Antarctic Circle: Ultimate Expedition

Normally, when you travel with Flash Pack you’ll be part of a group of up to 14 solo travellers, all in their 30s and 40s. You’ll also have a dedicated Pack Leader who will stay with you throughout the trip.

When you join our Antarctica adventure, you’ll still be part of an exclusive Flash Pack group – who you’ll meet in Buenos Aires and spend your entire adventure with, bonding over group meals and immersive activities. However, on board the cruise there will be up to 100 other passengers, of all different ages, travelling to Antarctica with you.

Your Pack Leader will accompany you from Buenos Aires to the cruise in Ushuaia and meet you again after the cruise. On board the ship there will be a team of expedition staff who will lead your activities and ensure you have a great trip.

Fly into and out of Buenos Aires Airport (EZE).

Before 3 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 5 pm onwards, starting at the hotel.

There are no planned activities for Day 18, so you can leave any time that suits you. Your Pack leader can help you book transfers the night before if needed.

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer. 

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.

You don’t need a visa to visit Antarctica. Antarctic visitor permits will be obtained on your behalf by the cruise ship.

If you’re visiting Argentina as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada, no visa is required. Please check with your local consulate/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa.

We recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.

You’ll need to budget for meals and drinks in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.

The Antarctic cruise is inclusive of all meals. However, drinks (other than coffee and tea) aren’t included, and you may want to purchase souvenirs from the on board shop.

If you want to take part in sea kayaking (previous experience required) and wild camping in Antarctica, these are at additional cost and subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis:

• Sea kayaking fee US$795 / £610
• Wild camping fee US$285 / £220

To book these activities, you’ll need to get in touch with our sales team. We strongly advise booking early to secure your place.

Tips aren’t included in the cost of this adventure and are entirely at your discretion.

If you’d like to tip your Pack Leader, we recommend 20 USD per person per day.

Tips for cruise staff are collected anonymously at the end of the cruise and shared out equally. Again, 20 USD per day would be an appropriate amount.

There is no required level of fitness to take part in this adventure, however you should be in good health as you will be a long way from full-scale medical facilities.

Once you reach Antarctica, there will be activities available, such as hiking and sea kayaking, but you can choose your level of exertion. For example, you can opt for an active hill hike or a more gentle walk along the beach.

To take part in the sea kayaking activity, you will need previous experience of paddling on open water and an appropriate level of fitness. This is due to the cold weather and changeable conditions, meaning you might have to paddle hard if the wind picks up.

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Yes, there is high-speed Wi-Fi on board the ship. However, please note internet connection can be unstable in remote areas.

You’ll be travelling on an outstanding four-star polar cruise ship. With a maximum of 114 passengers on board, the atmosphere is friendly and intimate, and you’ll be able to maximise your time spent exploring off the ship. Unlike the larger cruise ships, you’ll be able to navigate smaller channels and is permitted to make shore landings.

Suites are spacious and comfortable, complete with ensuite bathroom, closet and television. All cabins are outward facing and have windows. A daily housekeeping service is provided.

Common areas include a large outdoor sundeck (perfect for wildlife viewing) with barbecue, an outdoor hot tub, a small gym, a polar library (ideal to enjoy some quiet moments), a small souvenir shop (open twice a week), as well as a bar and restaurant. There are laundry facilities on board, as well as a ship’s doctor.

You’re also welcome to spend time at the ‘Bridge’ (the Captain’s Deck), as long as conditions allow. Here, you’ll be able to witness the inner workings of your expedition’s command centre, and see how the Captain and crew use cutting-edge navigation and communication systems to plan a safe voyage.

Weather conditions in the Antarctic summer are generally mild, with temperatures hovering close to freezing point. However, the continuous sunlight of 18- to 24-hour days adjusts your thermal temperature to the cold air. Passengers have even been known to experience ‘t-shirt’ conditions.

At the same time, you may encounter fog, white-outs, and other adverse weather conditions.

Crossing the Drake Passage between Ushuaia and Antarctica requires a two-day voyage across open water. This stretch of water can be rough, however your ship features advanced stabilisation fins technology designed to make your journey as comfortable as possible.

Anti-seasickness medication is available on board. If there is a particular brand you prefer, we recommend bringing your own. A ship’s doctor will travel with you as part of your Antarctic expedition crew.

You’ll be provided with a thermal expedition jacket to protect you from the elements and rubber boots for shore landings. However, you’ll need to bring your own winter clothing too.

