Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the ship and trip I want?
Use the database-driven Trip Listings page to find your perfect trip. Listings are based on destination, time of year, ship, price, and activities. Ship descriptions and deck plans are also available for each ship.

What kinds of people travel on these trips?
All kinds of people! In general, they are people who enjoy adventure, discovery, and learning; people who are active and want to visit remote and pristine destinations in comfort; and people who want to take an active role in their vacations.

Can children travel on small ships?
Yes. Many of the ship trips are perfect for children. Some companies even plan special family departures, so be sure to look for these when planning your small-ship vacation. Contact us for more information.

Who will contact me after I send in my information request?
All Things Arctic maintains an exclusive partnership agreement with an organization specializing in Arctic Travel. They are experts in small ship expeditions, especially to the polar regions. Once, you've submitted your request a representative is immediately notified and will contact you directly to answer any of your questions and to help you plan your trip.

What is included in the trip price?
Small-ship cruises generally include shore excursions, meals, guides, naturalist taff, and accommodations on board. As each company and itinerary is different, however, what is included is addressed on a case-by-case basis.

How do I find clothing, books, maps, and other Arctic-related merchandise?
All Things Arctic carries a wide variety of such items through our online store. If you can't find what you're looking for on our site, we'd be happy to refer you to one of our affiliate retailers.

What do I do if I am experiencing technical difficulties with this site?
E-mail us at support@allthingsarctic.com and describe exactly what happened, what type of operating system you have (Windows 95, 98, Windows NT, or Macintosh) and what browser you are using (Internet Explorer 4.0 or 5.0, Netscape Communicator 4.6, etc.).

Is All Things Arctic a tour operator?
No, All Things Arctic is a certified travel referral agency. We are a privately held company with a wealth of experience in handling Arctic travel requests. Whether you have general questions about Arctic travel or would like specific information about upcoming cruises, we would be happy to help.

What are your office hours?
The All Things Arctic Office is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Eastern Time) Monday to Friday. You may leave a message anytime at 1-603-879-0975 or e-mail us at travel@allthingsarctic.com.

Where can I learn more about the destination?
Please use our Info Request Form to request detailed trip descriptions.

Will the actual itinerary be exactly as shown for each trip?
The itinerary shown on our site is an accurate guide to what you can expect. However, it is not uncommon to discover new landing places not originally announced. The program is very much subject to a number of factors, including the vagaries of weather and ice. The actual program followed will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader - both of whom have extensive experience in this type of expedition voyage.

Do I really need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend that all passengers take out full travel insurance and that they ensure that it covers cancellation fee charges as well as sufficient level of medical insurance to cover an emergency evacuation if required.

Are any discounts available?
Yes, last minute discounts do come availaible. Please contact our travel department for current information. Repeat travelers are entitled to discounts depending on the voyage and departure time.

How much luggage can I bring?
Baggage allowances vary from country to country. Please check with your ticketing agent for allowances and restrictions regarding checked baggage and carry-on luggage for your flights. Most international airlines permit two normal-sized suitcases per person and a carry-on bag.

What else should I bring?
In very general terms, be prepared for temperatures that range from 5° F (-15° C) to 40° F (4° C). If you are dressed properly, even sub zero temperatures can be quite comfortable. See our Trip Preparations page.
 
Do I have to be in good health?
Yes, these voyages are intended for persons of reasonably good health and mobility. Passengers must be able to climb a steep ship-side gangway, get in and out of rubber inflatable landing boats and be able to walk short distances on uneven and slippery terrain. All passengers are required to complete a medical form. Since you are traveling to a remote area without access to sophisticated medical facilities, you must not join an expedition if you have a life-threatening condition.
 
Do I have to be really "fit" to join an expedition?
No, these expeditions are ship-based and the trips are not physically demanding. Although passengers may spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard ship or return whenever you like. Much of the wildlife and scenery can be appreciated from deck. Wherever possible, excursions are tailored to several levels of activity, offering options of long walks, Zodiac cruises and a shorter or longer stay ashore. To join most excursions, however, you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. The Tour Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice.
 
