Quest for the Antarctic Circle - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include spending seven full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, venturing farther south than most travelers, searching for whales and watching soaring albatross from the deck, getting up close with various penguin species, and discovering the intricacies of the Antarctic region through our on-board lecture program.

• What is the physical rating and required fitness level for this trip?

  This trip has a Physical Rating of 2, meaning it is accessible to most fitness levels capable of extended walks and light hiking on various terrain. For landings in Antarctica via Zodiacs, you must be able to safely navigate ice and snow on uneven ground, lift your leg over the side of a Zodiac, walk on wet, rocky beaches, and stand throughout landings without sitting. The Expedition ship does not have an elevator, requiring the use of staircases between decks. The ship may also encounter rough and choppy sea conditions.

• Are there any age restrictions for this trip?

  Yes, the minimum age to join this trip is 10 years, and the maximum age is 100 years.

• How large will the group be on this expedition?

  The maximum group size aboard the Expedition is 134 passengers.

• What kind of accommodation is provided during the trip?

  Accommodation includes one night in a twin-share hotel in Ushuaia and twelve nights aboard the Expedition ship. On the ship, you will stay in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites, all with en suite bathrooms and either a porthole or window. All cabins have twin-size berths and are ocean-facing, while suites feature one queen-size bed.

• Will I get my own room if I'm a solo traveler?

  If you have selected the Private Cabin option at the time of booking, you will receive your own room for the entire cruise, including the hotel in Ushuaia. If you are a solo traveler and have NOT selected this option, you will be paired with another solo traveler of the same gender for all nights, including the hotel in Ushuaia.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 12 dinners. All meals are prepared by professional chefs and are included in the price of your expedition. Dining is casual, with unassigned tables capable of seating all passengers at once. A selection of different meals is always available.

• Can special dietary requirements be accommodated?

  Yes, special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Please advise us at the time of confirmation. Vegetarians will find plenty of options on board.

• What forms of payment are accepted on board the Expedition ship?

  The Expedition ship is cashless and only accepts major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, and AMEX) for incidental bills at the end of the cruise, such as bar bills, laundry, and crew tips. The currency for all purchases on board is USD.

• How much emergency money should I have access to?

  We recommend having access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used in rare circumstances outside our control that may require a change to the planned route.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate. You will need to provide evidence of medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We also strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

• Are medical questionnaires required before boarding the vessel?

  Yes, pre-embarkation medical questionnaires are required to be completed in-destination for all passengers prior to boarding. Passengers with pre-existing medical conditions must submit a medical form signed by a physician to their booking agent.

• What health precautions should I consider before traveling to Antarctica?

  Consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information. Advise us of any pre-existing conditions, special meal requirements, food allergies, or prescribed medication. The ship has a small infirmary and a doctor available 24 hours for emergencies. Bring a signed letter from your physician detailing health problems and dosage requirements if you have pre-existing conditions. Routine immunizations like tetanus, diphtheria, and Hepatitis A are suggested, and mature travelers might consider influenza and pneumonia preventive measures. You should also review the Expedition Health & Safety Protocols.

• Who will be leading the group on the expedition?

  Our voyages are led by a carefully chosen international team of professional naturalists and lecturers, with one expedition team member per 10 guests. They provide informed interpretations of the destination through lectures, briefings, and discussions covering ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history, and photography. The expedition staff also pilot the Zodiac landing craft.

• What modes of transportation are used during the trip?

  The primary mode of transportation is the Expedition ship. For excursions and shore landings, Zodiac inflatable boats are used, supplemented by private bus and walking at certain points, like in Ushuaia.

• Are there optional activities available, such as camping or kayaking?

  Yes, optional activities include visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia and a Polar Plunge in the South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Circle. For the more adventurous, kayaking and camping excursions (offered on select departures) provide intimate polar region experiences, but space is limited, and advance booking is strongly recommended.

• Is an expedition parka provided?

  Yes, an expedition parka is included as part of the trip. Additionally, complimentary used waterproof boots are supplied in USA sizes 4-16 (EURO sizes 35-49) for Zodiac landings, though numbers of the smallest and largest sizes are limited.

• What kind of electricity outlets are available on board the ship?

  The electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets with European 2-pin round holes. There are also 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only. You may wish to bring an international adapter, though a limited supply is available to borrow.

• Does the Expedition ship have an elevator?

  No, the Expedition is an adventure ship and does not offer an elevator. Passengers must use staircases to move between decks.

• What environmental guidelines are followed during the trip?

  We adhere to the strict rules, regulations, and guidelines of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) to ensure safe and environmentally responsible travel. This includes respecting wildlife by maintaining a minimum distance of 5 meters (15 feet), not damaging vegetation, and not collecting specimens or leaving litter. Specific measures are also in place regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks.

• What rules should I know regarding conduct on this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, as possessing or using them contravenes laws and puts the group at risk. The exploitation of prostitutes is also against our philosophy of respect towards local people. Expedition Leaders (CEOs) have the right to expel any member of the group found violating these rules.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

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

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit the operator's LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

• Are local flights (e.g., Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) included?

  No, local flights are not included in the price. We highly recommend booking your travel arrangements to arrive in Ushuaia earlier in the day on Day 1, or even a day prior to sailing, due to potential delays on flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Note that internal flights in Argentina generally have less luggage allowance than international flights.

• Are international flights included in the price of the trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You should confirm check-in times and baggage allowances directly with your airline.

• Is a complimentary airport transfer available upon arrival in Ushuaia?

  Yes, a complimentary airport transfer from Ushuaia City Airport (USH) to your joining hotel is provided if you are arriving on Day 1 of the tour or have booked pre-night accommodation through the tour operator. Your main luggage will be transferred separately to the hotel.

• What happens if I experience problems or delays when arriving in Ushuaia before embarkation?

  If you are unable to arrive in Ushuaia before the embarkation time (usually 4:00 PM) on Day 2, please use the emergency contact details provided. It is highly recommended to arrive at least one day before sailing to avoid issues, as the ship cannot wait for late passengers. If delayed for pre-booked accommodation, contact the hotel. If a pre-booked airport transfer doesn't arrive within 30 minutes, take a taxi to the starting hotel and seek a refund from your booking agent upon return.

• Should I tip the crew and expedition staff?

  While not customary for all, tipping is significant to the staff as an expression of satisfaction. The suggested amount is USD $10-15 per person per day spent on board. Tipping is a personal choice, and the suggested amount is a guideline. Crew tips can be settled using major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, and AMEX) with the ship's Purser.

• What is Planeterra and how does this cruise support it?

  Planeterra is a non-profit partner supported by every Expedition cruise. Funds raised support the Ocean Health Fund, which combats ocean waste, conducts scientific research, and promotes ocean conservation, as well as Planeterra's community social enterprise programs globally. Passengers can learn about these initiatives, participate in Citizen Science, or purchase items from Planeterra-supported communities in the gift shop. The operator also offers a 'Dollar-a-Day Program' where 100% of donations go to Planeterra projects.