Travelling to Antarctica
March 2nd 2010 08:29
Nope. Not me. I wish.
I saw my sister off for her flight to Buenos Aires on saturday. She should be on her way onto her cruise to Antarctica today and I wish that I was small enough to fit in her luggage.
A few reports first:
She flew with Qantas on their premium economy, direct flight from Sydney to Buenos Aires. She had given them a 4/5 rating. In her words: "It's just like being in business class, just a little smaller. So worth it." - She had paid the sale fare of $2999 including taxes. Yes, it was worth it. However normal premium economy rate of Sydney to Buenos Aires return is around $4500, and in case you were wondering, economy is around $2500 - inclusive of taxes.
My point of view? - I would fly premium if it's like what my sister is flying - long haul direct, and for the sale price. I wouldn't pay the full premium price though. I am happy in economy and the extra $2000 can go toward other parts of my trip.
Anyways - her trip to Antarctica is a 11 day all inclusive expedition cruise. She is meant to be visiting on land a couple of penguine colonies, as well as some of the base camps for the international scientists and researchers. I can't wait for her to return and tell me all about it.
Tourism to Antarctica has been slow. Understandably it is extremely expensive (her cruise, was $9000 for the cheapest cabin per person twin share) and not exactly luxury. It's not like cruises to the Arctic region and Alaska where there are entertainment and crystal glasses on board either.
For those not keen on being on the sea - Qantas also runs scenic flights over antarctica and has been very popular since its launch.
So, after her cruise, I have suggested that she stay in Buenos Aires to check out the city - as Will and I both loved it when we were there in 2006. (Click for my post on Buenos Aires)
I'll ask her for some photos to share when she gets back. Meanwhile, in April Will and I will be visiting the north island of New Zealand (just a slightly less exotic location but nevertheless, going to be beautiful and exciting) and hopefully the Reserve Bank won't put up another set of rates after today's hike so that I can save up for another great adventure to share.
For now, Antarctica stays on my To Do List.
I saw my sister off for her flight to Buenos Aires on saturday. She should be on her way onto her cruise to Antarctica today and I wish that I was small enough to fit in her luggage.
A few reports first:
She flew with Qantas on their premium economy, direct flight from Sydney to Buenos Aires. She had given them a 4/5 rating. In her words: "It's just like being in business class, just a little smaller. So worth it." - She had paid the sale fare of $2999 including taxes. Yes, it was worth it. However normal premium economy rate of Sydney to Buenos Aires return is around $4500, and in case you were wondering, economy is around $2500 - inclusive of taxes.
My point of view? - I would fly premium if it's like what my sister is flying - long haul direct, and for the sale price. I wouldn't pay the full premium price though. I am happy in economy and the extra $2000 can go toward other parts of my trip.
Anyways - her trip to Antarctica is a 11 day all inclusive expedition cruise. She is meant to be visiting on land a couple of penguine colonies, as well as some of the base camps for the international scientists and researchers. I can't wait for her to return and tell me all about it.
Tourism to Antarctica has been slow. Understandably it is extremely expensive (her cruise, was $9000 for the cheapest cabin per person twin share) and not exactly luxury. It's not like cruises to the Arctic region and Alaska where there are entertainment and crystal glasses on board either.
For those not keen on being on the sea - Qantas also runs scenic flights over antarctica and has been very popular since its launch.
So, after her cruise, I have suggested that she stay in Buenos Aires to check out the city - as Will and I both loved it when we were there in 2006. (Click for my post on Buenos Aires)
I'll ask her for some photos to share when she gets back. Meanwhile, in April Will and I will be visiting the north island of New Zealand (just a slightly less exotic location but nevertheless, going to be beautiful and exciting) and hopefully the Reserve Bank won't put up another set of rates after today's hike so that I can save up for another great adventure to share.
For now, Antarctica stays on my To Do List.
Penguines are famous icons for Antarctica - and its icy landscape have world travellers aweing over the documentaries and press photographs - however the expense and the time required to visit stops people from visiting. (Image source: National Geographic)
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