Joining an adventure option? Here's what you need to know to get ready.

Our adventure options are extra experiences, available at an additional cost. We keep groups small so everyone gets the most out of their time off the ship, which means places are limited. If you'd like to join and haven't signed up yet, contact your booking agent to check availability and pricing.

Before you head out, you'll need to sign an Adventure Option waiver on board. To help you prepare, take a look at the Adventure Option Info linked below.

View & Download: Adventure Option Info

Gear up with New Headings

Through our partner, New Headings, you can rent the expedition gear you'll need for Antarctica or pick up something from our growing range of Polar Latitudes Expeditions apparel and merchandise.

• Antarctic Expedition Gear Rental: Travel lighter and leave the bulky gear at home. Rent what you need and collect it in Ushuaia, up to two days before departure.
• Polar Latitudes Expeditions Online Shop: Browse our growing collection of PLX apparel and merchandise, whether you're kitting yourself out for the voyage ahead or looking for a keepsake to remember it by. The online shop carries more products, styles and sizes than you'll find on board. Orders ship from our US fulfilment centre straight to your door. Delivery times vary and can't be guaranteed, so check the Shipping Rates section on the website for estimated timings and costs.

Head to Gear Hire & Online Shop

Payments on board

Life on board is simple and cash-free. Bar drinks, laundry, internet and any other extras are charged to your personal onboard account, so you can leave your wallet in your cabin.

At the end of your expedition, you'll receive a final statement with all your charges.

When settling your account, you can pay by:

• Cash in US dollars
• Major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express

Good to know

• Bring a physical credit card, as Apple Pay and Google Pay may not always work on board.
• Diners Club and Visa/Mastercard debit cards may not be accepted.
• Personal cheques are not accepted.

Before you travel: check your credit card

Many banks have security checks on international transactions, and your card may be declined if overseas use hasn't been set up in advance.

A quick call now saves any delays when it's time to settle up. To avoid any hiccups, contact your card provider before you leave and:

• Let them know you'll be travelling internationally, and which countries you'll be visiting
• Tell them the ship's payment system may be registered in Germany for Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory and Discoverer, Austria for Ocean Nova
• Ask them to activate international use for the full length of your trip

Tipping is entirely optional and always at your discretion.

If you'd like to recognise the people who look after you on board, we suggest US$20 per guest, per night. You can add your gratuity to your onboard account and settle it by credit card.

Gratuities are shared among the hotel team (including cabin stewards and chefs), the ship's crew and the Expedition Team.

Your onboard team will share more details towards the end of your expedition.

Internet

Your first 1 GB Wi-Fi card is on us. Need more? Top up with 10 GB for US$50 or 20 GB for US$85.

As a rough guide, 1 GB gives you about 12 hours of browsing, 200 streamed songs or 2 hours of standard-definition video.

Phone

Calls cost approximately US$3 per minute via the ship's satellite system.

We travel to some of the most remote places on Earth, and satellite coverage out here can be patchy. If your call doesn't connect first time, try again a little later, or the next day.

Internet and phone charges can be added to your onboard account and settled before you disembark.