FAQs

Our expedition from South America to Antarctica is scheduled during the Austral Summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Generally in the Antarctic, temperatures during the day are between 20º and 40º F. Although it can be very sunny, expect rain, snow, fog and a high wind chill factor.

Please see Seasons in Antarctica for more information.

Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. Flexibility is the key to success.

We endeavour to make two landings per day while in South Shetlands Islands and Antarctic Peninsula via our fleet of zodiacs.

Please keep in mind that many of the places we will visit on the voyages are unique. We at Antarpply Expeditions are very proud of our outstanding reputation for conservation and respect for all the ecosystems we visit. Please assist us in maintaining this reputation. Your Expedition Team will accompany you on daily shore excursions and provide you with extensive information. You will receive our Antarctic Guidelines with your travel documents.

Internet cards can be purchased for 500MB to have internet access. Wi-Fi will be available in the Lounge/Bar area exclusively and passengers can access the internet from their own devices only. See 'Contact information of the USHUAIA' for detailed information.

• Voyage aboard the USHUAIA as indicated in the itinerary.
• All meals throughout the voyage aboard the USHUAIA.
• All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiac.
• Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
• Comprehensive pre-departure material.
• Detailed post-expedition log.

Personal nature expenses on board such as bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages are not included. We suggest that you bring at least US$300 (in small bills).

Your account must be settled prior to disembarkation in cash (U.S. Dollar and Euro). We accept only MasterCard and American Express for charges over US$100. However, we can not accept gratuities by credit card.

The customary gratuity to the ship's service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest US$15 per person per day.

Electric current on board is 110 V/ 60 Hz and cabins are fitted with multi-type sockets suitable for several international plugs. However, we recommend to bring necessary converters and any special adapters with you as only a limited number can be borrowed on board.

Some outlets in public areas are 220v-240v and are clearly marked. However, they are fitted with Argentine outlets. This plug has two flat pins in V-shape and also has a grounding pin. The ungrounded version of this plug with only two flat V-shaped pins or a plug with two thin round pins also work.

The USHUAIA accommodates a maximum of 90 passengers in 46 comfortable twin cabins and suites. Our passengers are coming from all over the world, mainly from Europe, USA, Australia & New Zealand, South America.

Our crew consists of around 38 crew members, Captain, officers, crew and staff, mostly Argentineans and Chileans.

As part of your voyage experience, you will find many languages are spoken aboard the ship.

English and Spanish are the languages used and spoken by all officers and crew (although some crew members may only speak Spanish). All announcements are made in English and Spanish and lectures are given in both languages.

As well as many nationalities there is a wide variety of ages with the average about 50.

You are required to have a good general health and physically capable of performing normal on board and ashore activities, which may require moderate exertion, with a high degree of self-sufficiency.

Please note that you will also have to get up and down the steep gangway to board the zodiacs and the onboard stairs between decks.

You will be asked to complete a medical form to Antarpply Expeditions no later than 90 days before your scheduled departure. This information is essential and will be kept in strict confidence.

The USHUAIA is outfitted with a well equipped infirmary and a fully qualified physician. Your health and safety is of great importance to us while you travel with us to Antarctica.

However, as this expedition will take you far from the nearest hospital or fully equipped medical facility we request all passengers to have adequate medical insurance that will provide coverage in the event of a medical emergency, including medical evacuation.

Our highest priority during your cruise is the personal safety of all passengers and crew. Our vessel meets all international requirements. Officers and crew are well trained and regularly practice emergency procedures to ensure your comfort and safety. Within 24 hours of embarkation there will be an emergency drill which all guests are required to participate. Through this exercise, you will become familiar with procedures that must be followed in the unlikely event of an emergency. Interesting events or wildlife attractions, as well as potential emergency calls, are made by Public Announcement (PA) system on board.

The USHUAIA is in full compliance with the requirements of SOLAS (International Agreement Concerning Safety of Life at Sea), with regulations stipulated by IMO (International Maritime Organization) and the provisions of the ISM Code (International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships). Embedded in the Code are annual flag state inspections, internal and external safety and environmental audits, and annual classification society inspections. The vessel carries a valid Safety Management Certificate and a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate. Without fully complying with these stringent requirements the vessel would not be permitted to sail, nor would she be able to secure insurance cover. We hold P&I insurance by SHIPOWNERS, London, one of the best P&I clubs in the world.

All tourism activities in Antarctica must be conducted according to the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty which addresses key issues such as environmental protection and safety. The Treaty is administered by the signatory States, with tourism operators reporting to their national governments. The Argentine government has reviewed our operation and confirms that it is in full compliance with the Antarctic Treaty. The Treaty also provides for an inspection process in the field, reviewing and evaluating the equipment, activities and operational procedures of all human activities in Antarctica.

Antarpply Expeditions is a full member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), an industry body founded in 1991 that promotes safe and environmentally responsible Antarctic tourism. Through IAATO, best tourism practices are shared industry-wide, that include stringent safety and emergency procedures.