Ultimate 10-Day Antarctica Adventure: Explore the Frozen Continent for Only 20,000 RMB

Antarctica🇦🇶, an adventure of a lifetime that everyone should experience at least once. Over 10 days and 9 nights, you’ll make 7 landings on the Antarctic continent, enjoy 3 zodiac cruises, and take the ultimate polar plunge. This frozen wonderland at the southern end of the world is a breathtaking expanse of unimaginable whites and blues. Every creature in Antarctica has its own unique survival rules, and every expedition member brings their own incredible story to the table.

I never imagined I would visit Antarctica🇦🇶 before turning 30, always assuming it would cost over 100,000 RMB, be prohibitively expensive, and involve harsh conditions. I didn’t expect my dream to come true so quickly.

At the end of 2022, with the pandemic still affecting travel, many Chinese travelers who had paid deposits found themselves unable to leave the country. It was then that a ship called Atlas Ocean Voyages offered all tickets at a 20% discount—just $3,000 per person for a 10-day, 9-night luxury cruise, including meals, accommodation, and even airfare to Antarctica.

Initially, I was skeptical, wondering if it might be a scam. After thorough research, I discovered that the cruise was organized by a reputable Portuguese company for the following year, and I even analyzed their financial statements. In the end, a few friends and I decided to take the leap, thinking that $3,000 all-inclusive with airfare was a fantastic deal and we wouldn’t be cheated.

You could choose between the Peninsula or the Three Islands. The Three Islands trip, spanning over 20 days, felt too long, so we opted for the Peninsula. The ship set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina🇦🇷 (check out my previous post for the travel guide). The crew provided impeccable service, cleaning the cabins three times a day.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all exceptional, with options like buffets, barbecues, French, and Italian cuisine. There were two opportunities each day to land on the Antarctic continent. They provided parkas and boots, so you just needed to bring a thick, waterproof pair of pants (remember, waterproof, waterproof, waterproof!

). Oh, and don’t forget to bring seasickness medication, as 90% of people get seasick crossing the Drake Passage!

We visited research stations and got our passports stamped with the official Antarctica seal. We saw countless penguins🐧 and seals🦭, and the glacier hike was truly awe-inspiring. While you can’t touch the penguins, a few curious little ones came very close to me, making for some unforgettable moments.

Finally, we took the polar plunge, and they presented us with certificates afterward. The water was incredibly cold, and you want to get out immediately after jumping in. A safety rope is tied to you, so even if you can’t swim, it’s perfectly fine, and there’s a ladder to climb back up. The ship also featured a swimming pool and sauna, and massages (which cost extra).

The top deck of the ship had a bar, and for those like me who don’t drink, you could order delicious mocktails. I made many new friends, played cards, and participated in thrilling Werewolf games. The Antarctic trip was an absolute blast!

In the end, we celebrated Christmas 2022 in the breathtaking landscapes of Antarctica, coinciding with the thrilling World Cup final. Watching the World Cup on the ship was an unforgettable experience. If there are Argentine staff on your ship, don’t miss the chance to ask them to prepare some traditional mate tea🧉 for you.

Achieving my dream of visiting Antarctica🇦🇶 before turning 30, I feel a profound sense of fulfillment and completeness in my life.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to reach Antarctica, consider heading to Ushuaia and seeking out last-minute cruise deals. These often come at a surprisingly affordable price, typically below $3,000, making this once-in-a-lifetime adventure more accessible.

@Captain Potato @Travel Potato @Outdoor Potato