Air Conditioning and Heating

The ship is fully climate controlled. Each cabin is equipped with individual temperature controls. Please contact our staff in case you wish to change these controls to your own comfort level.

Announcements

All announcements are made via our Public Announcement (PA) system on board. The bridge announces interesting events and wildlife attractions. Should there be an emergency call from the bridge we will make sure that you receive it!

Bridge

The USHUAIA encourages you to take advantage of our open bridge policy. During the days we are underway, the officers invite you to observe the navigational operations of the ship and will gladly answer any questions you may have. We kindly ask you to respect the bridge as the working area for the officers. Occasionally, for reasons of safety, the bridge may be closed to visitors.

Communication

Telephone and Fax

The USHUAIA is equipped with the INMARSAT system, which allows direct communication with the ship by telephone and fax from any location in the world. For communications with the USHUAIA you will receive a list of numbers prior to your departure.

Email

Emails can be sent and received at a per minute charge to be confirmed. The ship's bridge a computer for your use. Emails will be sent several times a day. Attachments, digital photos etc. can be sent, but charges may be significant. Incoming emails will be distributed several times a day.

Conservation

Please keep in mind that many of the places you are visiting on the voyages are unique. We at Antarpply Expeditions are very proud of our outstanding reputation for conservation and respect for all the ecosystems we visit. Please assist us in maintaining this reputation. Our lecturers and staff will accompany you on shore excursions and provide you with guidance and specific information for the region. We kindly ask you to bring back any kind of garbage to the ship where it will be correctly disposed of. For cruises to Antarctica you will receive our Antarctic Guidelines with your travel documents.

Currency

Currency aboard the USHUAIA is US Dollar. Euro is accepted as well as the following credit cards: MasterCard and American Express (see Payment below). However, for credit card payments minimum charge is US$100.

Daily Program

Each evening during the Recap the daily program for the next day will be presented by your Expedition Leader. Included in the program is information about the next day's activities, events, landing times, meal times, and lecturers.

Please remember that the expeditionary nature of this voyage may result in changes to the daily program due to sea, weather, ice and local conditions. Also, your Captain and Expedition Team may deviate from the program to take advantage of unexpected opportunities such as wildlife sightings, advantageous sea conditions, or other local events. Any changes to the daily program will be announced over the PA system. We thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility.

Dietary Requests

With advance notice, our Executive Chef will happily accommodate a variety of special dietary requests. Please note that it is imperative to inform Antarpply Expeditions three weeks prior to your departure at the latest. Kindly also state this request on your Booking Form. We regret that Kosher meals are not available.

Dining Room

The Dining Room on the Main Deck F comfortably accommodates all guests at a single seating. There is an open seating for all meals and guest tables are unassigned.

Dress Attire on Board

Casual attire (expedition style) is the accepted apparel for the voyage. Clothing should be comfortable and versatile as described in the detailed packing list enclosed with your preliminary documentation.

Dress Attire on Shore

Comfortable, casual clothing in expedition spirit is the rule for attire worn on shore excursions.

The most important factor in determining appropriate clothing for your time ashore will be your route and mode of travel. Please refer to the detailed packing list enclosed with your preliminary documentation.

Electrical Appliances and Outlets

Electric current on board is 110 V/ 60 Hz and cabins are fitted with multi-type sockets suitable for several international plugs. However, we recommend to bring necessary converters and any special adapters with you as only a limited number can be borrowed on board.

Some outlets in public areas are 220v-240v and are clearly marked. However, they are fitted with Argentine outlets. This plug has two flat pins in V-shape and also has a grounding pin. The ungrounded version of this plug with only two flat V-shaped pins or a plug with two thin round pins also work.

Expeditionary Staff

Your voyage will be directed by an Expedition Leader in conjunction with staff assistants, zodiac drivers, and a team of lecturers. Staff members are specially selected and trained to provide an eventful cruise.

Gift shop

The gift shop on the Main Deck F is stocked with ladies and men's clothing, film, sundry items, apparel, gift and souvenir items.

Hairdryers

All cabins on the Upper Deck G are equipped with a hairdryer for your comfort. Additional hairdryers can be borrowed from the Hotel Manager.

Language

As part of your voyage experience, you will find many languages are spoken aboard the ship.

English and Spanish are the languages used and spoken by all officers and crew (although some crew members may only speak Spanish). All announcements are made in English and Spanish and lectures are given in both languages.

Laundry and Valet Service

We regret not to be able to offer Laundry or Dry Cleaning services on board.

Lecturers

Our team of lecturers will accompany you throughout your voyage. While they will give lectures and lead shore excursions, they will also be on hand to answer your questions and provide ready knowledge throughout the day. Antarpply Expeditions has selected these lecturers for both their professional accomplishments and reputations. We hope you enjoy exploring with them.

