Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack?

Ahead of your trip, the Antarctica21 team will provide a link to their portal which should include a packing list, so you’re prepared for your voyage. It’s especially important to plan ahead given the luggage weight allowance of 20 kilograms (or 44 pounds) for Antarctica21’s air-cruise itineraries.

This is a great article that has tips on packing for an Antarctic (or Sub-Antarctic) expedition: Antarctica21 | How to Pack for Your Big Adventure to Antarctica – Antarctica21

What is the dress code onboard?

Casual attire (expedition style) is the most appropriate apparel for the voyage. Clothing should be comfortable and informal, including shoes. There is no requirement to dress formally for any meals. Should you wish to be on the outside decks, the Antarctica21 rubber boots are ideally warm and comfortable to wear. The average temperature on board is about 20°/22°C (68°/72°F).

Is laundry available?

Yes, laundry services are available at an additional cost. The price list will be available in the Antarctica21 portal, which will be sent to you soon.

What kind of jacket do I need?

Antarctica21 do not provide jackets. The suggested clothing for Antarctica is very similar to that recommended for skiing.  This is a great Antarctica21 blog article on choosing a winter jacket for the expedition. They recommend that you have a waterproof top layer and then use a base layer of merino wool, mid-layer of a zipped fleece or wool sweater, and then an insulating layer like a light puffer jacket.

What is the jacket that the Antarctic Heritage Trust is offering passengers?

There are two travel jackets available for purchase from Antarctic Heritage Trust. These are souvenir jackets that commemorate the Shackleton Centenary Year Expedition. There is a waterproof jacket available or an insulation layer jacket available.

Torpedo7 Waterproof Jacket Option: Womens | Mens

Mons Royale Insulation Layer Jacket Option: Womens | Mens

Please place orders before 30 July 2023 to allow time for creation and shipping.

Do I need to pack boots or snow shoes for on-land excursions?

No, Antarctica21 will provide boots for on-shore activities. The boots are in good condition and fit for purpose. However they do recommend a walking boot or shoe and if you want to change once out of the Zodiac and ashore you can leave your loan boots in the landing area if that is your preference.

Snowshoeing typically isn’t on offer in South Georgia due to the landing sites not being conducive to the activity. However, if we can attempt the Shackleton Walk or the Maiviken Walk to Gryvtviken then the snowshoes may be needed, and they will be made available by Antarctica21. Typically though there isn’t enough snow to walk on during the vast majority of excursions, let alone deep enough snow to necessitate their use.

Will walking poles be available?

These are available through Antarctica21. They have 40 pairs onboard the ship for passenger use.

What will the weather be like?

The temperature will hover around 0°C (32°F) although sometimes it may feel lower because of the windchill factor. You can expect cold, sunny days and brisk winds, which may turn into stormy weather and even a few snow flurries or snow. You should be prepared for quick changes in weather conditions.

Will we see the Aurora Australis?

There will be over 12 hours of sunlight in October but also periods of twilight and night, so technically yes, it might be something that we can see.

What if I have mobility or health concerns?

Getting on and off the ship requires full mobility. You don’t need to be very agile but you do need to be able to walk and manage stairs independently, as well as to lift your legs over the pontoons of the Zodiacs to embark and disembark. Walks on the beach or further inland, with some low hill climbing, are available. You should be reasonably fit to be able to enjoy those activities but it will always be up to you how far you choose to walk. Physical activity will never be imposed and you can set your own pace.

In the Participation Form on Antarctica21’s portal you will be asked to tell Antarctica21 all about your health problems, either past or present, including allergies, etc. This will allow the onboard doctor to be aware of the medical needs of each one of our passengers, and allow him or her to be better prepared.

If you are concerned about accessibility onboard the ship please contact us. Antarctica21 do have the ability to support people with mobility issues but this is handled on a case by case basis.

Will there be WIFI?

Wi-Fi will be available at an additional cost.(last season was US$50 for 1GB).

The Internet system provided on board runs via a satellite-connected with a limited bandwidth, so please be prepared for a much lower speed than you may be used to when browsing at home. Guests can connect to the on board Wi-Fi with their personal devices and, alternatively, ship’s computers are available in common areas. Antarctica21 suggest limiting Internet use to basic functions and avoid browsing heavy pages or applications.

Please note that WIFI may not be available 24/7.

What are electrical requirements onboard?

