Compare the trips side by side

How each honeymoon is actually spent — days traveling vs. days enjoying, time on a boat vs. on land, flight hours, jet lag — and where the money goes: the destination itself, getting there, or paperwork and protection. All figures are estimates until we have quotes.

At a glance

Trip	Door to door	Honeymoon daystravel days excluded	Drake days	Travel days+ part days	Bed	Nights on a boat	Nights on land	Hours in transitout / home	Flights	Time change	Hours underwayestimate	All-in	At the destination	Per honeymoon dayDrake days not counted
Galápagos · Monique Jan 16 – 29	14 days	11	—	2 + 2	King (ask)	7	6	≈ 14 h / 14 h	6	−1 h	25–45 h	$26,630	83%	$2,421
Galápagos · Integrity Feb 1 – 14	14 days	11	—	2 + 2	King or queen (ask)	7	6	≈ 14 h / 14 h	6	−1 h	25–45 h	$29,032	84%	$2,639
Galápagos · Anahi (value) Jan 24 – Feb 6	14 days	11	—	2 + 2	✓ Double	7	6	≈ 14 h / 14 h	6	−1 h	25–45 h	$22,966	80%	$2,088
Galápagos · Reina Silvia Voyager (value) Feb 1 – 14	14 days	11	—	2 + 2	✓ Double	7	6	≈ 14 h / 14 h	6	−1 h	25–45 h	$24,720	82%	$2,247
Safari · Kenya + Diani Jan 27 – Feb 9	14 days	9½	—	4 + 1	Double / king (ask)	0	11	≈ 20 h / 22 h	7	+8 h	2–5 h	$25,916	70%	$2,728
Safari · Tanzania + Mafia Jan 26 – Feb 7	13 days	8½	—	4 + 1	Double / king (ask)	0	10	≈ 20 h / 23 h	8	+8 h	4–8 h	$27,602	64%	$3,247
Antarctica · Terra Nova Adventurer Jan 14 – 28	15 days	7	3	4 + 2	Double (Deluxe) (ask)	9	3	≈ 19 h / 20 h	6	+2 h	80–110 h	$30,879	85%	$4,411
Antarctica · HX Roald Amundsen Jan 28 – Feb 10	14 days	5½	4	4 + 1	✓ Double	10	1	≈ 20 h / 23 h	6	+2 h	80–110 h	$24,016	81%	$4,367
Antarctica · Swan Hellenic SH Vega Jan 20 – Feb 3	15 days	7	4	3 + 2	✓ Queen	11	1	≈ 19 h / 22 h	6	+2 h	85–120 h	$29,103	88%	$4,158
Antarctica · Fly the Drake (Antarctica21) Feb 1 – 11	11 days	5½	—	5 + 1	King (ask)	5	3	≈ 24 h / 24 h	8	+2 h	10–30 h	$41,514	93%	$7,548

How to read this table

Honeymoon days = days we’re there enjoying it: full days count 1, days that are part travel, part fun count ½, and pure travel days count 0. Drake days (Antarctica’s open-ocean crossing) are listed separately and not counted — they’re part of the cruise, but there are no landings and they’re often rough.
Bed = the bed in the cabin or room we’d book. ✓ = a fixed double/queen/king in that category; “ask” = available as one bed, but get the set-up or cabin number in writing; ✗ = twin beds only, ruled out.
Travel days = days spent almost entirely in planes, airports and transfers; “+ part days” are the half days above.
Hours in transit ≈ elapsed time in planes, connections and transfers to get there and to get home (estimated from typical schedules; overnight stops split the Galápagos and safari journeys).
Flights = number of separate flights, including connections and small planes between camps. Bush planes may also stop at other airstrips on the way.
Time change = hours ahead of (+) or behind (−) Boston in Jan–Feb. More than ~5 hours usually means a couple of days of jet lag.
Hours underway = our rough range of hours the boat is moving while we’re aboard. It’s a proxy for seasickness exposure, not a prediction: anchoring, small boats and swell matter too.
At the destination = share of the money spent there — boat or camps, park and conservancy fees (that’s what buys access to the wildlife), hotels, diving, activities, meals and tips. The rest is flights and transfers, and visas, insurance, health and gear.
Per honeymoon day = all-in cost ÷ honeymoon days. Antarctica’s looks high partly because the 3–4 Drake crossing days aren’t counted as honeymoon days, and each trip includes different things — treat it as a rough guide, not a value score.

The shape of each trip

Travel dayPart travel, part funCruise day (landings & snorkeling)Open sea (Drake Passage)SafariScuba divingBeach & island timeOn land (town, city, free day)

Each square is one day, Boston to Boston. Open “Day by day” under a trip for what happens each day (on a computer, you can also hover a square).

Galápagos

Monique

Luxury catamaran, 16 guests · plated dinners with wine · Jan 16 – 29

$26,630$3,370 under cap

Sat Jan 16: Fly Boston → GuayaquilJan 16
Sun Jan 17: Fly to the islands (morning) · afternoon swim at Las Grietas
Mon Jan 18: Dive day 1
Tue Jan 19: Dive day 2
Wed Jan 20: Honeymoon day on Santa Cruz
Thu Jan 21: Monique: Board · highlands tortoises
Fri Jan 22: Monique: Floreana
Sat Jan 23: Monique: Española
Sun Jan 24: Monique: San Cristóbal · Kicker Rock
Mon Jan 25: Monique: Santa Fe & South Plaza
Tue Jan 26: Monique: Santiago & Bartolomé
Wed Jan 27: Monique: Genovesa
Thu Jan 28: Last morning visit · disembark · fly to Guayaquil · dinner out
Fri Jan 29: Fly homeJan 29

