GLT Antarctica- February 2024 - 2

Antarctica

GL
208 reviews
Feb 25 - Mar 7, 2024
Group size: 1 - 10
GLT Antarctica- February 2024 - 2
Antarctica

208 reviews

$5,200
Feb 25 - Mar 7, 2024
Group size: 1 - 10

About this trip

Explore Antarctica with Girls LOVE Travel and Oceanwide Expeditions šŸ‡¦šŸ‡¶šŸ§


Join us on a 12 day/11 night voyage to the 7th continent! Embark on your journey in Ushuaia, Argentina and board the m/v Plancius, an ice-strengthened ship made to handle sailing to Antarctica. 


Click here to learn more about the expedition and our ship!

COVID- 19 and Vaccination Requirements

All travelers on this trip MUST be vaccinated- per the cruise requirements. 


When traveling with Oceanwide Expeditions, all  travelers must present proof of a basic and valid vaccination against Covid-19 which complies with the requirements of the authorities of the destination. 


According to EU rules, anyone who is fully vaccinated must take a booster dose of the vaccine when 270 days (roughly 9 months) have passed since the last dose was taken in order to have a valid COVID-19 certificate after February 1st.  If you have a booster, your validity is unlimited, meaning the above 270-day rule does not apply. 

IMPORTANT NOTES

The staff on board the ship have final say about the itinerary.  Girls LOVE Travel is not responsible for changes or alterations made by the staff as a result of things such as but not limited to: weather, ice, wildlife, and/or safety of the passengers on board.  All activities are complimentary and will be done in addition to the voyage when they are safely available.  


Verbiage direct from Oceanwide Expeditions: 

During this voyage, Oceanwide Expeditions will attempt landings that have rarely if ever been offered by Oceanwide Expeditions ā€“ or any other Antarctic cruise operator.  Flexibility is key during these thrilling expeditions. Since information about most of the landing sites is limited or unknown, this target itinerary can only mention scheduled landings and general information. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. 


The on-board expedition leader will determine the final schedule and itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. 

INCLUDED Activity Options

CAMPING

Looking to take your Antarctic adventure further? Join us for a night of camping out under the Antarctic night sky. Wake up the next morning to enjoy some of the cleanest air in the world, go home with a new fantastic memory under your belt.  

Oceanwide Expeditions will provide the necessary camping gear, including breathable bivouac bags that are wind and waterproof and a lightweight alternative to tents. The polar sleeping bags will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable during the enchanting Antarctic night.

All campers will be assisted and supervised by experienced expedition guides. Click here to learn more about camping on your expedition.


KAYAKING

An optional activity, kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the shorelines of the Polar Regions. Youā€™ll set out from your mother ship in the calm waters of a secluded bay, exploring the coastline at your own pace. Paddling your way through the quiet of the scenery youā€™ll be able to fully enjoy the serene beauty of the Arctic or Antarctic landscapes that surround you.  Click here to learn more about kayaking on your expedition


**Complimentary add-on activities are weather permitting.  This will ONLY be available and allowed if the staff onboard the ship find that it is safe to add this to the trip. No refunds will be given if activity is not able to be completed due to the staff deeming the activity unsafe.

Complimentary Activities

Reminder! -- All excursions and activities are complimentary.  


They are weather dependent and in no way can they be guaranteed. However that being said - it is the goal of the leaders on the ship to get you all on as many excursions and activities when it is safe and possible. This trip offers the possibility of camping overnight, kayaking, snowshoeing, and zodiac boat rides, as well photography support and on-board informative lectures. This trip does NOT have mountaineering or ice climbing as an option.

Arriving / Departing Ushuaia

- Arrivals: You MUST be in Ushuaia no later than one day before departure.  This is written into the agreement from Oceanwide Expeditions. Overnight accommodation for this night is not included in the trip. If you are able to come a day or two earlier I would encourage it. Reason being is that there are limited flights to / from Ushuaia. Last fall there were unexpected air strikes with Aerolinas Aregntinas Airlines which caused a lot of delays and delays = stress. We had one GLTer miss the trip entirely at the last minute due to flight cancelations. No one wants that! Also there tends to be some more discounts and options to use a lot less frequent flyer miles if you come a little early or stay a day or two after.  


- Departures: Oceanwide Expeditions encourages choosing departure flights on the last day no earlier than 1pm.  The ship will arrive back in Ushuaia and all will exit the boat after breakfast. If you have a flight out that same day, you can take the courtesy bus supplied by Oceanwide Expeditions to the airport. Since this is Antartica, there is a chance that weather might cause delays - which is why the company encourages that after-lunch flight time just in case.  

Ushuaia Hotels

There are a lot of hostels and hotels in Ushuaia. These are two I stayed in during past years and can vouch for them.  


