Practical Information
A visit to Antarctica is an astonishing trip of a lifetime, the expedition cruises are educational and challenging like no other, and a journey of this magnitude needs to be perfectly planned.
Specialist knowledge
This is where Audley comes in, our specialists can guide you through the myriad of options, giving advice based on their own first-hand knowledge. We appreciate the subtle differences in the vessels and the cruise itineraries, and can advise on the pros and cons of travelling to Antarctica from South America (the easiest access point to Antarctica), Australasia or South Africa. We can also arrange tailor-made tours of these continents to combine with your Antarctic cruise.
Cruise operators and vessels
We recommend a small selection of expedition vessels for Antarctic cruising. They all depart from Ushuaia (other than the Antarctica xxi fly-cruise, which leaves from Punta Arenas in Chile). The cruise companies operate a selection of trips ranging from the typical classic Antarctica cruises that usually last about 10 days to trips of up to 20 days which take in the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Some operators include an (optional) night’s camping, bathing in self-dug thermal pools and sea-kayaking, or operate special cruises with themes such as photography.
Tipping
Tipping for good service is an accepted fact. Boat operators will suggest around US$12 per passenger per day. However, this is anonymous (an envelope is provided at the end of the voyage) and entirely at your own discretion.
Currency and money
For trips to Argentina and Chile take US dollars which can easily be changed down to Chilean or Argentinian pesos at airports, hotels or bureaux de change. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and can be used in ATMs in the bigger towns and cities. Aboard the ship a tab system will operate which must be settled at the end of the trip. The ships will accept US$, Argentinian pesos or credit/debit cards.
Environmental issues
In 1991 seven private tour operators formed IAATO, the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, in recognition of the potential environmental impact that more than 20,000 tourists a year could have on Antarctica. Their aim is "practice and promote the highest possible standards of travel in this remote, wild and delicate region of the world." In 2005, 69 operators are voluntary members of IAATO.
IAATO guidelines will be followed throughout your visit and include regulations regarding numbers of passengers allowed on shore at any one time and approved distances for wildlife-watching. For more information please see www.iaato.org
Useful tips
Camera batteries will run down much more quickly in the cold weather. Take a spare with you on your landings and recharge the spare in your cabin.
Pack a hairdryer if it is important to you. Ships do not generally have them.
Under The Skin
Read
'South' by Ernest Shackleton, a first hand account of his incredible adventure on the Antarctic Peninsula. 'The Worst Journey in the World' by Apsley Cherry-Garrard tells the story of Scott's fateful expedition to the South Pole through the eyes of those that were there.
Listen
To the silence.
Watch
'South' is one of the most exhilirating films ever made in Antarctica. The scenes were shot by Frank Hurley, the photographer on Shackleton's Endurance expedition and while some were recreated there is much original footage. There is no other film that portrays the harshness of Antarctica as it was faced by the early explorers.
Eat
Krill Pie! Typically whale food but surprisingly tasty.
Drink
Hot chocolate. Not typical so much as warming after a couple of hours on shore.
Word
Breathtaking.
Trademarks
Penguins, seals, ice, history, whales, peace and quiet.
There are British and Argentine research bases where you can buy postcards, toy penguins and other mementos.
Other countries in The Polar Regions:
The Arctic