Antarctica

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Antarctica and Argentina. A visa is not currently required for either country.

We are continuing to monitor the situation, and are providing this information simply for your awareness. Should the reciprocity tax be reinstated, we will contact you promptly with instructions on how the tax may be paid.

A reciprocity tax applies to any citizen of a country that charges Argentinean citizens a fee to obtain a visa. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the Argentinean Embassy or Consulate regarding any applicable fee.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact a consulate or embassy of Antarctica and Argentina to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please Note: Longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only guests of the ship are permitted onboard.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver's license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Cruise Regulations

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the cruise ship, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Deposit Information:

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking. Your deposit is £1,000.

Terms and Conditions:

For additional information pertaining to our Tauck Journeys, including Cancellation Information and Booking Conditions, click here to learn more.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready:

• Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
• Traveler Name(s):  Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver's license.
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)
• Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection product (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

Regarding your final payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 90 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Customer Protection: Our UK-based agents comply with the bonding requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority and provide full financial protection for the package holidays that we sell in the UK. For flight-based holidays, this is through the Air Travel Organiser's Licence (details of which are available from the UK-based agent with whom you book). When you buy a package holiday that doesn't include a flight, protection of your monies paid to our UK-based agent will be provided by way of a bond.

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Checked Luggage – General

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Medical Forms - In compliance with the Antarctic Treaty and the rules of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators all guests will receive a medical health questionnaire that must be returned to Tauck, completed in full no later than 90 days prior to tour departure. Failure to do so will be interpreted as the guest's desire to cancel their cruise and in which case all published cancellation penalties will apply. The medical questionnaire, completed fully, is a mandatory requirement "to respect safety rules of the polar zone". Any false information may lead to a refusal of embarkation of our guests at the port of departure. The medical questionnaire must be retained by the cruise ship company until the end of the cruise.

A certified French physician and nurse travel aboard ship and are available at all times, and an onboard treatment room is available. A nominal fee is charged to your shipboard account for office visits and any medication dispensed. We strongly suggest that each guest contact their physician at home to discuss their personal level of health before embarking on this Antarctic expedition.

As on any seagoing vessel, some marked motion may be anticipated in certain areas, dependent upon the weather and season. We recommend that passengers bring anti-motion medication just in case, even if you have never experienced motion sickness in the past. We suggest consulting your physician about appropriate medication.

The water on board the ship is potable, and complimentary bottled water is placed in your cabin each day. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no sophisticated medical facilities available in Antarctica. Travelers who are not fit for long trips for any reason, including disability, heart, or other health conditions, are advised not to join the expedition. If a health emergency would arise in Antarctica, you may have to be evacuated by air at considerable expense to you. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.

MOBILITY

Activities: On a scale of 1 (easiest) to 4 (most challenging), the activities on your itinerary are rated Level 3. Therefore, active components such as hiking and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. You should be able to walk two-to-three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty. Additionally, you must have good balance and be steady on your feet to move about the ship while cruising.

Pacing: On a scale of 1 (easiest) to 4 (most challenging), the pacing on your itinerary is rated Level 2. Your journey is moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motorcoach travel.

You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES: This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey. Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues. The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Efforts are made to accommodate guests with special dietary needs. We must be notified of the special dietary needs prior to embarkation. The galley is not equipped to prepare or serve kosher cuisine.

SMOKING

Aboard ship smoking is permitted on the outer decks only. Smoking is not permitted in any interior area of the ship, including the dining room, observation lounge, or passenger stateroom balconies. In accordance with the Antarctic Treaty, smoking is prohibited on all Antarctic landings. Additionally, smoking is not permitted aboard motor coaches. These regulations pertain to e-cigarettes as well.

Airline Disinsection

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a guidance letter that requires airlines and travel agents to disclose to consumers countries that require the use of insecticides by airlines. Please click here for more information.

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.

