Planning an expedition cruise to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the logistics can feel overwhelming. From preparing at home to boarding the ship, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate every step. Whether it's understanding Seabourn's complimentary PolarShield Parka program, booking excursions, or managing pre-cruise transfers, this post covers everything we wish we’d known before our adventure.
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Getting Started: Setting Up Your Seabourn Account
The first step is to set up your Seabourn account and download the Seabourn Source app. These will serve as your go-to resources for managing your cruise both before and during your trip.
About two weeks before your departure, your final documents and luggage tags will be available online. Print them out for reference and emergency contacts.
Excursions: Plan and Prepay
Seabourn offers unique excursions for Antarctica, including kayaking ($200-$250 per passenger), submersible ($1000 per passenger) and the Image Masters photography program ($1,500 per passenger). While prices can change, these experiences are often well worth it. Keep in mind that excursions must be prepaid using a credit card, but you can later use onboard credit for a refund by visiting Guest Services once onboard.
Understanding Visa Requirements
Navigating visa requirements can be confusing. Seabourn’s emails about visas often lack itinerary-specific clarity. For our cruise, no visa was required. We recommend double-checking requirements early and reaching out to Seabourn for clarification.
For U.S. citizens considering side trips like Iguazu Falls in Brazil, note that a visa may be required starting April 2025.
PolarShield Parka Program
Every guest receives a complimentary PolarShield Parka, beanie, and waterproof pack. These items can be pre-ordered online about four weeks before departure and will be waiting in your suite. If sizing doesn’t fit, Seabourn offers onboard exchanges.
Seabourn Flight Ease Program
Seabourn’s Flight Ease program simplifies flight bookings with flexible fares, next-port protection, and convenient transfers. You can cancel or adjust your booking until your cruise's final payment is due, making it a flexible and often cost-effective choice. We didn't use it because our preferred airline was not providing points for consolidator fares for a period of time, however, we wouldn't hesitate to use them in the future!
See our complete video guide by clicking below!
Transfers: What to Expect in Buenos Aires
Seabourn transfers can be confusing. Initially, we were told transfers weren’t included for early arrivals, but our final documents listed one. Our advice is if you unsure if you have a Seabourn transfer included, book a refundable private transfer and check your final documents before leaving home. If you find you have a transfer included, like we did, cancel the private transfer. If your transfer is included, look for Seabourn representatives wearing orange at the airport.
For private transfers, services like Viator or Uber are great options. Always have a backup plan to avoid last-minute surprises.
Hotel Stay: Alvear Palace, Buenos Aires
Seabourn booked us at the Alvear Palace Hotel, a luxurious base for pre-cruise exploration. Highlights included spacious rooms, elegant dining options, a rooftop bar, and a well-equipped complimentary fitness center and spa with an indoor pool. Its location in a walkable, safe neighborhood near Recoleta Cemetery made it ideal for sightseeing.
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires
Seabourn’s Hospitality Desk at the hotel provided tour options, which are displayed in the photos below. We especially loved the Moderno Tango exclusive evening for Seabourn guests with dinner and unlimited wine for $159 per passenger. In addition the local representatives provided helpful advice for independent activities like visiting the iconic Opera House. The optional formal tours were also available for an additional fee.
Charter Flight to Ushuaia
On embarkation day, Seabourn arranged a special breakfast area and a seamless charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. There were two flights 700 AM and 930 AM. The flight took about 3.5 hours. Boarding passes were provided the evening before with your assigned bus time to take you to the airport. A local Seabourn representative will be with you from the Buenos Aires hotel, all the way to Ushuaia. The process was well-organized, allowing us to focus on enjoying the journey ahead. Times for the flights are assigned before you leave home and you will be notified via email. If the times do not work for you, then we encourage you to reach out to Seabourn as quickly as possible. Leg room on the flights were very tight and be prepared to carry your carry on luggage down and up stairs to board. If you cannot, let a Seabourn representative know! No one measured or weighed our carry on luggage and a domestic sized roller bag fit easily in the overhead bin. Charter flights departed from Aeroparque airport but return charter flights at the end of the cruise landed at EZE. A small snack is provided each way on the charter flights.
Final Tips
- Currency: Bring U.S. dollars for Argentina or confirm local currency requirements for your activities. We found USD and credit cards were widely accepted and never used any Argentine pesos.
- Excursions: Pre-book popular options early to avoid disappointment such as kayaking.
- Transfers: Confirm and double-check all transfer arrangements to ensure a smooth arrival.
Conclusion:
With proper preparation, your Seabourn Antarctica expedition will be unforgettable. From setting up your account to planning excursions and navigating Buenos Aires, these tips will help you focus on what matters most—enjoying your journey to the White Continent. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments or on YouTube. We're happy to help!
Don't forget to check out our YouTube channel for more in-depth insights, and remember, all proceeds go to charity. Give us a thumbs-up, comment, or subscribe to support our mission of making meaningful travel happen. Together, we can make a difference!
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