ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

FLIGHTS

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply
• 1 x return internal flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia

CRUISE

• 9-night Albatros Expeditions Antarctica and South Shetland Islands cruise
• Sail aboard Albatros Expedition’s 'Ocean Albatros' or brand new 'Ocean Victory' ship
• Free upgrade to a balcony stateroom
• Guiding and lectures by expedition leaders and teams
• Small ship expedition with a maximum of 185 guests
• Complimentary 24-hour tea and coffee during cruise
• Visual Journal link after voyage including voyage log, gallery, maps & more
• Complimentary access to gym facilities and onboard library
• Complimentary welcome aboard and farewell cocktails

ACCOMMODATION

• 6 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation

DINING

• Enjoy 32 meals including all meals whilst cruising

TOUR ESSENTIALS

• English-speaking expedition team
• English-speaking tour leader
• English-speaking guides
• Airline and cruise taxes and surcharges

TRANSPORT

• Transportation by private A/C vehicles

TRANSFERS

• Airport transfers
• Cruise terminal transfers

UPGRADES

• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary (see checkout for details)
• Cabin Upgrades: Cabin upgrades are available (see checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)

Day 1 Australia - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 2 Buenos Aires Half Day Sightseeing Tour

Day 3 Buenos Aires Free Day

Day 4 Buenos Aires – Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego National Park Tour

Day 5 Ushuaia – Embark 9 Night Albatros Expeditions Antarctic Cruise

Day 6 Drake Passage Crossing

Day 7 Drake Passage Crossing

Day 8 South Shetland Islands

Day 9 South Shetland Islands

Day 10 Antarctic Peninsula

Day 11 Antarctic Peninsula

Day 12 Depart Antarctica - Cruising

Day 13 Drake Passage

Day 14 Arrive in Ushuaia – Free Day

Day 15 Ushuaia - Buenos Aires

Day 16 Buenos Aires, Argentina - Australia

Day 17 In Transit

Day 18 Arrive in Australia

Travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 5th of February 2024.
 
This travel offer is priced for one person based on twin share. 
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, there are single cabins available at checkout.
Please note: Single cabin availability is very limited and will incur a surcharge.
 
Departure Dates:
2023
November 15
 
2024
February *5 
Please note: Dates with a * will incur a high season surcharge of $500
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
 
Departure Cities
Sydney, *Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth or *Auckland (New Zealand)
 
Departure City Surcharges
Melbourne: $200 per person
Adelaide: $100 per person 
Brisbane: $100 per person
Perth: $750 per person 
Auckland: $650 per person

Full-Service Airline(s) Used

Qantas Airways, Latam Airways, Air New Zealand, Aerolíneas Argentinas and airline partners (subject to availability)

Please note: One-way flights can not be accommodated. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 
 
Arrive early in Buenos Aires
Not available.
 
Stay behind in Buenos Aires, Argentina
$300 per person, subject to availability.
Please note:
- This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
- No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
- Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
- Blackout Dates:
15 November 2022 - 10 February 2023
15 November 2023 - 10 February 2024
 
Stopover Packages
Not available.
 
Flight Class Upgrades
• Business Class (international sector only): For pricing, please refer to the payment cart upon checkout.
Please note: 
• All Business Class upgrades are subject to availability (if we are not able to fulfil your request the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed in a Business cabin; subject to aircraft configuration.

OCEAN ALBATROS & OCEAN VICTORY:
Albatros Expeditions acquired its new luxury infinity vessel, Ocean Victory, which joined the fleet in November 2021. Ocean Albatros will launch in May of 2023. These 2 ships are recognised as two of the most modern small ship vessels in the market.
This stylish cruise ship, ideally suited for our business model of small ship expeditions, will be deployed and dedicated to varied Antarctic region voyages.

With a total of 93 comfortable staterooms for our guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel will also be environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.
Technical information:

• X-Bow for more stability and comfort
• Polar code Class 6
• Highest Ice Class 1A
• 4 Diesel engines and 2 electro engines
• Solas classification
• Environmentally friendly in all aspects
• Green initiative program & CSR 
• Unique hydraulic observation platforms

Cabins
All cabins are subject to availability; some cabins may have restricted views.
 