11 honeymoon days of 14

7 nights on a boat · 6 on land

≈ 14 h to get there · ≈ 14 h home

−1 h time change · 83% spent at the destination

Day by day, flights & money

Day by day

Sat Jan 16 Fly Boston → Guayaquil
Sun Jan 17 Fly to the islands (morning) · afternoon swim at Las Grietas
Mon Jan 18 Dive day 1
Tue Jan 19 Dive day 2
Wed Jan 20 Honeymoon day on Santa Cruz
Thu Jan 21 Monique: Board · highlands tortoises
Fri Jan 22 Monique: Floreana
Sat Jan 23 Monique: Española
Sun Jan 24 Monique: San Cristóbal · Kicker Rock
Mon Jan 25 Monique: Santa Fe & South Plaza
Tue Jan 26 Monique: Santiago & Bartolomé
Wed Jan 27 Monique: Genovesa
Thu Jan 28 Last morning visit · disembark · fly to Guayaquil · dinner out
Fri Jan 29 Fly home

Getting there

Boston → Guayaquil via Panama CityCopa, 1 stop · 7:34 am → 5:38 pm · night in Guayaquil≈ 10 h
Guayaquil → Baltra (Galápagos)next morning; ~1 h 50 min≈ 2 h
Baltra → Puerto Ayorabus · 5-min ferry · taxi · water taxi≈ 1.5 h

Getting home

Boat → Baltra airportafter the last morning visit≈ 1 h
Baltra → Guayaquilnight in Guayaquil≈ 2 h
Guayaquil → Boston via Panama CityCopa, 1 stop · daytime≈ 11 h

🕐 The islands are 1 hour behind Boston (mainland Ecuador is the same as Boston). No jet lag.

🌊 Roughly 25–45 h underway over 7 nights, mostly crossings while you sleep; days are at anchor or ashore. Pangas, snorkel and dive boats add short, bumpier rides. Most exposed: Two or three longer open-water legs (to/from Española and Genovesa).

Where the money goes

At the destination	$22,130 · 83%
Monique cruise, 7 nights	$17,380
Galápagos National Park fee — access to the islands	$400
Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, 4 nights	$1,500
2 dive days for two (Scuba Iguana)	$1,240
Crew & guide tips	$560
Meals on land	$850
Drinks	$200
Getting there & around	$2,960 · 11%
Boston ⇄ Guayaquil (Copa)	$1,000
Guayaquil ⇄ Baltra	$680
Guayaquil hotel nights (2)	$580
Taxis, water taxis, airport transfers	$500
Domestic-flight fee (Monique)	$200
Visas, insurance, health & gear	$1,540 · 6%
Transit control card	$40
Travel insurance (with scuba) + DAN	$1,500

Galápagos

Integrity

Luxury yacht, 16 guests · plated meals, wine & beer included · Feb 1 – 14

$29,032$968 under cap

Mon Feb 1: Fly Boston → GuayaquilFeb 1
Tue Feb 2: Fly to the islands (morning) · afternoon swim at Las Grietas
Wed Feb 3: Dive day 1
Thu Feb 4: Dive day 2
Fri Feb 5: Honeymoon day on Santa Cruz
Sat Feb 6: Integrity: Board · highlands tortoises
Sun Feb 7: Integrity: Española
Mon Feb 8: Integrity: San Cristóbal
Tue Feb 9: Integrity: Santa Fe & South Plaza
Wed Feb 10: Integrity: Genovesa
Thu Feb 11: Integrity: Santiago & Bartolomé
Fri Feb 12: Integrity: Rábida & Chinese Hat
Sat Feb 13: Last morning visit · disembark · fly to Guayaquil · dinner out
Sun Feb 14: Fly homeFeb 14

11 honeymoon days of 14

7 nights on a boat · 6 on land

≈ 14 h to get there · ≈ 14 h home

−1 h time change · 84% spent at the destination

Day by day, flights & money

Day by day

Mon Feb 1 Fly Boston → Guayaquil
Tue Feb 2 Fly to the islands (morning) · afternoon swim at Las Grietas
Wed Feb 3 Dive day 1
Thu Feb 4 Dive day 2
Fri Feb 5 Honeymoon day on Santa Cruz
Sat Feb 6 Integrity: Board · highlands tortoises
Sun Feb 7 Integrity: Española
Mon Feb 8 Integrity: San Cristóbal
Tue Feb 9 Integrity: Santa Fe & South Plaza
Wed Feb 10 Integrity: Genovesa
Thu Feb 11 Integrity: Santiago & Bartolomé
Fri Feb 12 Integrity: Rábida & Chinese Hat
Sat Feb 13 Last morning visit · disembark · fly to Guayaquil · dinner out
Sun Feb 14 Fly home

Getting there

Boston → Guayaquil via Panama CityCopa, 1 stop · 7:34 am → 5:38 pm · night in Guayaquil≈ 10 h
Guayaquil → Baltra (Galápagos)next morning; ~1 h 50 min≈ 2 h
Baltra → Puerto Ayorabus · 5-min ferry · taxi · water taxi≈ 1.5 h

Getting home

Boat → Baltra airportafter the last morning visit≈ 1 h
Baltra → Guayaquilnight in Guayaquil≈ 2 h
Guayaquil → Boston via Panama CityCopa, 1 stop · daytime≈ 11 h

🕐 The islands are 1 hour behind Boston (mainland Ecuador is the same as Boston). No jet lag.

