Antarctica for Spring Break leads

[Anonymous]

I’m interested in taking the kids to Antarctica during Spring Break, and he first week April. Most tours end mid - late March. Any recommendations of companies that travel the first week of April?

[Anonymous]

They end because it is too cold and Antarctica is preparing for their brutal winter. It’s too dangerous for cruise boats.

[Anonymous]

Sorry OP, you're too late. Start planning for next year. I think the season is late november - late feb/early march.

[Anonymous]

You can’t.

Maybe do a little more research into why before trying to book a $50-$100k trip?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can’t.

Maybe do a little more research into why before trying to book a $50-$100k trip?

+1. Most people plan these out a couple of years in advance. There was a relatively recent thread in this same forum that also talked about Antarctica. Do a search and go through it first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can’t.

Maybe do a little more research into why before trying to book a $50-$100k trip?

+1. Most people plan these out a couple of years in advance. There was a relatively recent thread in this same forum that also talked about Antarctica. Do a search and go through it first.

Exactly. I have a dedicated savings account I started about 3 years ago specifically for this trip. Still don't have enough saved, but I'm getting there.

[Anonymous]

Spring break isn't enough time. You really should consider going over school break in the summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spring break isn't enough time. You really should consider going over school break in the summer.

I was going to say this. At a minimum these trips are 10 days or two weeks. But yes, maybe you could find last-minute availability in this season, but you are better off to do some research and aim for next season, or 27-28. We did a Lindblad cruise in Central America a couple of years ago and it was great...I'd definitely consider them for an Antartica cruise, despite the cost. Maybe in a few years.

[Anonymous]

You have half a million laying around to spend this for a family?

As others said, *maybe* in 2027.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spring break isn't enough time. You really should consider going over school break in the summer.

That's a fantastic idea. /s

[Anonymous]

Watch the age requirements, too. It varies by operator and is usually 8-12 minimum.

Unlike other PPs have stated, you can definitely find last minute bookings (and might save a lot that way too - there’s a well known hack for solo travelers to save $10K+ if they get a spot day of at the port).

Like everyone else said, April isn’t a thing. March is the latest until it starts back up again next Oct.

You should work with a TA who specializes in Antarctica as a lot goes into it - do you want a smaller ship that gets you on land more, or larger and better amenities but less time on land? Only 100 pax from any ship can be on land at a given time so ships with 200+ usually mean less time on land than ships with 100-200. A good TA will walk you through all this.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Yes, I know that it’s moving into winter but was hopeful with the changing climates and wanting a shorter trip we could make it work.

I have researched it. But thanks for imagining that somebody would think DCUM a starting point for a major travel trip. I came here for personal experiences and tour operators. I’ll look at Lindblad, thanks you!
Cruises run Oct - Mar mostly. I don’t think summer is an option and we spend TG and Christmas with our families.
For those who think it has to be long. That’s no longer true with options from Chile.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Yes, I know that it’s moving into winter but was hopeful with the changing climates and wanting a shorter trip we could make it work.

I have researched it. But thanks for imagining that somebody would think DCUM a starting point for a major travel trip. I came here for personal experiences and tour operators. I’ll look at Lindblad, thanks you!
Cruises run Oct - Mar mostly. I don’t think summer is an option and we spend TG and Christmas with our families.
For those who think it has to be long. That’s no longer true with options from Chile.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Watch the age requirements, too. It varies by operator and is usually 8-12 minimum.

Unlike other PPs have stated, you can definitely find last minute bookings (and might save a lot that way too - there’s a well known hack for solo travelers to save $10K+ if they get a spot day of at the port).

Like everyone else said, April isn’t a thing. March is the latest until it starts back up again next Oct.

You should work with a TA who specializes in Antarctica as a lot goes into it - do you want a smaller ship that gets you on land more, or larger and better amenities but less time on land? Only 100 pax from any ship can be on land at a given time so ships with 200+ usually mean less time on land than ships with 100-200. A good TA will walk you through all this.

I spoke to tour companies and it was exhausting- sell sell sell - and I didn’t want to give all my contact info just to get dates. A travel agent is a great idea. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Yes, I know that it’s moving into winter but was hopeful with the changing climates and wanting a shorter trip we could make it work.

I have researched it. But thanks for imagining that somebody would think DCUM a starting point for a major travel trip. I came here for personal experiences and tour operators. I’ll look at Lindblad, thanks you!
Cruises run Oct - Mar mostly. I don’t think summer is an option and we spend TG and Christmas with our families.
For those who think it has to be long. That’s no longer true with options from Chile.

Changing climates might make a difference in temperature, but it makes zero difference in the number of hours of sunlight.