The electric outlets of the vessel are 220V/50Hz, and are equipped with standard U.S. two-pin system, 2-prong plug or Euro-plug and USB port, please bring the necessary converters and adapters.

What if I have special dietary requirements?

Dietary requests must be made on Antarctica21’s portal. This information will allow Antarctica21 to accommodate your needs while on your voyage. Note: due to the nature of the expeditions and the kitchens onboard the ships, Kosher and vegan meals cannot be accommodated.

Should we tip the Antarctica21 staff?

Everyone on board the ship will work hard to make your experience special. Although this is a personal choice, Antarctica21 shared that it is customary for passengers to leave a gratuity to the crew, service personnel, and expedition staff as a sign of appreciation. You can make a single contribution at the end of the voyage. As a general guideline, Antarctica21 suggest US15 per passenger per day. Gratuities can be added prior to settling your shipboard account, or put in an envelope and dropped in a box set out on the last days of the voyage.

What do you recommend for seasickness?

Seasickness is an unpleasant but very treatable condition. There are a variety of effective over-the-counter and prescription remedies for it. Remember that these treatments are generally more effective when taken before the onset of nausea; so, if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking action before sailing or entering open seas. Although the ship’s doctor is available for advice, check with your personal doctor before departure about taking medication.

Will there be an on-board doctor?

The ship has a small, well-equipped infirmary for the attention of minor medical problems and is under the care of a licensed medical doctor. Serious emergencies require evacuation to medical centres in South America that are better equipped, which requires a very costly air evacuation procedure. This is why Antarctica21 asks passengers to have an insurance policy that covers emergency medical evacuation.

Is smoking permitted?

Smoking is not permitted on board, except in designated areas on the exterior decks, where cigarette butt containers are located.

• All passenger areas, including cabins and balconies, are designated as non-smoking.
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ships (including the balcony areas,) on Zodiacs, or on landings during shore excursions on South Georgia Island.
• International law dictates the allowed designated area for smoking on commercial vessels; This location will be clearly identified to passengers during the Safety Briefing at the beginning of the voyage. For safety and environmental reasons, never throw cigarette butts or any other material on the ground or into the sea.

Do you have a recommended reading list?

Yes! We have suggested reading being shared in our monthly South Georgia newsletter. A list of previous recommendations is below:

1. South Georgia Museum’s Online Exhibition: Shackleton’s Last Quest 
2. Frank Worsley – Shackleton’s Fearless Captain. John Thomson
3. A Field Guide to the Wildlife of South Georgia. Robert Burton and John Croxall
4. Endurance – Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage. Alfred Lansing
5. South: Illustrated 100th Anniversary Edition
6. Shackleton at South Georgia Centenary Edition by Robert Burton

How many people will be on the ship?

There will be a total of 91 guests on the ship. Of this, 22 are Inspiring Explorers and 57 are paying passengers. The remaining 12 are special guests, guides and mentors for the Inspiring Explorers and Antarctic Heritage Trust staff.

What is included in the rate of a berth?

• Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage material from Wild Earth Travel and Antarctica21
• Daily buffet breakfast on board the ship
• Daily buffet lunch
• Daily dinner on board the ship offering a choice of three main courses each night
• Wine, beer, juice and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board the ship
• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water and snacks served on board throughout the expedition
• Mini bar including soft drinks, beer, red wine and white wine (for Deluxe Veranda, Triple Suite, and Penthouse cabins only. Others have soft drinks only.)
• The loan of waterproof boots for landings from Antarctica21
• All guided shore excursions
• Presentations and entertainment on board
• Landing fees and IAATO passenger fee

What is not included in the rate of a berth?

• International airfares, including Chile to the Falkland Islands, and accommodation prior to and following embarkation
• Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar or outside of meal offerings
• Personal medical and travel insurance
• Extra expenses on board (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
• Gratuities
• Visas for Chile, Argentina and/or the Falkland Islands if required, passport expenses, and any other arrival and/or departure tax if applicable
• Optional sponsorship of an Inspiring Explorer

Any extra purchases will be recorded at the guests shipboard account and can be settled at the end of the voyage together with any extra expenses.

Who are Antarctica21?

Antarctica21 is the operator for this expedition and the owner of the ship, Magellan Explorer. They design and deliver adventurous yet comfortable small-scale expeditions to Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic Islands. On every journey, the Antarctica21 team includes at least 12 expert polar guides who know the region’s unique geography, natural history, wildlife and ecology. They are a recognised leader in Antarctic travel and are a core member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

What will the Inspiring Explorers Programme involve?

