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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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Here are the average costs of drinks, in USD, on board the Polar Pioneer - bear in mind, they may change:
Bottle of wine - from $12
Bottle of beer - from $3
Spirits (gin, whisky, vodka, port, rum) - from $5
Cocktails - from $5.50
Soft drinks (fizzy, fruit juice and water) - from $2.50
Airport Departure Tax - USD $5.00 from Ushuaia, USD $18.00 from Buenos Aires
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Tipping is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It is an expression of satisfaction. The suggested amount is USD $10 - 12 per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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It is better to carry US dollars for tipping and payment of bar bills on board the ship. You can also pay with all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
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It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposits paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this by calling 0844 875 1895.
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Argentina: No visa is required for citizens of UK, CAN, USA, AUS and NZ. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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Please note: Please note that flights on the tour may transit through the USA. According to US law, passengers will have to disembark, collect luggage and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight.
Holders of the UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and several EU country passports can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they hold a machine readable passport. They must also be entering the country by sea or air on a carrier participating in the visa waiver scheme, holding a return/onward ticket. As well as being machine readable, if your passport was issued on or after 26 October 2005, it must contain both a digital photograph of the holder and also an integrated circuit chip that stores biographic information.
All passengers travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme must provide their details online no later than 72 hours prior to travel. British travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely to be detained and sent home. In addition to passport information, you must also supply the full address of your first night’s accommodation in the USA. This information can be obtained from your joining instructions which are sent out approximately 3 weeks before travel.
Anyone applying for ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to travel under the Visa Waiver system will be charged a fee of 14USD (9GBP).
For more information, and to apply online, please visit the following website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Once obtained, the application will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of your passport (whichever is shorter).
For more information about who is eligible for the VWP, or any other questions you may have regarding your eligibility, or machine readable passports, please contact your local consular office, or visit www.usembassy.org.uk
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Argentina Although a visa is not required by Australian, American and Canadian passengers to enter Argentina there is a reciprocal payment to be made.
NB - if passengers arrive at EZE airport on/after Dec 29th 2012 the fee must be paid online. For passengers arriving (internationally) at AEP the fee must be paid online from now on. If passengers are arriving via a border crossing from the 7th January 2013 the fee must be paid online prior to entering the country. The receipt generated at the time of online payment must be printed and given to local migration authorities together with passport upon passengers arrival to Argentina.
These payments are as follows: Australian - US$100; Canadian - US$70; American US$131. The fee can be paid at http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesibleingles
Back to topNothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topAll particpants in an expedition cruise, must complete a medical form before travel.
Back to topThere is no internet access on board our ships, however you can pay to send and receive emails (no attachments). On the Polar Pioneer, the prices start from approximately 20 US cents per one kilobyte. Wi-fi access is available for laptops, with an email account set up for US$5, with the same download/sending fees.
A satellite telephone is available for use, and prices start from US$10 for 5 min.
Please Note: Due to the remote location of your voyage, making contact with the ship via telephone can be difficult and expensive.
Ushuaia, in Argentinean Patagonia has a cool, windy and very changeable temperate climate. It can be cold, particularly at night, and wet at times. Travelling south towards Antarctica, the weather becomes colder.
Polar temperatures during the Antarctic season are usually a minimum of -15°C, maximum of 12°C and average of 0°C.
Wind chill can make the temperatures feel a lot colder, so it's important to take cold weather clothing with you (see below).
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company.
Back to topPlease note that a 15kgs luggage weight limit is sporadically enforced on the internal flight to Ushuaia, occasionally charges may be levied against passengers taking luggage in excess of 15kgs. Remember not to overload yourself.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topParkas
You should look for a lightweight, roomy, wind and water-resistant parka with some insulation. Bright colors are more visible - and thus - safer in polar environments.
Gloves
Keeping your hands warm and dry can be a challenge. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm outergloves. Thus, allowing you some protection from the cold when removing your gloves to operate your camera, etc. We strongly recommend that you bring more than one pair of gloves, in case one gets wet (or lost).
Hat/Cap
Warm, woolen hat/cap to protect your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection.
Pants/Trousers
Water-resistant pants/trousers of coated nylon or, even better, Gore-Tex® are essential for your comfort. They can beworn over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. We suggest that you purchase pants a few sizes larger than you normally wear as you will be wearing them over other clothing. Gore-Tex® or similar fabrics are excellent for keepingout wind and water without trapping excess heat. Rain gear and Gore-Tex® products can be found in any outdoor sport clothing store. In addition to your waterproof pants/trousers, warm ski pants are suggested if you have them, otherwise,bring any sturdy, warm pants/trousers that can be layered between your long underwear, such as jeans, sweatpants, corduroys, etc.
Socks
Warm wool socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for yourfeet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet.
Outer Clothing
Woolen, knit or cotton sweaters/tops, polar fleece tops (medium weight), several cotton turtlenecks and T-shirts forlayering on and off the ship.
Underclothing
Silk or polypropylene underwear is highly recommended since it will keep you warm without adding bulk. Most polar travellers prefer a lightweight version - but this depends on your own personal thermostat.
Back to topComplimentary waterproof boots will be supplied on-board. However, if you have extra small or large feet, you are advised to bring your own.
Also ensure you take good walking boots and trainers for relaxing.
Back to topThere are no hairdryers aboard the Polar Pioneer.
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topThe electrical supply on board the Polar Pioneer is 220 volts, 50 hertz. You will need a European round two-prong plug adapter.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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