Highlights of Antarctica

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

• 10-night 'Highlights of Antarctica' expedition cruise with Hurtigruten
• Cruise onboard Hurtigruten's MS Fridtjof Nansen ship
• Spend 5 days in Antarctica with multiple small group Zodiac landings at numerous spectacular locations

• 2 nights of 4-star accommodation in Buenos Aires

• 31 meals included including all while cruising
• Drinks included (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim onboard Hurtigruten MS 'Fridtjof Nansen' ship

• English-speaking Expedition team
• Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
• Airline and cruise taxes and surcharges

• Day 2: Buenos Aires airport to the hotel
• Day 3: Buenos Aires hotel to the airport
• Day 3: Ushuaia airport to the cruise terminal
• Day 13: Ushuaia cruise terminal to the airport
• Day 13: Buenos Aires airport to the hotel
• Day 14: Buenos Aires hotel to the airport

• 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: Tailor your cruise experience. Cabin upgrades are available (cabins are subject to availability, some may have restricted views)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)
• Guaranteed Airline: Fly with a guaranteed airline (see checkout for details)
• Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.

Bon voyage!

Today, at the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport to board your flight to Buenos Aires, the first stop on your journey to Antarctica!

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on day 2, to arrive on day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Meals included: In-Flight

Buenos dias! Welcome to beautiful Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your central hotel.

Known as the Paris of the south and for its multitude of theatres and its world-class steakhouses, Buenos Aires is the vibrant capital of Argentina and one of the most amazing cities in South America.

Enjoy a free day today to explore the sights, gastronomy and arts of this fantastic city. Come sundown, take a taxi to moody Barracas and enjoy one of the many traditional wine bars or maybe practise your dance moves in the hometown of tango. Make sure to embrace the heat from this sensuous city, because you can be sure that it is about to get a whole lot colder.

Overnight: Grand Brizo Buenos Aires Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: In-Flight

Today you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia. Late-nighters beware, you will fly early in the morning to the town of Ushuaia where a hybrid-powered state-of-the-art Hurtigruten expedition ship awaits you. This port city competes with Chilean Puerto Williams for the coveted title of the southernmost city in the world. The Martial Glacier sits north of the city, creating an impressive mountain backdrop for what many refer to as the ‘end of the world’.

After a mandatory health and safety meeting on board the ship, kick off your journey with a welcome dinner hosted by the Expedition Team. You can then spend some time getting to know the ship that will be your home for the next eleven days.

Overnight: Hurtigruten ‘MS Fridtjof Nansen’

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

In order to get to Antarctica, the ship has to cross the infamous Drake Passage. Named after the English sea captain and privateer Sir Francis Drake who discovered it by chance in 1578. Since there is no landmass at this latitude, wind and water roam freely, making it hard for some ships to sail here. But don’t worry, even the ‘Drake Shake’ isn’t a big deal for Hurtigruten's ultra-modern expedition ships.

It takes two days to cross the roughly 1000km-wide Drake Passage. So you’ll have some time on your hands, which is definitely a good thing as there is plenty to do to get ready for the Antarctic adventure. The Expedition Team will start their lecture programme in the onboard Science Centre, drawing on decades of experience in Antarctica to teach you how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible. As per IAATO guidelines, once you begin venturing on land you will all wear sterilised rubber boats when ashore and ensure to vacuum your clothing beforehand to remove any possible foreign contaminants. You will also learn about the various hands-on ‘Citizen Science’ projects you can get involved in, such as collecting samples and data or whale counting and cloud observation. All of which feeds into live research and current science.

Overnight: Hurtigruten ‘MS Fridtjof Nansen’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The stylish Hurtigruten expedition ship lies at your feet to be explored, quite literally. Work out in the indoor or outdoor gym or order a spa treatment in the Wellness Area. There are also three superb restaurants onboard where you can enjoy delicious meals that are a treat for your eyes and your taste buds. But even with all these mod cons, don’t forget to head out on deck from time to time to look for the first icebergs, and to spot wildlife like whales, dolphins and numerous types of seabirds including petrels and albatross.

