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We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!
Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.
Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.
Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.
Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.
Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.
*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.
An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.
Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.
Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.
The exact boarding process of your expedition cruise will vary from operator to operator. Once you have booked a cruise, we will send you a briefing from your ship, detailing all the steps. If you have chosen a ship-based expedition cruise (in contrast to Air Cruise, where you're being flown into the destination) , then typically you can drop off your luggage on the first day, and the crew of the ship will take care of transporting your luggage to the ship, and will even place it in your cabin for you.
Here is a video that Benno, the founder of Polartours, recorded in Ushuaia to talk you through the process:
Here are some suggestions for visiting Ushuaia before or after your Antarctic cruise:
If you are unsure whether to extend your visit to Ushuaia before or after your expedition cruise, we recommend that you take a few days off after your cruise. The reason: An expedition cruise to Antarctica can be very tiring. You'll be spending a lot of time off-board, hiking, exploring, in the Zodiacs, and getting lots of sun and fresh air. We recommend that you take a few days after the cruise to relax and let the impressions sink in.
Tierra del Fuego National Park: Don't miss the opportunity to visit this stunning national park, where you can hike, take in the scenery and even ride the End of the World Train.
Explore the city: Wander the bustling streets of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Visit the Prison Museum or the Maritime and Prison Museum - it's quite good!
Eat the best fish in the world at the restaurant VOLVER. You need to book, and it's not cheap, but the "Merluza Negra" is without doubt the best fish you'll find. If you do go for it, we'd recommend just ordering the plain version, not the one with shrimp and seafood sauce. No need for fancy extras when the fish is so delicious! Of course, you can also try the King Crab, another popular dish here, but the Merluza Negra takes it to another level.
If you visit before your cruise, use the time to buy or hire some equipment. There are many shops offering good quality gear, some even for hire!
Meet other travellers: Get together with other travellers in your hotel or local café to share experiences and travel tips. At the end of the world you are sure to meet some interesting people!
Yes, you can see the Northern Lights on an Arctic cruise. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are an incredible phenomenon. You should definitely put the Northern Lights on your bucket list. Please keep in mind that your chances of seeing the Northern Lights depend on the weather conditions and solar activity. The best time to travel to the Arctic to increase your chances is September. Polartours offers several Arctic cruises that go on the ‘hunt’ for the Northern Lights. Reach out to our Polar Specialists to book your Northern Lights Cruise.
Whether you're preparing for the polar adventure of a lifetime, or you enjoy spending time on your cruise ship library, these are some great reads about two incredible destinations: Antarctica and the Arctic.
ANTARCTICA READING
**Endurance: Shackelton's Incredible Voyage](https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Alfred-Lansing/dp/0465062881/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DIG0WUZDFNQ2&keywords=endurance+shackleton+incredible+voyage+by+alfred+lansing&qid=1662148367&sprefix=endurance%2Caps%2C278&sr=8-1)** by Alfred Lansing
The unbelievable tale of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton’s survival for over a year on the ice-bound Antarctic seas. There is no doubt your expedition team will share all about Shackleton's journey on your Antarctic cruise.
Antarctica: An Intimate Portrait of a Mysterious Continent by Gabrielle Walker
Tackling all of Antarctica's science, wildlife history, exploration, and geography is no easy feat, but this book manages to capture it all.
The Last Place on Earth: Scott and Amundsen’s Race to the South Pole by Roland Huntford
In this fascinating dual biography, you'll dive deep into every detail of the great race to the South Pole between Britain’s Robert Scott and Norway’s Roald Amundsen during the fierce age of exploration.
Mawson’s Will: The Greatest Polar Survival Story Ever Written by Lennard Bickel
The incredible story of Douglas Mawson who faced some of the most challenging conditions ever known to man: extreme wind, snow, and cold; loss of human and furry friends; thirst, starvation, disease, snowblindness – and he survived.
ARCTIC READING
Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez
A thorough exploration of this remote world-its terrain, its wildlife, its history of Eskimo natives and brave explorers who have arrived on these icy shores.
In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette by Hampton Sides
With surprising twists and turns, this book is a captivating tale of heroism and determination in the most brutal place on Earth.
Names for the Sea by Sarah Moss
A whymsical autobiography about a woman moving her family to Iceland, the challenges of the economic collapse, the northern lights, the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, her strange new friends, and how she adapted to all of it.
The Terror by Dan Simmons
Simmons transforms the true story of a legendary Arctic expedition into a thriller worthy of Stephen King. A page-turner about a group of explorers trapped in the frozen Arctic for 2 years.
The Antarctica cruise season begins in November and ends in March. Each month offers something special-
November: Landscapes and landing sites are in pristine condition. A photographer's dream. The days are starting to lengthen, and penguin chicks are hatching.
