Meals IncludedAll meals included while on board the ship.
MealsOnboard our expedition ships you’ll find a diversity of gourmet international cuisines prepared and catered by professional chefs; all meals are included in the price of your expedition. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger compliment at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, please advise us at time of confirmation. Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are not included and can be purchased in the dining room or in the lounge throughout the expedition.
TransportM/S Expedition, Zodiac, van, public bus, taxi, boat, domestic flights, and walking.
Local FlightsAll local flights are included in the cost of this tour. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Please note that local airlines schedules do not operate as efficiently as at home and delays are common, your tour leader will do their best to make sure that you are greatly inconvenienced.
AccommodationComfortable hotels (11 nts), On board the M/S Expedition in triple, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with ensuite bathrooms and a porthole or window) (9 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of two beds and are outside facing. Suites have a queen bed, subject to availability.
Day 1 - Arrive Buenos AiresToday is an arrival day. There are no planned activities so make your way to the hotel and enjoy the city.
The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. Travellers find that it has more in common with the cities of Europe than the rest of South America. Nearly 40 per cent of Argentina's 33 million citizens live in Greater Buenos Aires, and the Porteños are justifiably proud of their home. The city is comprised of a number of distinct neighbourhoods, some of which have become top tourist draws. For many, the highlight of their time in the capital is a visit to San Telmo for the weekend antiques market and street artistís displays.
La Boca was originally settled by the successive waves of immigrants that contribute to the capital's unique character. Its brightly coloured walls and buildings draw Porteños and tourists alike, and it is here that the world-class football team, Boca Juniors, plies its trade. A Sunday afternoon match at the fabled Bombonera is not to be missed. Posh Recoleta, with its cafes, museums and cemetery, is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
During colonial days Buenos Aires was the seat of the Viceroy of La Plata. Almost completely rebuilt since the turn of the century, the heart of the city is the Plaza de Mayo, with the historic Cabildo (Town Hall), where the Independence movement was first planned, the Casa Rosada (Government Palace) and the Cathedral where San Martín, the father of Argentine independence, is buried.
When you are done exploring, settle your weary feet and enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants and you will begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life. Upon return, Buenos Aires will be your last chance to try the succulent bife and parrilladas, so dig in and enjoy!
Please note: You should be especially careful when wandering about the capital city on your own, particularly at night. Tourists are easy prey for individual pickpockets or groups of two or more people working as a team on the streets. Pay particular attention to anyone who 'accidentally' spills anything on your clothes or belongings (mustard, etc.) and then apologizes and offers to help clean up. They will clean you out instead! Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, travellers cheques and cash funds you won't be using immediately in the hotel's safety deposit box. Most Porteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!
Day 2-3 San Martin de los Andes (2B)Take a short flight to San Martin de los Andes, on the shores of Lake Lacar. (Your flight is included with your package). Spend the next two days exploring this lake district and its many outdoor attractions. Located on the shores of Lanin National Park, San Martin de los Andes is one of the most northern parts of the southern Argentinean/southern Chilean region known as Patagonia. The most impressive sight in the region has to be the Lanin volcano located within the national park. At 3,768 meters above sea level it isn’t among the largest peaks in South America, but it is one of the youngest of the Andes and considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
You will have a day free to day an optional activity such as hiking, mountain biking, rafting or taking a 4x4 excursion.
Day 4-5 San Carlos de Bariloche (2B)Start your journey south, taking the breathtaking Seven Lakes Route. Situated on the beautiful shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is a year-round playground for skiers, hikers and outdoors enthusiasts of all types. Enjoy optional day hikes, hire a mountain bike, or simply relax in a café and enjoy samples of the local product - fine chocolate!
A full day excursion to Puerto Blest is included on Day 5. We will spend our day time walking through the spectacular mountains and lakes enjoying some of the most beautiful countryside on the planet.
The urban centre of the Argentine Lake District, San Carlos de Bariloche in many ways resembles alpine resorts of Europe. During winter ski season the town fills to capacity with jovial Argentine and Brazilian vacationers whose favourite pastime seems to be eating and drinking. Their gusto is understandable; Bariloche has some of the best food in the country. Sample a beefy parillada, a variety of fresh salmon or lake trout, before working it off during a day hike around Cerro Catedral or by practicing your salsa at one of the town's salsotecas.
Day 6-9 El Chaltén / El Calafate / Glacier National Park (4B)Fly to El Calafate and continue on to El Chaltén where we will be able savour the views provided by granite pinnacles spiraling upward into the sky from the third largest ice field on earth. (Your flight is included with your package). Hikers and climbers from around the globe congregate here, waiting for good weather, to undertake the challenges presented by nature. The atmosphere is laid back and the mountains and Beech forests here are very similar to Paine. We hike to Laguna de Los Tres to fully appreciate majestic Cerro Fitzroy/Chaltén (3,441 m / 11,286 ft) for awe-inspiring views of the magical peaks and glaciers.
