Congratulations on booking your expedition to Antarctica!
Information for passengers travelling on board MV Ortelius, MV Plancius, MV Hondius & MV Janssonius.
We are thrilled you will be travelling on this incredible adventure to the White Continent. Here you will find additional details that we require from you, information to help you plan for your trip as well as some ideas on other destinations you might like to visit in South America either before or after your Antarctica cruise. At any time if you wish to discuss the details or your cruise or additional travel arrangements including flights, insurance, pre and post tour travel arrangements please contact your booking agent.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Arrival in Puerto Madryn/Ushuaia & Disembarkation from Ushuaia/Bluff, New Zealand
For passengers arriving into Ushuaia, Day One of your itinerary is embarkation day so we recommend booking your flights in the day before. Please contact your agent to discuss flight options, accommodation and touring in your arrival city. On the day of disembarkation we highly recommend that you book your flights to depart after 12 noon. Please be aware that we will not be held responsible for the late arrival of the ship from your voyage.
Fuel Surcharges
Please note that your cruise booking may be subject to fuel surcharges should world oil prices increase significantly prior to the time of your departure. Cruise operators do attempt to factor this price into your tour cost. However, unexpected rises in the cost of marine fuel can result in a fuel surcharge that will depend on the cost of oil per barrel and the individual ship operator. By booking a tour with us, you agree that this may be the case with your booking. You will be advised of any surcharge once we have been notified of the surcharges from the cruise operator if this situation arises.
International Flights to meet your cruise
International flights to join your cruise will be available for booking approximately 11 months prior to tour departure date. Please contact your booking agent to discuss flight options available for your travel arrangements. Please see below for some suggestions on pre and post cruise itinerary options in South America.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers and policy details must be provided prior to your final documentation being issued. We strongly recommend you obtain a policy for the level of cover at the time of booking you are comfortable with ensuring it meets our minimum guidelines. For more information on Travel Insurance please refer to the Antarctica Travellers Guide below or contact your booking agent.
Terms and Conditions
By making the booking, he or she has read and has agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions. Please click HERE to view.
FORMS
International Maritime Regulations require that all passenger information is collected and a manifest is kept for each expedition. To fulfill these obligations, certain information is required from you. We will send you forms as they become available for your voyage, please fill these out in a timely manner and send them back to us NO LATER THAN 100 days prior to departure (or as the form states). Some forms can be submitted directly online.
Some examples of the forms you may need to fill out are: 'Passenger Details Form', 'Medical Form', 'Parka Size Form', and 'Optional Activity Form'. You will receive the required forms for your expedition from your booking agent.
EXPEDITION CLOTHING
The ship provides boots for loan on your polar adventure. Please CLICK HERE for the ships rental gear partner in Ushuaia.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
The following activities are available on selected voyages. Please see below for more information. Contact your booking agents to check availability and pricing:
-Kayaking
Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to refresh your soul. Paddling in small groups, you will glide between ice flows, brash ice, and icebergs dotted with wildlife. Previous kayaking experience is required. Limited availability. Price dependent on your voyage, please contact your booking agent for price and availability. See below for more information.
-Camping
Camping is an incredible opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of being in the Antarctic elements at night. Witness dramatic light changes and the clamor of scurrying penguins on a true outdoor adventure. Available selected voyages. Limited availability. Price dependent on your voyage, please contact your booking agent for price and availability. See below for more information.
- Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a unique way to explore Antarctica. Snowshoeing makes walking up gentle slopes a breeze, allowing you to explore places others struggle to reach in boots alone. Please see below for more information. Please contact your booking agent with any queries and to check availability.
RESOURCES AND CRUISE EXTENSIONS
We have some additional resources to help you prepare for your upcoming trip to Antarctica, as well as some excellent itinerary ideas to explore South America pre or post your cruise.
Optional Activity
Camping
Experience the sights and sounds of being in the elements at night. Witness dramatic light changes and the clamor of scurrying penguins on a true outdoor adventure.
Optional Activity
Kayaking
Paddle through the majesty of the icebergs with your guide and live the experience of seeing varied birds, seals and whales in their natural habitat.
Optional Activity
Snowshoeing
Head off the beaten track to walk atop fresh snow and visit places that are inaccessible by foot with our showshoeing excursions available on this voyage.
About the
M/V Ortelius
The MV Ortelius was built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, he was originally the Marina Svetaeva. He is now classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.
About the
M/V Plancius
M/v “Plancius” was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy. M/v “Plancius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag.
About the
MV Hondius
The MV Hondius which is being built and will start sailing Polar waters in 2019, will be the highest Polar Class notation for ice-strengthened vessels.
About the
Janssonius
Janssonius is meeting the latest and highest standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships and represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions.
Travellers Guide
Antarctica
Check out our Antarctica Travellers Guide to help you prepare for your Antarctica adventure. Includes information about joining cities, what to pack and more.
Beyond Antarctica
South America Add-ons
There are many incredible places to explore in South America. Let us inspire you with our top itineraries to add pre or post your Antarctic cruise.
Travellers Guide
Latin America
Useful traveller information about each country in Latin America, from the climate, visa requirements, local currency and everything in between.