Make sure you have good boots, thick socks and insulated waterproof gloves/mittens, as well as a winter hat, scarf/buff and insulated wind-resistant winter jacket.  You’ll also want a long-sleeved thermal base layers and a fleece. Don’t forget to pack a pair of insulated, waterproof trousers.

A full packing list will be provided.

All food is included throughout the polar voyage, with three hearty meals a day, as well as a substantial 5 o’clock tea of sandwiches and cake. You can expect a full buffet breakfast, a buffet lunch with some meals to order, and an à la carte menu for dinner.

There is a complimentary tea and coffee station, open 24 hours. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available at extra cost.

Food allergies and special diets can of course be catered for on this trip, for example, if you are a vegan you will receive a vegan version of the same menu.

However extreme allergies like an extreme nut allergy cannot be catered for on this adventure, as all food is prepared in the same kitchen. Please bear this in mind when booking, and reach out to us if you think you will be affected.

Yes. It’s mandatory for all passengers travelling to carry adequate travel insurance that must contain medical, evacuation and repatriation coverage. Passengers must ensure that their purchased insurance includes cruise travel in the polar regions, and has evacuation and repatriation coverage of no less than 200,000 USD per person. You’ll be asked to submit basic medical information prior to departure.

Absolutely! Travel to Antarctica is highly unpredictable and we keep our itinerary flexible to make the best of the seasonal and daily weather conditions. If one bay is be inaccessible due to thick sea ice, there will be an equally beautiful one around the next headland. Likewise, while encounters with wildlife are highly likely, nature comes with no guarantees.

Your safety and comfort is paramount and your ship captain and expedition leaders will always make the best decisions for each voyage using the latest weather forecasting systems. This could mean delays in setting off across the Drake Passage and could affect landings and other activities that take place during the cruise. As a result, no two Antarctic expeditions will ever be the same and you’ll have a truly unique experience.

Hotels and activities on the Argentinean mainland are are also subject to change, due to availability or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

While you are in Argentina you will have a dedicated Pack Leader with you, but they will not accompany you on the cruise. On the cruise, you will have access to a team of naturalists and expedition experts who will be there to lead the activities and answer any questions you might have.

To keep you warm in the polar conditions, you’ll be provided with a thermal overcoat and rubber boots for the duration of the cruise. However, please prepare for extreme weather and bring your own warm layers for day-to-day wear, including insulated, waterproof trousers.

What you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Antarctica, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.

Baggage

• A large backpack or suitcase – it’s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase
• A day bag – this needs to be around 20-25 litres to fit your daily essentials in, such as water and your camera

Clothing

• Thermal vests/base layers – if the weather gets cold, you may want to wear a thermal vest during the day and at night
• Activewear – breathable and light materials are best as a base layer for most activities. Hiking tops are best as they have wicking properties that remove sweat, keeping you dry and warm
• Fleeces/jumpers/down jacket – substantial, warm layers will be required
• A warm, waterproof jacket – for general wear when you’re not on the cruise.
• Outdoor trousers that are warm and waterproof
• Scarf/hat/buff – a buff is particularly useful to cover your face if the wind picks up
• Warm, waterproof gloves
• Thin and thick socks – to wear in layers
• Swimwear – there is a jacuzzi on board the ship
• Polarised sunglasses – the bright snow can be blinding on sunny days (you might even want to bring a spare pair)
• What you wear in the evenings is up to you, but you may want some nicer clothes for the evenings

Shoes

• Day shoes – you’ll be provided with rubber boots to wear on board but a comfortable pair of trainers or boots will be useful for your time on land and for wearing inside the ship.

Accessories

• Electricals and chargers, such as your phone, camera, chargers, etc
• Plug socket adaptors – Plugs in Argentina vary between type I and type C. Type I plugs have three flat prongs and type C plugs have two round prongs. On board your polar ship, plugs are North American 120V two-flat-pinned sockets.
• Refillable water bottle – refilling a bottle instead of buying single-use bottles will help to reduce our plastic footprint, consider an insulated winter water bottle
• Eye mask and earplugs – if you’re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs
• Any personal medication you require
• Personal toiletries, including a toothbrush, deodorant, razors, hairbrush, etc
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Painkillers
• Anti-bacterial gel
• Lip balm with SPF
• Moisturiser and lip balm
• High SPF factor sun cream – this helps to protect your skin from the cold and the high UV levels due to the ozone layer being thinner here