The polar plunge may be offered during the trip, but only if conditions are considered safe by the expedition leader. When possible, the activity takes place from shore under the supervision of experienced staff. For safety reasons, polar plunges are not conducted from the vessel or from Zodiac boats.

All activities are planned with detailed safety systems and are regularly reviewed to maintain high standards. Procedures and guidelines are in place to ensure each activity is carried out as safely as possible.

You will receive travel vouchers after we have received your full payment and completed Personal Information Form(s). Final documents are usually sent by email about one month prior to departure.

Travel visas must be arranged by each passenger individually. However, an official Invitation Letter can be provided upon request to support the visa application process with your local embassy.

For travelers coming from countries that require a visa, assistance can be offered by connecting you with a trusted visa partner who can guide you through the process.

Expedition voyages are planned with safety as the top priority. Passengers also play a key role in ensuring their own safety while on board and during landings.

Each cabin is equipped with life jackets, and a mandatory safety drill is held at the start of every voyage. Additional drills may be conducted during the trip if needed.

On board, one hand should always be free to hold onto railings or support when moving through hallways or up and down stairs. The ship may shift suddenly when navigating through ice, so using handrails is strongly advised.

Open decks can be slippery, and many doorways have high steps. Caution is important when stepping outside. Hands should never be placed on door edges or frames, as unexpected movement can cause doors to shut abruptly.

Footwear must be sturdy and secure. Open-backed shoes such as flip-flops are not allowed.

Yes, travel insurance is required for all expedition voyages. It must include coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation.

Minimum coverage amounts are:

• EUR/USD 50,000 per person for Arctic trips

• EUR/USD 100,000 per person for Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands

• EUR/USD 300,000 per person for Ross Sea voyages

A comprehensive travel insurance policy should meet these requirements. All participants must also sign a liability statement confirming that the voyage is undertaken at their own risk and that the operator is not responsible for personal injury, property damage, or loss of belongings.

Guests will be asked to provide insurance details after booking. Assistance with arranging suitable insurance can be provided upon request.

There is no gym or fitness room available on board. Expedition activities such as landings, hikes, and Zodiac cruises provide regular physical movement throughout the voyage

Daily programs will be announced during briefings and displayed around the vessel (on TVs and posters). Please check this information on a regular basis in case of changes. Our planned schedule and activities are always subject to change due to local conditions (ice, weather, wildlife). If a lecture is cancelled due to excursions or activities, it will be rescheduled for the next possible time.

Our expedition leaders and captains consider all factors in advance and will adapt the program as necessary to give you the best possible experience. You will be informed of all changes.

Life on board focuses on exploration, but when not ashore or in Zodiacs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the time. Lectures and presentations are held around mealtimes, covering subjects such as wildlife, polar history, and the environment.

Guests can relax in the lounge with a drink, spend time in the small library, or use the public computer stations. Wildlife viewing from the outer decks is always available. The bridge is open to guests throughout the voyage, offering a unique place to enjoy the view and watch the crew at work.

Yes, but only outside in designated areas. It is prohibited to smoke inside our ships at any time. It is also strictly prohibited to throw tobacco waste (cigarette butts, cigar butts, pipe ash) anywhere in the polar environment, whether on land or at sea.

We provide shampoo and shower gel in the cabins of all our vessels.

Bringing personal alcohol on board is allowed, but it must be consumed only in the privacy of the cabin. If consumed in public areas, a corkage fee applies: EUR 20 per bottle of wine and EUR 50 per bottle of hard liquor.

For drinks in lounges and common areas, the onboard bar offers a wide selection and is staffed by experienced bartenders.

All vessels offer Wi-Fi access throughout the ship, with complimentary internet included. Each guest receives 1.5 GB of data per day, which resets every 24 hours. Additional data packages are available for purchase in 5 GB and 10 GB increments.

While internet access is via satellite and can be affected by location and weather, it is generally reliable for basic use such as messaging, browsing, and email. In the event of a real emergency, a satellite phone is available on the bridge for critical communication.

Disembarkation usually takes place around 09:00, shortly after breakfast. This is standard for nearly all voyages, though exact timing may vary slightly depending on local conditions or port arrangements.