Where the money goes

At the destination	$24,460 · 84%
Integrity cruise, 7 nights	$19,190
Galápagos National Park fee — access to the islands	$400
Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, 4 nights	$1,500
2 dive days for two (Scuba Iguana)	$1,240
Crew & guide tips	$880
Meals on land	$850
Drinks	$100
Fuel surcharge (estimate)	$300
Getting there & around	$3,032 · 10%
Boston ⇄ Guayaquil (Copa)	$1,172
Guayaquil ⇄ Baltra	$680
Guayaquil hotel nights (2)	$580
Taxis, water taxis, airport transfers	$500
Domestic-flight fee	$100
Visas, insurance, health & gear	$1,540 · 5%
Transit control card	$40
Travel insurance (with scuba) + DAN	$1,500

Galápagos

Anahi (value)

First-class catamaran renovated 2024 · suite · buffet · Jan 24 – Feb 6

$22,966$7,034 under cap

Sun Jan 24: Fly Boston → GuayaquilJan 24
Mon Jan 25: Fly to the islands (morning) · afternoon swim at Las Grietas
Tue Jan 26: Dive day 1
Wed Jan 27: Dive day 2
Thu Jan 28: Honeymoon day on Santa Cruz
Fri Jan 29: Anahi: Board · Bachas beach
Sat Jan 30: Anahi: Genovesa
Sun Jan 31: Anahi: South Plaza & Santa Fe
Mon Feb 1: Anahi: San Cristóbal · Kicker Rock
Tue Feb 2: Anahi: San Cristóbal
Wed Feb 3: Anahi: Española
Thu Feb 4: Anahi: Floreana
Fri Feb 5: Last morning visit · disembark · fly to Guayaquil · dinner out
Sat Feb 6: Fly homeFeb 6

11 honeymoon days of 14

7 nights on a boat · 6 on land

≈ 14 h to get there · ≈ 14 h home

−1 h time change · 80% spent at the destination

Day by day, flights & money

Day by day

Sun Jan 24 Fly Boston → Guayaquil
Mon Jan 25 Fly to the islands (morning) · afternoon swim at Las Grietas
Tue Jan 26 Dive day 1
Wed Jan 27 Dive day 2
Thu Jan 28 Honeymoon day on Santa Cruz
Fri Jan 29 Anahi: Board · Bachas beach
Sat Jan 30 Anahi: Genovesa
Sun Jan 31 Anahi: South Plaza & Santa Fe
Mon Feb 1 Anahi: San Cristóbal · Kicker Rock
Tue Feb 2 Anahi: San Cristóbal
Wed Feb 3 Anahi: Española
Thu Feb 4 Anahi: Floreana
Fri Feb 5 Last morning visit · disembark · fly to Guayaquil · dinner out
Sat Feb 6 Fly home

Getting there

Boston → Guayaquil via Panama CityCopa, 1 stop · 7:34 am → 5:38 pm · night in Guayaquil≈ 10 h
Guayaquil → Baltra (Galápagos)next morning; ~1 h 50 min≈ 2 h
Baltra → Puerto Ayorabus · 5-min ferry · taxi · water taxi≈ 1.5 h

Getting home

Boat → Baltra airportafter the last morning visit≈ 1 h
Baltra → Guayaquilnight in Guayaquil≈ 2 h
Guayaquil → Boston via Panama CityCopa, 1 stop · daytime≈ 11 h

🕐 The islands are 1 hour behind Boston (mainland Ecuador is the same as Boston). No jet lag.

Where the money goes

At the destination	$18,394 · 80%
Anahi cruise, 7 nights	$13,784
Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, 4 nights	$1,500
2 dive days for two (Scuba Iguana)	$1,240
Crew & guide tips	$560
Meals on land	$850
Drinks	$300
Fuel surcharge (estimate)	$160
Galápagos park fee & transit card (included by Anahi this sailing)	$0
Getting there & around	$3,072 · 13%
Boston ⇄ Guayaquil (Copa)	$1,172
Guayaquil ⇄ Baltra	$680
Guayaquil hotel nights (2)	$580
Taxis, water taxis, airport transfers	$500
Domestic-flight fee	$140
Visas, insurance, health & gear	$1,500 · 7%
Travel insurance (with scuba) + DAN	$1,500

Galápagos

Reina Silvia Voyager (value)

First-class catamaran built 2022 · best reviews · buffet · Feb 1 – 14

$24,720$5,280 under cap

Mon Feb 1: Fly Boston → GuayaquilFeb 1
Tue Feb 2: Fly to the islands (morning) · afternoon swim at Las Grietas
Wed Feb 3: Dive day 1
Thu Feb 4: Dive day 2
Fri Feb 5: Honeymoon day on Santa Cruz
Sat Feb 6: Reina Silvia Voyager: Board · highlands tortoises
Sun Feb 7: Reina Silvia Voyager: Española
Mon Feb 8: Reina Silvia Voyager: San Cristóbal
Tue Feb 9: Reina Silvia Voyager: Santa Fe & South Plaza
Wed Feb 10: Reina Silvia Voyager: Genovesa
Thu Feb 11: Reina Silvia Voyager: Santiago & Bartolomé
Fri Feb 12: Reina Silvia Voyager: Rábida & Chinese Hat
Sat Feb 13: Last morning visit · disembark · fly to Guayaquil · dinner out
Sun Feb 14: Fly homeFeb 14

