PATAGONIAN FJORDS OF CHILE- OCEAN VICTORY
PATAGONIAN FJORDS OF CHILE- OCEAN VICTORY
PATAGONIAN FJORDS OF CHILE- OCEAN VICTORY
14 Days Starting in Ushuaia and ending in Valparaíso
Visiting: Ushuaia, Alberto de Agostini National Park, Bulnes Fort, Strait of Magellan, Puerto Natales, Messier Channel, Villa Puerto Edén, Brüggen Glacier, Caleta Tortel, Castro, Mocha Island, Valparaíso
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
Ocean VictoryGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
189
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
8-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Cruise, Expeditions, Luxury, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Through the intricate maze of Chile’s fantastic fjords from Cape Horn to Torres del Paine and Valparaiso – onboard Albatros Expeditions’ new vessel Ocean Victory. The Chilean Fjords, with mazes of inland passages, calving glaciers and stunning wildlife, count as one of nature’s greatest wonders. There is no greater way to experience this spectacle than from an expedition cruise. We invite you to enjoy this adventure in luxurious comfort onboard Albatros Expeditions’ new vessel, Ocean Victory. Embarking in Argentinian Ushuaia, we immediately enter Chilean water and head for Cape Horn, the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, followed by the passage of “Glacier Alley”, a most fascinating part of the Beagle Channel. Countless glaciers carve their way from Darwin Ice Field down to the sea. We continue deep inland to Puerto Natales where we will join a coach trip to sky soaring Torres del Paine. Further north are some of the most remote and stunningly located fishing settlements in Chile. Roadless Puerto Edén in Canal Messier, and beautiful Caleta Tortel, with houses and walkways built on thousands of stilts. On the green island of Chiloé we will visit one of Chile’s oldest towns, Castro, famous for its huge wooden cathedral, Church of San Francisco. Putting the fjord labyrinths behind us, our adventure continues towards the Pacific as we cruise north to disembark in Valparaíso. Albatros Expeditions’ newly built cruise ship Ocean Victory is a luxury class expedition vessel with room for just under 190 passengers - all in exterior staterooms and many with balconies. The ship has all the modern conveniences, the highest ice-class and sea safety certifications, as well as electronically controlled engines to optimize speed and fuel consumption.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Ushuaia. Embarkation On Mv Ocean Victory
Location: Ushuaia
DAY 1
USHUAIA.
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Suggestions for activities within the city limits could be: the End of the World Museum (Museo del Fin del Mundo), which exhibits the history of the area and local artefacts or even take a stroll down Avenida San Martin, where you can do some last minute shopping before your cruise starts.
In the afternoon, we check into our hotel and enjoy a dinner.
Day 2 : Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego Excursion. Embarkation On Mv Ocean Victory
Location: Ushuaia
USHUAIA, TIERRA DEL FUEGO EXCURSION. EMBARKATION ON MV OCEAN VICTORY
Wake up in Ushuaia, Argentina - and after breakfast in the hotel, we enjoy a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship, the Ocean Victory.
We sail towards Puerto Williams on Chilean side of the Beagle Channel. The channel has rich wildlife with cormorants, penguins and sea lions on virtually every rocky outcrop, and dense temperate rainforest reaches from shore to tree line and the eternal snow. In this harsh climate, the hardy people of the now extinct Yagan tribe resided, as described by Charles Darwin in his journals.
Although the ship is very stable, we will hopefully get a brief impression of what the old sailing ships were going through in Magellan's and Darwin's time, and rejoice that ships are no longer what they have been.
Day 3 : Garibaldi Fjord Overlooking Calving Glaciers And Mount Darwin
Location: Alberto de Agostini National Park
Today's highlight is sailing into the narrow and unbelievably beautiful Garibaldi fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its spectacular soaring glaciers and rich plant and wildlife. It is not uncommon to see a group of killer whales in these waters feasting on the seafood.
Day 4 : Fort Bulnes, Chile And Strait Of Magellan Park
Location: Bulnes Fort
As we leave the island of Tierra del Fuego, we head into Magellan Strait and reach Fort Bulnes. The fort was built in 1843 on the rocky shores of Punta Santa Ana under the command of President Bulnes Prieto to maintain control of the Magellan Strait and the ships that sailed through it.
The fort is today restored to its original form, and the area around included in the fascinating Strait of Magellan Park.
Day 5 : Through The Chilean Archipelago. Scenic Sailing Through The Labyrinthine Fjord Landscapes.
