There are bound to be questions when travelling. Information on everything from weather to internet connections can be found below.

• Book This Trip

  To help expedite your booking, please have the following information ready before you call us:

  • 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 Tauck’s Travel Protection Product (see below).
  • 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.

  For reservations, call 800-788-7885 or contact your travel agent to book today!
  
  Tauck Reservation Sales Counselors are available:

  Monday through Friday 6 am - 8 pm
  Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
  Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm (Eastern Time)

  Some additional questions you might have about booking this trip:

  Special Requests
  We will be happy to advise hotels of any special requests, provided we receive them at time of booking. We regret that requests cannot be guaranteed.

  Deposit Date
  Upon your request, we will hold space tentatively for you and give a “Deposit Due Date,” by which a deposit must be received or space is automatically released. Your deposit is $1,700 per person.

  Final Payment is due at Tauck’s Norwalk, CT office 60 days before departure. Any bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice.

  Final Documents, which may include airline tickets, when applicable, are sent by first class mail upon receipt of final payment. They include joining instructions, hotel lists, tour itinerary, clothing suggestions, luggage tags and other pertinent information. We recommend overnight mailing service for any reservation that is made within 30 days of the tour departure date to ensure timely delivery. The additional expense will be added to your tour cost.

• Inclusive Prices

  Inclusive Prices

  Cruise prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All accommodations, entertainment, special dinners, motor coach travel, sightseeing, porterage, admissions, shore excursions, port charges, applicable fuel surcharges, and the services of the Tauck Director, ship staff, local guides and drivers are included. Aboard the cruise ship, all-day soft drinks, daily cocktail hour, and wine with dinner are also included. Transportation from Buenos Aires' (Ezeiza) Ministro Pistarini International Airport to Hotel Caesar Park is included, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the tour departure date. Transportation to Buenos Aires' (Ezeiza) Ministro Pistarini  International Airport at the end of the tour is also included. If you book an extra night with us at the Caesar Park Hotel, you will also receive a transfer to the hotel, and then to the airport. Transportation to and from airports may be shared with other Tauck guests.
  
  Hotel and Cruise Ship Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel and cruise ship accommodations. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort. 
  
  All 132 cruise ship staterooms include private bathrooms and are outfitted with two twin beds, one king or one queen bed. All staterooms face the outside and most have private balconies. A limited number of triples are available. Amenities for each stateroom include: Internet access, safe, flat-screen TV, video on demand, minibar, radio, telephone, individual air conditioning and 24-hour room service. In addition, Le Boreal, which flies under the French flag and cruises at an average speed of 16 knots, features:

  • 6 Decks
  • 2 Restaurants
  • 3 Bars, including a piano bar
  • Library and Internet room
  • Beauty center, spa and fitness center
  • Laundry
  • Outside heated pool
  • Shop
  • Medical facilities
  • Theater with 260 seats
  • Elevators to all decks

  Triple accommodations are available in Superior Cabins on Deck 3 and Prestige Suites on Decks 5 and 6 only.
  
  Children under the age of 18 must be booked in a room with at least one adult.

  Tauck Director – Each departure is hosted by one Tauck Director for every 40 Tauck guests (with a maximum of 100 Tauck guests on board this yacht, which accommodates no more than 200 passengers for Antartica) who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
  
  Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
  
  An ample buffet breakfast, both hot and cold, is served daily aboard the cruise ship. At lunch, you are presented with a choice of entrée with several courses or a delicious buffet. Dinner’s choice of entrée is accompanied with an international selection of wines. Please let us know about your special dietary requirements when booking your cruise; vegetarian and special diets are available with advance notice, however kosher meals cannot be accommodated. We will be pleased to meet your special dietary requirements whenever possible.
  
  Complimentary soft drinks, coffee and tea service are available throughout the day. Each night you are invited to attend a complimentary cocktail hour. The legal drinking age aboard the cruise ship is 21.

  Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for Tauck Directors, luggage handling, ship, hotel and restaurant staff, drivers and local guides are included.
  
  No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
  
  

• On Tour Flights

  Airfare While on Tour - Your two on-tour flights must be purchased through us as part of your package.
  

• Not Included

  Transportation to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
  
  Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your cruise. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the cruise cost. airport transfers are included for these extended stays as described above under Inclusive Prices. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult Extend Your Trip in the Accommodations section above on this webpage and discuss it with your reservations sales consultant or your travel agent when you book your cruise.
  
  Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, cruise ship, airline, train and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Travel Protection Product section below on this webpage  for more information.
  
  Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:

  • Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
  • Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
  • Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
  • Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
  • Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
  • File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
  • Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
  • Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary

  Your Tauck Director will assist you with airline and other carrier communications, but has no inside contacts to guarantee or expedite recovery of lost luggage. All recovery costs, including the communication costs, are your responsibility. Check your travel protection details for covered expenses.
  
  Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, reciprocity taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
  

• Tauck Travel Protection Product / If You Have To Cancel

  Tauck’s Cruise Protection and Cancellation Fee Waiver

  Guests booking a Tauck cruise have the option of purchasing cancellation protection from Tauck in the event they need to cancel their cruise after booking.

  Tauck's Travel Protection is available to all travelers, with the exception of residents of Puerto Rico.  Residents of Puerto Rico are eligible for some cancellation protection by purchasing Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver (see below).

  Tauck’s Cruise Protection

  Under Tauck’s all-inclusive Cruise Protection, you can cancel your cruise for any covered reason up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the cruise cost, based on your original method of payment. The following conditions apply:

  Section I – Should you have to cancel your cruise for any reason, Tauck’s Cruise Protection reduces the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Section I is provided by Tauck.

  Section II – Travel Insurance and Services
  Cancellation for Covered Reasons – Should you have to cancel your cruise due to illness, injury or other covered reason, any cancellation or airline penalties not refunded by Tauck would be reimbursable under Section II. This Protection also provides 24-hour emergency assistance services as well as:

  • Airfare Protection – Should you need to cancel or interrupt your cruise for covered medical reasons, airfares and air penalties are covered.
  • Medical Protection – Reimbursement for covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or ill during your cruise (including pre-existing conditions if purchased at time of booking).
  • Luggage Protection – Reimbursement for lost, stolen, delayed or damaged luggage.

  The cost of Tauck’s Cruise Protection is $730 per person.

  The above is a summary of the plan. Please refer to the Description of Coverage pamphlet provided with written confirmation of your cruise reservation for the complete details of the policy terms, limitations and exclusions applicable to Section II of the plan.

  The coverage and services provided under Section II are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA under policy number 9429-9500423 and administered by BerkelyCare.

  This optional Cruise Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your cruise reservation. Cruise Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Cost is not refundable under any circumstances. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

  Cancellation Fee Waiver

  Should you have to cancel your cruise en route for any reason, a non-refundable Cancellation Fee Waiver reduces cancellation fees outlined (except in Extreme Circumstances*), provided we are notified of your cancellation the day before your cruise departs. The cost for this Cancellation Fee Waiver is $590 per person.

  This Waiver is not insurance; it does not cover airline penalties, luggage damage, personal injury, or does not protect travel agent commissions. The advantage of this Waiver is that you may cancel for any reason. This optional Cancellation Fee Waiver must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Cost of Waiver is not refundable under any circumstances.

  *Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

  If You Have To Cancel

  Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. Therefore, the fees listed will apply.

  Guests choosing to purchase Tauck’s Cruise Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

  60 days or more before departure
  Loss of cost of Tauck’s Cruise Protection ($730) or Cancellation Fee Waiver ($590) per person

  59-30 days before departure
  Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise Protection fee, per person

  29-1 days before departure
  Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise Protection fee, per person

  Guests choosing not to purchase Tauck’s Cruise Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

  60 days or more before departure
  $1700 per person

  59-30 days before departure
  Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person

  29-1 days before departure
  Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person

  Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office.

  In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein.

  Cruise Interruption Fees – If you have to interrupt your cruise en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

  Partial Room Cancellation – A person canceling or leaving a cruise while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another. The price charged the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

  Click here to download our complete Description of Coverage.

• Additional Information

  Airline Security Measures -
  
  If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
  
  If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
  
  For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.
  
  If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
  
  Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
  
  Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
  
  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.
  
  Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed. You may wish to log on to Wikipedia.org to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
  
  Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all cruises as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
  
  Journey Start and End Times are provided at time of booking. When making flight arrangements, please allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour begins at 2:00 PM at the Hotel Caesar Park in Buenos Aires. The tour ends at 6:00 PM at Buenos Aires' (Ezeiza) Ministro Pistarini International Airport on the last day of the tour. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.

  Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the cruise of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the cruise.
  
  Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your cruise for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
  
  

• Preparing to Go

  Travel Document Requirements –
  
  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; however, you must pay a reciprocity tax upon entering Argentina at the airport, which can be paid in dollars, by credit card, or with travelers checks, and is valid for ten years and multiple entries. Please inquire about the cost of the tax at time of booking.
  
  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 that 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 Tauck guests 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.
  
  Travel with Children –
  
  Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
  
  Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels.
  
  There are no babysitting services available on the cruise ship. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
  
  Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety during the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
  
  Special Travel Documentation for Children
  Authorization for Travel
  
  If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a notarized note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
  
  If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.
  
  Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country’s consulate or embassy.
  
  Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
  
  In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
  Children who are U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the journey.
  
  We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
  
  Air Conditioning and Heating - All of the motor coaches, hotel rooms and ship staterooms have air conditioning and heating.
  
