Antarctica Expedition 2022
Here, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for this experience, from packing tips and FAQs to a timeline of post-booking communications. For more information on this experience, please contact your Care team.
At a Glance
- January 17-28, 2022
- Sailing onboard the brand-new National Geographic Resolution
- Fly in and out of Santiago, Chile
- Physical activity: Moderate
Pre-Trip Planning Timeline
Traveler Information Form
About six months prior to departure, you will receive an email from the Inspirato Only Cruise team with the Traveler Information Form. In this form, we'll ask you to provide details such as contact information for each traveler, flight and travel information, etc. We will also include details on pre- and post-cruise tours, transfers, and hotels.
A signed medical waiver by your local physician is required prior to embarkation. The appropriate form and waiver will be included in this email.
We'll take this information and begin planning your trip and building your personal itinerary. We'll be in touch with you after receiving the completed form should any follow-up or confirmation be necessary.
Bon Voyage! Itinerary and Final Trip Details
About three weeks prior to departure, you will receive an email from the Inspirato Only Cruise team with your personal itinerary, suggested packing list, contact information for your on-site Inspirato hosts, pre-trip Zoom call details, and more.
What you need to know
Airport and Transportation Information
This experience begins in Santiago, Chile, on January 17, 2022. The evening of January 17 is included in your cruise fare at the Mandarin Oriental Santiago. This experience ends in Santiago, Chile, on January 28, 2022. If you are planning to fly out that same day, please do not book a flight earlier than 7 p.m.
Suggested Arrival and Departure Airport: You should book your arrival and departure flights into Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago (approximately 45 minutes from the city center and Hotel Santiago by Mandarin).
We are happy to book airport transfers for you at an additional cost. All of the transfer information will be sent to you in the Traveler Information Form about six months prior to departure.
Packing List
Inspirato and Lindblad Expeditions recommend Ship to Shore Traveler to help you get outfitted for your expedition to Antarctica. It is recommended that you rent your boots, as this will save space (and weight) in your suitcase. The boots will be delivered directly to (and picked up) from the National Geographic Resolution. Other items available for rental are waterproof pants and trekking poles.
The following packing list was developed by one of our expedition leaders:
- One waterproof rain jacket for rainy or windy weather
- One pair of waterproof pants that are loose enough to wear over a regular pair of trousers (made of GORE-TEX or similar waterproof, breathable fabric). You will need these for almost every landing.
- One or two pairs of waterproof ski mittens or gloves. You might bring a pair of thin, polypropylene gloves that fit under your ski mittens so you can take your mittens off during photography without your hands getting cold. Bring an extra pair of mittens in case your other pair gets wet.
- One wool ski cap and a scarf if the cap cannot be pulled down to cover your neck.
- One pair of fully waterproof knee-high rubber boots with sturdy, high-traction soles. We stress the importance of boots that are completely waterproof so that your feet will not get wet when you step into shallow, icy water during Zodiac landings. Additionally, boots should have good traction because you are likely to encounter poor footing on ice and rough terrain. Also, comfort is important—if your boots are too heavy or bulky, your footing will be awkward during hikes. Wellington boots, “muck” boots, or XTRATUFs can be purchased at sporting goods stores, fishing supply stores, and from outdoor clothing suppliers. Please note boot rentals are available on location.
- Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles for use aboard the ship.
- Three or four pairs of warm, sturdy, tall wool socks and an equal number of thin socks to wear underneath for extra insulation. Silk or polypropylene sock liners do well. Make sure you bring several pairs of socks since your feet may perspire to the point of wetness.
- An assortment of fleeces, sweaters, and other layered clothing.
- One full set of thermal or silk long underwear
- One or two bathing suits (for the onboard sauna or a possible polar plunge)
- Workout clothing if you would like to use the ship’s fitness center
- Water-resistant backpack for carrying cameras or other equipment
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Electrical converter and adapter (220V to 110V)
- Travel alarm clock (cell phones work, too)
- Camera, lenses, instruction manual, memory cards/film, battery charger, extra batteries
Additional items you may want to consider:
- Personal medications
- Imodium/Pepto-Bismol
- Shaving cream and razors
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Toiletries (ship amenities include shampoo/body wash, conditioner, soap, and lotion; hair dryers are also available in each stateroom)
- Contact lens case and solution (if applicable)
- Comb/brush
- Sunscreen
Passport:
You will need a passport that is valid past July 28, 2022. Please ensure there are at least two blank pages for stamping. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, passport applications and renewals are taking longer than usual to process. If you need to renew your passport (or apply for one for the first time), we recommend you begin this process immediately to ensure you have ample time to receive it.