Embarkation normally takes place between 16:00 and 17:00. This is the standard time for most voyages. However, some itineraries may follow a different schedule. Exact embarkation details will be confirmed in the pre-departure information for your specific trip.

For both Arctic and Antarctic voyages, it is strongly recommended to arrive at the port of departure at least one day before embarkation. This helps reduce the risk of missing the ship due to flight delays.

In Antarctica, the vessel departs on a strict schedule and does not wait for delayed passengers unless part of a large group. In the Arctic, while some guests arrive on the same day and the ship may wait if a common flight is delayed, this cannot be guaranteed for individual travelers. Arriving early is the safest option.

We are required to keep a minimum distance from all wildlife. This distance may vary depending on the species, but the aim is always to reduce the possibility of disturbing the animals while also keeping our passengers safe. Your expedition guides will inform you as to the distance we are required to keep from various animals.

Sometimes curious wildlife (such as penguins and young seals) may approach you, but we ask that you refrain from physically interacting with them. Please always follow local guidelines and the advice of our staff.

The Zodiacs are driven by our staff and crew. The driver is in charge of the boat and its operations. Please follow their instructions at all times.

To help protect the fragile ecosystems of the polar regions, all gear and clothing must be thoroughly cleaned before travel:

• Footwear should be scrubbed and completely free of soil, seeds, or organic material.

• Clothing must be checked for soil, seeds, and insects, especially in cuffs, pockets, zippers, hoods, and Velcro areas.

• All equipment, such as walking sticks, ski poles, and camera tripods, should be clean and free of dirt or plant material.

• Luggage and backpacks should also be inspected to ensure no contamination is carried into these environments.

These measures help prevent the introduction of non-native species and protect local wildlife and vegetation.

Both polar regions are fragile environments where all visitors must take care to minimize their impact.

• Avoid damaging vegetation or disturbing the ground, as regeneration is extremely slow. Do not pick flowers or remove plants.

• Do not feed or approach wildlife. If an animal changes its behavior due to human presence, it is being disturbed.

• During nesting season, be especially careful around birds. If adult birds are scared off, their eggs or chicks become vulnerable to predators and the cold.

• In the Arctic, be aware that rabies can occur in animals such as Arctic foxes. Maintain distance and avoid contact with any wildlife.

• Do not herd or startle groups of birds like ducks or geese.

• Many landing sites in the Arctic feature protected historical artifacts such as graves, hunting tools, blubber ovens, or crosses. These must not be touched, moved, or taken.

• It is prohibited to collect any souvenirs, including bones, rocks, fossils, animal remains (alive or dead), or plants.

Always follow the guidance of the expedition team and stay within marked or instructed paths during landings.

Dietary requirements should be communicated in advance through the Personal Information Form (PIF) to allow the kitchen team time to prepare suitable meals. Cultural and religious dietary needs can be accommodated to a limited extent. Kosher meals are not possible, as the necessary products and facilities are not available on board. Halal meals can be arranged if requested at least three months prior to departure.

Water, coffee, and tea are included with all meals at no extra cost. Other beverages, such as soft drinks, beer, or wine, are available for purchase at a reasonable price and will be charged to the cabin account.

Yes, snacks, coffee, and tea are available throughout the day at no extra cost. Ready-made soups, cookies, crackers, coffee, and a variety of teas are offered 24 hours a day.

Yes, all tap water on board is safe to drink. Freshwater is produced on the ship from seawater using reverse osmosis. There is no need to bring bottled water, and you can refill your bottle at any tap throughout the vessel.

Do not wear cotton clothing or jeans during kayaking. When wet, this material will increase the chance of hypothermia. Also, it is not very comfortable while kayaking. Normal gloves like Gore-Tex or leather are also not appropriate for kayaking. Neoprene gloves are best for keeping your hands warm in the frigid water.

Yes, this is possible. We offer a range of different cabins, so in order to make a special cabin request, we recommend you book as early as possible to give us time to accommodate you.

Yes, we have hair dryers available in all cabins

Yes, the power supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles. The wall plugs accommodate two thick round pins like those found in most European countries. You may need an adapter for your particular equipment.