December: Arguably the best time to visit Antarctica, but also the most expensive. The temperatures are at their warmest, the daylight hours are long, and the wildlife is very active. This is a particularly great time for bird enthusiasts.
January: The peak Antarctica season, offering 24-hour daylight. You can expect adorable and fluffy penguin chicks, whale and seal spotting, and melting ice that will allow you to visit more remote Antarctic sights like the Ross Sea voyages.
February: This is the best time for whale-watching. Seal pups are also learning to hunt alongside their parents. By this time, sea ice will have melted, making it a perfect time for cruises to the Polar Circle.
March: As the season wines down, you'll see fewer and fewer ships in the Antarctic seas. The temperatures begin to drop again, and you'll experience some amazing sunsets. It's a great time to spot whales and fur seals, and penguins will already be molting.
Visit this page to read about 'Weather and Seasons in Antarctica'.
The Arctic cruise season begins in May and ends in late September. Each month offers something special-
May: The first ships of the season usually arrive at the Svalbard archipelago. Sea-ice is still abundant, and you'll see some pristine icebergs. Birds will begin nesting, and Polar bears will prepare for mating season. In ice-free waters, you'll see whales and maybe even the elusive Narwhal.
June: As the ice continues to break, Icebreaker ships will be able to travel to the North Pole. June is the best time to spot Narwhals and even Polar bears hunting seals. You can also expect to see whales, walruses, and 24-hour daylight later in the month.
July: We are getting into the high season, where temperatures are at their warmest, and the wildlife is booming. By mid-July, the Hinlopen Straight is free of ice, allowing cruise ships to fully circumnavigate Spitsbergen. The Polar bear mating season begins, walruses gather in large numbers, and many whales can be seen off the coast of Greenland. If you venture into the Canadian High Arctic, you might see thousands of Beluga whales arrive in Hudson Bay.
August: There is little to no sea-ice left, which means the Northwest and Northeast Passages are available for those who seek a true Arctic adventure. The icebergs will not be as impressive or large, but you'll be able to sail to Scoresby Sound in Greenland, or the west coast of Spitsbergen and have a higher chance of spotting a Polar bear.
September: The autumn colors are beautiful. Temperatures are starting to drop again, and you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. This is a great time to visit the east coast of Greenland.
Das Baden hat in Japan eine lange Tradition! In vielen Städten findest du öffentliche Bäder (Sento) und die bekannten Onsen mit ihren natürlichen heißen Quellen. Solche Bäder gibt es oft in Tempelherbergen, im Ryokan, bei einigen Reisen im Yurari Onsen und manchmal auch in Hotels als Gemeinschaftsbadebereich neben den eigenen Duschen.
So funktioniert das Baden im Onsen oder Sento:
Die Bäder sind nach Geschlechtern getrennt, und Badekleidung ist nicht erlaubt. Die ausführliche Etikette erklärt dir dein Reiseleiter vor Ort, hier schon einmal die wichtigsten Punkte:
Weitere Hinweise:
Sprich bitte nicht zu laut, das Bad ist ein Ort der Entspannung. Das heiße Wasser kann den Kreislauf belasten – bleib am Anfang nur kurz im Wasser, sei vorsichtig beim Aufstehen und übergieße dich zwischendurch mit kühlerem Wasser. Trinke ausreichend, damit du nicht dehydrierst.
Im Yurari Onsen, das wir bei einigen Reisen besuchen, gibt es verschiedene Becken, auch im Außenbereich mit Blick auf den Fuji, sowie Sauna und Dampfbäder.
Die Etikette, sich vor dem Entspannen im heißen Wasser gründlich zu waschen, gilt übrigens auch bei Gastfamilien, in Tempelherbergen und im Ryokan. Besonders in Familien ist es üblich, da jedes Familienmitglied einmal in die heiße Wanne steigen möchte. Um Wasser zu sparen, wäscht man sich daher sehr gründlich, bevor man das Bad genießt.
Achtung: Bitte beachte, dass einige Onsen und Sento Gästen mit Tätowierungen den Zutritt verweigern können.
Shore landings are an exciting part of your expedition cruise. Zodiacs can get you to some of the most remote places. When ashore, you will usually be briefed about what you can see, what you can do, and how to behave around wildlife. The weather and sea conditions can change quite quickly and drastictly, so keep a flexible mind and attitude during your expedition cruise.
Watch this informative video about shore landings during your expedition cruise from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.
There’s really no such thing as a typical day in the polar regions. Individual landing locations are different for every trip due to weather, ice, currents, and light conditions. The possible wildlife sightings also heavily depend on the time of the season, which can also affect the tentative itinerary. We ask all travelers to be open-minded and flexible when it comes to activities available on expedition cruises.
