It covers a wide range, and the biggest lever is when you go rather than which ship you pick. December and January are the priciest months. Late February and March run roughly 20 to 40 percent below peak, and occasionally around half off when a deep discount lands. The idea that you must spend over 10,000 dollars is wrong. Sub 10,000 trips exist, though possibly not for the exact combination of ship, date and cabin you had in mind.
We deliberately don't publish a price table here. Rates move constantly, a figure written today is wrong within weeks, and a stale number on a web page is how people end up with the wrong expectation. Ask us and we'll pull live pricing for the departures that fit what you want.
What we can tell you is what moves the number:
- Season. The single biggest factor. Peak is peak because of holidays and annual leave resetting, not because the trip is better.
- Trip length and route. South Georgia adds roughly a week and prices accordingly.
- Cabin grade. Though location matters more than grade for how your trip feels.
- Fly versus sail. Flying used to carry a large premium and that gap has narrowed.
- Activities. Kayaking, camping and diving are usually extra and pre-booked.
Set against that, expedition ships include more than mainstream cruise lines do. No port charges, no taxes at the end, no overweight baggage fees.