Ambient temperature in public areas is usually maintained between 18 and 20°C. Cabin temperatures can be adjusted individually to suit your preference.

No, you are not able to get cash advances on the vessel.

Yes, a 40% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. If the booking is made close to departure, full payment may be due immediately.

Some expeditions require full payment 2 months before departure, while others require it 3 months in advance, depending on the voyage.

For specific details about your trip, please contact us directly.

Yes, shore activities are carefully managed to protect wildlife, the environment, and local cultures. Guests must follow guidelines set by IAATO and AECO, as well as any local regulations. Expedition staff will provide briefings and guidance to help ensure low-impact behavior on land.

The two key principles to follow are:

• Leave nothing behind but footprints

• Take nothing with you but memories

Sturdy inflatable Zodiac boats are used for all landings, as most destinations on the route do not have harbor facilities. Passengers board the Zodiacs via gangways from the ship. Boarding requires basic mobility, as the gangway may move with the motion of the vessel.

Yes, there is an onboard entertainment system with access to movies, TV series, news, and information about menus, daily activities, and your voyage. Simply connect to the vessel’s Wi-Fi, then click the link or scan the QR code to browse content at your convenience.

Expedition cruises are trips that focus on maximum contact with local wildlife, natural phenomena, and locations of cultural/scientific significance. These trips are best enjoyed in relatively small groups led by highly experienced expedition guides.

Each cabin is equipped with a small safe suitable for storing valuables such as passports, phones, wallets, keys, and jewelry. Larger items like laptops may not fit inside.

Yes, bringing your own binoculars is highly recommended. Wildlife sightings often happen at a distance, whether from the ship or during Zodiac cruises. A good pair of binoculars will let you spot birds, seals, and whales in much more detail and make the experience far more rewarding. While some spotting scopes may be available on board, having your own ensures you don’t miss a moment.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be in good general health and able to walk for a few hours at a time. While the expedition is ship-based, it can still be physically demanding. You must be able to move around the ship safely, even in rough conditions.

If you plan to join landings, you need to be able to get in and out of Zodiacs and use the gangway, which can be steep and may shift with the motion of the ship. Shore conditions are often uneven, rocky, or slippery.

Expeditions travel through remote regions without access to advanced medical care. Anyone with a serious medical condition, or in need of daily medical treatment, should not join. Health issues that could require emergency care must be declared before travel. You’ll be asked to complete a personal health form after booking.

Because medical evacuation is not always possible, the team may restrict participation in certain activities or travel if health concerns pose a safety risk.

Children must be at least three years old to sail with us, however we advise against travelling with children under 8 years old. We do not have an upper age restriction, but all passengers must be mentally and physically capable of making the voyage.

It is prohibited to use recreational UAVs/quadcopters/drones during our voyages. This applies both on the ship and off, regardless of any permits held by the passenger.

The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) has prohibited the recreational use of UAVs/quadcopters/drones on member vessels, Zodiac boats, and during scheduled landings. Also, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands have issued a ban on recreational use of these devices in their territories.

The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) has also prohibited the recreational use of UAVs/quadcopters/drones on member vessels and during all cruise excursions.

Helicopter operations depend on a lot of factors, such as weather, sea, and ice conditions as well as distance restrictions, visibility, and technical issues. We will only operate helicopters if all conditions are safe, so we can never guarantee that helicopter operations will take place.

Meals are international and satisfying, with breakfast and lunch typically served buffet-style. Dinner is either plated or buffet-style, depending on the day’s program. Dietary preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.

Bar bills, souvenirs, laundry, and additional internet packages (beyond the included 1.5 GB) are charged to your cabin. Accounts can be settled on the last day using Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club/Discover, UnionPay, or cash. The onboard currency is Euro. Cash payments are accepted in Euro or US Dollars, with conversion based on the onboard exchange rate.

Tips are preferred in cash. The suggested amount is 15 Euro per person per day. Tips are equally shared among all crew and staff on board. 

You’ll need to bring a waterproof jacket and pants to stay dry during Zodiac cruises and shore landings, as conditions can be wet, snowy, or windy. Rubber boots are provided on board for all guests, so you do not need to bring your own.