Albatros Expeditions 'Ocean Victory' Facilities
Beagle Restaurant:
Dinner always starts with delicious hot soups, cold cuts and crisp, fresh salads. Several choices of entrees are offered each evening, to accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements; always including a meat choice, fish choice and vegetarian choice. After dinner, freshly prepared desserts, including ship-made ice cream or cakes are a great way to end a meal and satisfy any sweet tooth.
A selection of wines and beers is available to perfectly complement your visit to the restaurant… and if you’re interested in relaxing during your time off from activities and landings, delight onboard Ocean Victory by raising your glass to the experience of a lifetime! The bar is fully equipped with a variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and more, to quench your thirst and reward the explorer in you.
 
Panorama Specialty Restaurant:
The specialty restaurant on Deck 8 offers unforgettable views while enjoying a unique way of food preparation: Lava Stone Cooking. Guests are able to dine at the Panorama Specialty Restaurant once during the voyage.

The method of cooking on stones can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptians and our Nordic ancestors, the Vikings!
Lava stone cooking offers a unique interactive dining experience, where meat and fish dishes are served cooking at your own table on super-heated natural volcanic stones. The high temperature sears the food faster and locks in the natural juices and nutrients, enhancing the full flavour and tenderness of all foods.
The cooking method uses no added fats or oils and sears the food without burning. It ensures a clean, and completely natural food flavour, not achievable with any conventional cooking methods. The result is a freshly grilled, healthy and nutritious meal with a sensational taste. 
Please note: The Panorama Specialty Restaurant is reserved for suite cabin passengers, however all passengers will be able to enjoy the Specialty Restaurant once during the voyage (cost not included)
 
Shackleton Lecture Lounge
What makes a good expedition? It is a combination of its landings and the experiences onboard the ship. Albatros Expeditions are honoured to have an amalgam of experts in the expedition team, from climatologists and geologists to renowned photographers, all eager to share their adventures and knowledge with guests.
 
Knud Rasmussen Library
Honouring the great explorers, the lecture room allows for an adventure within an adventure. Here you can find sagas, narratives and practical information on the polar regions, in various languages and subjects. From encyclopaedias of the polar wildlife and fauna to narrations of the many challenges faced by the first expeditions, this is the perfect location for entertaining your brain while we sail.
 
Albatros Observation Lounge
Celebrate your dream polar adventure, engage in conversation and relax while admiring the icy landscape of the polar regions. At the Nordic Bar Lounge Albatros aim to create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere with varied cocktails and drinks, appetisers and smaller events. Or try one of the unique wine-tasting menus from Gerard Bertrand.
 
Albatros Nordic Bar Lounge
The Albatros Nordic Bar Lounge provides a bit of warm Nordic hospitality to the Antarctic. Offering a large choice of drinks, including wine tasting menus from Gerard Bertrand, this is the perfect place to relax after an unforgettable day and make new international friends.
 
Other Features include:

• Albatros BBQ Deck
• Outdoor bar
• 2 lounges
• The Polar Spa
• Gym
• Pool Deck with a Heated infinity pool and 2 hot tubs
• Albatros Ocean Boutique
• Mudroom
• Hydraulic viewing platforms
• Front-facing windows in the Bow

Dining Experience - 'Ocean Albatros & Ocean Victory'
Experience a one-time Lava Stone Cooking Experience (on Ocean Victory) or a World Class Sushi Experience (Ocean Albatros) at the Panorama specialty restaurant once during the voyage (entrance only, no meals included).
  
Shore Excursions & Landings
The expedition team will organise a series of Zodiac excursions and shore landing activities to bring you closer in touch with your natural surroundings. Weather permitting, there can be up to 4 excursions per day; two zodiac cruises, and two land excursions.
 
