Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Islands (XVGFSX)

[helix]

G adventure has a new Antarctica cruise, "Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Islands". Differences between this and Spirit of Shackleton are:

* 22 days (F,SG&AI) vs. 21 days (SoS)
* Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (F,SG&AI) vs. Ushuaia to Ushuaia
* 4 days in Antarctica (F,SG&AI) vs. 5 days in antarctica (SoS)
* 9 days at sea (F,SG&AI) vs. 8 days at sea (SoS)
* October-November (F,SG&AI) vs. January-February(?) (Sos)
* PRICE!!!! from 7000€ (F,SG&AI) vs. from 10 000€ (SoS)


What do you think?

Are Falkland islands, South Georgia and Antarctica ok in October-November or is January MUCH better? (i assume it's a bit better, warmer at least, but is there any MAJOR differences?)

Why is this new cruise so much cheaper?!

[anonymous928]

It probably has to do with how early in the season the new trip is. Mid-October is REALLY early to be leaving for Antarctica, whereas January/February is high season. I did the Antarctica Classic in Depth first sail of this season (November 8th) and it was wonderful. The ice was pristine, not a lot of other ships around, totally worth the cost savings to go early for me. You just have to manage your expectations about what you will see, ie no baby penguins, and decide if its worth it or not to you personally.

[wattsed]

I have been to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia at different times than my trip to Antarctica and each is somewhat different...The Falkland Islands because they are inhabited by people and the history is very interesting...sure you will not see any baby penguins; therefore, you will have to decide if that is an overwhelming desire as opposed to seeing a wider array of sights/history on the combination tour..Money, of course, is another factor when only one more day in Antarctica itself is involved...Those are questions you will have to answer on your own...As I said, I, fortunately, had already been to the Falklands and South Georgia on a cruise before I went to Antarctica separately but based on this experience and knowledge of a much lower cost, and if given a choice of only one I could do, I would personally opt for the combination tour...just my opinion but as I said, only you can answer the questions...

[helix]

Thank you for the answers!

Not seeing baby penguins is a cons, but i don't think it's a major one... (maybe not worth for 3000€...). How about whales? Have you seen whales in late october/early november in that area? Or is there a big chance to see them in Oct/Nov? (falklands/South Georgia/antarctica). I've read that january/february is the best time for seeing whales... :/

I've seen whales (mostly humpbacks) in Greenland and that was one of the best sightings i've ever had in my life (and i've lived in a national park in south africa - with wild lions and elephants in my garden!) I'd love to see orcas - an of course other whales too.

Weather - i don't mind! I'm from finland and it's -20°C at the moment...

Any other pros and cons you could think of?