Antarctica Classic - 11 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Local flights are not included in the price of this trip. Please make sure that you arrive into Ushuaia on Day 1. If you require assistance booking local flights please contact your the tour operator representative. From our experience we have found that there are regular delays in flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.Please note that internal flights in Argentina generally allow less luggage than international flights.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  Please consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We require all passengers travelling to Antarctica to advise us if they have any preexisting conditions. Passengers with preexisting medical conditions are required to submit a medical form, signed by a physician, to their booking agent.The questionnaire can be found online at www.gadventures.com/medical_formIt is very important that we are advised of any special meal requirements, food allergies, or prescribed medication when you confirm your tour. The ship is equipped with a small infirmary with typically required medications and limited equipment. The ship's doctor is available for visits during the day and is available 24 hours per day for emergencies.For those with pre-existing conditions, we recommend that you bring a signed and dated letter from your physician (to be given to our doctor on board, as well as for any medical authorities) stating any health problems and dosage requirements. International health regulations do not currently require any inoculations for the countries that you will visit on our voyage. We suggest that you confer with your own physician to be sure your routine immunizations, such as tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A, are up-to-date before travelling. Mature travelers, in particular, may wish to consider preventive measures against influenza and pneumonia.For more information, please read the Expedition Health & Safety Protocols.

• Are there any specific safety considerations for this itinerary?

  We recommend that you wear minimal jewellery and that you keep valuable items safely stored in our complimentary safety deposit box, which is located at the Purser's Desk.

• Are there Itinerary notes?

  This trip is assigned a Physical Rating of 2. It is accessible to most fitness levels and for those able to do extended walks and light hiking on various terrain. It is important to note that for landings in Antarctica we use Zodiacs and wet beach landings in what sometimes can be extreme environments. This will require you to be able to safely navigate ice and snow on uneven ground, to lift your leg over the side of a Zodiac and push yourself up, walk on wet, rocky beaches and stand throughout the landing with no place to sit. Please also note that the Expedition does not have an elevator and thus staircases must be used to move between decks, and depending on the weather the ship can sometimes find itself navigating rough and choppy sea conditions. For visual examples of the zodiac landings and activities please refer to the Excursions image gallery on the Expedition landing page here.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  Most airlines include departure tax in the cost of the ticket.

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter I can subscribe to?

  Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from the tour operator, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

• If I choose to purchase My Own Room, are there any exceptions during the trip?

  Please note that if you have selected the Private Cabin option at the time of booking, you will receive your own room for the duration of this cruise. This includes the hotel in Ushuaia. If you are a solo traveller and you have NOT selected the Private Cabin option, you will be paired with another solo traveller for all nights, including the hotel in Ushuaia. For groups of 3 passengers travelling together who have booked a triple cabin, you will have a triple room in the hotel where available. If we cannot book a triple room, please note that one of you will be sharing with another solo traveller of the same gender for the hotel night in Ushuaia.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

