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Zodiac boat with passenges in red jackets watching a huge whale nearby, Antarctica

Antarctica Travel Tips

We are very excited to have you join us to explore Antarctica very soon. Below are a few key bits of information you will want to know before departing on your Antarctic adventure.

For a more extensive guide to your trip to Antarctica, you can read our Antarctica Tour Hints, which covers everything from onboard amenities to climate and currency.

View More Antarctica Tour Hints

Before You Leave Home

Remote snow covered view of Antarctica

Travel Insurance

Given the inaccessibility of the White Continent, there is an obligation to choose your insurance company carefully. Evacuation costs from the Antarctic Peninsula could be more than $200,000 US dollars, plus medical expenses.
Generic Tourist

Luggage

The luggage limit is 23kg for the included return flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
Person in red jacket standing on deck of ship looking out towards ice covered land, Antarctica

Medication

It is extremely important you bring any prescribed medicines with you. We find that everyone reacts differently to the occasional rough weather of the Drake Passage. It is best to be prepared for motion sickness and bring mediation, non-oral medicine, such as a transdermal patch, is usually best.
Passangers wearing life jackets travelling in a small zodiac boat, Antarctica

Travel Documents

You will be required to fill out a Ponant Medical Form requesting personal and medical information prior to your cruise. Medical forms need to be completed with your family doctor between 90 and 45 days prior to your embarkation date, as the forms contain information needed for the ship’s manifest, as well as your safety whilst on board. A week before your tour you will receive all the documents required ahead of your trip via email, including any flights and hotel reservations made with APT.
Expedition leader sitting over a rock in Antarctica

Clothing and Gear

Typical daytime temperatures for the Antarctic Peninsula during the summer are 0˚C to 5˚C. However, the weather is quite variable, and you may encounter different conditions not only in a single day, but even on a single landing. Also, strong winds can make it feel considerably colder (as low as -18˚C), so you must be dressed for windy and wet conditions at all times. If you are continuing your exploration to other regions of South America, you will find that the temperatures are significantly higher. For example, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Lima are quite hot and often humid during these months and temperatures may reach as high as 35°C.
Fine dining restaurant on ship, Le Lyrial
Zodiac boat pull of people travelling towards ice covered land, Antarctica
Red quinoa and sugar snap salad

While You Are Travelling With APT

Dining
Two onboard restaurants serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the gastronomic restaurant, breakfast (served typically from 7am to 9am) and lunch are in the form of a buffet. In the evenings, refined set menus and a la carte dishes are served to your table in an elegant atmosphere. In the pool deck restaurant, all meals are in the form of a buffet in a relaxed atmosphere – a booking may be required. Room service is available all day. 
Vegetarian and Gluten free can be catered for – but please inform us of any dietary requirements well in advance of departure.

Dress Code
Dress on board is always casual and informal. We suggest dressing in layers for your comfort and safety. Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers with a good grip sole are all you need. You may like to bring some ‘smart casual’ options for the evenings and more formal attire for the Captain’s Reception and Farewell Dinner.

Laundry
A laundry service is available to you during your cruise. Price lists, bags and laundry slips can be found in your cabin wardrobe.

Currency
The currency aboard the ship is the Euro. The US dollar is also accepted. For souvenirs along the way, we suggest you carry a small amount of USD, as well as your Visa or MasterCard.