Get all your information on Olivia's upcoming Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands Group Adventure.
About Our Destination
Being LGBTQ+ in Antarctica
As Antarctica has no government or a permanent human population, there are no laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights here. As British Overseas Territories, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands have banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The communities are very open with 90% of the population favoring same-sex marriage and equal rights.
Climate
Early November is spring in the southern hemisphere so temperatures can still be quite chilly. The average temperature in Antarctica is 28°F during the day and 15°F at night; in South Georgia is 38°F during the day and 29°F at night; and in the Falkland Islands is 50°F during the day and 45°F at night. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.
Currency
With no government, Antarctica does not have an official currency. There are research stations under the flag of other countries that accept USD to purchase souvenirs. South Georgia and the Falkland Islands use the Pound Sterling (ÂŁ/GBP), but USD is accepted. For current exchange rates, please click here.
Languages
English is spoken in Antarctica, and is the official language of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Before Your Trip
Olivia Onboard Group Experience—What to Expect
Olivia will be hosting a group on board the new 189-passenger Ocean Victory. As a group on board, we will enjoy Olivia-specific times for landings ashore and Zodiac tours so we can explore together, private gatherings to share pictures and stories from the day, and a group dining area for daily meals. Cabins have been secured for our group in five different categories in the prime locations of ship, and we will have our own Olivia Escort to accompany us with a minimum of 12 people booked. In addition, guests will not pay a separate cost for NDAs (port taxes and fees) as those are already included in the cost of the trip. Gratuities are paid by you directly to the ship staff and crew at the end of the vacation with the recommended amount of $14 per person per day.
What’s Included and What’s Not
What's included?
What’s not included?
Air transportation to and from Ushuaia; transfer from/to airport in Ushuaia to/from ship; gratuities for ship's staff and crew (recommended amount of $14 per person, per day); items such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, internet, laundry, and other personal services; extra excursions and activities not mentioned in itinerary; and optional kayaking, snowshoeing, and camping excursions.
Cancellation Policy
Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this group contract, we must strictly adhere to their cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions.
Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.
Connect with other Guests—Joining the Facebook Group
If you'd like to chat with people who will be going on the trip, you can join Olivia’s official 2022 Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands Group Adventure group on Facebook.
Honeymoons and Other Celebrations
Register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.
Olivia Travel Gear Store
To help you get ready for your vacation, we’ve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!Special Occasions
If you will celebrate a birthday or any other special event during the week of your trip that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Specific Needs—Medical, Mobility, Dietary, and Otherwise
If you have medical, mobility, or dietary requirements that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Travel Insurance
As we will be in remote destinations where it can take up to two days to get to a medical facility, this trip requires that you purchase a travel protection plan with a minimum of $250,000 of medical evacuation coverage to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information.
For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a travel consultant.
Passport and Visa
All guests (including guests from countries other than the United States) will be required to have a passport. Passports must be valid for six months after your return date. US citizens do not need a visa for this trip. If you are not a US citizen, please check visa requirements with your country’s consulate and the consulates of the countries you’ll be visiting.
Vaccinations
Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov. Click on the Travelers’ Health tab, then click on Destinations, and choose your destination from the “For Travelers” pull-down menu.
- Accommodations for 18 nights/19 days on board the Albatros Expeditions’ ms Ocean Victory
- All meals and snacks as indicated on the itinerary (while on board the ship)
- Excursions and Zodiac landings as indicated in the itinerary (additional cost for camping, kayaking, and snowshoeing)
- Services of Olivia escort, expedition leader, naturalist staff, photography instructor, expert guides, and the ship’s doctor
- Complimentary photo workshop from an experienced photographer on board
- Online visual journal access after your voyage with photos, species list, log, and more
- Complimentary tea and coffee 24 hours daily
- Welcome and farewell drinks
- Complimentary expedition jacket
- Loaned pair of sturdy rubber boots for the entire voyage
- Taxes and port fees
- Olivia assistance throughout
2022 ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & FALKLAND ISLANDS GROUP ADVENTURE |
START DATE | END DATE | FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 11/1/2021 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 11/2/2021 | 11/1/2022 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
To help you get ready for your vacation, we’ve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!
Travel & Arrival
Air Travel
Airports
You will need to fly into and out of the Ushuaia International Airport (USH). Please note that you will need to fly through Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) and that most flights to Ushuaia are operated out of the Buenos Aires Domestic Airport (AEP), which is located approximately one hour away from the international airport. Please make sure when booking your flights you plan accordingly and allow yourself enough time to clear customs, collect your luggage, transfer to the domestic airport, and check in.
Discounts
Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Please visit our airfare discount page for the most up-to-date information.
Flight Arrival and Departure Times
If arriving on the day of the trip, please arrive no later than 1 pm on November 1, 2022. Your departing flight on November 19, 2022, should be after 11 am.
Luggage Allowances
While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.
Transfers and Meeting Up with Olivia
Getting to Your Ship
Your transfer from the Ushuaia International airport to the ship is not included. The airport is approximately 10 minutes from the Ushuaia port and cruise ship. Embarkation will begin at 2 pm.
Check-In
Embarkation and check-in begin at 2 pm and all aboard is at 4 pm.
