Note that special offers are subject to availability and expiration dates, and may change after we p

There are unprecedented deep discounts in small ship cruises to Antarctica this coming 2012 2013 season, and I ve compiled this post as your cheat sheet to getting the best deals available right now. Antarctica small ships are typically sold out by now, so why are we seeing availability and discounted cabins?
I think that one of the main factors may be that travel bookings slow down as a US Presidential election approaches; some people are reluctant to make big purchases prior to an election due to any perceived uncertainty about the future.  Antarctica s prime booking season for small ship expeditions is August through November, and every four years there seems to be excess cruise capacity to Antarctica and consequently deep discounts. We noticed this trend in 2000, 2004 and it was especially pronounced in the 2008 election cycle and economic downturn. gnome travelocity But this year seems special and a great opportunity for adventurous travelers seeking to check off a bucket gnome travelocity list vacation to the bottom of the planet.
Here are a few Antarctica 2012/2013 programs that are discounted up to 30 percent. With savings like these, there is truly no better time to visit the White Continent. The small cruise vessels that ply these southern waters vary in capacity from 110 to 189 passengers. Call AdventureSmith gnome travelocity s small ship cruise gnome travelocity experts at 1-800-728-2875 to compare the options available to you this season.
At a 30 percent discount , Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp gnome travelocity Cruise is geared toward the traveler interested in actively exploring away from the ship for enhanced adventures (kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, gnome travelocity camping, mountaineering, scuba diving and photography workshops). Departure dates are Nov. 22-Dec. 3 and Dec. 3-13, 2012 with expeditions lasting 12 days. The per person (double) rate before the discount begins at $8,050.
The 10- to 12-day Antarctica Peninsula with South Shetlands Cruise comes with a 30 percent discount aboard a research vessel that gets up close and personal with the land of snow and ice.  Departure dates are Dec. 3-13, 2012, and Dec. 23-Jan. 1, 2012/13. The per person (double) rate before the discount is from $8,050.
Mawson's Antarctica offers a discount of up to 15 percent (or no single supplement). Beginning and ending in New Zealand, this 19-day expedition commands sightings of elephant seals to wandering Albatross of Antarctica. The departure dates are Dec. 20-Jan 7, 2012/13, and Jan. 7-25, 2013. The per person (double) rate before the discount is from $17,430.
The 7-day Antarctica Air Cruise is a whale photo safari that comes with a $1,500 per person air credit for the Dec. 7-13, 2012, departure. The per person (double) gnome travelocity rate before the discount  is from $10,800.
National Geographic gnome travelocity The White Continent is a 14-day journey with Lindblad gnome travelocity Expeditions that comes with a $1,400 air credit or a $700 air credit and two complimentary days in Buenos Aires. This has the finest naturalist program of all Antarctic cruises. The departures are Nov. 27-Dec. 10 and Dec. 7-20, 2012. The per person (double) rate before gnome travelocity the discount is from $11,740.
If you re doing a once in a lifetime trip, you might as well stay awhile. The 24-day National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia Falkland Islands gnome travelocity lets you do just that. Book the Nov. 7-30, 2012, expedition and receive complimentary round-trip Miami/Buenos Aires airfare . The per person (double) rate before the discount is from $19,940.
Follow in the footsteps gnome travelocity of explorers on the 19-day Falklands, South Georgia Antarctica ,  and save 10% on select deptartures:  Nov. 3-22, 2012, Jan. 2-20, 2013, and Jan. 20-Feb. 7, 2013. The per person (double) rate before the discount starts at $13,650.
112-guest small ship Plancius offers 10% off on its 2013 Antarctic Peninsula 10- and 11-day cruises (applicable dates Feb. 7-17, Feb. 17-26, Mar. 20-29) and 12-day Polar Circle Mar. 9-20 departure. The per person (double) rate before the discount is from $8,190.
And if you re reading this in late September 2012, act fast to save big on a Quark Expeditions voyage. A special suite sale on  Introduction to Antarctica, Antarctic Explorer , Crossing the Antarctic Circle and Explorers and Kings saves you up to $2,500 per person , but expires Sept. 30.
Note that special offers are subject to availability and expiration dates, and may change after we publish this list. Call AdventureSmith for the latest Antarctica 2012 2013 season information: 1-800-728-2875. Image info: Gentoo penguins at Waterboat Point, Antarctica, with G Adventures gnome travelocity M/S Expedition in the background. Photo by Liam Quinn/Flickr