FAQs
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FAQ for Atlas Ocean Voyages Deals
Do you offer air?
All fares shown are cruise-only. Once a booking is deposited and within 270 days of the sailing, Book Antarctica can help find or book airfare for your trip.
How active do I have to be to sail?
Antarctica expeditions offer a variety of shore excursions and immersions, ranging in activity level from mild to vigorous. You can be as active or relaxed as you wish. No matter your activity level, you’ll enjoy the wonders of the 7th continent
Do you offer pre- and post-expedition hotel and land packages?
Yes, we offer a variety of pre- and post-expedition hotel packages and land programs in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, and Punta Arenas offering you an opportunity to dive deeper into many destinations and extend your vacation beyond your Antarctica expedition. We can also customize something that suits your needs
When can shore excursions be booked?
You don’t need to pre-book zodiac safaris or landings… They are all arranged on board. Depending on the vendor, certain excursions like kayaking or camping with Atlas Ocean Voyages can be requested around 120-days prior to your expedition date.
What is the cancellation policy optional activities?
Optional Antarctica shore excursions like kayaking and camping with Atlas Ocean Voyages should be cancelled within 72-hours of sailing or risk 100% penalty charges to your onboard account. Other vendor excursions have penalty schedules — please review their associated terms and conditions
Can shore excursions and pre- and post-expedition hotel and land programs be pre-booked?
You can request kayaking and/or camping to be added to your Atlas Ocean Voyages reservation upon booking. It is typically confirmed approximately 90-120 days before your expedition date — and operates according to weather conditions.
Do I need to have previous experience for kayaking in Antarctica?
You do not need previous kayaking experience. However, the onboard crew with Atlas Ocean Voyages will provide a brief tutorial for proper use of the equipment that will also help determine your physical ability to operate it safely and properly before embarking on a kayaking or paddling excursion.
How does camping in Antarctica work with Atlas Ocean Voyages?
Before you step ashore for your camping excursion, the expedition team will assess the area and come to an agreement. Then, they’ll begin setting up or help you dig your own camping hole for sleeping. If conditions are not ideal, then the excursion may be delayed or cancelled.
Will the campsite be set up for us on an Antarctica camping excursion with Atlas Ocean Voyages?
Guests often like to dig their own camping holes for the full expedition experience, but it is not obligatory. Our expedition team members will offer assistance in digging your camping hole and replacing the snow at the end of the excursion.
Do I need a passport and/or visa?
You are responsible for reviewing and adhering to any immigration or travel requirements according to your citizenship.
It is Atlas Ocean Voyages’ policy to require passports for ALL travelers for all expeditions, regardless of nationality and ports of call and countries visited.
You must obtain and carry a valid passport to board an Atlas Ocean Voyages yacht. Passport Cards or a copy of a passport are not accepted. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the conclusion of your expedition. Please obtain or renew your passports early. Consult your customs authority for documentation requirements for your expedition. You may also ask for guidance from BookAntarctica.com experts.
For information on obtaining or renewing a passport for U.S. citizens, visit the State Department web site Passports page. Passport instructions and application forms can also be downloaded from here.
Some countries in the European Union (EU) will require ETIAS travel authorization from U.S. and Canadian travelers beginning in November 2025. Find more information about who needs to apply for ETIAS here.
Visa requirements must be verified and obtained approximately 90 days prior to sailing.
For guests traveling to Brazil, including those on the Pre- or Post-Expedition land program to Iguazu Falls, effective April 10, 2025, visas are required for travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia. Visas may be obtained either electronically or as a physical stamp in your passport through Brazilian consulates. The entry visa is valid for 10 years and allows multiple entries.
Please see the following links to find more information about visa requirements for your travels.
We kindly remind you that it is your responsibility to determine passport and visa requirements for your expedition itinerary and your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of all required visas and travel documents prior to sailing.
Does Atlas Ocean Voyages offer medical services?
