Q: Are there restrictions on what can be done while ashore?

A: YES, an overriding concern is the protection of the wildlife, environment and cultures in any of the areas we visit. We will address conservation issues in the on board briefings and the expedition staff will assist you ashore.

Q: Can I recharge my batteries and use electrical appliances while on board? H

A: Yes, the power supply is 220v/50mz cycles. The wall plugs accommodate two thick round pins, similar to standard European plugs. You may need an international adapter and transformer/converter for your particular equipment. As long as you bring the correct adapters needed you will have no problem using your laptop, however, internet access is not available.

Q: Do I have to be fit to join one of these expeditions?

A: In general you do not, as this expedition is by ship with shore excursions that are not physically demanding. However travelers on Lyubov Orlova must be able to make their way down a steep, narrow gangway on the side of the ship to the Zodiac for shore excursions. Travelers on Ocean Nova, please note that although the gangway to the Zodiacs is less steep, you still must negotiate stairs throughout the ship. None of our ships is equipped with handicap facilities.

Q: Do we know what ice conditions we will encounter?

A: Not exactly; ice conditions change markedly from year to year. For that matter, these conditions change from day to day and hour to hour since ice moves with the weather, wind and tides. We rely on the experience of our Captain, ice charts and general distribution patterns as our guidelines.

Q: Do you accept children on board?

A: As a general guideline we do accept children (at least 12 years of age and older) traveling with accompanying adults. Any child traveling must be supervised at all times by an adult. Our vessels do not carry small-size lifejackets that will fit a child, therefore the accompanying adult must bring one with them.

Q: Do you handle group travel?

A: Yes. Please call our office with group travel inquiries. We will assist you in booking the best price for your group. Group leaders receive travel benefits. Call at 1-866-475-7023.

Q: Do you offer travel insurance with your packages?

A: Each supplier offers travel insurance with their itineraries. We also offer separate coverage through outside companies offering a broad range of protection for situations such as medical emergencies, weather, luggage loss or delays, and other coverage. Both options will be discussed with you prior to booking to see which would provide the best coverage, at the best price.

Q: How do I check pricing & availability of a package listed on the site?

A: To check availability & pricing, simply call 1-800-942-3301.  Agents are available from Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. year round, and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. January through May. If you prefer, you can email your request to tours@atlastravelweb.com.

Q: How far in advance should I make my travel plans?

A: Reservations including airfare must be made at least 21 days prior to travel. Land only bookings can be made up to 10 days prior to travel.  Because the peak travel season is limited, tours sell out quickly, so we recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months in advance.

Q: How many passengers travel in each Zodiac?

A: The maximum capacity is 12, however, we generally try to take only 10 - dependent on weather conditions, of course.

Q: Is a Visa required for travel to Antarctica ?

A: To reach the high Arctic latitudes, our ships depart from ports in Canada and Russia, with staging points in Canada, the USA and Finland. Travelers must check with local consulates for the countries visited on their chosen itinerary to determine whether an entry visa is required.

To reach Antarctica our ships depart from ports in Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia. Travelers should check with local consulates for these countries to determine whether they will need an entry visa.

Q: Is the transportation included between the airport and hotels?

A: In most instances if the airfare is booked with the package transfers are complimentary. If you make your own air arrangements, there may be a charge incurred to use the group transfers.

Q: Is the vessel in danger from icebergs?

A: Not really. Icebergs, of course, are a potential hazard, though a small one for our vessel's navigation. Under most conditions, modern radar systems give plenty of warning of iceberg locations and they are easy to spot from the Bridge. Under conditions of ice-filled waters and darkness or heavy fog, the Captain may slow the vessel to be absolutely safe.

Q: Must I understand English to participate?

A: Voyages appeal to an international audience. About 40% of the travelers who join our voyages come from countries where English is not the first language. English is the language used for all documents, communications, shipboard announcements and education program presentations. While most of our travelers have a working knowledge of English, their level of proficiency with the language varies greatly.

Q: Travel Insurance for Spain Trips:

Q: What additional expense will i incur ?

A: - All passengers are required to obtain and verify travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation. Please note that in many instances medical evacuation in surance can be obtained separately from trip cancellation coverage.