On Day 8, travel south to El Calafate on the shores of impossibly turquoise waters of Lake Argentino. Explore Moreno Glacier area, within Glacier National Park. The southern continental ice field, the second largest on the planet after that of Greenland, is the source of all the area's glaciers, including Perito Moreno, Onelli, Viedma and Upsala. Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive river of frozen water moves slowly down from this huge ice shelf into the lake below resulting in huge chunks of ice constantly crashing into the lake waters below. It is one of the most dynamic and only one of a few advancing glaciers left in the world. It is simply enormous: 1 km (half a mile) wide and 60 m (196 ft) high, it occasionally chokes off the narrow Canal de los Tempanos (Channel of Ice Bergs), creating a dam of ice, through which the lake water eventually bursts in a spectacular display.
Day 10-11 Ushuaia (2B,1D)A short flight takes us to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world on the shores of the Beagle Channel. (Your flight is included with your package).
Ushuaia actually means 'the bay facing westward' in the language of the original Yamana inhabitants. Once a penal colony (the presidio was disbanded in the 1940's) for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals, Ushuaia is now a major tourist attraction, particularly for people such as ourselves cruising to Antarctica. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, the only coastal national park in Argentina.
We now begin to prepare for Antarctica! On Day 11 after a morning excursion in the Tierra del Fuego National Park you will board the Expedition ship around 4:00 pm. After we have settled into our cabins, the ship sets sail along the scenic Beagle Channel- heading east towards the Drake Passage and beyond.
Day 12-13 The Drake Passage (2B,2L,2D)Our Antarctic adventure begins with a 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th-century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. Known for the unimpeded fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the second day we cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving in the opposite direction. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species.
As we make the passage you have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. We also begin the lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Day 14-17 Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands (4B,4L,4D)This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days we will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt 2 excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.
The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatross and other seabirds trail in our wake. We may visit scientists working in modern research bases, and there is plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains. The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the Bridge or the deck of the ship, as we thread our way along the continent, you'll feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early explorers.
The continent itself is roughly circular with a spindly arm, called the Antarctic Peninsula, reaching northwards towards Tierra del Fuego. South America is the nearest landmass, some 600 miles away. Considerably larger than either the United States or Europe, and twice the size of Australia, the continent is surrounded by a frozen sea that varies in area from one million square miles in summer to 7.3 million square miles in winter. Ninety-five percent of the continent of Antarctica is ice covered and contains the freshest water on earth - about 70 percent of all fresh water on earth in fact. The highest point in Antarctica is Vinson Massif, with an altitude of 16,864 feet above sea level; the lowest point is the Bentley Subglacial Trench at 8,200 feet below sea level, located in West Antarctica. Antarctica has the highest average elevation of all the continents at about 7,500 feet about sea level.
Antarctica is a continent of superlatives. It is the coldest, windiest, driest, iciest and highest of all the major landmasses in the world. It is the continent with the longest nights and the longest days and it is home to the world’s greatest concentration of wildlife. It is also one of the last true wilderness areas left on earth – largely unchanged since the early explorers and whalers first landed on its inhospitable shores less than two centuries ago. The lowest temperature ever recorded anywhere on earth, -89.2°C, was recorded on July 21, 1983, at Vostok Station. Winds have been recorded at 200 mph in the interior of the continent and the average annual water precipitation in the interior is only about 50 mm.
Whales
Thanks to the abundance of the small, shrimp like krill as the basis of the food chain, many species of whales make the water south of the Antarctic Convergence their summer home. Some of the species found in the frigid southern waters include: the Humpback Whale who consumes over a ton of krill each day; the Southern Right Whales easily identified by the whitish callosities on the jaws and forehead; the Sperm Whales made famous in Moby Dick; the Killer Whale which is actually not a whale at all but the largest of the dolphin family; the Sei Whale which can achieve speeds up to 55 km/h over short distances; the playful Minke Whales very common in the peninsula area; the Fin Whale who can attain a length of 25 to 27 meters making them the second largest whales; and the Blue Whale which is not only the largest whale in the oceans but also the largest animal that has ever lived.