We also recommend packing layered clothing such as thermal underwear, sweaters, a fleece jacket, warm socks, gloves or mittens, a wool cap, and other cold-weather essentials. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a waterproof backpack, and your camera.

For a full checklist, visit our detailed packing guide  What to Pack for a Polar Expedition Cruise: The Essential Checklist.

A doctor is on board and available throughout the trip. The ship has a medical room equipped to manage a range of health concerns, from general illness to more serious issues that may occur during the voyage. If you feel unwell, you can speak directly with the doctor. Please inform the team in advance if you take specific medications or have any known allergies.

Yes, laundry service is available on board. In your cabin, you’ll find a laundry form and a laundry bag. Fill out the form, place your laundry in the bag, and leave it on your bed. Your cabin steward will collect it and return it within 24 hours. Dry cleaning is not available. The cost will be charged to your cabin account.

Zodiacs are specially designed inflatable boats used for daily operations during expedition cruises. These safe, durable, and reliable boats are essential for accessing remote locations such as isolated beaches, shallow shorelines, and rocky coasts. They also make it possible to land at more conventional spots like docks, sea walls, and jetties.

All Antarctic voyages operate on the same time zone as Ushuaia, Argentina (GMT -3), regardless of the ship’s location. This keeps the daily schedule and onboard communication consistent.

The only exception is the voyage that includes the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, where the time may shift by one hour forward and back during the trip.

Meal times vary depending on the day’s expedition schedule and will be announced on board. As a general guideline, breakfast is usually around 07:30, lunch around 12:30, and dinner around 19:00.

During the expedition season in Svalbard, typically from May to August, temperatures are mild compared to what many expect from the Arctic. In July, which is usually the warmest month, daytime temperatures often range from 3 to 8°C. In May and early June, it can be colder, with occasional snow and temperatures closer to freezing.

Weather can change quickly, and wind chill may make it feel colder, especially during Zodiac rides or landings. Still, when the sun is shining and the wind is low, it can feel quite comfortable, and many guests enjoy being outside in lighter layers. Warm, layered, and waterproof clothing is recommended for all outdoor activities.

During the expedition season to the Antarctic Peninsula, which runs from November to March, the weather is milder than many might expect for such a southern region. In December and January, the warmest months, daytime temperatures are typically around 1 to 2°C. Early and late in the season, temperatures are often closer to freezing or just below.

Conditions can change quickly, with a mix of sun, wind, and occasional snowfall or light rain along the coast. Wind chill can make it feel colder, particularly during Zodiac outings or exposed shore landings. Still, when the sun is out and the wind is low, it can feel surprisingly comfortable, even warm. Layered, waterproof clothing is essential to stay prepared for changing conditions throughout the day.

The Antarctic Circle lies at approximately 66°33′ south of the Equator. It marks the point where, for at least one day a year, the sun does not rise or set. While most of our Antarctic voyages explore regions north of this line, a select number of trips are designed to cross the Antarctic Circle. These special itineraries take you deeper into the far south, offering a chance to reach more remote icy landscapes and celebrate crossing one of Earth’s major geographic markers.

Yes, but the minimum age we can allow on board is three years old. We advise against traveling with children under eight years old. The maximum age we consider a child to be is 16 years old. We offer a 40% child discount for one child with a minimum of two full-paying passengers in the same cabin. This child discount is only valid in certain cabin types on select voyages for children between three and 15 years old.

This depends on the cabin you choose. We offer twin, superior, triple, and quadruple cabins. You can book a twin cabin for yourself at 1.7 x the shared rate. You can also choose to share a twin cabin with another passenger (at no extra cost if you end up in the cabin alone).

We offer four kinds of cabins:

• Quadruple: maximum four passengers
• Triple: maximum three passengers
• Superior: maximum three passengers (one double bed and single sofa bed)
• Twin: maximum two passengers (also possible to book a twin cabin for single use)

The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution in one envelope at the end of the voyage, then divided among the crew and staff. Tipping is a personal matter, and the amount you give is at your sole discretion, but we advise 12 – 15 EURO per guest, per day. Cash preferred, given either individually or as a group.