Pre-departure information

WELCOME TO THE POLAR REGIONS!

You are about to travel to one of the world’s most scenic places. The Antarctic regions may be a bit cooler holiday destination than most, but it evokes warm feelings and lots of inspiration. Everyone at PolarQuest is truly passionate about the Polar Regions – its pristine nature and fascinating wildlife. Once back home, we hope that you will have the same passion for this amazing wilderness and become a true Polar ambassador.

POLAR SPECIALISTS

Everyone working at PolarQuest have been to Svalbard and some of us to Antarctica. If you give us a call or send us an email, our enthusiastic travel consultants will answer all your questions regarding your Antarctica trip – clothing, weather, landings or Zodiac cruises – we have all the answers! 

GUIDES

We know that one of the keys to a successful expedition is having knowledgeable and enthusiastic leaders. Many of PolarQuest’s guides have more than ten years’ experience of the Polar Regions and commute between the Arctic and Antarctica every year. A few weeks prior to your voyage, you will receive a short introduction of the guides who will be on your trip.

INSPIRATION

Don’t forget to follow our blog, Facebook or Instagram and take part of news, images and travel stories. On our website you find several inspirational movies from both Svalbard and other unique destinations.

 

BEFORE YOUR TRAVEL

GENERAL

Please note: The itinerary on your trip works only as a guideline. Factors such as the weather or the ice situation in Antarctica play an important role in where the ship can venture. The daily schedule is decided by the Captain and the Expedition Leader, who both have great experience of the areas we are travelling in. Remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

STATE OF HEALTH

Please let PolarQuest know, well in advance, if you have a health condition that should be noted. This includes any regular medication or food- or medicine allergy etc. If you may sometimes need an extra hand due to, for example, impaired vision, hearing or mobility, it is important that you travel with someone who can be a support and not travel on your own. Our guide must be available to everyone who travels and unfortunately can not offer extra help to individual participants.

INSURANCE

It is very important to have full medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage throughout your voyage. Please make sure your insurance covers Covid-19.

PASSPORT AND VISAS

Passports are required for all passengers and must be valid for at least 6 months after returning from your trip and contain at least two unstamped pages (we recommend four blank pages). The passport must not be cracked or torn anywhere. We suggest that you make a copy of the information page in your passport, which you can then carry with you as identification. The passport itself should be left in a safe at a hotel or on board. A copy would also facilitate the process of a replacement passport should the regular passport be lost. No visa is necessary for Antarctica, but for your travel to and from your Antarctica expedition we advise you to check with your embassy.  

MONEY/CURRENCY

In Argentina they accept Argentine pesos. Most hotels, restaurants and many shops accept credit and debit cards. It is good to have some cash with you. USD can be exchanged for local currency on site. Remember never to show money and valuables.

In the Falkland Islands they accept Falkland pounds or credit cards and in South Georgia you can pay with both British pounds (GBP), USD and credit cards.

SAFETY

Please use caution, especially in the larger cities. For example, leave valuable jewelery at home.

LOST LUGGAGE

Lost luggage is beyond our control. In case your luggage do not arrive in time we recommend you take the following precautions:

• Pack your hand luggage with your essentials, such as medication and valuables
• Fly with your jacket on/with you on board
• Avoid travelling in light summer shoes
• Bring a change of clothes in your hand luggage
• If you have a travel companion, pack a few items in each other’s luggage. If your luggage goes missing, you will still have some of your items available.