Lectures and Films

Both lectures and films are offered in the specially equipped Lecture Room on Deck E. Passengers are encouraged to participate in all the ship's activities, including the stimulating and informative lectures.

Library

The ship's library on the Main Deck F contains a good selection of international titles, with an emphasis on reference material essential to your voyage. A variety of games, including playing cards and board games, are also at your disposal.

Meals on Board

You will find the following dining options while aboard the USHUAIA:

- Continental and American Breakfast Buffet

- Buffet or Seated Served Lunch

- Afternoon Tea

- Three-course Dinner

Meal times vary depending upon shore excursions. Coffee and tea is offered throughout the day.

Medical Facilities

A qualified physician accompanies every voyage to provide both emergency and routine health care. The ship's infirmary is located on Deck E. Office hours are posted in your daily program. In case of emergency, please call the bridge (phone #108).

There is a charge for this consultation:

- In ship's infirmary US$ 20

- In your cabin US$ 25

There is an extra charge for medication. Seasickness is treated free of charge. If you are in need of constant and / or special medication, please make sure you bring a sufficient supply.

Open Door Policy

The USHUAIA maintains an open-door policy. If you wish to store your valuables, please contact the Hotel Manager.

Passports

All passports are collected upon embarkation and kept with the purser during the voyage.

Passports must be kept for administrative and safe-keeping purposes.

Payment: Your Personal Account

We suggest that you bring at least US$300 (in small bills). On most voyages, particularly to Antarctica, this sum will be more than sufficient spending money as we will be navigating through isolated areas where spending opportunities are rare.

For services rendered aboard the ship, you will be provided with a personal account using a "chit" system. Your purchases will be kept on record and totalled at the end of your voyage.

Your account must be settled prior to disembarkation in cash (U.S. Dollar and Euro). If you prefer to pay by credit card, please advise the Hotel Manager at the beginning of the voyage. We accept MasterCard and American Express for charges over US$100. However, we can not accept gratuities by credit card.

Recaps and Briefings

On a daily basis, the Expedition Team will summarize experiences ashore and update you on our plans for the next day. These informal sessions are generally held during cocktail hour.

Safety Deposit Boxes

Safety Deposit Boxes are available with the Hotel Manager. Antarpply is not responsible for the loss of personal effects and valuables such as jewellery and cash.

Safety at Sea

Our highest priority during your cruise is the personal safety of all passengers and crew. Our vessel meets all international requirements as well as U.S. Coast Guard Guidelines. Officers and crew are well trained and regularly practice emergency procedures to ensure your comfort and safety. Within 24 hours of embarkation there will be an emergency drill which all guests are required to participate. Through this exercise, you will become familiar with procedures that must be followed in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions will be outlined during recap and briefings the day before. Before disembarkation information on the length of time on land and the type of landing ("wet" or "dry") will be announced. Your Expedition Team will accompany you on daily shore excursions and provide you with extensive information. Please carefully follow their instructions and advice.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is permitted on all exterior decks with the exception of the "Zodiac Deck". Inside the ship, all areas, including cabins, are designated non-smoking. For safety and environmental reasons, NEVER throw cigarette butts or other (burning) materials into the sea!

Weather and Sea Conditions

Weather and sea conditions play important roles in expeditionary cruising. All planned activities are subject to modification or cancellation due to changing weather and/or sea conditions. We thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility.

Wildlife Watch

During the time we are in areas where there is a possibility of sighting wildlife, the ships' officers and staff are constantly on the lookout. However, please don't hesitate to report a sighting to the bridge or staff. If we are fortunate enough to sight wildlife, we will announce it from the bridge, regardless of the hour. If you wish to go back to sleep please do so!

Zodiacs

The USHUAIA carries her own fleet of zodiacs and RIB's. Zodiacs accommodate up to 12 guests and, in the hands of our skilled boatmen, are stable, safe and manoeuvrable. Constructed of high-performance plastimer fabrics, with several airtight compartments, they are easy to board and disembark. Their versatility, their ability to open whole new worlds of exploration make zodiacs the key to expedition cruising enabling you to go ashore and investigate some of the world's most unique regions. Instructions will be provided on how to properly embark and disembark these water craft.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship's service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. You will receive detailed guidelines aboard.

Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest US$15 per person per day. Cash US Dollars would be appreciated, unfortunately credit cards cannot be accepted.

Rubber Boots

A supply of rubber boots or Wellingtons, are available on board and includes a wide variety of sizes. It is recommended that you bring your own only if you require a special size. Please note that the boots on board have been used by previous passengers.