  ATM and Credit Cards – We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this cruise to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be "suspicious" charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
  
  Clothing and Packing - 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 pair 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.
  
  We will provide you with a complimentary, special, water-repellent hooded parka that you will receive aboard ship. 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: Waterproof boots are essential gear for your shore excursions on the "White Continent."  As an alternative to bringing your own boots, you may want to consider renting them.  Le Boreal has selected Ship to Shore Traveler to operate a rental service providing guests with boots suitable for polar exploration. Ship to Shore Traveler has been outfitting Antarctic travelers since 1984.                                                                                

  If you are interested in renting boots, please visit the Ship to Shore Traveler website by clicking here. They will  provide delivery free of charge to and from Le Boreal.  The boot rental is USD $70, plus a refundable USD $70 security deposit, and boots must be rented no less than 30 days prior to embarkation.  (Boot rentals are not included in your cruise price.)                                                                  

  Expedition Gear: Tauck has partnered with New Headings, an experienced online provider of travel gear, to assist you in selecting the appropriate gear to keep warm and dry for this expedition. Their Tauck-exclusive website, polaroutfitter.com, may be accessed by clicking here. Please note that while Tauck has an affiliation with New Headings, you may wish to look into other outfitters for your expedition needs.
  
  Valet laundry service is available on the cruise ship and at the Caesar Park 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/or plenty of film
  • 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
  • A pair of tennis shoes you won't mind getting wet for the possible hot-springs dip at Deception Island. Beach sandals are not sufficient and should not be used for this possible swim
  • A swimsuit for the possible hot-springs dip at Deception Island and pools in warmer climates
  • Notebook and pen
  • 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.

  Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is 1700 ft (518 m).
  
  Health - 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.
  
  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 100 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 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.
  
  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.
  
  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 staterooms. In accordance with the Antarctic Treaty, smoking is prohibited on all Antarctic landings. Additionally, smoking is not permitted aboard 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.
  
  We are not able to accommodate wheelchairs on this tour. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to guests for walking, dining or other personal needs. Persons needing such assistance must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist them.
  
  If you are a resident of the U.S., no vaccinations are required for entry into Antarctica or Argentina. However, yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers who are going to the northern and northeastern forested areas of Argentina, including Iguassu Falls and all areas bordering Paraguay and Brazil. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.
  
  If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries on the itinerary to determine what vaccinations may be required for you to visit.

  Luggage Restrictions-
  
  Special Luggage Restrictions for this tour -
  
  Due to weight restrictions on your flights to and from Ushuaia, only one averaged-sized piece of checked luggage per person weighing a maximum of 44 lbs (20 kgs) is allowed.
  
  In addition, guests are limited to one soft-sided, carry-on bag per person not to exceed 15 lbs (6.8 kgs) and no larger than an average knapsack.
  
  Checked Luggage – General
  
  While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
  
  Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
  
  Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kgs) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here.
  
  We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
  
  Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
  
  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.
  
  

• Destination Information

  GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS TO ANTARCTICA:

  As an associate member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators), Tauck is dedicated to environmentally responsible travel. All visitors to the Antarctic are asked to follow commonsense guidelines set out by the Protocol on Environment Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.  We hope that you will return from your journey to the Antarctic with a renewed appreciation for one of the last pristine places on Earth -- and a commitment to its protection for future generations.

  PROTECT ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE...

  Taking animals or harmful interference with Antarctic wildlife is prohibited.

  RESPECT PROTECTED AREAS...  

  A variety of areas in the Antarctic have been afforded special protection because of their particular ecological, scientific, historic, or other values.

  RESPECT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH... 

  Do not interfere with scientific research, facilities, or equipment.

  BE SAFE...

  Be prepared for severe and changeable weather and ensure that your equipment and clothing meet Antarctic standards.  Remember that the Antarctic environment can be inhospitable and unpredictable.

  KEEP ANTARCTICA PRISTINE...

  Antarctica remains relatively pristine, the largest wilderness area on Earth. It has not yet been subjected to large-scale human perturbations.  Please keep it that way.Please keep it that way.Kindly read carefully the next section entitled, "Don't Pack a Pest." 

  DON'T PACK A PEST...

  This information comes from IAATO, asking you to help protect Antarctica's pristine environment from non-native species.

  How to help before you head south:

  - Clean and examine clothes thoroughly.  Examine all clothing, including pockets, seams, Velcro fastners, and boot soles for dirt and organic material. A thorough cleaning is recommended.                                            

  - Pack clean gear.  Make sure your gear and outdoor equipment are freshly cleaned and free of dirt and organic material.  Even if your gear is still dirty from a previous trip to Antarctica, you could be transporting a non-native species.                                                                       

  - A non-native species might hitch a ride with you on your boots and shoes, trouser hems and turn-ups, pockets, Velcro and fleece, backpacks, outdoor equipment, camera bags, walking sticks and tripods.