11 honeymoon days of 14

7 nights on a boat · 6 on land

≈ 14 h to get there · ≈ 14 h home

−1 h time change · 82% spent at the destination

Day by day, flights & money

Day by day

Mon Feb 1 Fly Boston → Guayaquil
Tue Feb 2 Fly to the islands (morning) · afternoon swim at Las Grietas
Wed Feb 3 Dive day 1
Thu Feb 4 Dive day 2
Fri Feb 5 Honeymoon day on Santa Cruz
Sat Feb 6 Reina Silvia Voyager: Board · highlands tortoises
Sun Feb 7 Reina Silvia Voyager: Española
Mon Feb 8 Reina Silvia Voyager: San Cristóbal
Tue Feb 9 Reina Silvia Voyager: Santa Fe & South Plaza
Wed Feb 10 Reina Silvia Voyager: Genovesa
Thu Feb 11 Reina Silvia Voyager: Santiago & Bartolomé
Fri Feb 12 Reina Silvia Voyager: Rábida & Chinese Hat
Sat Feb 13 Last morning visit · disembark · fly to Guayaquil · dinner out
Sun Feb 14 Fly home

Getting there

Boston → Guayaquil via Panama CityCopa, 1 stop · 7:34 am → 5:38 pm · night in Guayaquil≈ 10 h
Guayaquil → Baltra (Galápagos)next morning; ~1 h 50 min≈ 2 h
Baltra → Puerto Ayorabus · 5-min ferry · taxi · water taxi≈ 1.5 h

Getting home

Boat → Baltra airportafter the last morning visit≈ 1 h
Baltra → Guayaquilnight in Guayaquil≈ 2 h
Guayaquil → Boston via Panama CityCopa, 1 stop · daytime≈ 11 h

🕐 The islands are 1 hour behind Boston (mainland Ecuador is the same as Boston). No jet lag.

Where the money goes

At the destination	$20,248 · 82%
Reina Silvia Voyager cruise, 7 nights	$15,398
Galápagos National Park fee — access to the islands	$400
Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, 4 nights	$1,500
2 dive days for two (Scuba Iguana)	$1,240
Crew & guide tips	$560
Meals on land	$850
Drinks	$300
Getting there & around	$2,932 · 12%
Boston ⇄ Guayaquil (Copa)	$1,172
Guayaquil ⇄ Baltra	$680
Guayaquil hotel nights (2)	$580
Taxis, water taxis, airport transfers	$500
Visas, insurance, health & gear	$1,540 · 6%
Transit control card	$40
Travel insurance (with scuba) + DAN	$1,500

Safari

Kenya + Diani

Two 6-tent Kicheche camps, private vehicle · beach & reef diving · Jan 27 – Feb 9

$25,916$4,084 under cap

Wed Jan 27: Overnight flight Boston → NairobiJan 27
Thu Jan 28: Arrive Nairobi ~10 pm
Fri Jan 29: Bush plane to the Mara · afternoon drive
Sat Jan 30: Kicheche Valley: drives, walk, night drive
Sun Jan 31: Kicheche Valley: drives, walk, night drive
Mon Feb 1: Game-drive transfer to Kicheche Bush
Tue Feb 2: Olare Motorogi: big cats · dawn balloon
Wed Feb 3: Olare Motorogi: big cats · dawn balloon
Thu Feb 4: Morning drive · fly to Diani (2¼ h) · beach afternoon
Fri Feb 5: Reef dives at Diani
Sat Feb 6: Reef dives at Diani
Sun Feb 7: Beach & spa (no diving before flying)
Mon Feb 8: Fly to Nairobi · overnight flight
Tue Feb 9: Arrive BostonFeb 9

9½ honeymoon days of 14

0 nights on a boat · 11 on land · 2 on a plane

≈ 20 h to get there · ≈ 22 h home

+8 h time change · 70% spent at the destination

Day by day, flights & money

Day by day

Wed Jan 27 Overnight flight Boston → Nairobi
Thu Jan 28 Arrive Nairobi ~10 pm
Fri Jan 29 Bush plane to the Mara · afternoon drive
Sat Jan 30 Kicheche Valley: drives, walk, night drive
Sun Jan 31 Kicheche Valley: drives, walk, night drive
Mon Feb 1 Game-drive transfer to Kicheche Bush
Tue Feb 2 Olare Motorogi: big cats · dawn balloon
Wed Feb 3 Olare Motorogi: big cats · dawn balloon
Thu Feb 4 Morning drive · fly to Diani (2¼ h) · beach afternoon
Fri Feb 5 Reef dives at Diani
Sat Feb 6 Reef dives at Diani
Sun Feb 7 Beach & spa (no diving before flying)
Mon Feb 8 Fly to Nairobi · overnight flight
Tue Feb 9 Arrive Boston

Getting there

Boston → Nairobi via Amsterdam, London or Doha1 stop · overnight · night near Wilson airport≈ 19 h
Nairobi Wilson → Maasai Mara airstripbush plane, may stop at other strips · 15 kg soft bags≈ 1.5 h

During the trip

Kicheche Valley → Kicheche Bushgame drive between camps≈ 1 h
Maasai Mara → Ukunda (Diani)direct bush flight≈ 2.3 h

Getting home

Ukunda → Nairobi Wilson≈ 1.3 h
Wilson → Nairobi international airportcross-town transfer≈ 1 h
Nairobi → Boston via Amsterdam, London or Doha1 stop · overnight≈ 20 h

🕐 Kenya is 8 hours ahead of Boston. Expect 2–3 days of jet lag going out — game drives start at 6 am, which helps.

🌊 Only short dive-boat rides off Diani (open-reef swell possible). Bumpy dirt roads on game drives instead. Most exposed: None.

