SELECT REGION

CALL 877.784.5400 TOLL FREE

Antarctica Travel FAQ - Southern Explorations

ABOUT ANTARCTICA TRAVELING TO ANTARCTICA ANTARCTICA TRAVEL SEASONS

WHEN TO VISIT ANTARCTICA
= J F M A M J J A S O N D =

ANTARCTIC ITINERARY CATEGORIES ANTARCTIC TOURIST ACTIVITIES ANTARCTICA CRUISE FAQ RECOMMENDED ANTARCTICA READING

Antarctica Travel Questions

When is the best time for an Antarctic tour?
How far in advance should I book an Antarctica cruise?
Are these Antarctica trips suitable for children?
Can I extend my stay?
Where do your Antarctica tours begin?
How do passengers get from one Antarctica tour destination to another?
Are there luggage limits on the domestic flights or cruise ships?
What are the accommodations like on Antarctica trips?
What are the meals like?
How much should I budget for this Antarctica trip beyond the tour fee and international airfare?
Why do I need travel insurance?
Do I need to worry about the ship hitting ice?
Will I get seasick?

ANTARCTICA TRAVEL ANSWERS

When is the best time for an Antarctic tour?
Antarctica has an active tourist season from mid-October through the end of March. Travelers may wish to schedule their trip according to what wildlife activities they are likely to observe by visiting at the beginning, middle or end of the season.
How far in advance should I book an Antarctica cruise?
To ensure an available departure date, it is best to book Antarctica travel at least 9 months in advance. Travelers interested in any of the optional Antarctica adventure excursions we offer (camping, cross-country skiing, diving, kayaking and mountaineering) should book even earlier since space is limited.
Are these Antarctica trips suitable for children?
With the exception of family-specific departures (often offered around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays), Antarctic cruises are designed for adult travelers or older children. Most departures have a minimum age of 12 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult willing to be with the child at all times and at a ratio of one adult per child because the ships do not offer day care or additional child services aboard. The Antarctic can be an excellent destination for older children and families to explore together. For those with younger children, please regarding our family departures.
Can I extend my stay?
Southern Explorations also offers a wide range of Argentina and Chile tours and tour extensions that pair perfectly with an Antarctica cruise. Traveling to the ends of the world is the perfect opportunity to tour Patagonia.
Where do your Antarctica tours begin?
All of our Antarctic trips begin upon arrival to Buenos Aires. From the capital city, you will fly to Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego region. This southernmost city in the world is the embarkation point for our Antarctic cruises. Southern Explorations takes care of your domestic flights to/from Ushuaia and includes all transfers and hotels before and after your cruise in your cruise costs.
How do passengers get from one Antarctica tour destination to another?
Transport and accommodations are all aboard the passenger’s Antarctica cruise ship. Flat-bottomed Zodiak boats transport visitors ashore for sightseeing excursions.
Are there luggage limits on the domestic flights or cruise ships?
The domestic flights to Ushuaia currently have a one bag limit of 33lbs (15kg) for checked luggage and 11lbs (5kg) for carry-on. Charges may apply to additional weight. Cruise ships do not have further restrictions.
What are the accommodations like on Antarctica trips?
We offer a range of travel arrangements and cabin types on Antarctica tours from expeditionary ships with no-frills accommodations to elegant cruise ships with luxury amenities.
What are the meals like?
Most ships offer a varied menu of international cuisine prepared by predominately European chefs. The main course changes daily and most dietary needs can be met provided we know in advance. Beverage service and snacks are generally available throughout the day and evening. Champagne is a popular beverage for toasting one’s arrival at historic or otherwise significant spots.
How much should I budget for this Antarctica trip beyond the tour fee and international airfare?
Meals/beverages not included in the trip price $150US
Tips, depending on activities and length of trip $120-$250US
On Antarctic cruises, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water are provided free of charge. All have a bar aboard with juices, soft drinks, wine, beer, and a selection of liquor where passengers may run a tab until the end of the cruise. Some ships include drinks with meals and/or open bar (please see the inclusions/exclusions for the particular ship). Cash (Euro and USD), MasterCard and Visa are accepted on most boats. Alcoholic beverages and beer range from $3US to $7US, a bottle of wine is $15US to $50US, and soft drinks/juices are $2US to $4US.
Why do I need travel insurance?
While Southern Explorations recommends travel insurance to all passengers for all destinations, it is required for our passengers on Antarctica tours. All of our cruise ships have a physician onboard to administer first aid and deal with minor medical problems. Should a passenger experience a more serious medical problem than onboard clinic facilities can handle, not having travel insurance can turn the situation into a financial emergency as well. The costs of evacuation from so remote a location as Antarctica are considerable.
Do I need to worry about the ship hitting ice?
All ships that cruise Antarctic waters have ice-reinforced hulls to withstand the ocean and weather conditions of the region. By law, ships are required to conduct safety drills to prepare passengers for such emergencies. None of the Antarctica cruise ships we use carry more than 198 passengers, reducing the complexity of safely evacuating passengers when necessary. In recent years, four passenger ships have run aground on Antarctica tours and one sank after striking an iceberg. In each case, all passengers were safely evacuated and transferred to another ship. While it is true that cruising to Antarctica is definitely adventure travel, our ships have established emergency plans and equipment and are piloted by experienced crews familiar with polar waters.
Will I get seasick?
Some passengers do, and others don’t. Some types of ships and some cabin locations make for smoother travel than others. Travelers can expect rough seas in open water, especially through the Drake Passage between Ushuaia and the Antarctic Peninsula and mostly calm waters near shore. Packing motion-sickness remedies is advisable.