Frequently asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

• Not mandatory, but recommended: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance. Polar expedition cruises can be quite expensive. Travel insurance can protect your investment by covering the costs if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, family emergencies, or other covered reasons.
• Not mandatory and optional: Gear and Equipment Coverage. Polar expeditions often require specialized clothing and gear. Some insurance policies offer coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment.

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.

Paperwork

• Passport (valid more than six months past entry date!)
• A copy of this booking confirmation & other bookings you made
• A copy of your international health insurance and travel insurance

Equipment

• Water proof Pants: Lightweight waterproof pants in a pull-on style that can be worn over a warm insulating layer are best.
• Core Jacket
• Waterproof and Windproof Jacket — This will act as your outer layer.
• Insulating Base Layers — Pack a couple of warm base layers made from moisture-wicking fabrics such as polyester, polypropylene, and Merino/Smartwool/etc. Layers are key to keeping warm in these sub-zero regions.
• Warm Socks — Lots of them. Merino/Smartwool is recommended for durability, warmth, and long-term value.
• Two pairs of waterproof gloves or mittens
• Neck gaiter or scarf
• Warm windproof hat that covers ears
• High Factor Sunscreen — The ozone layer is at its thinnest above the polar regions, and there's significant glare from the white snow and ice. This is a must.
• Polarized sunglasses with retainer strap high UV protection
• Everyday clothes to wear onboard.
• Slip-on footwear for quick deck access There are lots of opportunities to see seabirds and marine life from out on deck. You don't want to risk missing a pod of orcas because you had to lace your shoes.
• Swimsuit (if you want to do the Polar Plunge)
• Sandals
• A nice outfit for the Captain's dinner (if included in your itinerary)
• Workout clothes if your ship has a gym
• Small backpack or daypack, ieally waterproof
• Reusable water bottle
• Dry bags for camera and electronics
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Binoculars

Miscellaneous

• Approx. $300US in cash (smaller than $100 bills)
• Camera with memory cards and spare batteries and protective bag
• Seasickness medication
• Imodium loperamide for diarrhea
• Lip balm SPF 30+
• Small personal first-aid kit
• Prescription medications in original packaging in carry-on
• Earplugs
• Journal
• Book
• Downloaded movies or playlists
• Credit card

Advice

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.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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.

5. 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!

6. 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.

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.

• 7:00 AM Wake-up call
• 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Breakfast
• 8:30 AM Quick meeting to confirm the day’s zodiac outing. Head to the mudroom and get geared up for the day’s adventure.
• 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Embark on a Zodiac through icy blue waters, marvel at towering glaciers, and spot a Minke whale.
• 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch on board the expedition cruise ship
• 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Sit down to a presentation about Antarctica’s environment
• 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM Shore landing at Cuverville Island. Walk along the shore and watch the young penguins plunge into the water for the first time. Sit down on the rocks and feel joyous as a curious Gentoo approaches you and nibbles at your camera strap. Return to the ship.
• 6:30 PM Recap today’s events and brief on the schedule for tomorrow. Relax with travelers, ship staff, and guides.
• 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Dinner

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.