Where the money goes

At the destination	$18,250 · 70%
Mara conservancy fees — access to the wildlife (6 nights)	$1,800
Kicheche Valley, 3 nights (bride 50% off)	$3,870
Kicheche Bush Olare, 3 nights	$5,160
Private safari vehicle	$2,100
Hot-air balloon	$1,000
Waterlovers Diani, 4 nights	$2,200
2 dive days (Diving The Crab)	$830
Tips	$740
Meals not included	$550
Getting there & around	$4,600 · 18%
Boston ⇄ Nairobi	$2,500
Nairobi arrival hotel + transfer	$310
Bush flight to the Mara	$496
Mara → Diani flight	$944
Diani → Nairobi flight + transfer	$350
Visas, insurance, health & gear	$2,466 · 10%
Kenya eTA	$66
Travel clinic, malaria pills, yellow fever	$1,000
Travel insurance with evacuation	$1,400
Buffer	$600 · 2%
Buffer	$600

Safari

Tanzania + Mafia

Olakira in calving season · whale sharks & diving on Mafia Island · Jan 26 – Feb 7

$27,602$2,398 under cap

Tue Jan 26: Overnight flight Boston → KilimanjaroJan 26
Wed Jan 27: Arrive Kilimanjaro 8:45 pm
Thu Jan 28: Bush plane to Ndutu · afternoon drive
Fri Jan 29: Calving season on the Ndutu plains
Sat Jan 30: Calving season on the Ndutu plains
Sun Jan 31: Calving season on the Ndutu plains
Mon Feb 1: Calving season on the Ndutu plains
Tue Feb 2: Bush planes Ndutu → Zanzibar → Mafia (~5 h) · sunset at Pole Pole
Wed Feb 3: Chole Bay dives
Thu Feb 4: Chole Bay dives
Fri Feb 5: Whale-shark snorkel · sandbank picnic
Sat Feb 6: Fly to Dar · day room · overnight flight
Sun Feb 7: Arrive BostonFeb 7

8½ honeymoon days of 13

0 nights on a boat · 10 on land · 2 on a plane

≈ 20 h to get there · ≈ 23 h home

+8 h time change · 64% spent at the destination

Day by day, flights & money

Day by day

Tue Jan 26 Overnight flight Boston → Kilimanjaro
Wed Jan 27 Arrive Kilimanjaro 8:45 pm
Thu Jan 28 Bush plane to Ndutu · afternoon drive
Fri Jan 29 Calving season on the Ndutu plains
Sat Jan 30 Calving season on the Ndutu plains
Sun Jan 31 Calving season on the Ndutu plains
Mon Feb 1 Calving season on the Ndutu plains
Tue Feb 2 Bush planes Ndutu → Zanzibar → Mafia (~5 h) · sunset at Pole Pole
Wed Feb 3 Chole Bay dives
Thu Feb 4 Chole Bay dives
Fri Feb 5 Whale-shark snorkel · sandbank picnic
Sat Feb 6 Fly to Dar · day room · overnight flight
Sun Feb 7 Arrive Boston

Getting there

Boston → Kilimanjaro via AmsterdamKLM/Delta, 1 stop · overnight · night at Arusha Coffee Lodge≈ 18 h
Kilimanjaro airport → Arusha Coffee Lodgearrival transfer≈ 1 h
Arusha → Ndutubush plane≈ 1.1 h

During the trip

Ndutu → Mafia Island via Zanzibarscheduled bush planes with stops; confirm the through-routing≈ 5 h

Getting home

Mafia → Dar es Salaamthen a day room until midnight≈ 0.5 h
Dar es Salaam → Boston via Amsterdam1 stop · overnight≈ 22 h

🕐 Tanzania is 8 hours ahead of Boston. Expect 2–3 days of jet lag going out.

🌊 Short dive-boat rides inside sheltered Chole Bay; the whale-shark boat rolls while it searches. Most exposed: The whale-shark boat.

Where the money goes

At the destination	$17,569 · 64%
Ngorongoro & Serengeti park fees — access to the wildlife	$1,628
Camp conservation + marine-park fees	$336
Olakira Migration Camp, 5 nights (honeymoon 25% off)	$11,175
Pole Pole Bungalows, 4 nights	$2,600
Diving + whale-shark snorkel	$870
Tips	$650
Meals not included	$310
Getting there & around	$7,245 · 26%
Boston ⇄ Kilimanjaro / Dar	$3,000
Arrival transfer + Arusha Coffee Lodge night	$1,083
Bush flight to Ndutu	$750
Bush flights Ndutu → Zanzibar → Mafia	$1,826
Mafia → Dar flight	$336
Dar day room + transfers	$250
Visas, insurance, health & gear	$2,188 · 8%
Tanzania eVisa + mandatory insurance	$288
Travel clinic + malaria pills	$500
Travel insurance with evacuation	$1,400
Buffer	$600 · 2%
Buffer	$600

AntarcticaOver budget

Terra Nova Adventurer

98-guest expedition ship · Deluxe double-bed cabin · kayaking & camping included · OVER BUDGET · Jan 14 – 28

$30,879$879 over cap

Thu Jan 14: Overnight flight Boston → Buenos AiresJan 14
Fri Jan 15: Cross Buenos Aires · fly to Ushuaia
Sat Jan 16: Ushuaia morning · board at 4 pm · sail the Beagle Channel
Sun Jan 17: Drake Passage southbound
Mon Jan 18: Drake Passage southbound
Tue Jan 19: Antarctic Peninsula: landings, Zodiacs, kayaks
Wed Jan 20: Antarctic Peninsula: landings, Zodiacs, kayaks
Thu Jan 21: Antarctic Peninsula: landings, Zodiacs, kayaks
Fri Jan 22: Antarctic Peninsula: landings, Zodiacs, kayaks
Sat Jan 23: Antarctic Peninsula: landings, Zodiacs, kayaks
Sun Jan 24: Drake Passage northbound
Mon Jan 25: Disembark · fly to Buenos Aires
Tue Jan 26: Buenos Aires: tango & steak
Wed Jan 27: Buenos Aires · overnight flight
Thu Jan 28: Arrive BostonJan 28