Arakur Resort & Spa  - amazing views, infinity pool to die for, huge breakfast buffet ... tends to be pricey and takes a while to get into town but there is a free shuttle. This is LUX and extremely relaxing. But again not really easy to get to. Make sure to ask for an even room number for an ocean view. One girl said odd numbers were unlucky for her on check in so that they would move her to an even room. And that worked!! LOL If you don't stay here, try and befriend someone who is so you can visit the pool!  


Los Naranjos Hotel  - reasonably priced no-frills hotel very close to luggage drop off and the main grocery market, less than 10min walk to the center of town and 15-20 min walk to ship departure. Beds were comfy and it was safe and clean but nothing special. Especially after Arakur. Loved how close it was for luggage drop off / pick up tho - about 2 blocks away.

Rentals

What to take and what to wear??    


Click here to learn about gear rentals with New Headings, who works with Oceanwide on Arctic rental gear. You can order your gear and pick it up at luggage drop off! You can try it on and exchange sizes if needed when you pick it up. And for returns they come on the boat when you arrive so you don't have to worry about taking it elsewhere.  

A LOT of the GLTers in past years have opted for rentals. The quality is really good, and clean. 


The one item I personally did not feel worth the rental was the much needed waterproof bag! With this rental company it comes in some of the package deals, or by itself - but most GLTers found great waterproof bag options on Amazon for much cheaper and it was not a bulky item to lug around in the suitcase.


Payment Plans

We have collected your non-refundable deposit to hold your spot. We will work with each of you to set up a payment plan that will help you successfully pay for this trip. 


 - ALL payments must be paid in FULL no later than 100 days before the mandatory date of arrival 

Cancellation/Refund Policy

If you need to cancel for any reason at any time, please contact me right away!  Unfortunately the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.


Important Dates: 

20% non-refundable deposit due to hold the spot.    


Now- 100 days before departure - will allow refund of any amount paid over the non-refundable  deposit. 


99-76 days before departure - 50% of the package price will be able to be refunded. 


75 days-day of departure - package price is non-refundable in its entirety. No refunds will be given.


***

Additionally please note that no refunds will be given for weather cancelations of any of the complimentary free add-on activities. 


This is Antarctica, and part of this experience is the unpredictable weather. The staff on the ship are dedicated to do everything in their power and abilities so that you have a safe, and enjoyable experience!   You might get sea sick.  You might not camp or kayak or be able to get off the boat on certain days  - this is all a gamble due to the inconsistencies of Antarctica.   


Girls LOVE Travel and Oceanwide Expeditions are not responsible for the activities you are able to do, nor are we responsible for the weather conditions you might encounter. 

Whatā€™s included

  • Ship Voyage
    Passage / Accommodation aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Meals
    All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea. Vegetarian / Vegan options are available but advance notice is requested.
  • Excursions
    Weather and Safety permitting - All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Expert Lectures
    Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • Items for Use
    Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • Fees/Taxes
    All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
  • Airport Transfer After
    Free pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

Whatā€™s not included

  • Flights
    No airfare included - and not responsible for missed trips due to flight delays / cancelations
  • Insurance
    Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory). Please note the information about this above.
  • Rental Gear
    If you choose to rent gear through New Headings, this is an extra cost.
  • On Board Tips
    The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
  • On Board Charges
    All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • Activities
    All activities are complimentary based on weather & at the discretion of the onboard staff. All excursions / activities are free onboard add-ons & not tied to the overall cost of the trip.
  • Lodging Before/After
    Guests need to arrive in Ushuaia the day before departure. Lodging that night is not covered with the cost of the trip.

Available Packages

Quad Room Package

This package covers one person in a quad room- meaning you will be sharing with 3 other GLTers (or female passengers) during the trip. 


The package includes meals and activities as outlined in the itinerary.


The deposit paid for this package is non-refundable.

$5,200
Twin Window Room Package

This package covers one person in a twin porthole room- meaning you will be sharing with 1 other GLTer (or female passenger) during the trip. 


The package includes meals and activities as outlined in the itinerary.


The deposit paid for this package is non-refundable. 