Location: Strait of Magellan
The day is set for cruising on the legendary Strait of Magellan, which divides “Land of Fire” from the South American continent as well as the Atlantic from the Pacific Ocean.
Ferdinand Magellan, whom the strait was named from, was a Portuguese explorer on commission of Spain's Charles d. 1st and the first to navigate the strait in 1520. Chile annexed the Strait under President Bulnes in May 1843, emphasizing Chile's supremacy through the construction of the previously visited fort.
The climate is sub-antarctic and the coast is rugged and vegetation-poor. Yet these coasts have been home to a highly developed and populous Native American culture, consisting primarily of maritime, nomadic hunter-gatherers and others who contented themselves with staying on land from which they fished and collected seafood. The tribes lived isolated and unaffected by Western civilization until about 1800, after which they quickly became extinct as a result of new diseases and radical eradication campaigns initiated by the governments of Chile and Argentina. Today, our overall knowledge of these many different peoples is extremely sparse.
Day 6 : Puerto Natales, Chile. Visit To The National Park Torres Del Paine.
Location: Puerto Natales
The Captain has through the night navigated the vessel more than 200 kilometers east across Chile through the world’s most complicated fjord system. Disembarking in the town of Puerto Natales we are ready for a bus drive into Torres del Paine National Park. Crowned by the three majestic granite towers, "Torres del Paine", and “Paine Grande”, 2,884 meters above sea, and encircled by huge lakes, calving glaciers and open grasslands where guanacos feed, it is fair to say that this is among the most beautiful national parks in the world.
"Paine" is a Native American word for "blue", and today's excursion into the national park shows why. We will drive through the park and enjoy the view of the mountains throughout the day. Occasionally we will get off the bus and take shorter walks to reach the best vantage points.
Day 7 : Sailing On Through The Archipelago. Mini-Cruises Through The Fjord Landscapes In Our Zodiacs.
Location: Messier Channel
By now, we are in the deep archipelago and the ship navigates through the many narrow waterways, almost all of which are called canals. The route follows the canals Sarmiento, Esteban, Angostura, Inocentes and then into the long narrow Canal Messier. It is incredibly beautiful no matter what direction the eyes are turned. Pointed rugged, often snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, lots of life above and below the water. The canals have all been shaped and extended during the recent ice ages, when they were filled with glaciers from the Andes to the east. As we enter the 250km-long Messier, we begin to see small fishing villages. We will plan for Zodiac landings along the way where appropriate.
Day 8 : Puerto Edén, Chile. Cruise To The Brüggen Glacier.
Location: Villa Puerto Edén, Brüggen Glacier
Our goal this morning is the 60 km long Brüggen Glacier, slowly flowing down from the huge Patagonian Ice Fields. We cruise in safe distance from the active glacier front – and continue north through the Messier for more adventures.
It is a must to visit the small, completely cut-off town of Puerto Edén, which, with less than 200 inhabitants, lies on the banks of the Canal Messier. The sea is the only access because neither roads nor paths lead to Edén. The city also has no roads between houses and shops, only wooden promenades or boardwalks. The population lives primarily on fishery and seafood collection, which is picked up once a week by a cutter.
Day 9 : Caleta Tortel Village, Chile
Location: Caleta Tortel
We have reached the northern end of Canal Messier, where we find yet another exciting and typical Chilean village in this area. Caleta Tortel was built in 1955 to utilize the area's cypress trees for timber production. The village is located where rivers, meltwater and the sea coalesce into a mossy subsoil, which is why all houses are built on stilts and the roads are, like in Puerto Edén, built of wood. Cypress of course.
Day 10 : At Sea Toward Castro
Location: Castro
The trip continues along the coast of Chile, and we have time to enjoy the ship's facilities, perhaps a little massage, a visit to the shop or an interesting lecture on the nature or culture of the area. You can also relax in one of the hot tubs on the deck or take a dip in the small pool.
Day 11 : Castro
Location: Castro
In the outskirts of the Chilean Lake District and we visit yet another city on stilts, Castro. It is the county’s third oldest city, founded in 1567. The area has been hit by earthquakes and tsunamis several times, and in 1837 the city was effectively leveled with the ground.
Castro is an exciting city to stroll around. The famous wooden churches on Chiloé, of which four are in Castro, are one of Chile's largest cultural treasures and were added to UNESCO's list of cultural heritage. Many of the churches are built entirely of wood without as much as a single nail.