Currency and Spending Information:
The monetary unit of Argentina is the Argentine peso. U.S. dollars and major credit cards are generally accepted by restaurants and stores in Argentina, therefore, you will only need a small amount of local currency.
Your shipboard account is set up during the embarkation/check-in process and a major credit card is required (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express). All onboard purchases are billed to your shipboard spending account. Your account will be settled at the end of the voyage and may be paid in either cash (USD) or credit card.
Please note:
- The ship is unable to honor personal checks, traveler’s checks, or letters of credit.
- In Santiago, you may be able to use your ATM card at cash machines to obtain local currency. If you plan to use an ATM, please check with your bank to find out if your ATM card can be used overseas, and make sure the card has been programmed with your personal identification number (PIN).
- Your gratuities for any services provided in the itinerary are included. Please note that if you plan on purchasing amenities and services outside of the itinerary (spa reservations, for example), the gratuity is not included in the fees.
Additional Reminders:
- Pack your travel and medical insurance information with coverage documentation.
- Contact your bank in advance about your travel plans.
- We recommend recording your credit card information and lost/stolen card hotline should you need to contact your bank at any point during the voyage.
- It is recommended to explore your data plan with your smartphone provider ahead of your trip.
- Travel insurance is not required for the trip, but it is highly recommended that you purchase it. Please contact our preferred partners at Travelex for a quote
Frequently Asked Questions
We are happy to coordinate your flights. Please reach out to the Inspirato Air Desk here.
- International flights to and from Santiago, Chile
- Airport transfers
- Pre- and post-program hotel stays (with the exception of the night of January 17, 2022)
- Pre- and post-program touring
- Meals outside of the itinerary inclusions
- Additional premium and reserve spirits selections are available for an additional charge
- Expenses that are of a personal nature such as laundry, spa appointments, etc.
- Travel insurance (recommended)
126 Inspirato members, along with their family, friends, and guests will be on board the National Geographic Resolution.
This expedition is best suited for kids 8 years and older.
Within three business days of booking, you may cancel for a full refund. After three business days, reservations are non-refundable unless Inspirato is able to rebook the package. If Inspirato is able to rebook, the Inspirato member will receive 90% back in Travel Credits. If applicable, this would be refunded one day after the package is rebooked.
Members will fly in and out of Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, Chile. Members must arrive in Santiago no later than January 17, 2022. While the experience does not begin until January 17, 2022, in order to get to Santiago, you must leave the U.S. on January 16, 2022. A one-night stay (January 17, 2022) at the Mandarin Oriental Santiago is included in your cruise package.
The return flight from Ushuaia to Santiago should land around 5:30 p.m., so flights out of Santiago can be anytime after 7 p.m. on January 28, 2022, or members can choose to stay in Santiago. If you are interested in extending your stay after disembarkation we have preferred rates at the Mandarin Oriental Santiago.
Please plan to travel light. There are very strict luggage restrictions from the airline on the private charter flights to and from Ushuaia. You may have two checked bags, which may not exceed 33 pounds each (15 kilograms) per person, or with a combined weight of no more than 66 pounds (30 kilograms) total. You may also have one carry-on of no more than 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms). Your stateroom has been designed so that luggage can be stored under your bed. There is ample space to hang and store clothing in your stateroom. Due to space limitations, we cannot store your luggage in other areas on board the ship.
Inspirato and Lindblad Expeditions recommend Ship to Shore Traveler to help you get outfitted for your expedition to Antarctica. It is recommended that you rent your boots, as this will save space (and weight) in your suitcase. The boots will be delivered directly to (and picked up) from the National Geographic Resolution. Other items available for rental are waterproof pants and trekking poles.
Average summer temperatures in Santiago, Chile, will be highs around 86˚F and lows around 53˚F.
Average summer temperatures in Antarctica will be highs around 33˚F and lows around 28˚F.
Yes, there will be a variety of daily activities, including hiking, Zodiac cruising, kayaking, photography instruction, and more to choose from once on board.
The expedition team, naturalists, and prominent photographers traveling with you add enrichment and insight gleaned from their unique experiences to the already engaging, lively, and interesting conversation aboard National Geographic Resolution.
