The sinking of MS Explorer
 

Sad news the sinking of MS Explorer off the South Shetlands over the weekend. I'm sure I'm not the only biker to have travelled from Ushuaia to Antarctica on board this fantastic ship during a big ride in South America. If there is any good news it's that no lives were lost.

Anyone thinking about going, my only advice would be to do it. It is the most amazing place and probably the highlight of the whole trip. I'm not sure what this does regarding availability of spaces for such trips this season - the going rate was $2200 back in 2005. Maybe this type of incident puts people off going, maybe there are even more ships doing these trips now and more availability.

RIP Little Red Ship.

WE had quotes of 4500 US per person back in september for a trip in Dec. with the Explorer. I have been in touch with few travel agencies in UShuaia to find an affordable trip (ie under 5000US per person!) since august, but it seems that this year the whole world and its mum is going to Antarctica, driving prices wild!
We will see when we get there next month. Thinking of buying a passage into one of the russians or Chilean supply boats to the sceintific missions. Anyone tried this?

At sea in Antarctica for Christmas
 

I booked in mid-late October, and was told it was the LAST CABIN on ANY ship going to Antarctica for Christmas.:clap:
Only problem: it is a "mini-suite" - costs a fortune for a single, having to pay 1.6 times normal for sole use of the cabin.:oops2:
But, I didn't want to miss out, so I took it.:clap:

Margaret
currently in Panama

There are always last minute vacancies on these ships. Just a matter of timing and luck. I recall at least three spaces on my trip - if you know the schedules then you can be there the day before to check.

I guess the Xmas sailing would have been pretty popular though - hope it's a good one! Are you riding down to Ushaia and are currently in Panama? Crikey! It took me 6 months to do that bit.

Have a great time to anyone who goes.