Day 12 : The Nature-Protected Island Of Isla Mocha. Hike In The Breathtaking Landscape Of The National Park.
Location: Mocha Island
Today’s landing is on the small island of Mocha, of which half is designated as a national park. Originally the island was inhabited by the so-called Lafkenches people. Francis Drake visited the island during his world circumnavigation, but had to leave after being seriously injured by the island's residents. In 1685, the governor forced the entire island population to what is today the city of Conception. There are several stories from the 19th century about a giant white casket whale that belonged to the island of Mocha, called Mocha Dich, which should have inspired Herman Melville to write Moby Dick.
In 2007, skulls from the original Mocha people were compared to skulls from the Easter Island and was found to have astonishing similarities, supporting the theory, originally put forward by Thor Heyerdahl, about the connection between South America and the remote islands of the Pacific Ocean.
We will utilize the ship's Zodiac fleets to make the landing and learn about the national park and the local flora and fauna.
Day 13 : At Sea Towards Valparaíso
Location: Valparaíso
Today it is time read, listen to lectures and relax in the company of the other passengers of the ship and enjoy the delicious meals the chefs of the ship spoil us with.
Day 14 : Valparaíso, Chile. Disembarkation.
Location: Valparaíso
After breakfast, it's time to leave Ocean Victory and get ready for the homebound journey.
Valparaíso, one of Chile's oldest cities. The city is constructed on a number of ridges around the bay and is known for its old cable cars, 15 of which are still functional. They lead from the harbor up to the old UNESCO-protected residential neighborhoods. Here colonial-era German and English traders lived in the colorful houses that illuminate the cityscape.
Ship Details
Ocean Victory
Ship Overview
This stylish cruise ship, ideally suited for our business model of small ship expeditions, will be deployed and dedicated to varied Antarctic region voyages, with sales launching from November 2021. With a total of 93 comfortable staterooms for our guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel will also be environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
Ocean Victory
Ship Children Facilities:
0
Ship Nursery:
0
Smoking Areas:
Designated outdoor areas
Ship Size:
104.4m
Ship Class:
Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A. Solas 2012 classification
Ship Style:
Expedition
Ship Type:
Expedition
Ship Kind:
Expedition
Ship Currency:
Shipboard account
Ship Language:
English
Ship Capacity:
189
Ship Crew Count:
100
Number of Decks:
9
Number of Cabins:
93
Number of Large Cabins:
93
Number of Wheelchair-Friendy Cabins:
2
Ship Launch Year:
2021
Ship Refit Year:
New
Ship Gross Tonnage:
8500
Ship Length (Meters):
104 M
Ship Width (Meters):
18 M
Ship Speed (Knots):
16 Kn
Deck Plans
Ocean Victory Deckplan
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Cabins
PREMIUM SUITE (Grade PS)
The largest of all the cabins on board the Ocean Victory is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a private observation deck and spacious bathroom. Located on deck. 4. 45 m² | 485 ft²
BALCONY STATE CABIN (Grade C)
BALCONY STATE CABIN The most abundant type of cabin on Ocean Victory, the Balcony State Cabins are located in decks 4 & 6. They have a private observation deck, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom and a sofa that can be used as a bed for a child if traveling as a family. If you desire to book two cabins with connecting doors, this is also a possibility under this category. 24 m² | 259 ft²
SINGLE CABIN (Grade G)
Standard single cabin onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located cabin close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures on the zodiacs. 18 m² | 194 ft²
BALCONY SUITE (Grade B2)
BALCONY SUITE – CATEGORY B2 OcOcean Victory has six Balcony Suites on board located on the Bering & James Cook deck respectively, located on deck 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom and an extra-large private observation deck. The balcony suites can host 2 people. 28 m² | 302 ft²
ALBATROS STATE CABIN (PORTHOLE) (Grade D)
ALBATROS STATE CABIN (PORTHOLE) The standard cabin on Ocean Victory is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the zodiacs. The cabins are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Victory. The standard cabins all have 2 single beds and a bathroom. One of the cabins is located on deck 4, and the rest of them are located on deck 3. 22 m² | 237 ft²
FRENCH BALCONY CABIN (Grade E)
FRENCH BALCONY CABIN (PORTHOLE) – CATEGORY E The French Balcony Suite is a standard cabin with a french balcony, a double bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Suites are located on Deck 7. 16 m² | 173 ft²
TRIPLE CABIN (Grade F)
TRIPLE CABIN (PORTHOLE) There are six Triple cabins onboard Ocean Victory featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms. 22 m² | 237 ft²
BALCONY SUITE (Grade B1)
BALCONY SUITE Ocean Victory has six Balcony Suites on board located on the Bering & James Cook deck respectively, located on deck 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom and an extra-large private observation deck. The balcony suites can host 2 people. 35 m² | 377 ft²
JUNIOR SUITE (Grade A)
The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Victory have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and private observation deck. The cabin can accommodate up to 3 people. Located on the Amundsen deck 7. 42 m² | 452 ft²
Dining
ANTARCTIC PANORAMA SPECIALTY RESTAURANT
OUR SPECIALTY RESTAURANT ON DECK 8 OFFERS UNFORGETTABLE VIEWS WHILE ENJOYING A UNIQUE WAY OF FOOD PREPARATION: LAVA STONE COOKING
Beagle Restaurant
Meals are served in the bright and spacious Beagle Restaurant, where spectacular views provide the perfect atmosphere for the daily culinary selection.