Penguins
The common name for all flightless, aquatic birds, penguins are only found south of the equator. Penguins have been grouped into 18 species and 6 genera, with most making their homes in Antarctica and the sub Antarctic islands, though others are native to the coasts of Australia, South Africa, South America, and the Galapagos Islands. Penguins are speedy and agile swimmers, but extremely slow on land. The regions we visit aboard MS Expedition are inhabited by 6 different species including the giant King Penguin who can grow up to 1 metre in height (found only on South Georgia Island); the Adelie Penguin named after French explorer Dumont d’Urville’s wife; the Chinstrap Penguin identified by the distinctive black line connecting the black cap to below the chin; the Gentoo Penguin with its orange bill and white flash above and behind its eyes; the Macaroni Penguin (Only on South Georgia Island) who number roughly 12 million and are easily identified by the orange tassels meeting between the eyes; and the Rockhopper Penguin (Only in Falkland Islands) who are similar to the Macaroni in appearance but slightly smaller and have yellow tassels.
Historical Figures
Some of the bravest and best known explorers have sailed south in search of adventure and recognition. James Cook, the most travelled explorer of his time, was the first to circumnavigate Antarctica and the first to cross the Antarctic Circle. Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole and reached the pole on December 14, 1911. Captain Robert Scott, famous for being 35 days late, arriving at the South Pole on January 17, 1912 only to find the dark green tent and a note left by Amundsen. All five men in the Scott expedition perished on their way back from the pole. The best-known adventurer would have to be Sir Ernest Shackleton. On his attempt at the South Pole his ship, Endurance, was captured by pack ice in the Weddell Sea on January 19, 1915. The ship was destroyed by heavy ice, forcing he and his men to travel over the ice and sea to Elephant Island. However, because the island was uninhabited, Shackleton and five others made the 1,300 km voyage for help to South Georgia, amazingly arriving at Stromness Harbour whaling station on May 20, 1916.
Day 18-19 The Drake Passage (2B,2L,2D)Today we leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.
Day 20 Ushuaia / Buenos Aires (B)Disembark after breakfast and transfer by bus to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. (Your flight is included with your package).
Day 21 Depart Buenos Aires (B)You are free to depart Buenos Aires at any time today. Check out is generally before 12:00 noon.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single
(Land Only) |
Single
(Land + Air) |
11/7/2010 - 11/27/2010 |
$7,299 |
|
|
|
11/7/2010 - 11/27/2010 |
$8,699 |
|
|
|
11/7/2010 - 11/27/2010 |
$9,999 |
|
|
|
11/7/2010 - 11/27/2010 |
$10,999 |
|
|
|
11/7/2010 - 11/27/2010 |
$11,999 |
|
|
|
11/16/2010 - 12/6/2010 |
$7,299 |
|
|
|
11/16/2010 - 12/6/2010 |
$8,699 |
|
|
|
11/16/2010 - 12/6/2010 |
$9,999 |
|
|
|
11/16/2010 - 12/6/2010 |
$10,999 |
|
|
|
11/16/2010 - 12/6/2010 |
$11,999 |
|
|
|
12/22/2010 - 1/11/2011 |
$8,599 |
|
|
|
12/22/2010 - 1/11/2011 |
$9,999 |
|
|
|
12/22/2010 - 1/11/2011 |
$11,499 |
|
|
|
12/22/2010 - 1/11/2011 |
$12,399 |
|
|
|
12/22/2010 - 1/11/2011 |
$13,399 |
|
|
|
1/18/2011 - 2/7/2011 |
$8,599 |
|
|
|
1/18/2011 - 2/7/2011 |
$9,999 |
|
|
|
1/18/2011 - 2/7/2011 |
$11,499 |
|
|
|
1/18/2011 - 2/7/2011 |
$12,399 |
|
|
|
1/18/2011 - 2/7/2011 |
$13,399 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.
Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date. |
Itinerary DisclaimerWhile it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Group Leader DescriptionYour adventure through Patagonia will be lead by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip.
Your voyage will be lead by a carefully chosen team. The expedition ship boasts an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through stimulating lectures, day-to-day briefings, and informal 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. The expedition staff work conscientiously with you on deck and in the field, improving your observational skills to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table. The expedition staff will pilot the Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings and Zodiac cruises; they are experienced drivers who operate the Zodiacs in a responsible manner.
Group Size NotesMax 15, Avg 12 in Patagonia. Max 124 on the M/S Expedition in Antarctica.
Your Fellow TravellersAs you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
HighlightsBuenos Aires, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, the Beagle Channel, the Drake Passage, the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula, San Martin de los Andes, Lanin Volcano, Seven Lakes Route, Bariloche, and Glacier National Park.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Important Notes
1. Please note that your trip is split into two sections with a different tour leader and accommodation style between the two trips. If you are traveling solo both sections will be in twin share accommodation.