  Once you have arrived.  Five steps for protecting the Antarctic:

  1. Follow the boot and clothing decontamination procedures on your expedition.This is especially important if you are moving between distinct geographic regions (e.g., between a sub-Antarctic Island and the Antarctic) but also if moving between distinct landing and field sites.                               

  2. Watch your step.  Be careful when walking in areas that contain organic matter as this can be easily transported to other areas.  If you do notice organic material on boots, clothing or gear, make sure to clean it off before leaving a site and use the disinfectant wash between visits.                   

  3. Clean your gear regularly.  This includes boots, equipment, day packs and camera bags, trouser hems and turn-ups, fleece clothing Velcro fastners for outer clothing, etc.                                                           

  4. Report a pest.  Tell your guides if you think you have found a non-native species.                                                                       

  5. Spread the word.  Share this information with others.  We all contribute to the health of the Antarctic.

  Non-native species in Antarctica are those species that do not naturally occur in an area and have been introduced either intentionally or unintentionally.  A wide range of non-native species now occur in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands.  These introduced species include microbes, algae, fungi, vascular plants, invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals.

  Human activates in the sub-Antarctica islands have contributed to the introductions of many of these non-native species, both intentionally (rabbits and reindeer for food) and unintentionally (mice, rats, worms and grasses). Approximately 200 non-native species now exist on the islands.  These species have survived in - and in some cases dominated - terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats, often causing alterations to the ecosystems through extinction or decreased abundance of native species.

  Be a responsible visitor!

  Despite known introductions of non-native species, Antarctica remains a relatively pristine environment.  Human activity has the potential to act as a vector for non-native species.  Across the continent, science programs and tour operators are working to minimize the risk of humans being a vector for transporting non-native species into and within the Antarctic.

   

  Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
  
  Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine limitations and services that exist for Argentina and Antarctica.
  
  Currency and Exchange Rates - The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso. To obtain the most current exchange rates for all national currencies, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to oanda.com by clicking here.
  
  On board Le Boreal  personal shipboard accounts may be settled in U.S. Dollars. Travelers’ checks, American Express, Visa and MasterCard are also acceptable methods of payment.
  
  Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – Each country we visit has its own customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with each country’s specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries. You may find additional information by visiting VisaHQ.com by clicking here.
  
  If you are a U.S. resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the U.S. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
  
  If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
  
  Argentina imposes VAT tax on certain purchases. You may be able to obtain a refund of these taxes and should inquire before purchasing.
  
  Electrical Current – The electrical current aboard ship is 110/220 V, 50 AC. The hotel in Argentina has 220 V, for which you may need an adaptor and converter.
  
  Internet Access - is available as indicated below:
  
  Caesar Park - High speed wired and wireless access is available for a fee.
  Le Boreal - Internet access via satellite is available on board for a fee, but please note that it is very intermittent. There are 3 computers in the Observatory Lounge on deck 6 and Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.
  
  Time Zones – Buenos Aires is 3 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to timeanddate.com by clicking here.
  
  Weather – 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.
  
  

  Average Temperature
  	Buenos Aires, Argentina		Ushuaia, Argentina
  Month	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC
  January	83 / 70	28 / 21	57 / 46	14 / 8
  February	80 / 69	27 / 21	57 / 46	14 / 8
  March	78 / 66	26 / 19	53 / 45	12 / 7
  April	70 / 59	21 / 15	49 / 37	9 / 3
  May	64 / 54	18 / 12	43 / 34	6 / 1
  June	58 / 49	14 / 9	39 / 31	4 / -1
  July	57 / 47	14 / 8	40 / 31	4 / -1
  August	61 / 50	16 / 10	42 / 32	6 / 0
  September	63 / 52	17 / 11	46 / 34	8 / 1
  October	69 / 58	21 / 14	50 / 37	10 / 3
  November	74 / 62	23 / 17	54 / 40	12 / 4
  December	80 / 67	27 / 19	56 / 45	13 / 7
  Average Rainfall
  	Buenos Aires, Argentina		Ushuaia, Argentina
  Month	Inches	Millimeters	Inches	Millimeters
  January	3.2	82	1.4	34
  February	2.8	72	1.5	37
  March	3.6	91	1.2	31
  April	2.8	71	1.3	32
  May	2.3	57	1.2	30
  June	1.3	34	1.8	45
  July	1.4	36	1.2	30
  August	1.5	39	1.0	25
  September	1.4	35	1.1	27
  October	2.5	63	1.3	33
  November	2.6	66	1.3	32
  December	2.7	69	1.6	41