The Antarctica expedition is scheduled during the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, the temperatures in Antarctica will not be as cold as expected. In Buenos Aires, the expected temperatures should range from 70 to 85 °F (21 to 29 °C), and in Ushuaia, the expected temperatures should range from 45 to 60 °F (7 to 16 °C). Expect temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula to range from 20 to 35 °F (-7 to 2 °C). Please also keep in mind that it will be cooler in the evenings and you may experience a wind chill factor while aboard ship.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to noaa.gov by clicking here.

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site.

Please note that this is a casual tour. Comfortable and casual clothing is recommended while on board the ship and ashore. For daytime and evening wear, including the Captain's welcome aboard and farewell parties and dinners, casual dress is recommended. Slacks, sweaters, turtlenecks, etc. are suggested for both men and women. Appropriate footwear includes at least one or two pairs of deck-type, rubber-soled shoes.

Air is a very good insulator. Therefore, if you trap air in several layers of clothing, you have a better chance of staying warm than if you wear one or two very heavy items. You will also be able to add or subtract layers more easily to remain comfortable at all times. Wool and silk are superior to cotton because they can trap warm air. Synthetic fabrics that spring back into shape after compression are also good. Polypropylene and Polar fleece gloves, turtlenecks and pants may be purchased from most outdoor outfitters or at a marine supply store.

Parka: We will provide you with a complimentary, special, water-repellent hooded parka that you will receive aboard ship, several sizes are available. Although this will serve you well during the Antarctic expedition, you may want to bring along your own windbreaker for those areas where the temperatures are more moderate.

Pull-on rubber, unlined, waterproof knee-high boots (14" to 16") with strong rubber-ridged, nonskid soles are required. These specifications are VERY

IMPORTANT. If you do not have boots, you will not be able to participate in shore excursions. You may be stepping into water up to 10" deep. Moon boots or leather boots are not appropriate. Shoe-liners are good insulators (in addition to wool or synthetic socks) and can be dried out easily since they are removable. Please be sure your boots fit properly with heavy socks on your feet. Your pants should fit over your boots to maximize dryness.

BOOT RENTAL: Tauck will provide you with rental boots free of charge. If you are interested in taking advantage of this included boot rental, on embarkation day, there will be a letter in your cabin with instructions on the boot rental process.

Valet laundry service is available on the cruise ship and at the Hilton Buenos Aires for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the cruise ship.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the cruise ship other than those prescribed and stocked by the ship's physician.

We recommend you also bring the following items:

• Good quality, pull-on waterproof rain pants - VERY IMPORTANT for spray in the landing crafts and wet landings
• Waterproof mittens or gloves
• Warm socks - good material choices are silk, fleece, and polypropylene
• Warm pants to be worn under the waterproof pants - for example, polypropylene, wool slacks, corduroys, jeans, sweatpants, thermal underwear, silk underwear, etc.
• Sweatshirts, as well as silk turtlenecks, are good insulators
• Hat, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection (Some people bring earmuffs if they already have them, but these are not necessary)
• Clothing made of comfortable, cotton, woolen, knit and permanent press fabrics that can be layered for warmth if necessary
• Sun protection - sunscreen, sunglasses, lip protection. The glare from the water and surrounding snow and ice can be quite penetrating, even when the sky is overcast
• One pair of comfortable, sturdy, nonskid, rubber-soled walking shoes for on board during the day and city sightseeing before or after the Antarctica cruise
• Camera lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• A good pair of binoculars is strongly recommended
• Backpack to carry extra clothing or camera gear during excursions; this item is extremely useful for ship to shore transfers
• Travel alarm clock or cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Reusable zipper lock bags or other waterproof bags
• A personal medical kit with medication for possible upset stomach or motion sickness; aspirin and allergy medicine may also be useful
• Electrical converter, with adapter plug set for the hotel in Argentina, the ship has both 220V and 110V
• In your carry-on bag, pack any medication you might need during the trip and an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses
• Don't forget toiletries, address book, travel alarm clock, and a pocket calculator for converting foreign prices into U.S. dollar amounts
• During the land portion, lightweight casual clothing is appropriate. For women, skirts, shorts or slacks with short-sleeve blouses are recommended; for men, shorts, slacks and polo-style shirts. It will be warm in Argentina.