Flightseeing over Antarctic - Have You Done it ?? Was it worth it ?

One of the excursions available in Punt Arenas is a flightseeing trip on a 737 over the Antarctic. Have any of you done it ? Was it worth it ? Before spending $1399 x 2 I thought I would get you opinion.

Will you be joining us 1/10/05 on the Royal Princess?

As far as flightseeing, I think I'd opt for the "Landing Expedition" on Antarctica instead.....only so much to see from the window of an aircraft and for a bit more (relatively speaking) you can do a landing & get out there, too.

There are no landing excursions available on our cruise otherwise I would definitely take one. I only have one option to see Antarctica and that is to fly. Since that is $1399 I wanted to know from someone who has done it what they thought of it.

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AFAIK, there are no excursions to Antartica from South American ports that actaully permit you to get out.

That excursion was offered when we sailed around the horn, but no one signed up for it, so it was cancelled.

I wouldn't pay over $1000 just to see Antarctica out of a plane window myself, but it's your money.

Here is the info directly from Princess' website for our South America cruise:

Antarctica Landing Expedition

Soar over Tierra del Fuego to the icy continent of Antarctica on a visit to Villa Las Estrellas Research Station - and an unforgettable encounter with the landscape and wildlife of earth’s harshest continent.

YOUR FLIGHT TO ANTARTICA

Transfer to the airport in Punta Arenas where you will meet your guide and board your chartered plane for the approximately three-hour flight to Villa Las Estrellas. After arrival in Antarctica, your guide will provide a briefing on the planned activities, as well as general information about Antartica.

YOUR VISIT TO ANTARCTICA

Your visit to the southern continent begins at Villas Las Estrellas where you will enjoy a tour of the center, one of Antarctica’s oldest and most important meteorological stations. Then set out on trek to view the area’s wildlife reserves and glaciers. Weather and tide permitting, hike along the beach to Ardley Island. Wildlife in the area and surrounding waters include Weddel and Antarctic seals, along with Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins (wildlife sightings are not guaranteed). Antarctica’s harsh landscape and its wildlife are sure to provide the travel adventure of a lifetime.

GUIDELINE OF CONDUCT FOR ANTARCTICA VISITORS

The following guidelines have been adopted by all members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators. By following these guidelines, you will contribute towards the conservation of the ecosystem and minimize visitor impact.

1 - Do not disturb, harass or interfere with the wildlife.

2 - Do not walk on or otherwise damage the fragile plants.

3 - Do not interfere with protected areas or scientific research.

4 - Historic huts may only be entered when accompanied by an authorized escort.

5 - Do not smoke during your visit to Antarctica.

6 - Stay with your group or with one of your guides.

7 - Leave nothing behind; take only memories and photographs.

LUNCH AND REFRESHMENTS

After take off, enjoy a light continental breakfast along with a welcome glass of champagne or juice. A late lunch is served during the return flight and includes, cold crab salad, roast beef and broccoli, wine or soft drinks, followed by cake and coffee. Energy bars, water, juice and chocolate are served during your ground expedition in Antarctica.

SPECIAL NOTES

The flight between Punta Arenas and Villa Las Estrellas is approximately 3 1/2 hours each way. Approximately 3 1/2 hours will be spent visiting Villas Las Estrellas.

Antarctic weather conditions are demanding. Passengers should wear sturdy trekking shoes suitable for snow. The following equipment is highly recommended:

* Two pairs of thin socks and two pairs of thick socks

* Long wool or polypropylene underpants

* Warm wool or pile pants

* Windproof Gore Tex pants

* Two wool or polypropylene undershirts

* Two thick undershirts

* Gore Tex winter parka

* Thin wool gloves and thick, ski-type gloves or mittens

* A scarf, snood, or cowl

* Ear muffs

* Ski hat

* Sunglasses

* Ski glasses

Bring all needed medications and toiletries, sun protection, still and video cameras, film, batteries and binoculars.

Tour requires a minimum of 38 passengers to operate. The maximum capacity of the plane is 44 passengers. This tour must be booked no later than 30 days prior to the cruise and is non-refundable.

In the event weather conditions do not permit a landing in Antarctica, an alternate itinerary will be made for a tour to Paine National Park. For a complete description, please see tour PUG-JA on the Princess website.

PUQ-J

Sep 12, 2003 -

Apr 30, 2004

Approximately 12 hours

Adult: $1599

Child: $1599

Most active shore excursions; Includes meal

Most active shorex excursionIncludes meal

Flights

Pricey??? YES, but it may be the only time we ever get to GO to Antarctica!

I know that there are landings with Zodiacs when taking Icebreaker cruises.

But we're not on one of them

I actually wanted to hear from some of you who took the Flightseeing on the 737..

From what I hear it sells out so some of you must have taken it.

Please let me know your thoughts.

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I haven't done one, but we were on a S/A & Antarctica cruise last year and the flight was cancelled due to weather. My understanding is, is that cancellation for weather is not unusual. We had a fellow cruiser on on our cruise who had booked that excursion and due to it being cancelled, was unable to take any other excursions that day--something to consider if you opt to book that excursion. If it wasn't so danged expensive, I would have booked it too, and taken my chances. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great cruise---Antarctica was fabulous even from the ship!