Included
Accommodation as listed in itinerary; arrival transfer from the airport to group hotel on Day 1; pre-night hotel accommodation with breakfast on Day 2; transfer from group hotel to the ship for embarkation; departure transfer from the ship to the airport on final day; all meals on board including snacks; onboard lecture program from expedition staff and naturalists; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except optional activities with cost); use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket; insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the cruise; all port taxes.
Exclusions
Airfare; visa and passport fees if needed; taxes and excess baggage charges; meals other than those specified; optional activities; all personal expenses including alcoholic beverages, gratuities, communication charges aboard and WiFi via pre-paid data card (coverage intermittent); life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots for minors under 16 years of age at time of travel; waterproof outer shell jacket and insulated inner jacket for guests who require sizing larger than 3XL; boots for guests who require sizing larger than men’s size 14 boots; medical care; travel insurance (required) and insurance of any kind; possible fuel surcharge. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your international trip concludes.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 95 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 95 days – 100% of deposit
94 to 0 days – 100% of monies paid
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
This Best of Antarctica voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Ushuaia ahead of the 6:00pm welcome briefing on Day 1. A complimentary arrival transfer is included from Ushuaia Airport to the group hotel on Day 1 of this trip. Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day. A transfer from Ushuaia Port to the airport is also included. Plan flights to depart Ushuaia no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Various optional activities may be available on your Best of Antarctica voyage, including complimentary yoga and meditation classes. Per-person prices for the 2025-26 & 2026-27 seasons: one-time “day paddling” $349; camping $399; snowshoeing $150. Camping must be booked prior to departure; day paddling and snowshoeing may be booked and paid for on board. Minimum age requirements may be in place. Please contact AdventureSmith for details and to reserve activity space with your booking.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a Triple or Explorer Twin cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender, subject to availability. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.8x (Classic Twin cabin) or 2x (Explorer Twin/Double & Comfort Twin cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability.
Families & Children
The minimum age for this cruise is 12 at the time of travel. There are no child discounts. All travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveler under the age of 18’s day-to-day care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.
If you are a parent or representative travelling with a minor under 17 years of age or under, you must return a completed Minor Waiver and, if applicable, a Minor Travel Consent Form prior to embarkation of the cruise. Due to the nature of the optional activities, including the polar plunge, minimum ages and pre-approval requirements also apply.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for this cruise. This trip requires that at a minimum you are covered against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$250,000. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number ahead of embarkation; you will not be able to join the trip without these details. We strongly recommend policies that also cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
