Antarctica Cruise Expedition

COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented some COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.

Returning to the U.S.: In accordance with U.S. entry requirements, smarTours will arrange testing for the group in destination. Full details and requirements can be accessed here. More details including cost will be added when available.

Note: If you are traveling with us on a land-only basis please share your travel plans with us and let us know if you will also need to be tested with the rest of the group.

Please note entry requirements are changing rapidly. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.

• Entry requirements
• State Department Travel Advisory Updates (Antarctica, Argentina)
• Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (Antarctica, Argentina)

NOTE ON CRUISE

Note that weather and cruise conditions may affect the cruise itinerary. The itinerary below is subject to change without prior notice and serves only as a guide of possible sightseeing. During your cruise you can expect regular briefings with updates regarding the route and shore landings.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Due to the destination and nature of the sightseeing, this tour requires that you be in good physical condition to enjoy this trip. Given the remote destination, please note that sophisticated medical facilities will not be available throughout the trip so you should bring a full supply of any required medication with you.

A Medical Declaration Form will be required for each traveler with a doctor’s stamp or signature in order to travel. The medical Declaration form is to be completed and approved by your personal physician (medical doctor only) no more than 8 weeks before your departure date. The completed forms must be presented to the ship’s doctor upon boarding. Boarding will be denied if part III of the Medical Declaration Form is not approved by your personal physician. Even if the forms have been duly submitted and approved by your personal physician, the ship’s doctor and captain reserve the right to deny the boarding of guests who do not seem to be sufficiently fit for travel.

Please note that all information contained in the Medical Declaration Form is intended as a medical reference for the onboard doctor and will be retained by him/her throughout the duration of the voyage. All sections of the Medical Declaration form must be completed. To ensure personal information remains confidential do not send the medical form to smarTours nor to Hurtigruten. Please take the form with you on board the ship and present it to the ship’s doctor.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Your flights from the U.S. to Buenos Aires and back are via LATAM Airlines. You need to arrive at the designated airport at least 3 ½ hours before your scheduled departure. Schedules are as follows:

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

LATAM Airlines does not accept advance seat assignment. Actual seat assignment will be provided at the airport. Please note that smarTours is not involved with your seat assignments.

LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS

International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.

Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check-in at Buenos Aires hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-only services end after breakfast at Buenos Aires hotel on Day 15 of the itinerary. Round-Trip charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is included in the land-only package.

PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION

You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return. American passport holders do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS & FINAL DOCUMENTS

Your airline tickets along with final instructions and travel tips will be sent to you 7 – 10 days before the scheduled departure of your tour.

CLIMATE

Typically the Antarctic Peninsula can be accessed between the beginning of November through March when the pack ice breaks up enough to sail. You can expect daily temperatures around 27 – 33°F, but keep in mind that the weather as you approach Antarctica can be very temperamental and that sunshine, rain, snow, and heavy winds can all affect the outside temperature. In Buenos Aires you can expect daytime temperatures as high as the high-70’s to low 80’s.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

You may dine at the hotel used on this tour, or other nearby restaurants recommended by your guide. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in the coffee shop is about $20 – $25 per meal per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. Your hotels will be able to exchange your cash to local currency. it is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

On board the MS Midnatsol major credit cards are accepted (American Express, Visa & Mastercard Accepted; Discover not accepted) and the currency is the Norwegian Krone. Currency exchange is not available on board the ship. Please contact your bank or credit card company for foreign transaction fee information.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage not to exceed 44 pounds and one carry-on piece not to exceed 18″ x 10″ x 8″.

ANTARCTICA PACKING LIST

Layering is recommended, especially for the Antarctic Cruise portion of this itinerary. The MS Midnatsol recommends a waterproof outer layer (a jacket will be provided to you, but we recommend you bring a waterproof outer pant layer), a warm inner layer (ie fleece or wool), and a base layer (ie. long johns). Accessories like sunglasses, gloves, scarves, hats, thick socks, sunscreen, and a waterproof or water-resistant bag (ie. for your camera) are also recommended. For more details, click here. Please note aboard the ship you will need an adapter for your electronics (outlets will be standard continental European two-prong outlets).