Essential Trip Information

• The Ocean Victory is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Arctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas. We have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.
• Temperatures in the Arctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll loan you waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm, plus we’ll provide you with a waterproof jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for a packing list.
• Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the areas and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Elevators may be closed in rough seas, requiring the use of stairs for meals, presentations and activities.
• The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in an area as remote as the Arctic. The experienced expedition team and captain will always have alternative landing sites planned if the first option is no longer available due to weather.
• We may be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty of onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the spa and gym will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.

Although you don't need to be particularly fit to take part in an Antarctic expedition, you do need to have a good level of mobility. You must be able to complete the onboard safety drills and emergency evacuation procedures unaided. Rolling seas and windy conditions require you to be stable on your feet while negotiating the ship over potentially slippery decks and gangways. Zodiacs are accessed via a gangway which is reached via some steep and narrow internal stairs. Please check if your ship has a lift. Ocean Nova does not have a lift so climbing stairs will be necessary. Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory does have a lift however during rough seas the lift may be closed and you will need to use the stairs instead.

Onshore conditions will vary. Ice and snow underfoot can make conditions slippery. Some locations have steep climbs or longer walks to reach a place of interest but wherever possible, the expedition guides will offer options of shorter or longer stays onshore, and varying levels of activity. The Expedition Team and crew are on hand to assist guests on and off the Zodiacs during all excursions.

Issues on your trip:
While we always endeavour to provide you with the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your Expedition Leader straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

No two Polar voyages are the same and this is part of the excitement of travelling in these remote regions. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife will all affect where your ship is able to access, and most importantly, where your Expedition Team think you will get the best possible experience from your trip. Onboard, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries cannot be guaranteed but an amazing voyage full of adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is.

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Your voyage is on board the Ocean Victory ship.

SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
This voyage is operated by our Polar partner Polar Latitudes. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the voyage cost per person per Cruise for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 120 days of the departure date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please refer to the "booking conditions" on our website under Polar Latitudes.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your sales agent can assist with availability and pricing.
• Discover Kayaking - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent and then pay for the activity once onboard the ship.

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  http://www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

You will need to have your passport with you on the ship, as port authorities will wish to inspect passports on departure also again at the end of your voyage. Your passport will be stored securely at the reception desk during your expedition voyage.

GENRAL HEALTH
Although a licensed English-speaking physician is on board, the vessel’s medical facility is a basic infirmary, and full medical care may be days away. For your safety, you must be in good health and have taken all necessary precautions. Each traveler on your booking will receive a unique link to complete the required online Guest Forms including a medical form. Please complete the medical form honestly. It helps determine whether your health is suitable for the voyage. Ensure you have all required medications and are prepared for the physical demands of the expedition.

Mobility Considerations:
Our ships are not fully barrier-free:
• Doors to decks are heavy and narrow, with high sills.
• Decks can be slippery and may contain hazards such as pipes, drains, and equipment.
• Elevators may be closed in rough seas, requiring the use of stairs for meals, presentations, and activities.
If you have mobility challenges or use walking aids, carefully consider your participation:
• Boarding and disembarking Zodiacs, and walking on rocky or icy terrain, can be challenging.
• Expedition team members can assist you into the Zodiac and onto shore, but cannot escort you once ashore due to other duties.
The Expedition Leader and Captain reserve the right to limit landing participation for guests with limited mobility.

Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Careful preparation ensures you can make the most of your expedition voyage.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room. Hours of operation will be posted and are subject to change to accommodate the expedition. Coffee, tea and cocoa are available around the clock. Filtered water will be available onboard throughout your trip.
We're able to meet most special dietary requests, as long as you have clearly indicated your requirements far in advance of your voyage via your online guest forms. Kosher food cannot be prepared.