Gratuities
Following international standards in the service industry, it is customary to leave gratuity for the ship’s crew at the end of the voyage. All gratuities are divided among the crew. Gratuity is voluntary, but it is a custom to show appreciation to the hardworking crew. The ship will send out a letter regarding gratuity some days before disembarkation that they will automatically charge the gratuity to the onboard account unless there are any questions or objections. The gratuity per person per day is 14.00 US$. In case of any questions or disagreements, please speak directly with the reception on board.
Useful Information
Ocean Victory
Presenting Ocean Victory: For the ultimate expedition experience, with all the luxury comfort features of a modern cruise vessel. • X-Bow for more stability and comfort • Polar code Class 6 • Highest Ice Class 1A • 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines • Solas classification • Environmentally friendly in all aspects • Green initiative program & CSR • Albatros Nordic Bar lounge • Albatros Ocean Boutique • Albatros Observation Lounge • Unique hydraulic observation platforms • Polar Spa / Wellness area / Gym • Modern lecture lounge and Polar library • 93 spacious comfortable state rooms • Dedicated single state rooms • All cabins with panoramic ocean view • 75% of all state rooms with panoramic balcony • Restaurant on deck 5 • Observation speciality restaurant on deck 9 • Infinity pool, jacuzzies and pool bar
Practical Information
BRIDGE Due to its important role as a control center for all nautical and technical processes, the ship's bridge is a vital, sensitive place. Therefore, the bridge may not be accessible to the public at all times. Conditions permitting, we will be happy to welcome you into the bridge for a visit. Guests must be accompanied by the master or our expedition leader. STATEROOM SERVICE Your stateroom is serviced daily. We provide a turn-down service. We provide meal to room only for serious cases of guest being sick. Our suites will have VIP services. ZODIAC LANDINGS One feature of our expedition cruises includes landings and excursions aboard Ocean Victory's fleet of 18 inflatable, motorized rubber "Zodiac" boats. The Zodiac brand has earned a well-deserved reputation as the sturdiest and safest small watercraft available. These boats have a low draft and great stability. Zodiacs are constructed for professional use and are outfitted with a top-quality outboard engine, yet their design minimally impacts the environment. The Zodiacs are designed to provide unrestricted access to the world’s last great frontier. Their versatility enables us to make landfall on remote shores, cruise along awe-inspiring coastlines and share breathtakingly close encounters with whales, seals, penguins, seabirds and more. We will come within arm’s reach of icebergs and set foot on land discovered by pioneering explorers just over a century ago. Your safety and comfort are our #1 priority, and your expedition leader will carefully plan for as many Zodiac excursions as possible, dependent upon the local weather and prevailing conditions. In each case, the expedition leader makes the final decision if the landing is possible or not. Safety regulations apply on landings. All guests receive a mandatory instruction of the safety guidelines. Life jackets are mandatory to wear. Please note, we highly recommend the use of waterproof bags in order to protect your personal camera or binoculars, as both hands must be free of everything during boarding. Participation is fairly easy and comfortable for able-bodied guests but can be more challenging for those with physical handicaps. CRUISE CARD / PAYMENTS / CREDIT CARDS At the time of embarkation, you will receive your personal cruise card, which you should always have with you. This card is used on board as payment instrument (except in the onboard shop), key card and identity card. All on board purchases from the bar, telephone, laundry, and the like are charged to your shipboard account. To activate your personal cruise card account, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards. Alternately, you can deposit cash (US$ or EUR/exchange rate US$-EUR). At the end of the voyage, your account will be settled by the payment methods mentioned above. There is no currency exchange office onboard the vessel. Onboard payment will be completed by your cruise card. For stays ashore during the cruise, we recommend changing minimal amount of the local currency in small bills, as most of the ports and airports have exchange offices. Alternatively, lots of shops and restaurants accept international credit cards. In bigger ports and cities, you have the possibility to withdraw cash from ATM’s. If you choose to leave gratuity for the crew, the amount that you authorize will be charged to the shipboard account. This account can be activated with a major credit card. Be sure to contact your credit card regarding provider regarding use of your credit cards overseas. Any questions regarding the bill can be addressed by the ship’s hotel manager. GRATUITIES Following international standards in the service industry, it is customary to leave gratuity for the ship’s crew at the end of the voyage. All gratuities will be divided among the crew. Typically, a recommended amount is approximately 13.5 USD per person per day. Gratuity is, of course, not required and any gratuity payments are voluntary. If you choose to leave gratuity for the crew, the amount that you authorize will be charged to the shipboard account. DRESS CODE The dress code on board is casual. Ties, jackets and evening dresses you may leave at home. It is rather more important to wear the right