Atlas Ocean Voyages’ yachts do have a Medical Center staffed with a licensed doctor for non-emergency and emergency services. These services are available at an additional cost. The Medical Center is designed for temporary illnesses or accidents. Other vendors typically also have a medical center with similar functions.
Does Atlas Ocean Voyages offer Kosher dining experiences?
Due to the varied locations that our expedition yachts sail, Atlas Ocean Voyages yachts are unable to accommodate Kosher meal requests. To find a vendor that does, please contact BookAntarctica.com for more information.
Do Atlas Ocean Voyages yachts have a casino?
Atlas Ocean Voyages yachts do not feature a casino. There are plenty of options available to keep you informed and entertained during evenings and on sea days. Please contact the experts at BookAntarctica.com for an alternative expedition vendor if a casino is important to you.
Are gratuities included?
Cruise fares for Atlas Ocean Voyages include pre-paid gratuities. But if you would like to offer the crew an additional gratuity for their excellent service, please feel free to tip them directly. Policies for other expedition vendors vary. Ask your BookAntarctica.com advisor for more details.
Does Atlas Ocean Voyages offer kids clubs or babysitters onboard?
Because of the intimate nature of Atlas Ocean Voyages yachts, Atlas has a limited number of staterooms that can accommodate children. As such Atlas does not offer special kids’ programs or provide childcare on board.
What is Atlas Ocean Voyages' onboard smoking policy?
Atlas guests’ and crew’s health, welfare and comfort are a top priority. Atlas has designated areas to accommodate for smoking and do not permit smoking in suites, staterooms or on balconies. Ask your BookAntarctica.com expert advisor for more information on other vendors.
What’s the dress code on board?
Aboard an Atlas Ocean Voyages’ expedition, Atlas wants you to be comfortable, so casual attire is recommended. While Atlas offers a luxurious onboard experience, Atlas also recognizes you are on an expedition to Antarctica. Other vendor policies are typically similar with some exceptions.
Do you have dry cleaning and laundry services?
Laundry services are available for additional charges from most expedition vendors and are not currently included in the cruise fare. Contact your BookAntarctica.com expert for more information.
Will there be formal nights?
Atlas does not have formal nights, and recommends yacht-club casual for your evening attire. You may wear a blazer, sport coat or dress if you desire. Contact your BookAntarctica.com expert for more information on other vendors.
Can spa appointments be pre-booked?
At this time, all spa appointments need to be scheduled once on board for Atlas Ocean Voyages. Contact your BookAntarctica.com expert for more information on other vendors.
Will we use zodiacs or tenders or both to go ashore?
Atlas yachts come equipped with 12 customized Zodiacs, as well as tenders. How and when Atlas uses them to go ashore will depend on the destination and weather conditions, as our guests’ safety is of the utmost importance. Contact your BookAntarctica.com expert for more information on other vendors.
Will Atlas Ocean Voyages provide expedition clothing (included) and changing area?
Contact your BookAntarctica.com expert for more information on other vendros.
Can I use my drone, quadcopter, UAV, etc. during an Antarctica expedition?
Is your fleet made for Antarctica expeditions?
What is a zodiac and who operates them?
Can I bring children with me on an Antarctica expedition?
How many dining venues are on board?
Atlas yachts include elegant main restaurants Madeira aboard World Voyager, Lisboa aboard World Traveller and Porto aboard World Navigator with ever-changing menus inspired by global cuisines, and Paula’s Pantry – a cozy café; plus afternoon and high tea with light snacks at The Dome.
Contact your BookAntarctica.com expert for details on dining with other expedition vendors.
Does Atlas offer open seating?
Atlas dining venues are designed for open seating. This is typically the case with other expedition vendors.
Does Atlas offer room service?
Atlas offers FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer from an “always available” menu in all accommodations. An expanded room service menu is available in suites. For information on other vendors’ room service, contact your BookAntarctica.com expert.
