The description of the ships on this website have been compiled by the cruise operators and checked to ensure they are correct. However, changes may occur after the date of publication. In addition there may be occasions - especially in the low season - when the ship owners and hoteliers may decide to withdraw some of the facilities. These are regrettably beyond the control of Cruise operators and they therefore reserve the right to change the particulars at any time before they confirm your booking.
We will inform you of any such change at the time of booking, or, if you have already booked, you will be contacted before your departure if there is time. Public holidays and religious festivals may also affect the availability of resort and hotel facilities. The National Tourist Office can provide details of such events.
The information and advice given in this section is valid for British Citizens only. Anyone who is not a British Citizen (and this includes citizens of British Dependent Territories, citizens who hold their citizenship by virtue of a connection with Gibraltar, British Subjects who have right of abode in the United Kingdom and EU and other nationals) should consult the Embassy of the Country of destination, and the Home Office Immigration Department to check whether they require any special documentation for the countries they are visiting or for return to the UK.
All passengers must have a passport valid for at least six months after the date of return to the UK. If you need to obtain or renew your 10 year passport we recommend that you make your application in good time before your departure, since passport offices can become very busy in the summer. It normally takes about 3 - 4 weeks to obtain a passport by post but delays may be experienced during peak times.
VISA : At the time of writing, British passport holders do not require a visa for destinations on this website. Please re-check this information before booking.
Where applicable passengers will be issued with an entry permit/tourist visa upon arrival.
It is essential that the family and first names on the passport match those on your travel documents exactly.
The above information is correct at time of publication, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the requirements applicable at time of travel. Regulations can change and it is the responsibility of the traveller to check that they have all the appropriate documentation prior to travel.
Further information can be found at http://www.worldtravelguide.net and further UK passport information can be found at www.ukpa.gov.uk. Any non UK nationals should check with the relevant Embassy for passport/visa regulations.
Political and other conditions can also vary over time in different countries and travellers are advised to check with the Foreign Office regarding any travel advice prior to travelling.
At the time of publication of this website, no compulsory vaccinations or other health precautions were required for British Citizens. However, please check with your doctor whether at the time of booking in case anything changes.
Passengers suffering from any known or suspected medical condition, or women more than 28 weeks pregnant, are required to notify us at least 14 days before departure and to produce a medical certificate confirming fitness to travel. The cruise operators reserve the right to refuse or cancel the booking if the relevant certificate is not produced and will not be liable for the refusal by any operator to carry any person who has failed to notify us as above. If in doubt about health precautions, please consult your doctor.
In accordance with IAATO requirements, all travellers to Antarctica must complete a confidential medical declaration form, signed by a doctor stating that you are fit to travel. The form will be sent to you 3 months before departure and a copy must be returned to us before the final balance is due. The cruise operators and Coastal Cruises can not be held responsible for any circumstances arising out of a failure to disclose a disability or pre-existing medical condition.
It is the responsibility of all passengers to ensure they comply with any inoculation requirements applicable at time of travel. The cruise operators reserve the right to refuse boarding to any passenger displaying symptoms of any contagious or infectious illness.
NOTE: If you are taking medication, it is essential that you have sufficient supplies for the duration of your holiday. As you can appreciate, whilst cruising Antarctica, you could be thousands of miles from the nearest pharmacy. Any medication should always be carried in your hand luggage.
All routes and excursions are provisional and subject to change and weather, sea and ice conditions may affect the itinerary. The safety of passengers, crew and vessels is always the prime consideration and any adjustments to the itinerary will be decided locally, if necessary in consultation with the appropriate authorities, by the Tour Manager and/or Captain, whose decision is final. All operators reserve the right to alter the contents of the excursions without prior notice. They may also be subject to minimum/maximum numbers as well as weather and ice conditions.
A minimum number of persons is required to enable a number of the holidays to take place. Should the minimum number not be reached, we will advise you at least 8 weeks prior to your departure, when we reserve the right to cancel the holiday and refund all monies paid to us.
Alternatively, you may choose another holiday with us, but if the alternative arrangement is at an additional cost, the difference will be payable by you.
The voyages and tours featured on this website are based on independent travel, however all ships and many of our featured hotels have information staff who will advise you on excursions and offer general assistance.
Transfers are included in your holiday as shown in the itinerary and are usually accompanied. They may be operated by private coach, scheduled airport coach or train, minibus or taxi. Full details of transfers will be sent with your travel documents.
Our website includes pictures and descriptions of wildlife, which can be seen from the ships, however please be aware that there is no guarantee of sightings.
If you have any special request, which is not mentioned in connection with the arrangements described on this website (e.g. dietary requirements or a need for special assistance), please inform us at the time of booking. We will always do our best to meet such requests but cannot guarantee to do so, and in no circumstances will any such request be accepted by us so as to form part of our contractual agreement.
We regret that Antarctica expedition holidays are not considered suitable for less able passengers as landings and sometimes embarkation are by Zodiacs or tenders. A certain level of agility will be required to board but crew will be in attendance to ensure passenger safety.
It is essential that you advise us of all special requirements at the time of booking so that we can make the necessary arrangements and ensure that you have a trouble free holiday.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office may have issued information about your holiday destination. We advise you check this information at http://www.fco.gov.uk.