Overnight: Hurtigruten ‘MS Fridtjof Nansen’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Land ho! Welcome to Antarctica.

For the next five days, surrounded by icy waters, looming glaciers and icebergs as big as cathedrals could make you feel as though you’ve landed on another planet.

Overnight: Hurtigruten ‘MS Fridtjof Nansen’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Antarctica is as magnificent as it is mesmerising and massive. You may need to take a moment once in a while in order to take it all in. Although, the awe-inspired silence will inevitably be broken by the first signs of wildlife. It is not uncommon on board when penguins, whales or seals appear, that the serene silence will be broken by loud enthusiastic cheers erupting spontaneously all across the ship.

Overnight: Hurtigruten ‘MS Fridtjof Nansen’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Just as the ice-scapes of Antarctica change through its seasons, so does its wildlife. In late spring from October to November, there will be much more snow, making the landscapes seem even more surreal and pristine. This forms the backdrop of penguin courting and nest building. Whales are still few and far in between during this time, most of them still on their way and begin to arrive in greater numbers by December and January. The arrival of more whales marks the height of summer which is also when the first penguin chicks hatch. Watching the clumsy clumps of feathers playing in the snow is always a charming sight. February and March are the peak of whale-watching opportunities, when they are lured to the Antarctic Seas by vast amounts of krill.

Overnight: Hurtigruten ‘MS Fridtjof Nansen’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The Expedition Team will seize every chance they can to take you ice-cruising and on Zodiac landings to get closer to the impressive scenery and wildlife. Spotting penguins from the ship is already an experience, which becomes even more wondrous when you go ashore to see them up close and personal. It’s the same if a seal or whale suddenly appears next to you when cruising in our smaller explorer boats or when kayaking as part of an optional activity. Needless to say, keep your camera close at all times.

Overnight: Hurtigruten ‘MS Fridtjof Nansen’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

The Expedition Team will enhance your feeling of discovery by talking expertly about fascinating subjects like the history of the frozen continent, the biology of local wildlife and the intriguing aspects of glaciology.

Overnight: Hurtigruten ‘MS Fridtjof Nansen’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After having delved into the remote and wild continent of Antarctica over five whole days, it will be time to set sail homeward bound. By this point, both your head, heart and camera will be filled with lifelong memories. Crossing back over the Drake Passage, you’ll probably spend the next couple of days replaying those memories just to try and stay in Antarctica a little longer. The Expedition Team will also be doing the same as they recap the journey’s many experiences in the Science Centre.

Overnight: Hurtigruten ‘MS Fridtjof Nansen’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Make the most of the onboard facilities by working out in the state-of-the-art gymnasium, relaxing in the hot tub or maybe just letting your mind wander back to Antarctica in the Explorer Lounge and Bar.

Overnight: Hurtigruten ‘MS Fridtjof Nansen’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Your expedition cruise reaches its inevitable conclusion today upon your return to Ushuaia. You will now have travelled to the bottom of the world and back. You’ve journeyed to the fabled Seventh Continent, something that only a handful of lucky humans have ever accomplished. Not only that, you have enchanting stories and the penguin photos to prove it. Antarctica will likely hold a place in your heart that few other places can match. Together with the other explorers who have been there, may we do all we can to preserve its unique beauty.

Upon arrival back in Ushuaia, you will be transferred to the airport to join a charter flight back to Buenos Aires. In Buenos Aires, meet your transfer driver who will take you back to your hotel then enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.  

Overnight: Grand Brizo Buenos Aires Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

The time has come to begin your journey back home.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on day 15, to arrive on day 16. Additional accommodation will be provided for the extra night in Buenos Aires. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Meals included: In-Flight

Welcome home!

We hope you have enjoyed your 16-day adventure to Antarctica!

Please note: some flights may arrive +1 day later.

Meals included: In-Flight

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas 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 Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, 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).

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 6th March 2024.
This travel offer is priced for one person based on twin share.  
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies. Please contact our team for a quote. 
Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability. 
 