Below is an example for a day with two landings, but please be aware that every day is different — if the weather is poor then there may be no landings and sometimes there can be as many as four landings achieved in a single day.
Zodiac cruising is an essential part of any expedition cruise. Your expedition team are expert zodiac drivers, eager to get you to the most incredible and remote places in the Polar regions. Be prepared to have an amazing adventure and get a little wet!
Watch this informative video from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.
The majority of expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic will make way via expedition cruise ships that have ice-strengthened hulls for sailing through floating sea ice and allowing access to remote areas. Expedition ships focus on natural history and culture and will provide onboard education programs like lectures and presentations. Expedition ships range from mid-range to luxury class, but they all offer comfortable accommodation and good quality onboard service and dining.
The zodiac cruises and landings are what you may be more excited about, but don't forget to take advantage of the amazing opportunity of wildlife and landscape sightings right on board the ship. Ship cruises offer some wonderful sights, sounds, and learning experiences.
Watch this informative video about expedition ship cruising from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.
The mud room on board a Polar Expedition Cruise Ship is a crucial space designed to help passengers prepare for their excursions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. It serves as a storage and preparation area for essential gear, clothing, and equipment needed for these harsh environments. The mud room is equipped with lockers for storing personal items, shelves for organizing equipment, and hooks for hanging jackets and boots. The room also contains waterproof gear, such as overalls, gloves, and life jackets, for passengers to wear during their excursions. It helps to ensure that passengers are properly dressed and equipped for their adventures, while also keeping the rest of the ship clean and organized. The mud room plays a crucial role in making sure that passengers have a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring these remote and challenging regions.
We dedicate 1% of our revenue towards environmental protection. From 2024, V Social will begin setting up its own conservation project, working together with local people. We firmly believe that conservation can be impactful and long-lasting, but that it is only truly effective when done together with people living in the territory.
Travel relies on natural resources and is deeply connected with nature and wildlife. Therefore, responsible and sustainable travel has to include conservation efforts and true care for the places we travel to. The V Social Foundation’s conservation project is an initiative that works with local people to give them ownership of their territory, protect the environment through reforestation and regeneration efforts, and empower the community by handing them over control of the project within five years.
We aim to develop a model that contributes to climate protection, adapts to local conditions instead of harming them, and empowers local people to take over the project in the future. The goal is that this model can be replicated and create a snowball effect among the communities we work with and the destinations we travel to, making travel a true force for good.
If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.
Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.
Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.
Your safety is of utmost importance to us. As you are traveling without a tour guide or one of our company's representatives, you will have to alert local services directly in case of emergencies. Therefore, please keep in mind the following advice before your journey with us:
Have a list of possible emergency phone numbers at the destination (e.g. local hospitals, consulate or embassy).
Always carry our emergency phone number with you (which you can find in your travel documents).
In addition, carry the emergency number of your travel health insurance.
Finally, make sure to review and understand the luggage checklist (e.g. take sufficient medication with you, tips for your first-aid kit, keep a copy of your passport, etc.), which you received as part of your travel documents.
A Polar expedition is one of the most singular travel experiences you could ever have. Its isolated location comes with a unique set of health-and-safety-related requirements. Besides it being mandatory to be reasonably fit, here is what you must know about insurances for your trip:
Mandatory for all Polar Trips: Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance. Polar regions are remote and challenging to access in case of a medical emergency. For this reason, all Polar tour operators require travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. Without this coverage, you will not be allowed to board.
For Antarctica, most operators require coverage between $100,000 and $500,000.
In the Arctic, the required coverage ranges from $100,000 to $200,000.
To confirm the exact requirements for your specific cruise, please reach out to one of our Polar specialists. They’ll be happy to assist and ensure you’re fully prepared for your expedition.
If you are an EU resident, please inquire about insurance packages from our partner HanseMerkur by clicking here. If you are not an EU resident, then we must ask you to get an insurance on your own terms. Our customers have made good experiences with World Nomads Rescue and Allianz Care as insurers, both offer such packages that cover Polar Expedition Cruises.
Please note that policies change over time and from ship to ship, so it's important to check both the booking documents we send you when you book your expedition and your insurance policy carefully. Some ships may already have some insurance included, some other operators may have specific insurance requirements. The insurers we list above are recommendations only and it's your responsibility to check that the insurance you buy really does cover everything you need for your trip.
We oftentimes get asked about visa, insurances and entry fees for Polar Expedition Cruises.
Passports: Ensure you have a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond your return date. Your passport details are crucial for trip preparations, and accuracy is key—make sure your booking information matches your passport exactly. For peace of mind, carry a copy of your passport's photo page and leave another copy with trusted contacts at home.