$6,700
$5,200


Whoā€™s Going

Your Organizer


GL
Girls LOVE Travel
208 reviews
Joined in April 2018
See profile

Reviews

The trip was amazing! Everyone was so nice. And Haley and Sandy did SUCH a great job planning it, and then keeping it going smoothly. There was the perfect amount of activity time and down time. Panama was beautiful - both the city and the islands. Our host on the boat was incredible and the first mate was an incredible cook. I already signed up for another GLT trip.
By Becky S for Panama 2025 - GLT Celebrates 100 Years of Guna Independence on Mar 09, 2025
My trip to Panama with GLT was so much fun! Getting to stay in old town Panama and explore that area was so cool, lots of adorable little streets and churches and squares to explore. Living on a catamaran sailing among the San Blas islands was paradise. I wish I could have stayed forever. Beautiful islands, amazingly welcoming indigenous communities, gorgeous reefs and waters. I could go on and on about how special it was but really you just have to go see it yourself! And no better way than with GLT trips! Iā€™ve always loved meeting new friends and the trips are always well organized and thought out. This was my 3rd GLT trip and I know Iā€™ll be going on more.
By Sydney B for Panama 2025 - GLT Celebrates 100 Years of Guna Independence on Mar 09, 2025
Panama 2025 - GLT Celebrates 100 Years of Guna Independence was truly an unforgettable adventureā€”equal parts breathtaking scenery and unexpected plot twists! To start with the positives, Panama itself is a marvel. The diversity in its landscapes and the warm, kind-hearted locals made the journey all the more special. The San Blas Islands, in particular, were an oasis of natural beauty that took my breath away. And the food? Absolute perfection. Each meal was a highlight in its own rightā€”flavors that danced on the palate and reminded me why traveling is such a joy. I came away enriched, having learned so much and experienced the splendor of this incredible country. Iā€™ll absolutely be back to explore more of what Panama has to offer. That said, the trip wasnā€™t without its hurdles, and I think future travelers should know what to expect. As a solo traveler, I found the price steep, especially when factoring in the shared boat accommodations, which lacked the private bathroom perk enjoyed by shared accommodations. There was a fair amount of misinformation and mismanagement that, at times, overshadowed the joy of the experience. One major misstep was the "leisure bike ride," which turned into a grueling 4-hour, 12+ mile journey with steep inclines, no bathroom breaks, and inadequate preparation for water, gear, or attire. Leisure? Not quite. Painful? Absolutely. This ordeal left a lasting impression for the remainder of the trip ā€”and not in a good way. The ride to San Blas was another misadventure, with a roadside accident leaving us stranded for seven hours. Communication was sparse, and basic necessities like food and water were left to the travelers to figure out. A quick trip to fetch supplies could have alleviated a lot of stress in this situation. Additionally, the logistics of the two boats were puzzling. They were anchored far apart for much of the trip, causing segregation and discomfort. Being asked to spend an hour on the other boat (away from my belongings), leading into 4 actual hour without proper notice led to some avoidable mishaps, including a sunburn when I didnā€™t have my rash guard on hand. Despite these challenges, I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to have been part of such a unique journey. Panama's natural beauty and warm hospitality shone through, reminding me why I love to travel in the first place. With some improvements in planning and communication, this trip could easily transform into an exceptional experience.
By Carrie L for Panama 2025 - GLT Celebrates 100 Years of Guna Independence on Mar 09, 2025
Love, light, and happiness. This trip found me when I needed it most, and am I so glad that I went with it. The itinerary was executed with confidence and grace, knowing that we would have the most amazing time. Kudos to Haley and Sandy for organizing a trip of a lifetime!
By Shayna P for Panama 2025 - GLT Celebrates 100 Years of Guna Independence on Mar 08, 2025
AW
My second GLT trip was a success! Haley and Sandy were absolutely amazing from the very beginning. I was incredibly impressed with how above and beyond they went when a hurricane put a kink in our plans. The amount of leg work these girls did behind the scenes to adjust plans and ensure everyone got there safely is commendable. When our group got together everything else just fell into place. All the tours, excursions, and experiences were incredible! I was also overjoyed when I learned a few of my previous travel companions had booked the same trip, so not only was this a mini reunion for a few of us, but I had the pleasure of making some true connections with new people as well. A wonderful experience all around ā˜ŗļø
By Adriana W for GLT Belize - Nov 2024 on Dec 08, 2024
Show More Reviews

References

CM
I really had no idea what I was in store for when I booked this trip. Egypt is on most of our ā€œbucket lists,ā€ so expectations were high. Before leaving, GLT makes everything seamless. Booking is easy, communication lines are open and responses are prompt. I also found the Facebook Group to be particularly helpful with the expertise of people who have either traveled to Egypt or have gone on GLT trips. The itinerary is thoughtfully curated to allow time for rest if you want (you wonā€™t want, trust me!) or you can choose to go on other excursions. As soon as you land youā€™re met by an agent who guides you through customs and gets you in transportation to the hotel. When we arrived at the hotel it was close to 2a. Enter Yasser, our guide. He welcomed us with his warm smile even though it was early morning. We were impressed. I remember getting the feeling we were in good hands, but that was only the beginning. From day one you could tell Yasser was full of knowledge. He answered every question with love and passion. We were mesmerized by the stories he told us and we quickly became family. Everywhere we went Yasser knew someone. After a quick hello and a hug, Yasserā€™s friends would be on their way, but not before yelling things like, ā€œyou have the best guideā€ and ā€œthatā€™s my teacher. Youā€™re very lucky!ā€ As I write this, I canā€™t help but to smile. Yasser made this trip memorable. I felt extremely safe and loved the opportunity to meet new people and socialize. If youā€™re on the fence and thinking about going on this trip, donā€™t think! Youā€™ll leave in awe of this magical country and youā€™ll leave with a new extended family member with the name of Yasser. You wonā€™t be sorry.
By Catherine M on 05 Oct, 2023