• Suggested Reading

  ANTARCTICASuggested Reading ListThere are several dozen books on Antarctica that could be recommended, books dealing with various explorers and expeditions, scientific studies, etc. ________________________________________Amundsen, Roald. The South Pole. John Murray, 1912.Antarctica: Great Stories from the Frozen North. Reader’s Digest, 1985. Natural history, explorers, atlas and other miscellaneous information.Asimov, Isaac. The Ends of the Earth. Weybright and Talley, 1975. General narrative of the polar regions of the world.Bond, Creina and Roy Siegfried. Antarctica: No Single Country, No Single Sea. Mayflower Books, 1979. Photos by Peter Johnson.Byrd, Richard E. Alone. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1938.Campbell, David. Crystal Desert. Houghton Mifflin, 1992.Cherry-Garrard, Apsley. The Worst Journey in the World. Constable, 1922.Chester, Jonathan. Antarctica: Beauty in the Extreme. Michael Friedman Publishing, 1991. Limited copies available from Mountain Travel-Sobek. Fiennes, Ranulph. To the Ends of the Earth: the Transglobe Expedition. Arbor House, 1983.Fuchs, Vivian and Edmund Hillary. The Crossing of Antarctica. Little, Brown, 1958. The Common wealth Trans-Antarctica Expedition 1955-1958.Halle, Louis J. The Sea and the Ice: A Naturalist in Antarctica. Houghton Mifflin, 1973. Account of a journey on an icebreaker to Antarctica with an emphasis on bird observations.Harrington, Richard. Richard Harrington’s Antarctic. Alaska Northwest Publishing Co., 1976.Harrison, Peter. Seabirds. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1885.Huntford, Roland. Scott and Amundsen. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1980. Story of the two great rival explorers.Huntford, Roland. Shackleton. Fawcett Columbine, 1985.Huxley, Elspeth. Scott of the Antarctic. Atheneum, 1978.King, Judith E. Seals of the World. Cornell University Press, 1983.Lansing, Alfred. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage. McGraw-Hill, 1959.May, John. The Greenpeace Book of Antarctica. Doubleday, 1988.Mear, Roger and Robert Swan. A Walk to the Pole: To the Heart of Antarctica in the Footsteps of Scott. Crown, 1987. Moss, Sanford. Natural History of the Antarctic Peninsula. Columbia University Press, 1988.Peterson, Roger Tory. Penguins. Houghton Mifflin, 1979.Porter, Elliot. Antarctica. Dutton, 1978. Narration of his experiences on an NSF expedition to Antarctica; wonderful photographs.Pyne, Stephen J. The Ice: A Journey to Antarctica. Ballantine, 1988. Geophysical examination of Antarctica and essays on the history and landscape of this continent.Ralling, Christopher, ed. Shackleton. British Broadcasting Corp., 1983.Ray, G. Carleton and M.G. McCormick-Ray. Wildlife of the Polar Regions. Harry N. Abrams, 1981.Riedman, Marianne. The Pinnipeds: Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses. University California Press.Scott, Robert F. Scott’s Last Expedition. Dodd, Mead 1913. The personal journals of Captain R.F. Scott on his journey to the South Pole.Shackleton, Ernest. South: The Story of Shackleton’s 1914-1917 Expedition. Heinemann, 1970.Siple, Paul. 90 South. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1959.Stonehouse, Bernard. Animals of the Antarctic: The Ecology of the Far South. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1972.Watson, George. Birds of the Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic. American Geophysical Union, 1975.Watson, Lyall and Tom Ritchie. Sea Guide to Whales of the World. Hutchinson, 1981.Worsley, F.A. Shackleton’s Boat Journey. W.W. Norton, 1977.Others:Safina, Carl. Eye of the Albatross / Song for the Blue OceanHerzel, David. Sailor on Ice: Tom Crean with Scott in the Antarctic 1910-1913 Also available in: Kindle and Nookhttp://www.amazon.com/Sailor-Ice-Antarctic-1910-1913-ebook/dp/B00AEU1K6Yhttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/245578

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Ushuaia- Tierra del Fuego National Park VisitSouth Shetland Islands- Polar Plunge

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Set foot on Antarctica — the world's least-visited continent, watch majestic albatross soar by the ship while crossing the Drake Passage, opt to brave the chill of a polar plunge, witness immense icebergs and magnificent glaciers, have your questions answered by Antarctica experts

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your expedition. The industry standard and suggested amount is USD $10 - 15 per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline. Crew tips may be settled using most major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard and AMEX) by the ship's Purser. The money is collected by the Hotel Manager at the end of the voyage and distributed amongst the crew and Expedition Staff.

• What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?

  Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

• What general safety tips and free-time guidelines should I follow?

  Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safekeeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit: www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

• What is Planeterra?

  Every Expedition cruise raises thousands of dollars for the tour operator' non-profit partner, Planeterra, supporting both the Ocean Health Fund and Planeterra's community social enterprise programs. The Ocean Health Fund helps combat waste which threatens ocean health, conducts scientific research on ocean animals and climate change, as well as investing in programs that work with local communities to promote ocean conservation and stewardship. Onboard the Expedition, there are many opportunities to learn about these initiatives, to participate in Citizen Science programs, or purchase items in the gift shop from Planeterra-supported communities around the world.The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organisation that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalised women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into the tour operator’ itineraries globally.the tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. Dollar-a-Day Programthe tour operator’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

• What is the joining hotel?

