Antarctic Last Minute Cruise Deals

Last-minute cruise deals to Antarctica allow budget-conscious travelers a precious opportunity to explore one of the hottest ecotourism spots in the world. The unsettled land is home to awe-inspiring frozen vistas, snow-capped mountains, gigantic icebergs and miles of unspoiled natural wonders.

For those who dream of traveling to the edge of the Earth, a cruise to Antarctica is an experience that can't be duplicated. Antarctica is a bitterly cold continent surrounded by ocean and has very few residents. It shouldn't be confused with the Arctic which is all water punctuated with regions containing a healthy mix of human and animal life. The "White Continent" boasts an unaltered isolation rarely found on the planet, making it prefect for travelers who crave peace and tranquility. However, the downside to this pristine remoteness, free of traffic, cell phones and pollution is that it is not easily accessible.

Most ships that sail to Antarctica are considerably smaller than traditional ocean liners that cruise to the Caribbean. The vessels are built as icebreakers designed to withstand the frigid, ice-filled waters. What's more, due to Antarctica treaty laws, no more than 100 passengers are able to explore a port at one time. This can be challenging since the window for Antarctica voyages is so limited.

The majority of Antarctica cruises sail exclusively between November and February when the temperatures are a tolerable 20 to 50 degrees. While it may be winter in North America, Antarctica enjoys high summer and 20 plus hours of daylight from December through March.

Access to its abundant natural gems and supreme solitude combined with its short sailing season make cruising to Antarctica an expensive travel option. Keep in mind that because of its isolated ports, most Antarctic voyages require a minimum of 10 nights, though most average about two to three weeks. The length of travel can put a glacier-sized hole in your wallet. Fortunately, there are ways you can save on sailings to South America.

Last-minute cruise deals to Antarctica can help you pocket up to 50 percent off traditional rack rates. The money-saving deals can be found through travel agents, though the best way to know if you are getting a real bargain is to compare last-minute sale prices on these reputable cruise travel websites:

In order to take advantage of the last-minute deals:

It pays to be as flexible as possible. Due to its remote location, you will likely have to spend a fair amount of time flying to your port of departure. The most popular and closest cruise port to Antarctica is located in Ushuaia, Argentina. If you are traveling from North America it is a good idea to arrive in Ushuaia at least a day in advance of your Antarctica cruise. This will give you time to recover from the long flight and get acclimated to the region before boarding the ship. Since most last-minute deals bundle pre-cruise hotel stays with regular sailing fees, you shouldn't have to worry about breaking the bank by arriving a day prior to departure. If you live near the port of Ushuaia you have the best chance of scoring the biggest savings on last-minute deals to Antarctica. Since the vessels that explore the waters around the continent are smaller than traditional cruise ships, it is not unusual for travelers to be able to purchase spots on Antarctica voyages less than 24 hours prior to their departures. Local travel agents often advertise the rock-bottom fares; however, all last-minute purchases must be made in person.

Securing a last-minute deal on an Antarctica cruise is akin to hitting the jackpot for nature lovers. The one-of-a-kind sailings are better classified as educational explorations. In addition to enjoying immaculate landscapes, cruisers are given the chance to get up close and personal with Antarctica's wildlife. This includes:

Coming face-to-face with animated penguins Breaching humpback whales Wandering polar bears Languishing seals

It's an opportunity you can't put a price tag on. What's more, since most voyages to Antarctica include at least four to five days at sea, passengers are given the chance to participate in on-board lectures led by veteran naturalists and top-rated researchers that thoughtfully explain scenic wonders, from the colorful prisms of light that bounce off massive icebergs to the sculpted volcanoes that dot the snowy continent.