Yes, the ship will be equipped with high-speed Starlink WiFi and 10 GB data is included in your ticket.
Should you need more data, additional internet packages will be available for purchase: 10 GB for $50 and 20 GB for $85.
The currency used aboard the ship is USD.
During check-in on board, you will receive your personal cruise card, which you should carry with you at all times, as it also serves as your identification card. All purchases made on board, including those from the bar, telephone, and laundry, will be charged to your shipboard account.
After check-in, our reception will pre-authorize your credit card. In some cases, 100 USD might be reserved, which guarantees that the credit card is open and there are funds available to pay for any charges. The initial pre-authorization will be removed after a few days and the amount will not be charged.
At the end of the voyage, you will be asked to visit reception and settle your shipboard account. On board, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Please note that for cash payments, only USD is accepted and there is no currency exchange office on board the vessel.
Gratuities are voluntary, but it is customary to show appreciation to the hardworking crew and leave a gratuity for the ship’s crew at the end of the voyage. All gratuities are divided amongst the crew, and not just to the staff whom guests have direct contact with. This is why Albatros recommends adding the gratuities to the guests’ accounts. A letter will be sent out a few days before disembarkation stating that unless there are any questions or objections, they will automatically charge the gratuities to your onboard account at a rate of USD 16 per person per day. Should you not wish to add a gratuity - or alter the amount provided – please contact the reception and this will be amended according to your wishes.
There will be a various selection of food onboard – including vegetarian dishes, plant-based food items, gluten- and dairy-free options. For specific food allergies, contact the crew on board who will be happy to assist you.
You will be asked to indicate any dietary needs and allergies when filling out the Participant Declaration Form. The form will be provided upon receiving your final payment.
Heavy seas may occur during the Drake Passage. Seasickness patches may provide partial or full relief. Seasickness pills such as Scopoderm may provide respite. We ask that you please provide these medications yourself.
During February, which is summertime, you can expect an average temperature of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius (33.8 to 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit), with some rain on occasion.
For Zodiac cruises to shore you’ll need a waterproof jacket and pants (minimum 15,000mm rating). Apart from that, our advice is to take warm, windproof, waterproof clothes that you can easily add or remove in layers. It’s best to take clothing made of wool, silk, and new synthetic fibers, all of which retain heat better than other materials.
We will share a detailed packing list later on to make sure you are prepared with everything you’ll need.