Each evening at cocktail hour, the entire expedition community gathers in the lounge for a ritual known as Recap. As you enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, various naturalists give talks, the undersea specialist may show a video, and your expedition leader will outline the next day’s schedule. Guests often tell us in comment cards that evening Recap remains one of the fondest memories of their expedition experience.
With the expedition photography program, you’ll have the assistance needed to take the best shots of your life. And you’ll get to participate in unique “share and learn” opportunities, including one-on-one critiques, onboard presentations and slideshows, plus laptop gallery events. Whether you think of yourself as a professional or just someone with a point-and-shoot camera, you’ll go home a better and more confident photographer.
The ship’s onboard restaurant provides a relaxed environment and accommodates all guests with open seating. Offering international cuisine, all meals are served in the main dining room and no advance reservations are needed.
f you have special dietary requirements (vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.), please advise your Care team prior to your departure date. The culinary team will make every effort to accommodate your request with the resources available to them.
Soft drinks, coffee, tea, bottled water, beer, select spirits, and a selection of complimentary wines are included with your cruise fare. Additional premium and reserve selections are available for an additional charge. See any of the bar or dining staff for details.
While on board, members may make and receive phone calls, text messages, and other select data services on their own mobile phone or device. Members will be billed by their home mobile phone provider and calls or messages will appear as roaming charges on their bill. Before leaving home, contact your provider to purchase an international voice, data, and messaging plan. If you have a mobile GSM telephone with AT&T or T-Mobile as the U.S. carrier, you will find that it works in a few places along our route if you have arranged in advance for overseas activation. Note that there will be long stretches where there will not be a mobile signal.
All Lindblad Expeditions vessels feature satellite telephone access and fax access. Telephone numbers for contacting the vessel are provided in your final documents. Additional information about making phone calls or sending/receiving faxes can be found in your accommodation Guest Directory on board. Telefax reception is complimentary; ship-to-shore phone calls and fax transmissions are available at an additional charge.
The National Geographic Resolution features satellite internet access and will be available throughout the entire voyage compliments of Inspirato. Guests can go online in designated wireless access areas, including each lounge, with their laptops. Wi-Fi is complimentary and will be issued in the form of 100-minute cards (to encourage logging off). Please note that satellite internet access may not always be possible.
There is a doctor on board and his or her services are provided free of charge. The doctor is available at any time in case of emergency.
At the time of booking, expectant mothers are required to supply a medical certificate establishing their fitness for travel at the time they are due to travel. Lindblad Expeditions is unable to accommodate women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy and will not be responsible or liable for any complication relative to any pregnancy during the entire duration of the cruise. Additionally, airlines may have restrictions on travel that may differ from Lindblad Expeditions' policies.
By booking passage and by boarding the ship, the passenger represents and warrants that he/ she is physically and otherwise fit to travel, and that the guest will comply at all times with applicable rules and regulations of the ship and orders and instructions of the ship’s officers and medical staff. You will be required to complete a medical form signed by your physician.
Laundry and pressing services are available on board the National Geographic Resolution for a nominal charge. We regret that dry cleaning facilities are not available and for safety reasons, we are unable to provide ironing facilities in staterooms or suites.
No, there is not a casino on this cruise.
Yes. Get your heart pumping in the onboard fitness center or relax in the onboard yoga studio.
Where there is not a pool onboard there is a hot tub for you to enjoy.
Yes, massages are offered in the spa for an additional fee.
Before we set sail, stay with us at our host hotel in Santiago, Chile, the Mandarin Oriental Santiago. The night of January 17, 2022, is included in the cruise package. The next day, we will fly to Ushuaia, Argentina, and board the National Geographic Resolution.
After disembarkation in Ushuaia, we will fly back to Santiago and transfer to the Mandarin Oriental Santiago where we have preferred room rates for post-cruise extensions.
Gratuities on board the ship and ashore to local guides are included with your voyage fare. For members who want to further recognize exceptional service, Inspirato recommends a donation to the Crew Welfare Fund that benefits all the hardworking staff. In the spa, gratuities are customary for services rendered.
Due to health, safety, and regulatory reasons, passengers may not bring certain items aboard (including but not limited to): explosives, weapons, irons, candles, hazardous chemicals and materials, or equipment that may interfere with ships’ systems, or disrupt the enjoyment of the voyage by other passengers. Illegal substances may not be boarded. Lindblad Expeditions reserves the right to make adjustments to this policy and deny the boarding of items deemed unsafe/illegal.
National Geographic Resolution cannot accommodate pets on any voyage.
Questions? We're here to help.
Please contact the experiences team at experiences@inspirato.com