The Ocean Victory is a modern Ship, built for the Polar Regions. The sister ship of Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory boasts the same strikingly unconventional profile as its sibling. It’s a look that reflects decades of Polar learning and design refinement, resulting in a vessel ideally suited for the challenges and opportunities of this unique part of the world. From its uber-stable X-Bow to its heated mudroom and four exterior doors that will get you out and exploring quickly and safely, this is the ship Antarctica – and every would-be explorer – have been waiting for.
The futuristic X-Bow design of the Ocean Victory is more than just eye-catching. It’s also designed for total comfort and safety in even the roughest seas. And its superior Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6 mean it can push through deeper ice and deliver access to ever more remote and elusive areas. Onboard, spacious rooms, everywhere visibility, and seamless access to zodiacs (and the adventures to follow) all join forces to ensure a one-of-a-kind experience that will exceed your highest expectations.
The Ocean Victory is designed to keep Antarctica and the Arctic in full view, no matter where you are on the ship. Every stateroom provides a generous view, and most include private balconies. A variety of observation decks are accessible from multiple indoor locations. Two hydraulic platforms can be lowered to offer unprecedented near-water-level views (and rare photographic opportunities). Even the two outdoor Jacuzzis provide 360 views of the mesmerizing landscape that surrounds you.

Currency & Payments
Life onboard is designed to be simple and cash-free. All purchases, including bar drinks, laundry, internet access, and other incidental expenses, are charged directly to your personal onboard account, so there is no need to carry cash around the ship.
At the end of your expedition, you will receive a final statement summarizing all charges. You may settle your bill using:
• Cash (USD)
• Major credit cards (Visa or MasterCard)
Please note:
• American Express and debit cards may not always be accepted
• Personal checks are not permitted

Using your Credit Card
Most banks have security measures that restrict international transactions unless your card has been activated for overseas travel. Because the Ocean Victory/Albatros onboard payment system is registered in Germany, transactions may be declined if your bank has not pre-approved international use.
To ensure smooth transactions onboard, please:
• Contact your credit card provider before departure
• Inform them of all countries you will be visiting, including where our ship onboard payment system is registered: Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory and Ocean Nova: Austria
• Request activation for international use for the full duration of your trip
• This helps prevent declined transactions and delays when settling your onboard account.

Tipping & Gratuities
Tipping is completely optional and left to your discretion. Any gratuities received are shared fairly among the entire service team, including the Expedition Team, hotel staff, and ship’s crew.
If you choose to leave a gratuity:
• Suggested guidelines will be included in your Final Travel Documents (sent approximately four weeks prior to departure)
• Gratuities can be added to your onboard account or paid in cash
• Your generosity is always deeply appreciated and offers a meaningful way to acknowledge the crew’s hard work.

Cash for Incidentals
Although most onboard expenses are handled electronically, we recommend carrying a small amount of local currency for incidental purchases while ashore. While card payments are widely accepted in most towns and cities, smaller communities, local markets, or remote coastal areas may prefer cash, and ATMs can occasionally be limited or unreliable.
The currency used ashore varies by destination:
• Scotland (UK): Pound Sterling (GBP): credit cards widely accepted
• Ireland (Republic): Euro (EUR): credit cards widely accepted
• Northern Ireland (UK): Pound Sterling (GBP): credit cards widely accepted
• Faroe Islands: Faroese Króna (DKK, tied to the Danish Krone): credit cards widely accepted
• Iceland: Icelandic Króna (ISK): credit cards widely accepted
• Greenland: Danish Krone (DKK): most shops accept credit cards
• Arctic Canada: Canadian Dollar (CAD): cash may be preferred in smaller or remote communities
Bringing a modest amount of the appropriate currency for your ports of call will ensure you’re ready for small purchases, snacks, local crafts, or tips when card options are limited.

It’s true that the Arctic can be cold, and the weather can be unpredictable, but the ship is very comfy, and a few key articles of clothing will do the trick to fight off the elements when out and exploring – not unlike what you might pack for a ski vacation, with a few additional suggestions.

As a result, you should not need to make many expensive specialist gear purchases, although you do need good wet weather pants and warm clothing. The dress code onboard is relaxed and casual and you will not need to dress formally for meals.

The inside of the ship is well heated, so you will not require special clothing on board. Indeed, you could spend most of your time in light trousers and a t-shirt! However, it is not unusual for you to want to go out on deck suddenly – a whale or polar bear sighting nearly always produces a major exodus, so you need to keep warm clothing handy at all times, even when a shore excursion is not imminent.

When you do go ashore you will require warm clothing - a few layers of light and medium-weight items which can be easily adjusted rather than one or two large and bulky items - and wet weather gear to protect you from the spray which can sometimes be encountered on the Zodiacs.