7 honeymoon days of 15 + 3 crossing the Drake

9 nights on a boat · 3 on land · 2 on a plane

≈ 19 h to get there · ≈ 20 h home

+2 h time change · 85% spent at the destination

Day by day, flights & money

Day by day

Thu Jan 14 Overnight flight Boston → Buenos Aires
Fri Jan 15 Cross Buenos Aires · fly to Ushuaia
Sat Jan 16 Ushuaia morning · board at 4 pm · sail the Beagle Channel
Sun Jan 17 Drake Passage southbound
Mon Jan 18 Drake Passage southbound
Tue Jan 19 Antarctic Peninsula: landings, Zodiacs, kayaks
Wed Jan 20 Antarctic Peninsula: landings, Zodiacs, kayaks
Thu Jan 21 Antarctic Peninsula: landings, Zodiacs, kayaks
Fri Jan 22 Antarctic Peninsula: landings, Zodiacs, kayaks
Sat Jan 23 Antarctic Peninsula: landings, Zodiacs, kayaks
Sun Jan 24 Drake Passage northbound
Mon Jan 25 Disembark · fly to Buenos Aires
Tue Jan 26 Buenos Aires: tango & steak
Wed Jan 27 Buenos Aires · overnight flight
Thu Jan 28 Arrive Boston

Getting there

Boston → Buenos Aires via MiamiAmerican, 1 stop · overnight≈ 14 h
Ezeiza airport → Aeroparque airportcross-town taxi≈ 1 h
Buenos Aires → Ushuaia≈ 3.7 h

During the trip

Ushuaia → Antarctic PeninsulaDrake Passage · ~2 days~2 days

Getting home

Antarctic Peninsula → UshuaiaDrake Passage · ~2 days~2 days
Ushuaia → Buenos Airesthen 2 nights in Buenos Aires≈ 3.5 h
Buenos Aires → Boston via Miami or New York1 stop · overnight≈ 16 h

🕐 Argentina (and the ship) is 2 hours ahead of Boston. Barely noticeable. In January the Peninsula gets ~18–20 hours of daylight.

🌊 About 2 days each way crossing the Drake Passage — open ocean, sometimes calm, often rough — plus shorter sailing between landings. Most exposed: Drake Passage, ~2 days each way.

Where the money goes

At the destination	$26,320 · 85%
Terra Nova Adventurer, Deluxe double-bed cabin, 9 nights	$25,020
Buenos Aires honeymoon nights (2)	$360
Crew tips	$330
Meals off-ship, bar, Wi-Fi	$610
Getting there & around	$2,933 · 9%
Boston ⇄ Buenos Aires	$1,923
Buenos Aires ⇄ Ushuaia flights	$630
Ushuaia hotel night	$230
Taxis & airport transfers	$150
Visas, insurance, health & gear	$1,326 · 4%
Medical + evacuation insurance only (no cancellation cover)	$450
Waterproof gear	$250
2.5% card fee	$626
Buffer	$300 · 1%
Buffer	$300

Antarctica

HX Roald Amundsen

490-guest hybrid ship with stabilizers · double bed by default · sails the Drake · Jan 28 – Feb 10

$24,016$5,984 under cap

Thu Jan 28: Overnight flight Boston → Buenos AiresJan 28
Fri Jan 29: Arrive 11 am · Buenos Aires afternoon
Sat Jan 30: Charter flight to Ushuaia · board
Sun Jan 31: Drake Passage southbound
Mon Feb 1: Drake Passage southbound
Tue Feb 2: Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs (in shifts)
Wed Feb 3: Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs (in shifts)
Thu Feb 4: Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs (in shifts)
Fri Feb 5: Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs (in shifts)
Sat Feb 6: Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs (in shifts)
Sun Feb 7: Drake Passage northbound
Mon Feb 8: Drake Passage northbound
Tue Feb 9: Disembark · charter to Buenos Aires · overnight flight
Wed Feb 10: Arrive Boston (10 days before our Feb 20 limit)Feb 10

5½ honeymoon days of 14 + 4 crossing the Drake

10 nights on a boat · 1 on land · 2 on a plane

≈ 20 h to get there · ≈ 23 h home

+2 h time change · 81% spent at the destination

Day by day, flights & money

Day by day

Thu Jan 28 Overnight flight Boston → Buenos Aires
Fri Jan 29 Arrive 11 am · Buenos Aires afternoon
Sat Jan 30 Charter flight to Ushuaia · board
Sun Jan 31 Drake Passage southbound
Mon Feb 1 Drake Passage southbound
Tue Feb 2 Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs (in shifts)
Wed Feb 3 Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs (in shifts)
Thu Feb 4 Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs (in shifts)
Fri Feb 5 Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs (in shifts)
Sat Feb 6 Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs (in shifts)
Sun Feb 7 Drake Passage northbound
Mon Feb 8 Drake Passage northbound
Tue Feb 9 Disembark · charter to Buenos Aires · overnight flight
Wed Feb 10 Arrive Boston (10 days before our Feb 20 limit)

Getting there

Boston → Buenos Aires via New York1 stop · overnight · HX hotel night in Buenos Aires≈ 16 h
Buenos Aires → UshuaiaHX charter (included)≈ 3.5 h

During the trip

Ushuaia → Antarctic PeninsulaDrake Passage · ~2 days~2 days

Getting home

Antarctic Peninsula → UshuaiaDrake Passage · ~2 days~2 days
Ship → Ushuaia airportdisembark early morning≈ 1.5 h
Ushuaia → Buenos Aires≈ 3.5 h
Aeroparque → Ezeiza airporttransfer + check-in buffer≈ 2 h
Buenos Aires → Boston via New Yorksame day as disembarking≈ 16 h

🕐 Argentina (and the ship) is 2 hours ahead of Boston. Mid-February days on the Peninsula are ~16 hours long.