During your trip
Accommodations
The Ocean Victory is Albatros Expeditions' new ship and is equipped with X-Bowstabilizers for more stability and comfort when crossing the Drake Passage and Rolls Royce Zero-Speed stabilizers to provide more comfort and reduction of "ship roll" by 80% to 85% when the ship is at anchor. All cabins have unobstructed views, most with panoramic views to fully take in the landscape, modern fresh Nordic design with two beds convertible to double bed, sitting area, and balcony in most categories.
Albatros Expeditions' Ocean Victory Ship Amenities
Cabin Amenities:
Dining
Ocean Victory offers dining at the Beagle Restaurant, the main restaurant, the Panorama Specialty Restaurant with Lava Rock cooking, and the Albatros BBQ restaurant.
There is no room service on board.
Dress Code
The dress code on board is casual. It is important to wear the right clothes in order to adapt to the different weather conditions. We recommend comfortable, breathable, waterproof, and windproof clothing. Also, you should have a pair of gloves, thermal underwear, and sturdy footwear.
Electricity
All staterooms are equipped with 220-volt electricity, which is the same as in Europe. You will need 3-prong square adapters. As outlets sometimes vary, if you plan to operate electric appliances, we suggest you travel with a set of international adapter plugs as well as a voltage converter.
Entertainment and Programming
The Expedition Leader will conduct regularly scheduled briefings to highlight key points in the itinerary, organize excursions and communicate important information.
In addition, the Expedition Team will offer educational talks on the wildlife, history, and areas we are traveling through. As well, there will be movies and documentaries shown in the main lounge.
Excursions
When we are in Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, landings and Zodiac tours will be offered daily and are included.
Camping while in Antarctica for one night is available and must be booked in advance to guarantee your spot. Let your Travel Consultant know, as space as limited.
Kayaking and Snowshoeing will also be available to book once you are on board the ship.
Gratuities
Gratuities are not included and are paid by you directly to the ship for the ship's staff and crew at the end of the vacation with the recommended amount of $14 per person per day.
Internet
Internet plans are available for purchase for guests that bring their laptops and purchase an internet wireless plan onboard. Pricing will be posted on board. Ships can only connect to one dedicated satellite to provide Internet service for all onboard needs and therefore service interruptions may occur.
Laundry Services
Laundry service is available on board. Check on board for pricing.
Medical Services
Consultations and treatment by the doctor will be charged to the guest’s onboard account. Consultations vary from US$25-US$75 and treatments from US$5-US$100. Make sure to keep the receipt for the insurance company.
Money: On-Board Purchases
On board, the currency is $USD. All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create when you first check in. Please check with the front office on board for further details.
Shop
The selection of items available for purchase varies by ship, and may include a range of warm and practical clothing, as well as souvenirs, local arts, and postcards at reasonable prices. A small selection of soap, toothpaste, and other personal effects are also sold.
Smoking policy
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the outside decks. Smoking is not permitted inside the vessel, in the cabin, or near the Zodiacs. Please remember to respect our natural environments and dispose of cigarette butts only in designated ashtrays and bins.
Spa Services
There is a spa on board. Massages and other services are available for an additional fee.
Telephone
Each cabin has a phone which you may use to call cabin-to-cabin, and to the various onboard facilities. There is an additional fee to use this phone to call outside of the ship; cost is available on board.
- Beagle Restaurant
- Panorama Specialty Restaurant withLava Rock cooking
- Albatros BBQ Deck
- Albatros Nordic Bar Lounge
- Albatros Observation Lounge
- Shackleton Lecture Lounge
- Knud Rasmussen Library
- Polar Spa & Wellness Area
- Fitness Center
- Infinity pool, jacuzzi, and pool bar
- Mudroom
- Individually-controlled thermostat
- Shampoo, conditioner, and soap
- Hair dryer
- 220-volt outlets
- Twin beds convertible to double bed
- TVs to watch programmed movies and documentaries
- Phones to contact other cabins or reception
There is no room service on board.
In addition, the Expedition Team will offer educational talks on the wildlife, history, and areas we are traveling through. As well, there will be movies and documentaries shown in the main lounge.
Camping while in Antarctica for one night is available and must be booked in advance to guarantee your spot. Let your Travel Consultant know, as space as limited.
Kayaking and Snowshoeing will also be available to book once you are on board the ship.
After Your Trip
Disembarkation
The ship is scheduled to arrive back in Ushuaia at 6 am with disembarkation beginning at 8:30 am on November 19.
Transfers to the Airport
Transfers are not included, however, there are taxis available to take to you the airport. The airport is approximately 10 minutes from the port of Ushuaia and the ride should cost about $5 USD.
The entire Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands trip does require a certain level of mobility—walking in deep snow, on rocky or uneven terrain, gentle hiking uphill, and getting in and out of Zodiacs from the ship and into the water on shore. If you do have limited mobility that requires assistance, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you.
We will be traveling in remote areas where medical assistance is difficult to reach and medical evacuations can take up to two days. A medical form will be required of all participants with a mandatory signature. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
Our Travel Consultants can be reached at USA or Canada: 800.631.6277 or International 415.962.5700, option 1.
