On this page you will find the answers to the questions most commonly asked about the Antarctica Voyages and the travel arrangements. Our sales consultants will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Cabin Numbers
You will usually be advised of your cabin number when you make your booking. `
Currency
Norwegian Currency is used on board. Most major currencies may be exchanged. Visa, American Express, Master Card and Diners Card are all accepted. A cruise card which acts as a credit card may be used for payment for extras and settled at the end of your voyage.
Entertainment
The emphasis on board is on relaxation and getting away from the commercial entertainment which is so often a part of conventional cruises. The aim is to get closer to unique environments and share the experience with fellow passengers.
Information
There will be an information meeting on board on the evening of departure. You will also receive an information pack. In addition, a Daily Bulletin will keep you informed during your journey.
Internet
There is an internet café on board, access can be purchased from reception, approximately £4.00 for 30 mins, £6.00 for 1 hour and £20.00 for 6 hours (subject to change).
Laundry
Laundry rooms with washing machines, tumble dryers and irons are available. Tokens can be purchased at reception.
Dietary Requests
Special diets, e.g. vegetarian food, can be catered for if requested in good time. Passengers on very strict diets, e.g. vegans, may find that the food offers limited variety.
Porterage
Luggage handling is not included in the cost of your holiday.
Prices
The voyage includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, with coffee / tea after lunch and dinner. Beverages and other refreshments during the day are not included. To help you plan your holiday, the following table shows average sample prices for some items available on board. Please note that the prices shown are approximate only and based on the latest information available to us.
| CAFÉ | £ | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea ............................................................. | Free | |
| Coffee ........................................................ | Free | |
| Bottled Water ............................................ | £1.60 | |
| Fruit Juice ................................................... | £3.00 | |
| BAR/DINING ROOM PRICES | ||
| Draught Beer (0.4 litres) ............................ | £3.50 | |
| Glass of Wine ............................................. | £3.90 | |
| Bottle of Wine ............................................ | from £15 | |
| Spirit ...... ................................................... | from £5 | |
Shore Excursions
A selection of shore excursion landings is already included in some of the itineraries with additional optional excursions available to pre-book. Where available we will supply you with excursion information. Otherwise you will receive full details and prices on board.
Excursions and their content are subject to maximum/minimum numbers and local weather conditions.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in cabins or in public areas. It is allowed on open deck but prohibited at all times when the ships are in port.
Tea / Coffee
Only the suites on the three newest ships have tea / coffee making facilities. Standard cabins do not offer this facility, however, tea and coffee are free on the Antarctica voyages.
Telephone
All ships have pay phones, and phone cards can be purchased from reception. Private mobile telephones may be used on board. Note that the telephone and mobile reception may vary depending on the area of travel.
Tipping
You will receive tipping guidelines with your travel documents or on board.
Valuables
Cabins are not equipped with a safety deposit box. However, jewellery, money, and other valuables can be handed in at reception for safe-keeping in the ship's safe. Hurtigruten Ltd cannot accept responsibility for the loss of valuables.
Voltage
This is 220 volts A. C. You will require a continental 2-pin adaptor. Hairdryers are provided in all cabins.
What To Wear
On board dress is informal. Although some passengers choose to change for dinner, it is 'smart / casual' rather than formal. The weather in most of the destinations can vary during the course of each voyage or even during the day. To cater for these variations we recommend the layered dress approach that enables you to adapt to changes in temperature, wind and precipitation conditions easily.
For all voyages we advise you to take breathable rain and windproof clothing. A warm hat, gloves, scarf and thermal clothing can be useful, together with thermal underwear, during the winter months. On land where it may be icy, sturdy shoes are important for shore excursions and a walking/trekking pole may be useful. You should pack a pair of UV protective sunglasses, even during winter as the reflections of snow and ice can be harmful to the unprotected eye. An additional list of recommended clothing and equipment is sent out on selected departures.
Suite Service
Hurtigruten are pleased to introduce a range of extras if you book a suite on board one MS Fram. They include a welcome present, tea / coffee making facilities in your cabin, a selection of beverages at lunch and dinner (soft drinks, beer, wine recommendation) and two complimentary excursions during your voyage (exclusions apply). At a fee you also have the option to have breakfast served in your cabin and a laundry service.
Zodiac & Polar Cirkel Boat Excursions
These sturdy inflatable boats enable both water based exploration and safe landings in otherwise inaccessible areas. You will need to be fairly agile to board these but there is otherwise no need to worry about travelling in them. The crew will show you what to do and as long as you follow their instructions, after a few days it will become second nature.