What entertainment, guest lecturers and onboard programming will be available with Atlas Ocean Voyages?
Every Atlas expedition features a range of entertainment and enrichment. Naturalists, scientists and a world-class expedition teams join Antarctica expeditions to enhance the intimate yachting experience. Voyages may also include guest lecturers who offer interactive presentations in the yacht’s auditorium and a talented pianist in Atlas Lounge for an evening of camaraderie. Contact your BookAntarctica.com experts for onboard activities with other vendors.
What amenities will be provided in suites and staterooms?
All Atlas suites and staterooms include complimentary L’OCCITANE bath amenities, comfy bathrobe and slippers, TV, safe, hair dryer, individual temperature control, stocked in-room minibar, personal Nespresso coffee and Kusmi teas, still and sparkling water in reusable glass bottles and more. Additionally, suite guests with Atlas can enjoy extra attention with butler service to make reservations at SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE, book land excursions and programs, assist with room service orders, arrange complimentary wash and fold laundry service and assist with other personalized services upon request. Contact BookAntarctica.com experts for amenities in suites and staterooms for other vendors.
Will guests be allowed to bring alcohol on board?
What is the voltage in Atlas suites and staterooms?
Will there be meeting space on board Atlas expeditions?
Will Atlas require medical forms?
Do Atlas yachts have elevators? If so, how many?
Will there be religious services on board?
Can special events such as birthdays or anniversaries be celebrated on board?
Is WiFi available?
Will Atlas Ocean Voyages be able to accommodate special dietary needs?
Does Atlas have a minimum age requirement?
Can I request connecting staterooms or suites?
What are Atlas yachts’ specifications?
Is Atlas partnering with any organizations for practicing sustainability? What are Atlas' environmental policies?
What is Atlas' maximum stateroom occupancy?
Atlas accommodations come with a sumptuous queen-size bed that can convert into two singles upon request. Select staterooms and suites can accommodate a 3rd guest:
• On World Navigator, a 3rd guest can be accommodated in our Horizon Stateroom, Veranda Deluxe Stateroom, Journey Suite and Navigator Suite.
• On World Traveller, a 3rd guest can be accommodated in our Veranda Deluxe Stateroom, Journey Suite, Discovery Suite, and Navigator Suite.
• On World Voyager, a 3rd guest can be accommodated in our Horizon Stateroom, Veranda Deluxe Stateroom, Horizon Deluxe Stateroom, Journey Suite and Navigator Suite.
Contact your BookAntarctica.com expert for details on Atlas or other vendors.
Does you have a loyalty program?
What is the Atlas crew's nationality?
Where are the Atlas yachts registered?
Where were Atlas Ocean Voyages' yachts built?
What is Atlas' policy for pregnant travelers?
Will guests under the age of 18 be able to occupy an Atlas stateroom by themselves?
Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
What are Atlas' health protocols?
- Beginning April 2023, proof of vaccination is no longer required to board any of our yachts.
- All Atlas crew are fully vaccinated and monitored.
- Some ports of call may still require proof of vaccination. See below for more details.
- On all Expeditions:
- Pre-testing is not required for guests.
- Guests are not required to wear facemasks while on board except when visiting the Medical Center.
- All onboard spaces, suites and staterooms are disinfected prior to guests’ embarkation and sanitized frequently during the day throughout the voyage.
- Hand sanitizing dispensers are placed throughout the ship for guests’ convenience.
- Atlas’ attentive housekeeping staff will frequently sanitize all surfaces daily.
Every port destination has a separate requirement for:
- Testing, health certificates, proof of inoculation and/or vaccinations, and these can change periodically.
- Please make sure to research the requirements of each destination you are visiting to ensure you are compliant.
- Also, please check with your local health department or private health care professional for any inoculations or vaccinations you may require. Visit cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list to find your destinations’ specific vaccination requirements.
