

My biggest problem is I'm not a big planner ahead eg I couldn't even think of booking something in 2020 - I'm quite impulsive which is why this cruise is a dilemma

 

[JohnM]

I'm both a long-term planner and impulsive .

 

[Pushka]

I'm both a long-term planner and impulsive .

Best of both worlds.

 

[JohnM]

Best of both worlds.

It's not by accident....

 

[bPeteb]

If you're really game vps you can just rock up to Ushuaia and try to get a very very last minute berth on an expedition ship...

We'd also love to have the cash to sail SS or Ponant but neither is in our budget. The destination and a comfy bed are fast more important to us than gourmet food and free flowing drinks.

Luckily (very) for us we have access to the world's largest private 'yacht' through a very generous friend that provides both the gourmet food and booze but for us to pay for for an equivalent to our 21 day Ross Sea Expedition would have cost us $60k-ish!!

 

[Denali]

My friends currently on 21 day Antarctica cruise (started in Santiago) and was unable to dock in Ushuaia, which meant their dream of scuba diving there didnt happen.

 

[VPS]

@bigpetebrown I decided not to do this cruise and now I'm regretting it because it's been so hot in Adelaide and 41 again this week. I keep looking at cruises and one day I'll do it. I wish I had friends like yours