Departure Dates
2023:
Nov: 11, 21
Dec: 1
 
2024:
Jan: 10
Feb: 5, 15, 25
Mar: 6
 
Please note: Contact our team for live dates and availability.
 
Surcharges
Please note: Advertised prices are based on departures on 11th November 2023 & 6 March 2024. Other dates may incur high season surcharges. Please contact our team for a quote. 
 

Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth or *Auckland 
 
Departure City Surcharges
ADL: $350 per person
PER: $1150 per person
AKL: $150 per person 
 
International Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Airlines: United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Qantas Airways, LATAM Airlines, Air New Zealand, and airline partners (subject to availability).
Please note: Qantas Tours cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. Some flights may require you to transit to the USA. Australian travellers lading in, or transiting the USA will require an ESTA. Please refer to the Visa paragraph for more information. 
 
Missed Flights  
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight on Day 1, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you will miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact Qantas Tours as soon as possible to make arrangements. 
 
Stay behind in Buenos Aires 
$300 per person, subject to availability.
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.
• 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 apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
30 November 2023 - 28 February 2024
31 March - 26 April 2024 
 
Flight Class Upgrades
Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration. 
 

Hurtigruten - ​​​​​​MS Fridtjof Nansen 
Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen is a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen. Combining state-of-the-art technology and premium onboard experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the Norwegian-built ship introduces the next generation of adventure travel. 
 
Facilities Onboard
Cabins & Public Areas
The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside and 50% with a private balcony. 
 
Science Centre
The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Centre, an edutainment venue where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Centre will also be the onboard HQ for the Expedition Team.
 
Restaurants
MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic traditions, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low-key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations. 
 
Everything You Need For An Expedition Cruise
Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science. MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom-built expedition equipment including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas.
 
Cabins/Staterooms
RR - Polar Outside
The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks. Most are 20 square metres with windows and flexible sleeping arrangements, as well as a TV and a bathroom with a shower. They can accommodate two to four passengers. Larger cabins on lower and middle decks are 205 - 248 sq ft with flexible sleeping arrangements, a double bed that can be divided into two single beds (some with a sofabed) and a TV.
Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at the time of booking.
 
Arctic Superior Cabins
Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable and roomy, most have a balcony. They have flexible sleeping arrangements with a sofa bed, as well as a TV and a bathroom with a shower. The Arctic Superior cabins include a kettle, tea and coffee. They can accommodate two to four passengers.
 
TT: Outside Cabin (On Lower/Middle Deck)
These are large cabins without a balcony on the lower/middle decks. They have flexible sleeping arrangements, a sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.
Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify at the time of booking.
 
TY: Outside Cabin (Accessible)
Large accessible cabins without a balcony. These are on the middle decks with flexible sleeping arrangements, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.
 
XT/XTD: Outside Cabin On Upper Deck (Balcony)
These are high-deck cabins with a balcony. The spacious cabins are different sizes with flexible sleeping arrangements (some with sofabed), TV, kettle, tea and coffee.
Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify at the time of booking.
 
XY: Outside Cabin On Upper Deck (Accessible w/ Balcony)
Accessible cabin on upper deck with balcony. High deck, broad balcony, double bed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.
 
XTJ: Outside Cabin (Limited View w/Balcony) 
High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee. With a limited view.
 
Expedition Suites 
The suites are spacious cabins with a fantastic layout, including expansive windows. Most have a balcony. Some have a private outdoor hot tub. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with a comfortable sofa and sitting areas, as well as a TV and a bathroom with a shower. They can accommodate up to four passengers. Expedition Suites are exclusively on the upper and middle decks. Our Expedition Suites include a bathrobe, an espresso maker and more. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.
 
MA: XL Suite (Balcony)
Extra Large Corner Suite with private balcony. Ship’s most spacious cabins with large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea, coffee, and espresso maker. 
Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify at the time of booking.
 
MB: XL Suite
Extra Large Corner Suite without balcony. Aft corner suite with a sofa bed, flexible sleeping arrangements, large windows, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea, coffee and espresso maker. 
Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify at the time of booking.
 