- Guests are responsible for obtaining and adhering to entry requirements for the cities of embarkation.
Atlas takes guests’, staff and crew health and safety most seriously. Atlas continues to update our policies and procedures according to the latest guidance to ensure that guests enjoy a safe and unforgettable expedition. Contact your BookAntarctica.com expert for details on Atlas or other vendors.
What time can I embark the yacht?
Embarkation begins at 3 PM and ends at 5 PM unless otherwise noted in your Expedition Documents.
How do I pay for onboard expenses?
The currency on board is the U.S. Dollar ($US). To help you make cashless transactions on board, we set up a shipboard account linked to your electronic payment method upon embarkation. The night before your final disembarkation, a detailed statement of your shipboard account is available. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express credit cards.
What does the Cruise Fare include?
Every expedition includes one cultural immersion; all meals including gourmet dining each evening with ever-changing menus; unlimited beverages including fine wines, spirits and craft beers; open bars and lounges with 24-hour bar service and specialty canapés; stocked in-room minibar with sodas, juices and beers; specialty coffees, cappuccinos, espressos, teas and fresh-pressed juices; afternoon tea service; champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet; 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer; L’OCCITANE bath amenities; pre-paid gratuities; Government Taxes and Fees per guest; use of walking sticks and binoculars; reusable water bottle to take ashore; plus butler service and expanded room service menu in suites. Trip delay and medical coverage are also included at no additional cost.
Expedition exclusives on Epicurean Expeditions also include onboard culinary and wine experiences, Josper Grill dining experience at 7AFT Grill (reservations must be made onboard); culinary presentations and wine tastings; cooking demonstrations and cuisine tastings; events hosted by a Tastes & Traditions Expert on select expeditions; and an Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack.
Expedition exclusives on Polar Expeditions also include FREE private charter jet service with private group transfers on most expeditions, enrichment lectures and destination briefings, shore landings led by expert field guides, escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac, the polar plunge, an Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest, and FREE use of knee boots.
Expedition exclusives on Cultural Expeditions also include FREE enrichment programs and workshops on select expeditions; authentic, local experiences and onboard events on select expeditions; Josper Grill dining experience at 7AFT Grill (reservations must be made onboard); Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack; and Afar Recommends, a collection of optional shore excursions selected by Afar as exceptional experiences to connect with local culture.
After I make a booking when is my deposit due?
If you make your booking more than 120 days from sailing, an initial deposit is required within three days of booking as follows:
- $1,000 per guest for stateroom categories
- 25% for suite categories
If you make a booking within 120 days of the sailing date, then you must submit full payment at the time of booking. To make a deposit for your expedition, please contact your preferred Travel Advisor or our Voyage Specialists at 1.855.491.2439.
When is final payment due?
As you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, you must make the final payment 121 days prior to your departure date so that you do not lose your reservation and deposit.
I am a solo traveler. Do you offer a savings for singles?
With our Single Explorer Savings, solo travelers will receive a savings on stateroom categories E1, E2, A1, A2, B1, B2, and AO. Suites are excluded and savings amount varies by expedition and stateroom selected.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you must cancel your expedition, the following fees will be assessed:
| Days Prior to Voyage Start Date | Cancellation Fee | |
| Deposit – 121 days prior to sailing | $250 Per Person Administration Fee | |
| 120 to 91 days prior to sailing | 25% Cancellation Fee | |
| 90 to 76 days prior to sailing | 50% Cancellation Fee | |
| 75 to 46 days prior to sailing | 75% Cancellation Fee | |
| 45 to 0 days prior to sailing (including non-appearance at the port of cruise embarkation at the scheduled time of departure) | 100% Cancellation Fee |
Cancellation fees will be assessed on the Cruise Fares, excluding Government Taxes and Fees. Refunds will be provided for Government Taxes and Fees in the event of cancellation.
Will I be able to exchange currency on board?
We do not offer currency exchange services on board.
