Reservation and Deposit

To confirm your reservation a 20% per-person deposit
is required within 24 hours of booking. Booking information must include passenger’s full name, nationality, date of birth, and gender. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Checks, money orders, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted as forms of payment.  Hurtigruten is a Norwegian company and payments are processed in Norway.  Even though payment processing is in U.S. dollars, some credit card companies may charge a Foreign Transaction fee. These fees are strictly a revenue source for the credit card companies and Hurtigruten does not receives any portion or benefit from these fees. Please check with your credit card company to find out if they charge fees on U.S. dollar transactions processed outside of the United States. Not all credit card companies charge these fees. If your credit card company does charge a fee, you can pay by check in US funds in order to avoid it. Checks may be mailed to:

Hurtigruten ASA
Lockbox # 8012
PO Box 8500
Philadelphia, PA 19178-8500

Please include your invoice number and booking
number with all correspondence and payments. 

Air Transportation

Travel is in Economy Class via IATA carriers, according to the route of the published itinerary. All airfares are subject to change without notice. SAS, Finnair, Icelandair, or other IATA carriers are responsible only for the air travel portion of the program in accordance with the terms and conditions of the airline ticket.

What documents and fees are required?

U.S. citizens traveling on leisure or business are allowed to enter Chile and Argentina without a visa for 90 days. However, airport fees and taxes will apply. US Citizens visiting Iguazu Falls are required to bring a visa in order to enter Brazil. Upon entering Argentina, US citizens are required to pay a $131 reciprocity fee ($70 USD for Canadian citizens), plus an exit tax of $20 must be paid in cash. In Chile, at the immigration booth, a one-time entrance fee of $131 must be paid in cash in US currency. Fees are subject to change.

Group Bookings

Group bookings are welcome. Special booking conditions apply. Please inquire with our reservations department for further details.

What are the ships like?

MS Fram was built in Fincantieri, Italy in 2007 and is owned by Hurtigruten. MS Fram is specifically designed for expedition voyaging. She operates in Spitsbergen and Greenland in the summer and Antarctica in the winter. MS Fram has multiple large public areas to enjoy during sea crossings and in between land excursions. The ship has a beautiful dining room, a large observation lounge, lecture halls, a library and fitness room. The ship also has a fleet of Zodiacs and Polarcirkel boats for excursions.

Cabin Occupancy

A limited selection of triple cabins, as well as double cabins for single occupancy, is available on all ships. Four bed cabins are available on MS Fram.

Smoking

Smoking is only permitted out on deck.

What To Pack

There is no dress code on board. To be adequately dressed on shore excursions, you should pack a pair of hiking boots (except for Antarctica as hiking boots are not allowed there), waterproof and windproof jacket and pants, a warm hat, a pair of windproof gloves, innergloves (we recommend wool), two sets of long underwear, a warm woolen sweater, and warm socks. In addition, we suggest two or three changes of indoor clothing, a pair of regular shoes to wear on board ship, a warm jacket (down), and a pair of solid rubber boots.

A small backpack for shore excursions is recommended, as are high UV -factor sunblock and a pair of good-quality sunglasses. There are limited goods in the gift store on board so you should bring whatever toiletries you might need during the voyage, as well as a supply of any medications you take. In the height of summer in Greenland, mosquitos can be abundant, so remember to bring mosquito repellent. If you plan to use any electrical equipment, an adapter and converter are required. Should you suffer from seasickness, don’t forget your remedies. And last but not least, binoculars and a camera are a must! (A limited supply of film is sold on board).

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage passengers to purchase travel insurance. Although Hurtigruten no longer offers insurance, we recommend using Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. Visit www.travelexinsurance.com or call 1-800-228-9792 and reference location number 32-0180.

What should I know about the environment?

Human traffic in Antarctica is strictly regulated by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which prohibits more than 100 people from being ashore simultaneously. Passengers will be instructed on how to comply with IAATO guidelines.

What will the climate be like?

The average low/high Fahrenheit temperature in Buenos Aires is 60/81; Ushuaia, 40/56; and Antarctica, 22/39.

How demanding is the tour?

Most of the landings are by Polarcirkel boats and the terrain on shore may be fairly rugged, so you should be reasonably sure-footed. These excursions are not suitable for the physically challenged. Other than the landings, the tour does not make any special physical demands on the participants.

Do I need special clothing for Polarcirkel boat landings and excursions?

All passengers will receive a wind and waterproof jacket to keep. A sweater or fleece jacket is required to wear underneath. You will also be lent one pair of mandatory rubber boots to wear over woolen socks during landings in Antarctica. Wind and waterproof clothing is a necessity at sea and on excursions in Antarctica.

Are there tour guides on board?

The ships have expert lecturers with in-depth knowledge of Chile, Argentina, and the Antarctic. They conduct the lectures covering various topics during the cruise. All information on board is given in English and German. Expedition leaders will inform you about the daily program and take you ashore.

Is there a doctor on board?

Yes, there is a doctor and a nurse on broad MS Fram all year.

Is there laundry service on board?

Yes, the ship has laundry service.

What are the cabins like?

Cabins are comfortable and cozy, with private bathrooms with hair dryers. Each is fitted with air conditioning, heating, and a smoke alarm. All cabins have two lower berths with private facilities. There are a variety of elegant suites and junior suites, which are very high in demand and should be booked well in advance.

Are there cabins for physically-challenged passengers?

The ship has two cabins for physically-challenged guests.

How about transfers and luggage handling?

Transfers and luggage handling are included. Our meet and-greet personnel carry signs saying: “MS Fram.”

Is the on-board voltage 110 or 220?

The ships and hotels in Santiago and Buenos Aires, have an electrical supply of 220 volts/50 hertz and one 110-volt socket for razors. An adapter and converter are required.

What types of meals are served on board?

At breakfast and lunch, a buffet of Norwegian and local specialties is served. Dinner is a three-course meal, with choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian main course. Wines are available at lunch and dinner. We do our best to meet special dietary requirements. All requests for special meals should be requested well in advance of departure.  

What inoculations do I need?

Check with your local health authorities regarding recommended vaccinations for travel to Chile and Argentina.

What currency is accepted?

Visa and MasterCard are accepted on board. The currency on board is Norwegian kroners. When using credit cards on board the ship, your account will be debited in Norwegian kroners (NOK) with the rate of exchange of that day. Upon arrival aboard you will receive a Cruise Card, which works as a “credit card.” Ashore, US dollars and the local currencies are accepted—Chilean pesos in Chile and Argentine pesos in Argentina. Major credit cards are accepted in some places ashore but smaller towns only accept cash in local currency or US dollars.

What is the tipping policy?

On our Antarctica programs a NOK 50 (approx. $9) per day gratuity is recommended but is solely at the discretion of the guest.

How do I reach the U.S. on board?

The ship has an Internet café.

Are there any helpful travel guides I can read before my trip?

Larger bookstores have a selection of books on Antarctica and South America. You’ll also find a list of suggested reading material on our website.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather and ice conditions.