Zodiac brand has earned a well-deserved reputation as the sturdiest and safest small watercraft available. These boats have a low draft and great stability. Zodiacs are constructed for professional use and are outfitted with a top-quality outboard engine, yet their design minimally impacts the environment.
The Zodiacs are designed to provide unrestricted access to the world’s last great frontier. Their versatility enables us to make landfall on remote shores, cruise along awe-inspiring coastlines and share breathtakingly close encounters with whales, seals, penguins, seabirds and more. We will come within arm’s reach of icebergs and set foot on land discovered by pioneering explorers just over a century ago.
Your safety and comfort are the #1 priority, and your expedition leader will carefully plan for as many Zodiac excursions as possible, depending upon the local weather and prevailing conditions. In each case, the expedition leader makes the final decision if the landing is possible or not. Particular safety regulations apply on landings. All guests receive mandatory instruction on the safety guidelines. Life jackets are mandatory to wear.
Please note: The cruising company highly recommend the use of waterproof bags in order to protect your personal camera or binoculars, as both hands have to be free of everything during boarding. Participation is fairly easy and comfortable for able-bodied guests but can be more challenging for those with physical handicaps.
Please note: All outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favourable both for the ship to access the areas, and for the zodiacs and kayaks to manoeuvre under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all passengers and staff. 

Superior
Buenos Aires: Libertador Hotel Buenos Aires or similar
Ushuaia: Los Acebos, Ushuaia hotel or similar
Albatros Expeditions 'South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Cruise' on either ‘Ocean Albatros’ or 'Ocean Victory' ship
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed, no later than two weeks prior to travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available. 
 
Maximum Room Capacity
3 People (triple cabin available on request, subject to availability).
Please note: Triple cabins are limited and subject to availability.
 
Child Policy
- No child discounts. Full price applies for all children travelling with their parents.
- Valid for Children 16 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Available on request (subject to availability).
 
Bedding Configuration
Twin or Double bedding (subject to availability).
 
Adjoining / Interconnecting Rooms
Subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion. Please enquire on booking if you require this option.

Minimum group size 18, maximum group size 44 per vehicle.
 
Optional Tours / Activities
Day 3: El Ombu Ranch Full Day Tour - $310 per
person
Day 3: Tigre & Delta with Boat Ride - $80 per person
Day 3: La Ventana Dinner & Tango Show - $125 per person
Day 4: Tierra del Fuego National Park - $80 per person
Please note:
- prices are based on per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions.
- The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone prior to submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability) 
- Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.
- The above tours are not TripADeal exclusive and may be shared with members of the public
 
Optional Tours - Payable onboard
Snowshoeing: $150 USD
Kayaking: $250 USD per outing
Polar Plunge: Free of charge
Please note: prices are based on per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions

• Visa fees and requirements (A tourist visa is not required for Argentina if travelling on an Australian passport)
• Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary (including any specialty restaurants onboard cruise)

Gratuities/Tipping:
* Recommended land: $6 USD - $11 USD per person per day
* Expected cruise tips: $14 USD per person per day
- Optional activities/tours (including any 'onshore' excursions as part of cruise)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (Mandatory)
Please note: A comprehensive travel Insurance policy must be organised BEFORE all details can be finalised.

A tourist visa for Argentina is no longer required if travelling on an Australian Passport. Passengers must hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page. More information can be found at https://visasdirect.com.au/requirements 
 
USA
Some flights for this tour may be required to transit in the USA. If travelling on an Australian passport, an ESTA (visa waiver) for the USA is a strict requirement when travelling to or flying through the USA. Once a USA ESTA visa waiver is issued it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner) and will allow multiple entries into the USA. For information on ESTA eligibility or to apply, please visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ 
 
Important: 
Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. It is also important to note that some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required. 

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

 
Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
If the incorrect name has been advised to TWAC, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the Travel Offer you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Travel Offer due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. TWAC has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event, TWAC is unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.

Although you should read all of the terms and conditions, the following is a summary of the most important:

• Our travel package is non-refundable, however you will receive a travel credit to be applied to our travel services.
• You, as our client, agree to check all documentation immediately for errors. Travel With A Cause (TWAC) does not take responsibility for incorrect dates or names supplied.
• Prices, including, in some cases, of confirmed bookings, may be subject to change. ​
• Some confirmed bookings are non-refundable if cancelled by you and it is your responsibility to check if this applies.
• We will be entitled to retain our service fees even if a booking is cancelled or does not proceed for any reason which is not our fault.
• It is your responsibility to make yourself aware of all information relevant to your travel plans, including but not limited to visa requirements and health precautions.
• There may be some additional fees or other incentives from Suppliers.
• We are not liable for the recent updates of any published Supplier content including websites and brochures

CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TWAC website.
 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TWAC, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.
 
We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
 
Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).