-Transportation to and from the embarkation point is not included in the cost of the expedition.

- Wearing the right clothes is essential. Mean coastal temperatures are seldom far below freezing. However sunny conditions can swiftly shift to storms with very cold winds and snow flurries. A parka, gloves, hat and scarf are essential. Once you have booked, we will provide you with a complete list of what to pack.

Q: What are the Tour Directors like?

A: Tour Directors come from a variety of backgrounds and include former teachers, sales managers and lecturers who all share the passion for travel. They have a minimum of five years experience as Tour Directors behind them, and have all been thoroughly trained, making them the best of the world’s elite travel professionals.

Q: What is the average age range aboard? Nationalities?

A: Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 20s to their 80s - with a majority from 40-75. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travelers from around the world. They are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. All our voyages have a wide variety of nationalities aboard.

Q: What is the Currency onboard the ship ?

A: The US dollar is standard currency on board. Other currencies may be accepted at prevailing rates at the discretion of the Hotel Manager. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are accepted on board for settling shipboard accounts.

Q: What is the currency to the country I'm visiting?

Q: What is the difference between the different tour types?

A: Make the most of your money & purchase a tour package for your next vacation. We are pleased to offer a variety of tours to fit all budgets & desires. The tour companies we work with have tours that range from the budget category with basic sightseeing and some meals, to luxury tours where everything is included. Escorted tours offer better rates than if you were to travel on your own, and the local guides with years of experiences help you discover more sights and understand the culture more than you could by traveling on your own.



The list continues through companies that will include nearly every conceivable activity as preplanned and prepaid. The deluxe tours which feature unique itineraries, most meals and sightseeing. We offer tours with a specialty focus such as hiking, biking, cruising, Oktoberfest, Christmas Markets and tours for the 18 - 35 year old. Each of the tour types have their own unique features and benefits and each meets the needs of a variety of travelers.



Budget Tours

The budget tours are offered by the large tour companies: Each company offers slightly different itineraries, but the general features are the same. The budget tour is best suited to the traveler who wishes to have a good basic introduction to travel in Europe but who also wishes to have option of selecting some of the sights to see while traveling. A budget tour will include basic sightseeing, some meals and hotels which are Tourist or Superior Tourist class, with rooms that offer private baths.



Please note that hotels in Europe are normally smaller than U.S. hotels. Hotel locations will not always be in the center of the major cities you will be seeing. Buses normally carry over 55 passengers on sold out tours. There is no wash room on-board the busses, but the tour makes frequent stops.



Budget tours appeal to all age ranges & are a great way for single travelers who are willing to share a room to not have to pay a single supplement. These tours allow you to see the real Europe for a down to earth price. The itineraries are similar to, but do not come in the extensive variety that the first class tours come in. A list of optional tours are included with your documents so that you will know what is offered and the cost in advance to traveling.



Budget tours typically run from $95 to $135 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.



First Class Tours

The first class tours are offered by the sister companies of the budget tours. Each of these companies offers slightly different itineraries, but the general features are the same. First call operators travel to more than 70 countries, with escorted tours, independent hotel packages and leisure style vacations.



The first class tour is best suited to the traveler who wishes to have more of the activities preplanned and prepaid and includes more meals in the tour cost. The host hotels for the first class tours will have more features & be more similar to U.S.-style lodging.



These tours still allow for free time to explore on your own but allow the semi-adventurous traveler to see a great deal of Europe. In many of the cities your regular tour guide will be joined by a local guide who will bring the specialized knowledge that only a local can have.



Quite often the first class tours include two night stays at many locations to allow for maximum time in the location. While Globus offers perhaps the widest variety of tours, Trafalgar and Insight offer popular tours with different dates and stops. Hotel accommodations are always first class. The buses feature less passengers than the budget tours, to provide more comfort for the traveler. Washroom facilities are located on the busses. First class tours include more meals, normally providing buffet breakfast daily and 3 course dinners on selected nights. Optional excursions are available on these tours as listed in the individual itineraries. A comprehensive list of these tours are provided with your tour documents. Travel bags are given as part of package.



First class tours typically run from $165 to $275 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.



