We Spent 22 Days Cruising to Antarctica — Was It Worth Skipping the $20,000 Expedition Ship?
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
We just spent 22 days finding out the answer on a ship that went to both Antarctica and Patagonia for a fraction of that price.
It was the most amazing place that I have ever seen.
This was the trip of a lifetime. This was such an adventure. We had such a fabulous time.
I do not regret uh not going on expedition ship.
Creator's Tips & Advice
🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:
Questions This Creator Answers
Topics Covered
Port Highlights
Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.
About our Bacon Score methodologyYouTube Video Description↓
Is an Antarctica cruise worth it without a $20,000 expedition ship? We spent 22 days on a Patagonia and Antarctica cruise aboard Holland America's Oosterdam to find out — and this is the honest verdict on whether a big-ship Antarctica cruise beats the expensive expedition ships. This Antarctica cruise review covers the real cost, the Drake Passage crossing, Patagonia's fjords, the Falkland Islands, the wildlife, and exactly what you get (and give up) choosing a big-ship Antarctica cruise over an expedition ship. As former engineers, we break down the logistics, the numbers, and the no-fluff truth so you can plan your own Antarctica and Patagonia cruise with confidence. If you've been researching how to cruise to Antarctica, what the Drake Passage is really like, or whether a Holland America Antarctica cruise is the smart-money way to reach the white continent — this is your full breakdown. 🛳️ NEW HERE? We're Jeff & Becky — after 40+ cruises and 60+ countries, we help you cruise smarter, save money, and see the world. Subscribe and join the crew. Chapters 0:00 - The $20,000 Question 0:36 - Compare Big Ship vs Expedition Ship 2:32 - Our Itinerary 2:57 - Santiago, Chile 3:32 - Puerto Montt, Chile 4:15 - Puerto Chacabuco, Chile 4:42 - Chilean Fjords 5:09 - Punta Arenas, Chile 5:52 - Beagle Channel and Glacier Alley 6:12 - Ushuaia, Argentina (Tierra del Fuego) 6:54 - Cape Horn 7:23 - Drake Passage 7:49 - Antarctica - 9:10 - Plan A to Plan O 11:10 - Drake Passage (return) 11:29 - Falkland Islands 13:14 - Puerto Madryn, Argentina 14:00 - Punta Del Este, Uruguay 15:08 - Montevideo, Uruguay 15:29 - Buenos Aires, Argentina 17:11 - The Verdict! Affiliate Links (we will get a small commission at no extra cost to you): Viator Excursions and Experiences in South America: https://www.viator.com/Montevideo-tours/Port-Transfers/d4515-g24-c4032?pid=P00295146&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=Patagonia Amazon Travel Gear: https://amzn.to/4tlrj9c OONO Gear (Backpack): https://61cda5-3.myshopify.com?ref=a_cruising_good_time (use coupon "a_cruising_good_time" to save 10%!) #acruisinggoodtime #cruisevacation #cruisevlogger #travelvlog #cruisevlogger #hollandamerica #celebritycruises #antarctica #Princesscruise #norwegiancruiseline #antarcticacruise @HollandAmericaLine The information expressed in this video is the opinion of the creators and is for entertainment purposes only. This is not professional advice. Please consult your travel professional or the cruise lines for advice specific to your booking. Copyright A Cruising Good Time LLC 2026