Antarctic Heritage Trust are delighted to have chosen 22 Inspiring Explorers to join the expedition alongside the Trust’s supporters.

You can read more about each of the 22 Inspiring Explorers here: Meet the South Georgia Expedition Team | Antarctic Heritage Trust (nzaht.org)

Permits forthcoming, select group of 4 Inspiring Explorers will attempt to reach the summit of Mount Worsley in South Georgia’s mountainous interior. This will be the first ever attempt by a New Zealand expedition to climb this peak, named after one of the most famous countrymen, Frank Worsley.

All Inspiring Explorers applied for their places, demonstrating how they will benefit and inspire others and deliver a dedicated outreach programme following the expedition to share their story and encourage others to explore.

Who is funding the 2023 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Georgia programme for these young explorers?

The 22 Inspiring Explorers contribute  NZD2,000 for their space but the remaining costs have been fully funded by donors of the Antarctic Heritage Trust.

Thank you to our generous partners and donors including:

Programme Partners (read more here):

• MetService
• Royal Society Te Aparangi
• Inspiring Explorers^TM Fund donors

Do I need to arrange international visas?

New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to enter Argentina or Chile as tourists. Non-New Zealand passport holders should check the entry requirements of both countries.

No visa is required for the Falkland Islands regardless of nationality, provided you land by plane and board the ship that same day without spending the night ashore. Those passengers wanting to stay in the Falkland Islands before or after the voyage may require a visa depending on nationality. You can find a list of nationalities that do not require a pre-arranged visa to enter the Falkland Islands on the official government website.

No visa is required for South Georgia regardless of nationality. Landing fees charged by the government are included in your voyage fare.

What if the expedition is cancelled due to a pandemic like COVID-19?

To provide peace of mind, should a pandemic or the COVID-19 pandemic situation require the voyage to be cancelled or postponed by Antarctica21, Wild Earth or Antarctic Heritage Trust at any time up until departure, all voyage payments will be refunded to passengers, less an administration fee for Wild Earth Travel. Alternatively, you may choose for your payments to be credited to a deferred voyage if we do not proceed on the scheduled date. In the case of a deferred voyage, berth prices and special guests may be subject to change.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

Antarctica21 strongly urges passengers to be adequately covered by trip cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against and unforeseen event which may force them to cancel their booking departure or leave the voyage while it is in progress.

Do I need to purchase medical insurance?

Antarctica21 requires participants to be adequately covered by a travel insurance policy that covers aero-medical evacuation from the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island as a result of medical emergency during the trip, including emergencies related to pre-existing health conditions.

Will there be children on the expedition?

No children have signed up to be on the expedition. The youngest Inspiring Explorer will be age 17.

What is the planned itinerary?

Depending on the weather and timing we may have the opportunity to:

• Zodiac ride to James Caird landing site
• Zodiac cruise to see Binder Beach King Penguin colony
• Landing on Salisbury Plain to see King penguins, elephant and fur seals
• Landing on Prion Island to see Wandering Albatross nesting sites
• Fortuna Bay landing to see King Penguin colony & opportunity to do a moderate hike to follow Shackleton’s footsteps from Fortuna Bay to Stromness
• Easy walk from Stromness to Leith
• Easy walk from Maiviken to Grytviken with opportunity to see fur seals and gentoo penguin colony
• Visit to the whaling station, Shackleton’s grave, and possible Museum visit depending on opening hours
• Walk to the top of Godthul Hill
• Walks on Cooper Bay area to view macaroni penguin colony and fur seals
• Zodiac cruises through Drygalski Fjord (will likely see glaciers)
• St Andrews Bay to visit King Penguin and elephant seals along with various glaciers
• Easy walk from Ocean Harbour to Sorling Valley

We will also have various lectures available from Antarctic Heritage Trust special guests  And Antarctica21 experts will also have a series of lectures available on South Georgia, the wildlife and the heroic era history. They also have photographers that can do some training 1:1 with guests interested in improving their photography skills. Information on your Antarctica21 guides will be coming soon.

Will the voyage stick to the planned itinerary?

In the spirit of being on an expedition, changes to the itinerary may occur due to changeable weather. We need to emphasise the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable and safety is always the paramount concern. For this reason, Antarctica21 reserves the right to change the itinerary described due to weather conditions or other factors beyond their control without consulting the passengers.