🌊 About 2 days each way crossing the Drake Passage on a large stabilized ship — steadier, not motion-free. Most exposed: Drake Passage, ~2 days each way.

Where the money goes

At the destination	$19,566 · 81%
HX cruise, Polar Outside double-bed cabin (price excl. the bundled charter & hotel)	$18,836
Tips (may be included)	$330
Meals & misc	$400
Getting there & around	$3,550 · 15%
Boston ⇄ Buenos Aires (estimate)	$2,200
Taxis	$50
Charter flights BA ⇄ Ushuaia + BA hotel night (bundled in the cruise; estimate)	$1,300
Visas, insurance, health & gear	$600 · 2%
Medical + evacuation insurance only (no cancellation cover)	$450
Gear (jacket & boots loaned)	$150
Buffer	$300 · 1%
Buffer	$300

HX bundles the Buenos Aires hotel night and the charter flights into the cruise price; we estimated ~$1,300 of it as “getting there”.

Antarctica

Swan Hellenic SH Vega

152-guest 2022 ship with stabilizers · queen bed · all-inclusive · sails the Drake · Jan 20 – Feb 3

$29,103$897 under cap

Wed Jan 20: Overnight flight Boston → Buenos AiresJan 20
Thu Jan 21: Arrive Buenos Aires · pre-cruise hotel (included)
Fri Jan 22: Fly to Ushuaia · board · sail the Beagle Channel
Sat Jan 23: Drake Passage southbound
Sun Jan 24: Drake Passage southbound
Mon Jan 25: Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Tue Jan 26: Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Wed Jan 27: Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Thu Jan 28: Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Fri Jan 29: Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Sat Jan 30: Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Sun Jan 31: Drake Passage northbound
Mon Feb 1: Drake Passage northbound
Tue Feb 2: Disembark · fly to Buenos Aires · overnight flight
Wed Feb 3: Arrive BostonFeb 3

7 honeymoon days of 15 + 4 crossing the Drake

11 nights on a boat · 1 on land · 2 on a plane

≈ 19 h to get there · ≈ 22 h home

+2 h time change · 88% spent at the destination

Day by day, flights & money

Day by day

Wed Jan 20 Overnight flight Boston → Buenos Aires
Thu Jan 21 Arrive Buenos Aires · pre-cruise hotel (included)
Fri Jan 22 Fly to Ushuaia · board · sail the Beagle Channel
Sat Jan 23 Drake Passage southbound
Sun Jan 24 Drake Passage southbound
Mon Jan 25 Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Tue Jan 26 Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Wed Jan 27 Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Thu Jan 28 Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Fri Jan 29 Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Sat Jan 30 Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea: landings & Zodiacs
Sun Jan 31 Drake Passage northbound
Mon Feb 1 Drake Passage northbound
Tue Feb 2 Disembark · fly to Buenos Aires · overnight flight
Wed Feb 3 Arrive Boston

Getting there

Boston → Buenos Aires via Miami1 stop · overnight · hotel night included≈ 14 h
Buenos Aires → Ushuaiamay be a Swan Hellenic charter (confirm)≈ 4.5 h

During the trip

Ushuaia → Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell SeaDrake Passage · ~2 days~2 days

Getting home

Antarctica → UshuaiaDrake Passage · ~2 days~2 days
Ushuaia → Buenos Aires≈ 3.5 h
Aeroparque → Ezeiza airporttransfer + check-in buffer≈ 2 h
Buenos Aires → Boston via Miami or New York1 stop · overnight≈ 16 h

🕐 Argentina (and the ship) is 2 hours ahead of Boston. Late January brings ~18 hours of daylight on the Peninsula.

🌊 About 2 days each way crossing the Drake Passage on a modern, stabilized mid-size ship, plus longer sailing into the Weddell Sea. Most exposed: Drake Passage, ~2 days each way.

Where the money goes

At the destination	$25,500 · 88%
SH Vega, Oceanview queen-bed cabin, 11 nights (incl. drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, hotel night)	$25,100
Meals off-ship & misc	$400
Getting there & around	$2,703 · 9%
Boston ⇄ Buenos Aires	$1,923
Buenos Aires ⇄ Ushuaia flights (may be included — confirm)	$630
Taxis & transfers	$150
Visas, insurance, health & gear	$600 · 2%
Medical + evacuation insurance only (no cancellation cover)	$450
Gear (parka included, boots loaned)	$150
Buffer	$300 · 1%
Buffer	$300

AntarcticaOver budget

Fly the Drake (Antarctica21)

73-guest ship · fly over the Drake both ways · OVER BUDGET · Feb 1 – 11

$41,514$11,514 over cap

Mon Feb 1: Fly Boston → Santiago (overnight)Feb 1
Tue Feb 2: Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile
Wed Feb 3: Punta Arenas · briefing
Thu Feb 4: Fly 2 h to King George Island · board
Fri Feb 5: Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs
Sat Feb 6: Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs
Sun Feb 7: Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs
Mon Feb 8: Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs
Tue Feb 9: Fly back to Punta Arenas
Wed Feb 10: Fly home (overnight)
Thu Feb 11: Arrive BostonFeb 11

5½ honeymoon days of 11

5 nights on a boat · 3 on land · 2 on a plane

≈ 24 h to get there · ≈ 24 h home

+2 h time change · 93% spent at the destination

Day by day, flights & money

Day by day

Mon Feb 1 Fly Boston → Santiago (overnight)
Tue Feb 2 Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile
Wed Feb 3 Punta Arenas · briefing
Thu Feb 4 Fly 2 h to King George Island · board
Fri Feb 5 Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs
Sat Feb 6 Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs
Sun Feb 7 Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs
Mon Feb 8 Antarctic Peninsula: landings & Zodiacs
Tue Feb 9 Fly back to Punta Arenas
Wed Feb 10 Fly home (overnight)
Thu Feb 11 Arrive Boston

Getting there

Boston → Punta Arenas via Miami & Santiago2 stops · overnight≈ 22 h
Punta Arenas → King George Islandafter a night in Punta Arenas; weather can delay it a day or more≈ 2 h

Getting home

King George Island → Punta Arenas≈ 2 h
Punta Arenas → Boston via Santiago & Miami2 stops · overnight≈ 22 h

🕐 Southern Chile (and the ship) is 2 hours ahead of Boston.