MC: Corner Suite (Balcony)
Aft Corner Suite with private balcony and hot tub. Various sizes, large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. 
Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify at the time of booking.
 
MD: Large Suite (Balcony)
Large Suite with private balcony, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, espresso maker. Adapted for guests with wheelchairs.
Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify at the time of booking.
 
ME: Suite (Balcony)
Suites with a private balcony, different sizes, top-high decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with a sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking.
 
MF: Corner Suite:
Corner cabin with large windows. Flexible sleeping arrangements, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. Without balcony.
Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify at time of booking.
 
Please note: Cabins are subject to availability; some may have restricted views. 
 

Accommodation Used 
4 Star Properties (self-rated)
Buenos Aires: Grand Brizo Hotel or similar
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel. 
 
Extra Nights
Not available. 
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people. 
Please note: Triple/Quad share cabins or hotel rooms may be accommodated on some departures. Please contact our cruise experts or request a call back for prices and availability. 
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 12 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 
Please note: Triple/Quad share cabins may be accommodated on some departures. Please contact our cruise experts or request a call back for prices and availability. 
 
Bedding Configuration 
Double or twin (subject to availability).
Please note: Triple share bookings may be required to share existing bedding. 
 

Optional Tours/Activities
Please note:
• Some tours or Shore excursions require minimum numbers to operate.
• Shore excursions can be booked/reserved directly with the cruise line before travel (subject to availability)
• Shore excursions can also be booked whilst onboard (subject to availability).
• Shore excursion programmes and itineraries may vary depending on local conditions and/or any unforeseen events concerning the timing on the day of the tour. Some excursions are very popular, and therefore availability cannot always be guaranteed, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.  
 

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary (including any specialty restaurants onboard the cruise)
• Optional gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance

WHAT TO PACK FOR AN EXPEDITION CRUISE:
To make packing a bit easier, Hurtigruten has drawn up a packing list. If you should forget something, don’t worry! On board all the ships you will find a shop with a wide range of clothes and practical items.
• Onboard it’s smart to wear ordinary shoes.
• Bring a memory card with a large capacity – there are sockets in the cabins to recharge photo equipment.
• The dress code aboard the ship is relaxed and casual and you are not expected to dress formally for meals.
• Extra shoelaces are also a good idea.
• Bring a good pair of binoculars.
• A small waterproof backpack is necessary for carrying essentials.
• Please remember to bring your passport and a copy of it.
• Sun protection.
• Sunglasses with UV filter lenses.
• Lip balm with UV protection. Dry, cold wind and sun often cause chapped lips.
• Money in the correct currency. Remember, the ships also accept several credit cards.
• Remember to bring sufficient medication to last through any unforeseen delays.
• You will receive a wind and water-resistant parka as a memento on this ship.
• Rubber boots are available on loan, at no extra cost. 
 
Expeditions To Polar Waters:
• Warm winter jacket
• Wind and water-resistant trousers and long thermal underwear and top (we recommend wool)
• Warm cap or headband
• You should also bring swimwear for use in our on-deck whirlpools
• Scarf or fleece tube
• Warm woollen jumper and fleece jumper/jacket, remember layers are essential
• Sunglasses with UV filter lenses
• Gloves and mittens, fleece and wool
• Warm socks
• Bring extra batteries for your camera, as battery life is shorter in cold areas
• Shoes with good soles are recommended for outdoors, on deck, and for excursions ashore. Make sure they are worn-in walking boots. 
 
TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide:  
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group. 
 
Tour Leader:  
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however, they are not required to have specific knowledge of art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined. 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
If you've never visited a polar destination, you're probably wondering what you can expect weather-wise when you travel to Antarctica. Even if you've spent time in the Arctic Circle, the Antarctic is an entirely different experience. The high elevation and large landmass make the south pole significantly colder than the North. Of course, temperature is only one piece of the Antarctic weather puzzle. Here's an overview of what weather conditions are like on Earth's southernmost destination:
 
