Antarctica Luxury Cruises: Military & Veteran Discount

How the Antarctica luxury cruises military discount works

Expedition fares are significant, so a percentage discount adds up. We price your voyage at the cruise line's lowest available fare, including any current promotion, and then take at least 5% off the cruise fare. Taxes, port fees and flights are not discounted. On select sailings, our travel consortia memberships add onboard credit or other amenities on top.

Most luxury lines do not publish their own military rates, so we confirm what each line offers and make sure you get the best combination before you book.

• At least 5% off the cruise fare on every Antarctica sailing
• Stacks on top of the cruise line's promotions
• No booking, change or cancellation fees from us
• Payments go directly to the cruise line
• Rate monitoring until final payment

Why ship size matters in Antarctica

Under IAATO guidelines, only ships carrying 500 passengers or fewer may put guests ashore, and no more than 100 people can be on land at one site at a time. Larger ships offer scenic cruising past glaciers and icebergs but no landings.

That is why the luxury expedition ships below are so popular. They are small enough to land guests by Zodiac, often several times a day, while offering suites, inclusive drinks and dining you would expect on a luxury ocean voyage.

The luxury expedition ships

Each of these ships was built or rebuilt specifically for polar water. They differ in size, style and what is included, which is where an experienced advisor helps.

• Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit: 264 guests in all-suite accommodations, Polar Class 6, two personal submarines, a fleet of Zodiacs and a large team of expedition experts, with an open bar and Wi-Fi included
• Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris: 378 guests each, Polar Class 6, The Hangar launch bay with Zodiacs, kayaks and two small submarines, and an onboard science lab; adults 18 and older only
• Silversea Silver Endeavour: about 200 guests in all-suite accommodations with butler service, Polar Class 6, with a personal submarine and a remote-operated underwater camera
• Ponant Le Commandant Charcot: up to 245 guests, Polar Class 2 hybrid-electric ship powered by liquefied natural gas, able to sail deeper into the ice than most passenger ships

When to go

The season runs roughly November through March, during the Southern Hemisphere summer. November brings fresh snow and penguin courtship. December and January offer the warmest weather, nearly 20 hours of daylight and hatching chicks. February and March are the best months for whales.

Most voyages sail from Ushuaia, Argentina and cross the Drake Passage, about two days each way. Some itineraries fly from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island to skip the crossing. Longer voyages of 18 days or more often add the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, home to some of the largest king penguin colonies on earth.

Who qualifies and how to start

Active duty, retired military and all veterans qualify, along with all military and veteran spouses, including surviving and divorced spouses. Family and friends traveling with you receive the same discount, even in separate cabins.

If you already booked directly with a cruise line and have not made final payment, the booking can usually be transferred to us with the same cabin and booking number. Mitch, Kevin and Hope have run this military-family-owned agency since 2001 and answer seven days a week. Call 866-964-5482, or 256-485-6792 from outside the U.S.