  Please note your first night hotel in Ushuaia is based on your cabin category:Lower Deck Twin, Lower Deck Triple, Obstructed View Triple and Main Deck Triple:Las LengasAddress: Goleta Florencia 1722, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaPhone: +54 2901 43-6100Owners Suites, Suites Double, Deluxe, Upper Deck Twin, Main Deck Twin Window and Main Deck Porthole:Albatros HotelAddress: Av. Maipu 505, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaPhone: +54 2901 43-7300

• What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?

  134

• What meals are included in this trip?

  10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Before and after the cruise:Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work overseas. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.While on board our Expedition ships, major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard and AMEX) are used to clear incidental bills at the end of the cruise by the ship's Purser (ie. bar bills, laundry, crew tips, etc.). Please note the Expedition is a cashless ship.We recommend bringing USD in cash for the Argentinean portion of this tour as it is easier than using a credit card or withdrawing ARS from an ATM. USD currency is accepted in travel agencies for booking optional activities.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at the tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What's Included

  9 nts aboard theExpedition. 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis. Arrival and departure transfers. Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16. Expedition parka.

• Where can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. Aboard the Expedition, laundry is available to be serviced by our shipboard team at an additional charge.

• Where can I read detailed notes about this trip?

  Experience CountsAccompanying the voyage is our dedicated and experienced expedition staff, naturalists and lecturers who share with us their knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to the environment. Our ship is manned by officers and crew, all highly experienced in ice navigation. Environmental PolicyWe are dedicated to minimising the impact of our expedition on wildlife and sensitive natural habitats. We operate environmentally responsible cruise and expeditions and follow all internationally agreed regulations of conduct ashore. We are all privileged visitors – and committed to the future of these extraordinary, icy realms.Safety FirstAlthough expedition cruising is adventurous by nature, the safety of our passengers and staff is paramount. Our ship is equipped and maintained to cope with the most challenging conditions and is manned by experienced and conscientious officers, crew and expedition staff. The Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings are rugged and versatile and are operated by experienced drivers in a responsible manner. Onboard you will be fully briefed on safety issues and our environmental policy and you will receive appropriate and detailed briefings before every landing.Expedition Staff and LecturersA carefully chosen team will lead our voyage. They are chosen not only for their local knowledge and wealth of experience but also for their great love of the Antarctic. With formal lectures, as well as informal briefings and discussions, your lecturers and Expedition Leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. Tips for TravellersWe are all privileged visitors to these extraordinary, icy realms. As a traveller, it is your responsibility to help ensure your impact on Antarctica’s flora and fauna is minimal. The following are excerpts from the GUIDANCE FOR VISITORS TO THE ANTARCTIC:Respect wildlife Do not feed, touch, or handle birds or seals, or approach or photograph them in ways that cause them to alter their behaviour. Special care is needed when animals are breeding or moulting. Keep a minimum distance of 5 metres (15 feet) from all wildlife.Respect vegetation Do not damage plants, by walking or landing on extensive moss beds or lichen-covered scree slopes. They are fragile and take generations to grow.Respect the environment Do not collect or take away biological or geological specimens or artefacts as souvenirs, and do not dispose of litter or garbage on land.Take photos with care Keep low as you will appear less threatening to animals and it will also yield better photographs. Do not try to make an animal react for a photograph. If an animal’s behaviour changes you are too close.Stay SafeTake note of, and act on, the advice and instructions from your leaders, and do not stray from your group.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 9 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

• Who do I contact for arrival issues or in the event of an emergency?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the the tour operator Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our the tour operator Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.AIRPORT TRANSFERIf you have purchased an arrival through the tour operator or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERSthe tour operator Office Lima, Peru. During office hours (Weekdays, 9-6pm Local Time): +51 1 241 1650 After hours Emergency number: +51 99 758 2712, (WhatsApp Available)If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

• Who will be leading the group?

  One expedition team member per 10 guests.