Chilean Fjords, Antarctica & Falklands – Great Explorers & Wildlife

A handy checklist of what to bring on your trip can be downloaded here.

You MUST have travel insurance to participate in any Antarctica program. Options on coverage are available from your travel agent or here.

Not permitted anywhere indoors. There are designated areas on the outside decks. It is also not permitted to smoke on land in Antarctica in the interest of protecting the environment.

Cold…

More specifically, during the ‘summer’ months between November and March (the only time of the year that tourist vessels go), the daytime temperatures are usually in the single digits (0-5C). In the evening, temperatures will dip below freezing. It should be noted that the weather in Antarctica at this time of year is usually warmer than most Canadian cities at the same time.

Please remember though, it is really summer in the gateway cities of Buenos Aires and Santiago at this time of year – temperatures could easily be in the 30s. You will need to have both some summer wear and proper winter attire for this trip.

Upon booking, we will provide detail instructions on where to check-in for your trip to Antarctica in either Buenos Aires or Santiago (It will be a centrally located hotel.) You must check in the day prior to departure to receive last minute instructions on where and when you will be picked up for the transfer to the airport. Your trip will begin and end at this same point.

On your return, the charter flight back to the city of commencement will arrive sometime in the afternoon. If you are flying back home this same day, we strongly recommend that you do not book a flight prior to 8:00 PM. We cannot assume any responsibility for missed flights due to any delay of the charter flight.

The currency of Argentina is the Argentinian Peso (ARS).

The currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP).

Antarctica does not have currency as it is not a sovereign state.

Onboard, you will be issued a cruise card which you can use to charge all purchases during your voyage. You must provide a Visa, American Express, Diners or MasterCard that is valid for at least 3 months after your trip date.

The final bill will be charged to your account in Norwegian Kronor (NOK).

ATM’s accepting most international debit and credit cards can be found in abundance in both Santiago and Buenos Aires. However, after you leave these cities for the trip, it is extremely unlikely you will see another ATM until you return. We regret, there is no currency exchange facility onboard the ship.

For small purchases in the Antarctica research stations (i.e. Port Lockroy), you can use US Dollars, while British Pounds and Euros are also accepted.

Gratuities suggested by the cruise line are:

USD 12.00 per guest per day to be divided amongst the entire crew.

Laundry service is available for a small fee. Regrettably, dry cleaning is not available.

All regular shore landings as noted in the itinerary are included in your voyage. Some additional excursions may be available on board at an extra cost. Please check with us or consult the purser onboard for additional information.

Your shore landings will start a zodiac boat ride to shore where you will land and be assisted onto shore via some portable steps. The ground is usually small rocks / gravel and sometimes could be snow-covered.

Light to Moderate – Participation in the shore landings requires the ability to board (with assistance) a zodiac boat from the main ship and on to shore. There are no long distances to walk in Antarctica.

Antarctica is one of the last ‘pristine’ environments remaining on the planet. It is a privilege to be able to visit it. As the numbers of visitors are increasing each year, the risk of damage to the fragile ecosystem is large. As a result, relatively drastic measures are undertaken by our ships to ensure the impact is kept to a minimum. All voyages will follow the guidelines set out by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). We encourage you to read a copy of those guideline which are available on the IAATO Visitor Guideline webpage.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your cruise fare.

If travelling via Argentina, do try one of their fantastic steak houses. ‘Bife de Lomo’ is the equivalent of a filet. Of course no Argentinean steak would be complete without a glass of terrific local Malbec or one of the many other fine wines locally.

In Chile, the steak is probably just as good as in Argentina. However, Chilean seafood is superb. ‘Machas a la parmesana’ or clams in parmesan cheese is a local favourite. If you’re just looking for a snack, you can go wrong with a few ‘empanadas’ (little pastry shells with various fillings). The Chilean wine is also equally as good as the Argentinian. Our advice: Avoid the big brand names you can find at home – there are literally thousands of other choices.

Your shipboard staff all speak English and usually at least one other language. Spanish is the tongue in both Argentina and Chile. In most shops and larger restaurants, people will speak a smattering of English. A phrasebook would not be unhelpful though.

There is an English-speaking physician and nurse on board at all times. The ship has a small medical facility with the necessary equipment and drugs to handle small emergencies. In the event of a serious emergency, the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations as well as medicines will be charged to the passenger affected. If you depend on medication, remember to bring sufficient supplies to last through any unforeseen delays. We also recommend that you keep your medication in your hand luggage properly labelled and with clear instructions for its use. If you depend on vital drugs, please inform the ship’s doctor upon arrival. Illness on board can lead to quarantine and orders from the ship’s physician and captain, must be followed.

Please note that all guests must have personal travel/health insurance and must provide a confidential medical declaration form to the onboard doctor. Details will be provided well in advance of your departure.

There is a phone in each cabin. Call rates are very high as a satellite connection is the only one possible.

Wi-Fi is available in certain areas of the ship at a modest charge. As it is a satellite connection, internet speed will be very slow and we suggest it be used for urgent matters only.

If you would like to have regular data and phone connection while in Chile or Argentina, we suggest either arranging an overseas roaming plan with your mobile operator, or pick up a local SIM card if you have an unlocked phone.

There are no vaccinations required to travel to Antarctica or via Argentina or Chile. However, we suggest you consult your physician with any specific personal requirements for this program.

NOTE: You must provide a completed, confidential medical declaration signed by your doctor upon boarding the ship as required by IAATA guidelines. If you have any concerns about health issues that may influence your ability to be accepted for travel, please contact us at the time of booking.

You must also have travel insurance to participate on this voyage.

Antarctica is probably the safest place on the planet.

Buenos Aires and Santiago are large Latin American cities where crime is prevalent and appropriate precautions are recommended.

We highly recommend leaving all valuables at home or at least in the safe deposit box in your hotel room. Be aware at all times, particularly in crowds or at night. We suggest to avoid walking alone in the city at night – best in small groups.

For current advisories, please consult the following

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/chile
https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/argentina