I am not sure I am getting this debate really.
Some people buy 350,000 US$ Ferraris. I am personally not interested in spending this amount of cash for a car, but it would never cross my mind to criticize the way they spend the money they own or are willing to borrow from the bank.
Similarly, the amount of cash I am spending on photo equipment seems insane seen by most of my friends, but they all appear to understand that this is my own priorities.
Why would photo WS be different? Yes, spending 14,000 US$ to be 6 days on a boat in Antarctica may seem crazy, but then again, why not? Many people could afford this if they really prioritized it over other activities, such as buying cars, going on family vacation,... So this is just a matter of the value you associate to it relative to your wealth. Many elederly people have made a good living and sound investements and for them 14,000 for the trip of a life time probably has amazingly good value. If you are fit and cashless, it may be much better value to buy a ticket to Nepal and walk to the Chooyu base camp. Amazing views too at 1/3 the price.
cheers,
Bernard