Essential Information

Deposits

Reservations require a deposit of $1750 per person at the time you receive a booking confirmation from us. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card, alternatively bank transfer. Bookings within 120 days of departure require full payment.

Final Payments

Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. Final payment can be made by wire/bank transfer, or by major credit card (subject to a 2.5% fee, only for balance payments).

Cancellations

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. The following policy applies: Cancellations received up to 210 days prior to departure: there will be a full refund of the deposit received, less a $1,000 USD per person processing fee.

Travel Insurance

It is a mandatory requirement that you are adequately covered by a travel insurance policy that covers worldwide aero-medical evacuation in the case of a medical emergency during the trips, including emergencies related to pre-existing health conditions and pandemics. We also strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. 

Booking Terms

Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This expedition is operated by Antarctica21 and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.

Single travellers can choose between:

Booking a dedicated single cabin.

Children

The vessel welcomes children aged 8 and above on its expeditions, provided they meet these requirements: 1.20 meters (3 ft 11 in) tall, weighing 30 kilos (66 pounds) or more, and accompanied by a responsible adult who takes full responsibility for the minor and signs a waiver. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children under 12 years.

Baggage

The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 25 kg (55 lbs) per person, including hand luggage, with each item not exceeding 20 kg (44 lbs). For all air-cruises that start and end in Punta Arenas, excess luggage will be kept in custody and returned to travelers after their time in Antarctica. The baggage weight limit is a technical requirement imposed by the flight operation. Unfortunately, it is not possible to purchase extra allowance.

Loyalty Benefit

A special Loyalty Benefit gives returning travellers on Magellan Explorer or Discoverer a 5% reduction on their next trip. The reduction applies to all repeat travelers with us. We hope to see you again!

CONTINGENCY PLAN

In case that the flight to or from Antarctica cannot take place due to unfavourable weather conditions either at point of origin and/or destination, Antarctica21 will apply the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage.  While historically most flights have operated on the scheduled day, in some instances weather conditions have required that adjustments to the departure time of Antarctic flights be made to avoid protracted delays. In the unlikely event that the flight to or from Antarctica cannot take place on the scheduled day due to unfavorable weather conditions, we will apply a Contingency Plan. The Contingency Plan is included in the cost of your expedition. The primary goal of the plan is to provide an engaging and comfortable travel experience while we adapt to the weather and we keep you informed of developments, whether in Punta Arenas or Antarctica. A change in the flight schedule can impact travel to Antarctica or return to Punta Arenas, and the plan includes a range of activities determined by the circumstances. Additionally, the Contingency Plan offers you financial protection by providing a refund should weather conditions prevent us from reaching Antarctica.

In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is moved forward

In some cases, it may be necessary to move forward the Antarctic flight to the afternoon or evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. This will result in an early departure from Punta Arenas and early arrival in Antarctica. It is one reason why it is important that guests arrive in Punta Arenas by 2 PM on Day 1 of the itinerary. Travelers who miss the 2 PM arrival deadline will be considered “no-show”.

In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is delayed

The group will remain in Punta Arenas while waiting for an improvement in the weather and for the opportunity to fly to Antarctica. Included are accommodation, meals, and, when possible, based on the circumstances, guided excursions to local attractions. If by 2 PM on Day 4 of the itinerary it is still impossible to depart for Antarctica, the trip will be interrupted, and the cruise fare will be refunded.

In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is moved forward

In those cases when the forecast suggests the likelihood of unfavorable weather conditions in Antarctica persisting for several days, the flight back to Punta Arenas may be moved forward to the previous day to avoid a protracted delay in Antarctica. Accommodation is included upon arrival. All other inclusions will remain per the original itinerary. No refund will be extended.

In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is delayed

The group will remain in Antarctica and wait for the opportunity to fly to Punta Arenas. In the unlikely event that the delay exceeds two days, and the weather forecast indicates the impossibility to fly over several more days, the captain of the vessel may decide to sail back to South America for safety reasons. Included are meals and accommodation on the ship. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, the trip will end at the airport. Travelers are responsible for any expenses associated with the rescheduling of their airline tickets or onward travel plans.