Deluxe Tours

The deluxe tours offer the discerning traveler the opportunity to partake of an escorted tour that is not your usual tour. Deluxe tours offer smaller, quaint lodging that has modern features, including most if not all meals at fine restaurants. Deluxe tours offer inclusive sightseeing and features that are not available on the first class tour. On a deluxe tour you will experience a tour like you imagine in your dreams.



These tours include entertainment such as folklore shows, concerts & special events, no need for tipping and a good balance of unscheduled leisure time. These tours feature the concept of "lifeseeing," which focuses on the lifestyles and culture of Europe.



You will see the famous and sought after destinations, but also experience the delights of the small inn, quaint restaurant and culture of Europe. Dollar for dollar these tours will provide an excellent return on your purchase. These tours are for the travel lover, helping to make special memories to savor before the next experience. Even more than the first class tours, the deluxe tour will offer a variety of modes of transportation, including mountain railroads and river cruises to supplement the first-class motor-coach travel.



Deluxe tours typically run from $375 to $575 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.



Young Adult Travel

For the young adult (ages 18 - 35) who wishes to travel with others. These tours are an alternative to the Eurail/Youth Hostel travel and feature many unique stops and activities.



For those in that age range we can also recommend a variety of other tours, should a specific itinerary be of interest. Do not feel that you will be surrounded by older people on many of those tours. The young adult tours appeal to those who want the piece of mind not possible with a youth hostel style trip. These tours stay in special villages and hotels as well as modest inns and pensions. Most of the rooms are twin rooms but occasionally there will be four to a room. These tours feature all breakfasts and about half of the dinners. Optional excursions, similar to those available on the other tours (like folklore dinners and lake cruises), are available as well as a few options of interest to young adults like white water rafting.



These tours typically run from $105 to $195 per person, per day for the land portion of the trip.



No matter which style or length of tour you wish to use, a tour specialist will provide you with information so that you are best prepared to make the right choices for your travel. Airfare is always available for tours and we will research all avenues to find the lowest available fare from your chosen city to your destination.

Q: What is the Weather like ?

A: These expeditions travel to the Arctic during the boreal summer months. We visit high latitudes where the ice never disappears. Sunny conditions are common but they can change quickly to storms with cold winds and snow flurries. Travelers must be prepared for rapid weather changes.

Austral summers in Antarctica typically afford mild temperatures. However, crisp, cold sunny conditions can swiftly shift to storms with very cold winds and snow flurries. Travelers must be prepared for rapid weather changes.

Q: What is there to do on board?

A: A daily schedule is prepared on board which lists all daily activities, lectures and films that will be available. During the days at sea, our staff will present a comprehensive lecture series. One of the most popular areas to gather is the Navigation Bridge, which is open to passengers at most times. It is quite fascinating to experience the ship negotiating ice-filled waterways, and watch for birds and wildlife under the guidance of our knowledgeable lecturers and staff. In addition, the ship has a lounge area, bar, well-stocked library and videos available for individual viewing. The ship does not carry entertainers (even though some of our staff are quite entertaining in their own right) - and many passengers prefer to spend the time after dinner on deck, in the bar, lounge or just relaxing in their cabins.

Q: What should I pack?

A: This will depend on your personal preferences, where you are traveling, and on the time of year. It is advisable to bring at least one ‘smart’ outfit for special evenings. Please note that some churches/places of worship require covered shoulders and in some cases, knee length shorts/skirts. Always pack enough clothes and wear pieces that you feel comfortable in. Items that are casual and lightweight, requiring little or no ironing are recommended.

Q: When & how will I receive my travel documents for my trip?

A: Your travel documents will arrive approximately two weeks prior to your departure date via FedEx or Airborne Express.

Q: Will I be traveling with people from other countries?

A: We sell tours to more than 38 countries around the world. It is therefore quite typical to find 6-10 different nationalities on any one tour. You'll forge new friendships with other guests from Australia, America, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, UK etc.

Q: Will the actual itinerary be exactly as shown in the brochure?

A: The itinerary as described in the brochure, as well as the final itinerary is meant as a guide only. During the voyage, we often discover new landing places not originally announced. Our program is very much subject to a number of factors, including the vagaries of weather and ice. The actual/final itinerary will be determined by the Captain and the Expedition Leader - both of whom have extensive expertise in this area.