clothes in order to adapt to the different weather conditions. We recommend comfortable, breathable, waterproof and windproof clothing. Also, you should have a pair of gloves, thermal underwear and sturdy footwear in your luggage. For the captains and farewell cocktail, we recommend a smart casual dress style. For specific packing recommendations, refer to the specific itinerary of interest. ENVIRONMENT As a tour operator for cruises in the Polar Regions, which are some of the world’s most pristine environments, we extremely emphasize environmental awareness as well as sustainability. One of our top priorities is to protect the environment and minimize our CO2-emissions. All waste will remain onboard the vessel until we return to shore and it's possible to dispose of waste. We ask that you show a deep respect for the unique nature and act according to the motto: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories. INTERNET / PHONE Keep in mind, we will be cruising in a very remote region of the world. Where accessible, internet access is available for an extra charge. Mobile phone reception may be possible in select regions along our route. For further details please contact your mobile phone operator. Prices can be found in the information folder in your cabin. Please ensure that your ‘Data Roaming’ function is switched off. LANGUAGE ONBOARD The official language aboard our vessels is English; however, our expedition leaders and crew are knowledgeable in a variety of languages. If there is a large group, who desires communication in their own language, we will make special arrangements to accommodate their needs. PASSPORT / VISA Each passenger is responsible for ensuring that he/she meets the applicable passport and visa requirements for the duration of the trip. The passport is the only valid proof of identity for all trips with the Ocean Victory. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after arriving home from your destination. Although some countries may require shorter periods, we implement this 6-month prerequisite to avoid situations where a country’s validity requirements may be amended between the time of your booking and departure. The name in your passport must be identical to the name in all travel documentation. Costs incurred due to insufficient travel documents are the responsibility of the passenger. Please note that passports will be collected for clearing formalities at the beginning of the voyage. The passports will be kept safely by the crew during the whole voyage and will be handed out on the last day. We therefore recommend preparing copies of all documents before tour start. RECEPTION The daily office hours of the board reception are from 06:00 until 23:00. ALBATROS OCEAN SHOP The selection of items available for purchase varies by ship, and may include a range of warm and practical clothing, as well as souvenirs, local arts and postcards at reasonable prices. A small selection of soap, toothpaste and other personal effects are also sold. HEALTH / MEDICAL EMERGENCY Each of our vessels has a small medical facility equipped with the necessary equipment and medicine to handle small emergencies. The infirmary is always staffed by a professionally licensed, English-speaking physician and nurse. Should a serious incident occur, the nearest hospital will be contacted. All guests must have personal travel/health insurance. Although we do not have an official requirement regarding personal fitness, you should be able to move on board and ashore without the help of others. Please be aware that the ship does not provide wheelchair accessible cabins. Due to safety reasons a cruise is only possible for pregnant women until the 24th week of pregnancy. The state of pregnancy must be presented by a medical certificate. SAFETY / SECURITY ON BOARD Our ships comply with all safety regulations and are ice-class vessels suitable for sailing in polar environments. Upon arrival to the vessel, there will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill before departure. We will provide security information, practical details regarding life onboard and introduce key personnel. You will be informed where the safety equipment is located and how it is used. Each cabin is equipped with lifejackets. Once onboard, please familiarize yourself with the ship's emergency rescue plan. PHYSICAL DISABILITIES / WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY Guests with physical disabilities are recommended to travel with an accompanying person. The processes on board should be handled without external help. The gangway can be – depending on the individual disability – a challenge. The angle of inclination of the gangway varies due to tide and different circumstances in the respective port. Please note that the guest’s participation in shore excursions as well as the (dis-)embarkation by Zodiac can be denied by the expedition leader due to security reasons. The instructions of the expedition leader must be followed. The ship is not suitable for wheelchairs. SEASICKNESS / STABILISATORS The ship is equipped with stabilizers in order to reduce the ship’s roll. However, these expeditions are hosted in remote regions, and it is possible to periodically encounter changing environments and climate patterns, including rough seas and large swells. Seasickness patches (Scopoderm or similar) work solely or in part to help cure nausea for most people. These medicines can cause sleepiness. If you are prone to motion sickness, consult with your doctor prior to departure to help ensure your comfort while travelling. SMOKING For safety reasons and to protect the health of our guests and employees, smoking is only allowed in designated areas