PROVIDED EXPEDITION GEAR
Staying warm and dry during your voyage is vital. Our Expedition gear has been carefully selected to provide you with all the necessary features for an enjoyable Antarctic adventure. We'll gather your gear sizes about 4 months before your trip, and you'll receive them once you're aboard the ship. Our chosen Expedition Parkas, Inner Jackets, and Muck Boots are designed to fit a wide range of sizes, accommodating up to 3XL for both men and women.

Expedition Jacket - We provide a custom-engineered Expedition Jacket. It's lightweight, water and wind-resistant, and is yours to keep at the end of your expedition.

Muck-Style Boots -Specifically engineered to deliver grip and performance on snow and ice while keeping your feet warm and dry. On loan throughout your expedition.

PACKING LIST
We have prepared a full list of equipment to use as a checklist when packing for your Antarctic expedition. You can find this packing list on the exhibition hub that will be sent you with your booking confirmation.

It is possible to stay in touch whilst on board. Your ship is equipped with the latest available satellite communication equipment for our areas of operation providing us the possibility of Internet and phone reception. While we are pleased to offer these services, please understand that our ship communications are affected by the ship’s position, satellite coverage and local weather conditions. It may take several attempts before you are successful in making contact. Please keep in mind, you are travelling the most remote part of the world. There may be periods of time (hours/days) where phone and Internet are not available. A pre-paid PIN Card will also be required for making telephone calls. Voice PIN cards allow calling from your cabin or guest telephones to shore telephones at various rates per minute dependent on location and type of phone you are calling (calling mobile phones tends to be more expensive). Current prices for these optional services can be found on your exhibition hub (sent you on upon your booking confirmation).

Your expedition will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader and at least one Assistant Expedition Leader.
In addition, there will be a team of Polar experts and Expedition Guides who will be with you throughout. These experts will have various areas of expertise to inform you about the wildlife you may see, the terrain you'll pass through, the history of the area and to help you get the most out of photography opportunities. In addition there will be specialist guides for kayaking or day paddling and sometimes special guest presenters.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Mandatory Coverage - All passengers must travel with a valid Travel Insurance Policy that includes the following minimum coverage:
• Personal injury
• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation (minimum coverage of USD $150,000)
• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
You will need to provide your insurance policy details when you complete your Guest Forms.

Strongly Recommended Additional Coverage For full protection, we highly recommend travelling with a Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy that also includes:
• Trip cancellation
• Trip curtailment (ending a trip early)
• Trip interruption
• Loss or damage to baggage or personal items
• Delays, disruptions, or inconvenience
• Additional expenses resulting from travel changes outside our control

Expedition travel involves inherent risks. Weather, sea conditions, and operational factors may require itinerary changes- even after your voyage has begun. The ship’s Master (captain) has full authority to make decisions affecting the route, schedule, and voyage duration.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL - Polar Latitudes
Your Voyage is operated by Polar Latitudes, Please find below Polar Latitudes responsible travel values. These shared values are core to our partnership.

Our deep appreciation for both Antarctica and Arctic breathtaking landscapes and vibrant biodiversity inspires our unwavering commitment to its preservation. We believe that with great travel comes great responsibility, and we strive to minimise our impact while offering unique and authentic experiences.

Adhering to stringent environmental protection guidelines established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), we go beyond compliance to make Antarctic exploration more responsible. We aim to conserve this extraordinary ecosystem through various sustainability measures and support essential research initiatives that deepen our understanding of this unique polar environment. Together, we embark on a journey that honours the beauty of Antarctica while safeguarding its future for generations to come. We are an AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operator) member, an international association for expedition cruise operators operating in the Arctic. In accordance with AECO guidelines, we contribute to ensuring the protection of the Arctic for future generations.

Initiatives to Minimise Our Environmental Impact
Responsible expeditions are at the core of every voyage. Your ships efficient design and low fuel consumption minimise our carbon footprint while we explore Antarctica’s pristine environment.

We have implemented several measures to minimise our footprint:
• Eco-conscious expedition gear
• Sustainable practices like reusable water bottles and eco-friendly cleaning supplies
• Advanced heat and water recycling systems
• Responsible waste removal

Citizen Science & Research Initiatives
Our Citizen Science Program invites travellers to engage in scientific research, collecting crucial data to understand unique ecosystems and their responses to climate change. Additionally, we support non-profit and academic organisations by offering complimentary berths and onboard spaces for essential research projects, ensuring our expeditions help preserve and understand this remarkable environment.

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit.

We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities.

Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground.

Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/