How much time do we spend ashore?
That is hard to say. It depends on the weather and constraints of time and distance. Depending on the voyage, you may spend several days aboard ship, followed by a series of landings, each several hours long. On some voyages you land two or three times every day. During the time at high latitudes, we will have almost continuous daylight, which means the staff may schedule excursions before breakfast, after dinner - or in the middle of the "night". Often the light for photography is best at these times. We operate under the philosophy that passengers may skip an excursion if they like, but we would like to show you as much possible.
 
What is the age range aboard? What are they like?
Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 20s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45-65. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travelers from around the world. They are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The comraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities aboard.
 
How rough will the seas be on this voyage?
It is hard to predict. Sailors always advise when heading to the open sea "prepare for the worst and hope for the best." At some point during the voyage, it is likely that we will encounter heavy seas - although how rough and for how long is unpredictable. Please consult your doctor about the appropriate medication for sea sickness.
 
What is there to do aboard?
A daily schedule is prepared aboard, which lists meal times, lectures, documentary videos and feature films. During our days at sea, the staff presents a comprehensive lecture series.
 
One of the most popular areas to gather is the navigation bridge, which is open to passengers at most times. Watching the ship negotiate ice-filled waterways is a favorite activity. In addition, many hours of sea time can be spent profitably by watching for birds and whales under the guidance of the staff naturalists.
 
In addition, the ship has a lounge area, bar and small, well-stocked library and some vessels have limited exercise equipment. The icebreakers also have a pool, sauna and gymnasium. The ship does not carry entertainers - and many people prefer to spend the time after dinner on deck, in the bar or lounge or in their cabins. On long voyages, passengers frequently organize their own social events.
 
What are the staff like?
The expedition staff are chosen for their experience, knowledge and love of their work. Many return year after year. You can expect a diverse group of men and women who have worked and explored the polar regions, including naturalists, historians, geologists and biologists.
 
Do I have to dress up on the ships?
No, the atmosphere aboard is generally informal. Dress is casual and comfortable.
 
Do the ships have a doctor?
Yes, on each vessel there is a western doctor and a small infirmary with basic supplies. There is no fee for medical attention by the doctor during the voyage, however, in case of a medical problem arising either onboard or on the shore which results in costs for emergency evacuation, use of aircraft or repatriation, the responsibility for payment of such costs belongs to the passenger.

Can I recharge my batteries and use electrical appliances on board?
Yes, the power supply is usually 220 volts, 50 cycles. The wall plugs accommodate two thick round pins like those found in some European countries. You may need a transformer and international adapter for your particular equipment.
 
Are the vessels in danger from icebergs?
Not really. Icebergs, of course, are a potential hazard, though a small one for our navigation. Under most conditions, modern radar systems give plenty of warning about iceberg locations and they are easy to spot from the bridge. Under conditions of ice-filled waters and darkness or heavy fog, the captain may slow the vessel to be absolutely safe.
  
Do we know what ice conditions we will encounter?
Not precisely: ice conditions change markedly from year to year. For that matter, conditions change from day to day and hour to hour since ice moves with the weather, wind and tides. The experience of the Captain, ice charts and general distribution patterns are used as guidelines.
 
Are there restrictions on what can be done while ashore?
Yes, an overriding concern is the protection of the wildlife, environment and cultures in any of the areas visited. Conservation issues are addressed in the on board briefings and the expedition staff will assist you ashore.
 
Are the ships comfortable?
Yes. They may not be fancy but all the vessels generally have the same expected amenities, including outside cabins, a library, lecture room, bar and lounge, dining room and small infirmary. They also have large, open decks. The vessels, built in Europe by some of the worlds best shipyards, are operated by companies with considerable polar experience. Russia has the worlds largest fleet of icebreakers and ice-reinforced vessels.

More questions?
If you didn't find the answer to your question on this page, please send an email to travel@allthingsarctic.com and our travel experts will respond to your question personally.