Seasons in Antarctica
Antarctica only has two seasons which are summer and winter. Because it's located in the southern hemisphere, Antarctica's summer is from October to February. During this time, the sun is almost always in the sky. Days rapidly get longer there in summer, until, eventually, the sun doesn't set at all. This phenomenon is called the Midnight Sun. Although there are multiple places in the northern hemisphere that experience this perpetual sunlight during half of the year, Antarctica is the only southern location where it can be seen.
January is the warmest month in Antarctica, during which average temperatures climb all the way up to 0 degrees in the Antarctic Peninsula. However, the average temperature ranges from -10 degrees celsius to -60 degrees, depending on how far into the continent you travel.
If anyone is in Antarctica once winter comes, they're staying until summer returns. Flights and ships cease travel to and from Antarctica once the weather starts to turn, as conditions become too treacherous for travel. Typically, researchers are the only people who brave the antarctic night. This is a valuable time for astronomers, who can use complete darkness to get spectacular views of the universe. Climatologists are also busy during this time of year tracking and comparing the temperatures on and below the continent's surface.
 
LATE SUMMER CRUISING IN ANTARCTICA:
February - March
If you choose to go on an Antarctica cruise in February or March, you will be seeing the continent during its late summer period. This provides a variety of benefits, including the ability to explore more thoroughly as the ice melts and breaks apart, allowing for a high chance of seeing whales on the Peninsula.
 
What whales might you see?
Late summer is the best time to see whales in Antarctica. It is most common to see Humpback whales, Minke whales and killer whales, though it's possible to see many other species as well. These can include blue whales, fin whales, sei whales, southern right whales and sperm whales. 
 
What about penguins?
By March, those adorable penguin chicks are growing up. They begin to fledge and grow into their adult feathers, while their parents may already have gone out to sea to begin to prepare for their own moulting season. 
 
Why go during this season?
If you're an explorer who wants to see as much of Antarctica as possible, choose a late-summer cruise. As the polar ice melts, you'll have access to points much farther south than you would during other travel seasons. You will certainly see some wildlife, as well, and will get to know the untouched majesty of Antarctica in this particular form. 
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
At Qantas Tours we do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
 
Passport Validity: 
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.
 
CRUISE
Embarkation / Disembarkation:
• Begins approximately 2 hours after docking.
• Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing.
• Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.
• Check your specific sailing for exact departure and arrival times. All times are local to the port.
Please note: Strict COVID-19 terms may also apply regarding proof of insurance covering COVID-19 and/or vaccination. Please refer to the cruise lines’ terms and conditions for further information prior to boarding.
 
Cruise Loyalty Discounts:
Please note: Travellers booked via Qantas Tours must contact the cruise line directly upon receiving their Qantas Tours travel documents in order to request any membership benefits they may be entitled to.
 
Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.
 
OTHER
Mobility:
If you would love to travel with Qantas Tours and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf. 
 
Fitness Level Required:
A leisurely level of fitness will be required. 
Leisurely is described as Light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility. Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.  
 
Gratuities / Tipping: 
Cruise
Tipping for all services provided on tour is always a matter of personal discretion, however, please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
Sightseeing:
Please note: If the entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping: 
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all of your receipts. 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions in regard to shopping for further information.

Argentina
Australian passport holders are visa exempt for a stay of up to 3 months.
 
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/
Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also 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. 
Please note: Due to recent changes to USA immigration policies, Qantas Tours recommends all travellers visit US Customs & Border Protection.
 
Chile:
Some flights for this tour may be required to transit in Chile.
Australian citizens must obtain a valid visa before transiting via Chile. You will need to apply for a visa if the transit time is over 8 hours and you need to pass the immigration point. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Chile for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
See E-visa para Australia (in Spanish) for visa requirements and the link to the application form. Visa applications can be lodged online directly on the Online website (Spanish). You can choose between English and Spanish. Once you've submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the Chilean Consulate you selected in the application. The validity period of your tourist visa is likely to be based on the travel dates you defined in your application form. Make sure you consider this when selecting from the visa options. Visas must be lodged through the SAC CIUDADANOS portal only https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/.
 
Important: 
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
 
Please note: 
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also 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 and 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 provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour 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. 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 we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.