2. Flight Details: When packing your luggage please note that the weight restriction on the domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is only 15 to 23 kg (33 to 50 lbs) per person, depending on the airline. Please note that the airlines will generally charge for excess baggage. You are able to leave luggage that you do not need at the hotel in Buenos Aires.
3. Medical questionnaires are required for all passengers traveling to Antarctica
Single Travellers
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.
What to Take
Most airlines allow two checked bags and one carry-on per person. To avoid any problems at check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions.
Dress on board is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. Men may wish to bring one coat/tie and women one 'dressier' outfit for an 'evening out' pre-cruise and for the Captain's welcome and farewell dinner parties. Bring wind and waterproof outer layers. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton. When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers. The two most important items that you will need to bring on your voyage are boots and a parka. It is possible to rent gear in Ushuaia for the expedition, but the quantity and quality of gear varies greatly depending on the demand. For the location of a rental shop consult with the front desk of the hotel where you are staying. If arriving on embarkation day you will NOT have time to rent the gear.
Checklist
BOOTS
Rubber, waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher (12-16" high or 30-41cm.) with a strong, ridged non-skid sole are essential for wet landings via Zodiac. You may have to step from the Zodiac into icy water up to 1 ft. or 30 cm high on some landings. Also, expect poor footing on the ice and ashore. Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk. Do not bring boots with metal cleats as they cannot be used for the landings. For maximum warmth, wear loose-fitting boots and two pairs of socks. Try out your boots before the voyage.
PARKAS
You should look for a lightweight, roomy, wind and water-resistant parka with some insulation. Bright colors are more visible - and thus - safer in polar environments.
GLOVES
Keeping your hands warm and dry can be a challenge. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm outer gloves. Thus, allowing you some protection from the cold when removing your gloves to operate your camera, etc. We strongly recommend that you bring more than one pair of gloves, in case one gets wet (or lost).
HAT/CAP
Warm, woolen hat/cap to protect your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection.
PANTS/TROUSERS
Water-resistant pants/trousers of coated nylon or, even better, Gore-Tex® are essential for your comfort. They can be worn over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. We suggest that you purchase pants a few sizes larger than you normally wear as you will be wearing them over other clothing. Gore-Tex® or similar fabrics are excellent for keeping out wind and water without trapping excess heat. Rain gear and Gore-Tex® products can be found in any outdoor sport clothing store. In addition to your waterproof pants/trousers, warm ski pants are suggested if you have them, otherwise, bring any sturdy, warm pants/trousers that can be layered between your long underwear, such as jeans, sweatpants, corduroys, etc.
SOCKS
Warm, high wool or cotton socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet.
OUTER CLOTHING
Woolen, knit or cotton sweaters/tops, polar fleece tops (medium weight), several cotton turtlenecks and T-shirts for layering on and off the ship.
UNDERCLOTHING
Silk or polypropylene underwear is highly recommended since it will keep you warm without adding bulk. Most polar travellers prefer a lightweight version - but this depends on your own personal thermostat.
The electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets, with European 2 pin round holes, as well as 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only. You may wish to bring an international adapter.
- Hat & sunglasses (Polarized highly recommended)
- Sun block (PABA-free)
- Money belt
- Basic first aid kit
- Alarm clock
- Women’s sanitary products
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Water bottle, books
- Flashlight with spare batteries and bulbs
- A seasickness remedy is recommended for our Drake Passage crossing
- Passport (and photocopies)
- Travel Insurance documents
- Airline tickets
- USD cash and travelers checks
- Credit card (see personal spending money)
- Gap vouchers, pre-departure information
- Any entry visas, or required vaccination certificates
- To enter Argentina you will require a passport (with 6 months validity). - Please check all visa requirements at least one month in advance of travel.
Camera and film, binoculars, reading/writing material, cover or plastic bags for backpacks
Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
Departure Tax
USD18
Tipping
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 $10 - 15 USD per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline. The money is collected by the Hotel Manager and distributed amongst the crew. The Expedition Staff and the Officers choose not to participate in the tipping pool.
Health
Please consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We require all passengers traveling on any one of our expeditions to fill out a medical questionnaire. The questionnaire can be found online at:
www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Passengers over the age of 70 or passengers with preexisting medical conditions are required to submit a medical form signed by a physician. It 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.
In case of an emergency, please bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician (to be given our doctor on board, as well as for any medical authorities in case of an emergency) 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 voyages to the Antarctic. If you are visiting certain parts of Asia, Africa or South America or any country that may be affected with yellowfever prior to joining this expedition, you will need a yellow fever inoculation. 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 traveling. Older travelers, in particular, may wish to consider preventive measures against influenza and pneumonia.
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 leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. 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.
Ratings & Reviews:
This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.
Related Travel Articles