When do fares transition to include Government Taxes and Fees per California’s new consumer protection law?
Cruise Fares will begin to reflect the inclusion of Government Taxes and Fees starting July 1, 2024. No changes will be required to existing bookings made on June 30, 2024 or prior.
Are Government Taxes and Fees eligible for special offers and promotions?
Special offers and promotional savings do not apply to Government Taxes and Fees.
Do you provide flights for your Polar Expeditions?
Guests on Antarctica expeditions receive FREE private charter jet service between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia or between Punta Arenas and King George Island. On Arctic expeditions, FREE private charter jet service is provided between Oslo and Longyearbyen, between Oslo and Kangerlussuaq or between New York (JFK) and Kangerlussuaq. Details for your charter flight can be found in your Expedition Documents that you will receive 30 days prior to voyage departure.
Are there weight limits for checked and carry-on luggage for the charter flight?
ANTARCTICA: For your charter flight between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, you are permitted one checked luggage item with a maximum weight of 50 lbs and one carry-on item at a maximum of 13 lbs. For your charter flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island on Antarctica Drake Express and Drake Fly & Sail expeditions, you are permitted one checked luggage item with a maximum weight of 42 lbs plus one carry-on item at a maximum of 11 lbs.
ARCTIC: For charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen, and between New York and Kangerlussuaq, you are permitted one checked luggage item with a maximum weight of 50 lbs and one carry-on item at a maximum of 17 lbs.
What flights do the Drake Fly & Sail expeditions offer?
Drake Express expeditions include roundtrip FREE private charter jet service between Punta Arenas and King George Island, and Drake Fly & Sail expeditions include FREE private charter jet service between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires and Punta Arenas and King George Island.
Is a Polar expedition possible for disabled travelers?
While we aim to make our voyages inclusive for all guests, Polar destinations present challenging elements. Our Polar journeys also use Zodiacs to transport guests between shore and yacht, so if you have a disability that does not easily allow for such transportation, we cannot serve you well for a Polar expedition at this time.
Please note that that the accessibility options on and off the ship require walking up and down stairs in most ports of call. Sometimes, these can be steep inclines. Guests must be able to navigate the stairs with limited assistance. Additionally, please note that not all shore excursions are suitable for guests with impaired mobility. Situations may occur in which guests with limited mobility are unable to go ashore at the time they desire or at all in certain ports of call. While we aim to make our voyages inclusive for all guests, Polar Expeditions in the Arctic, or Antarctica present challenging elements. In select ports, and in limited disembarkation and embarkation ports, we use Zodiacs to transport guests between shore and yacht; therefore, we cannot transport wheelchairs with guests.
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accommodate motorized/electric wheelchairs or motorized/electric scooters onboard. However, we welcome any guest bringing their own collapsible manual wheelchair.
Contact our Voyage Specialists team should you have any questions concerning the above.
Will your yachts have accessible accommodations?
Yes, our yachts offer two (2) accessible staterooms with door measurements of 90 centimeter’s to accommodate guests specific accommodations for guests with disabilities and offer them the utmost comfort. Please note these accommodations have limited closet space. Please refer to our deck plans for their locations.
Are Electric/Motorized Scooters or Wheelchairs accepted onboard?
No, we are unable to accommodate electric scooters or wheelchairs. We only accept collapsible wheelchairs onboard the yacht.
Please note that that the accessibility options on and off the ship require walking up and down stairs in most ports of call. Sometimes, these can be steep inclines. Guests must be able to navigate the stairs with limited assistance. Additionally, please note that not all shore excursions are suitable for guests with impaired mobility. Situations may occur in which guests with limited mobility are unable to go ashore at the time they desire or at all in certain ports of call. While we aim to make our voyages inclusive for all guests, our expeditions can present challenging elements.
Will you allow service animals onboard?
Depending on the location of our yachts, service animals will not be permitted.