on the outside decks. Smoking is not permitted inside the vessel, in the stateroom or near the Zodiacs. Please remember to respect our natural environments and dispose of cigarette butts in designated bins. SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS All meals on board the vessel is chef-prepared. If you have special dietary requirements (food allergies, intolerances, health conditions or religious preferences), please inform us as early as possible - ideally, no later than 2 weeks before departure. In order to ensure efficient service, please re-confirm your requirements with the crew upon boarding the ship. ELECTRICAL OUTLETS The ship has a 220v / 50 Hz cycle system. Please check your appliances before use. 110-volt appliances require an adapter prior to use aboard the ship. The electrical outlets on board Ocean Victory are the so called ‘F-type sockets’, round 2-pin, 220-240 V, grounded, used in continental Europe and Russia. They take C, E, and F-type 2-pin plugs. WATER There are several water stations onboard Ocean Victory. Normally, water is not rationed, but we do advise our guests to pay attention to their water consumption. LAUNDRY If you wish to have some laundry done while aboard the ship, laundry service is available for an additional fee. ONBOARD BRIEFINGS The Expedition Leader will conduct regularly scheduled briefings to highlight key points in the itinerary, organize excursions and communicate important information. CHILDREN Due to safety precautions, children under 12 years of age will be taken into consideration on each landing. It is entirely at the Expedition Leader’s discretion to permit children on excursions and shore landings. ITINERARY & PROGRAM CHANGES As this is an expedition cruise to the world’s most remote region, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. We have planned itineraries for each tour package, but to ensure to safety of our guests and crew, we may be forced to change the route. RULES FOR LANDINGS & EXCURSIONS When ashore, it is very important to show a deep respect for the unique nature and act according to the motto: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories. We also ask that you remain together with your group, as we are truly in the wild and must remain extra vigilant of the wildlife and weather conditions around us. Walking around independently is strictly prohibited. It is essential to abide the strictly communicated safety rules.
What's Included
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14-days´ cruise with accommodation in a shared outside double stateroom with private facilities
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All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
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Rubber boot rentals
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Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
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Near-shore guided walks in towns and settlements
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English-speaking expedition team
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Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks
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Free tea and coffee 24 hours’ daily
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Taxes
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Guiding and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
What's Not Included
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Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
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Personal expenses
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Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
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Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
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Meals not on board the ship
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Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
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Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
SInce 1986
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
As well as supporting numerous projects, we have a program of onboard fundraising to projects, that have a global and local positive impact on the areas we operate. This program includes raffles, auctions and donations.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Albatros Expeditions, we recognize our responsibility to contribute positively to a social, environmental and economically sustainable development. We will comply with all applicable laws regarding human rights, environment and corruption, and apply internationally recognized principles when local laws and regulations set lower standards.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We recommend that you always check the latest updates, advice, or travel policy from Albatros Expeditions, your own government, and the country of embarkation, as learnings and scientific insight, and travel advice changes regularly.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your cruise Ticket, Embarkation Letter (Containing embarkation/disembarkation procedures, times, places), Pre-Departure Guide/Important Information Guide, Participant Declaration Form (Here you can state your dietary needs and insurance details to comply with health protocols), Covid Guest Briefing
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Albatros Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of albatros expeditions charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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