Visas: When embarking on Polar Expedition Cruises, departure usually occurs from countries like Chile or Argentina for Antarctica, and from Denmark, Iceland, Canada, etc., for the Arctic. Meeting the entry requirements of these countries is crucial. If extending your journey and visiting additional destinations, research visa requirements for each location. To find out if you need a visa for a country, we recommend https://www.passportindex.org/
Entrance Fees and Taxes: While there are no specific entrance fees for Antarctica or the Arctic, note potential small departure taxes or airport fees at domestic airports within South America, typically ranging from US$5-10 per person. Expect these fees mainly at major airports like El Calafate, Ushuaia, and Lima.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Polar Expedition Cruises. Your policy should cover medical expenses, hospitalization, evacuation, repatriation, and emergency travel. Carefully review coverage limits and claims procedures in your policy. Considering trip cancellation insurance is advisable to safeguard against potential cancellation fees. Find more detailed information about this crucial aspect here.
Global oil prices are extremely unpredictable. With that in mind, ship operators who operate in the polar regions are at liberty to implement a fuel surcharge as they see fit. In addition to the fuel pricing changes, all vessels visiting Antarctica are required to use much higher-grade and expensive fuel under the terms of the Antarctic Treaty.
While the charge itself will depend on the ship and duration of the cruise, it is possible that a surchage will be added to your final invoice. If this is the case, you will receive a formal e-mail from your travel specialist with an explanation and your new cruise total added to your final invoice.
We appreciate your understanding and are grateful for your trust and business.
Planning a trip to the Antarctic continent or the Arctic and wondering what to bring? You’re not alone. We’ve taken the stress out of packing for the adventure of a lifetime and have compiled a list of all the necessary things to bring to these ice-ridden continents. Please note that not all of our polar expeditions will provide parkas, so inquire with us please. All do, however, provide and waterproof boots.
Do not bring traveler's checks, notify your bank that you will be traveling, and if advised start seasickness medication before sailing. You will need your passport to board the ship; however, for day excursions from your hotel we recommend leaving it locked in your room and carrying a photocopy instead. While this may not always align with local ID rules, it is generally preferable to explain at a police station that your passport was secured at the hotel than to report it stolen.
Visit this page to read about 'Weather and Seasons in Antarctica'.
LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS! That is a key to a comfortable expedition cruise. The weather changes very quickly and sometimes drastically. Come prepared with plenty of layers to put on and take off. A waterproof bag to store your extra layers and camera gear is a must. And don't forget to wear sunglasses and sunscreen, as the ozone layer in these regions is very thin.
Watch this informative video about what to wear aboard your Polar cruise from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.
Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:
In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.
Yes, you can travel to Antarctica with children! A trip to Antarctica with kids will be an unforgettable experience for your family. Some of our ships don’t have age restrictions. However, most of the ships will welcome passengers who are at least 8 years old, and some will require a minimum age of at least 12 years to join an expedition. Please remember that an Antarctic expedition is not a typical cruise. You will need to consider the unique challenges of the destination and plan accordingly as you prepare for your trip. Contact our travel specialists and they will be happy to help you find a perfect expedition for your family trip!
When it comes to traveling to Antarctica, one of the first questions that often arises is, "Can I fly to Antarctica?". The answer is: Yes, you can. Most trips start in Patagonia (Ushuaia and Punta Arenas) and cross the Drake Passage by ship, but there are also trips that use planes to cross that infamous sea passage. Here are the Pros and Cons for each method:
Flying to Antarctica:
Pros: Flying to Antarctica is the quickest way to reach the continent. It offers convenience and is often the choice for those with very limited time.
Cons: There are limited commercial flights to Antarctica, and these are primarily reserved for research and expedition purposes. Tourist accessibility is limited, and it can be costly. Also, as not many trips include flights, you'll be limiting your choice a lot if you decide to only look for such trips.
Crossing the Drake Passage by ship:
Pros: If you choose to cross the Drake Passage by ship, you embark on an incredible adventure. This journey is not just a means of transportation; it's an expedition in itself. The crossing takes 1.5 - 2 days, which are filled with scientific lectures that prepare you for the experience. You'll witness diverse wildlife, including penguins and whales, as your anticipation starts building up. To us, the crossing is a quintessential experience of a true Antarctic explorer.
Cons: Crossing the Drake Passage takes some time, and the seas can be rough. It's not the quickest way to reach the continent, and you need to allocate more time for your expedition.
In conclusion, when it comes to traveling to Antarctica, you have these two choices. Flying offers efficiency and direct access, perfect for specific purposes. Crossing the Drake Passage by ship provides an unmatched adventure and connection with Antarctica's unique environment. Consider what truly matters to you, and you'll find the Antarctic transportation choice that suits your goals and spirit of exploration.
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
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