🌊 No Drake crossing; sailing among the Peninsula islands (the Bransfield Strait can still be rough). Most exposed: Bransfield Strait crossings.

Where the money goes

At the destination	$38,650 · 93%
Antarctica21 air-cruise (incl. flights to the ice)	$37,990
Tips	$260
Meals & misc	$400
Getting there & around	$1,964 · 5%
Boston ⇄ Punta Arenas	$1,784
Extra Punta Arenas night	$180
Visas, insurance, health & gear	$600 · 1%
Insurance	$450
Gear	$150
Buffer	$300 · 1%
Weather-delay buffer	$300

Where the money goes

At the destinationGetting there & aroundVisas, insurance, health & gearBuffer$30,000 cap

Galápagos · Monique$26,630 · $2,421 per honeymoon day

83%

Galápagos · Integrity$29,032 · $2,639 per honeymoon day

84%

Galápagos · Anahi (value)$22,966 · $2,088 per honeymoon day

80%

Galápagos · Reina Silvia Voyager (value)$24,720 · $2,247 per honeymoon day

82%

Safari · Kenya + Diani$25,916 · $2,728 per honeymoon day

70%18%

Safari · Tanzania + Mafia$27,602 · $3,247 per honeymoon day

64%26%

Antarctica · Terra Nova Adventurer$30,879 · $4,411 per honeymoon day

85%

Antarctica · HX Roald Amundsen$24,016 · $4,367 per honeymoon day

81%

Antarctica · Swan Hellenic SH Vega$29,103 · $4,158 per honeymoon day

88%

Antarctica · Fly the Drake (Antarctica21)$41,514 · $7,548 per honeymoon day

93%

Safaris spend the most on getting there and around — long flights to Africa and bush planes between camps — plus vaccines and malaria pills. Antarctica and the Galápagos put the most into the boat itself, which is also your hotel, restaurant and guides. HX bundles its charter flights and a hotel night into the cruise price; we estimated that part as “getting there”. Insurance differs too: the Antarctica totals include only the required medical/evacuation cover, not trip cancellation.

What each trip is like

Our subjective read from the research and reviews: ● more, ○ less. “Easy on seasickness” and “Easy logistics” are scored so that more dots is better. In the Galápagos you can get close, but park rules ask you to stay 2 m (6 ft) from wildlife.

	MoniqueGalápagos	IntegrityGalápagos	Anahi (value)Galápagos	Reina Silvia Voyager (value)Galápagos	Kenya + DianiSafari	Tanzania + MafiaSafari	Terra Nova AdventurerAntarctica	HX Roald AmundsenAntarctica	Swan Hellenic SH VegaAntarctica	Fly the Drake (Antarctica21)Antarctica
Wildlife up closeAnimals unafraid of people (keep 2 m away)	●●●●●	●●●●●	●●●●●	●●●●●	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●●●●	●●●●○	●●●●●	●●●●●
Big-animal dramaPredators, herds, whales	●●○○○	●●○○○	●●○○○	●●○○○	●●●●●	●●●●●	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○
Scenery	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●●	●●●●●	●●●●●	●●●●●
Luxury & comfortRooms, food, service	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●●●●	●●●●○	●●○○○	●●●○○	●●●●○	●●●●○
Romance & privacyDouble bed, small group, private moments	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●●●●	●●●●○	●●○○○	●●●○○	●●●●○	●●●●○
AdventureSnorkel, kayak, walk, camp	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●●	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●●○○
Downtime togetherLazy hours, beach, no schedule	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●○○○	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●○○○
Easy on seasicknessOur estimate — higher = less boat motion; not a prediction	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●●●●	●●●●○	●○○○○	●●○○○	●●●○○	●●●●○
Scuba divingQuality of our 2 dive days	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●○○	●●●●○	●○○○○	●○○○○	●○○○○	●○○○○
Easy logisticsFewer flights, connections, jet lag	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●●○	●●●○○	●●○○○	●●○○○	●●●○○	●●●○○	●●○○○

Find our fit

Everything starts at “Nice to have”. Set how much each thing matters to us — the list re-ranks instantly. Must have rules out trips that score 2 or less on it (for diving: trips with no dive days). Over-budget and twin-bed-only trips are never ranked. Try it separately, then compare answers.

Wildlife up closeBig-animal dramaSceneryLuxury & comfortRomance & privacyAdventureDowntime togetherEasy on seasicknessScuba divingEasy logisticsMoney left under the cap

Galápagos · Monique $26,630
Galápagos · Integrity $29,032
Galápagos · Anahi (value) $22,966
Galápagos · Reina Silvia Voyager (value) $24,720
Safari · Kenya + Diani $25,916
Safari · Tanzania + Mafia $27,602
Antarctica · Terra Nova Adventurer $30,879
Antarctica · HX Roald Amundsen $24,016
Antarctica · Swan Hellenic SH Vega $29,103
Antarctica · Fly the Drake (Antarctica21) $41,514