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What documents will I need to present for boarding?

All passengers must have valid identification papers, the necessary visas in their possession and yellow fever vaccination certificate, according to their nationality and the countries they will be visiting. When you arrive on board, you will be asked to present the identification you used when filling out your pre-departure information sheet. This will be kept until the end of the cruise, for the ship’s officers to present to customs officials in each port of call. Should you need your identification back to visit a port of call, it is at your disposal at Reception, where you will have to return it as soon as you are back on the ship.

What is the disembarkation procedure?

Instructions and information regarding disembarkation at the end of your cruise will be communicated to you in the daily programme and at Reception. Please read them carefully.

What are pre and post cruise programmes?

Our pre and post cruise programmes enable you to anticipate or extend your trip. Ranging a from half-day to several days, these programmes allow you to discover a little more about the region through fascinating visits, without having to worry about logistical details such as flights, meals, hotels and guides.

When can I book my pre and post cruise programmes?

Both pre and post cruise programmes must be booked with The Q after finalization of The White Continent expedition.

How do I access my cabin?

You will be given one key card. Use this to open or lock your cabin in your absence. Your cabin door will lock automatically when you close it, so remember not to leave your keycard inside when leaving your cabin.

Is my cabin air-conditioned?

All of our cabins are equipped with individually-controlled air conditioning. Your steward or stewardess is at your service should you need help with adjusting the temperature.

Is my cabin equipped with a television?

All cabins are equipped with a television and direct access to video on demand.

Is my cabin fitted with a safe?

Each cabin is fitted with a personal safe for your valuables. For items of high value, we recommend you use the main safe. Please check with the Reception for same.

Can I exchange currency on board?

No, there is no foreign currency desk aboard our ships. We recommend exchanging your money at your bank or international airports.

How do I pay for my expenses on board?

Upon boarding the ship, an account will be opened for you and all expenses incurred on board, in the boutique, at the bar, or for laundry or excursion charges, will be added to your account.

We invite you to leave a credit card imprint at Reception. Your invoice and credit card receipt will be brought to your cabin on the eve of disembarking at the end of your cruise. Since all accounts for expenses incurred on board are closed for billing on the last night of the cruise, from 10pm that evening all payments must be made in cash.

What is the currency used on board?

The currency aboard the ship is Euro, but US dollar is also accepted. All expenses incurred on board are closed for billing on the last night of the cruise, from 10pm that evening all payments must be made in cash.

What are the payment methods accepted on board?

We accept credit cards (Visa, EuroCard/MasterCard and American Express), cash, travellers’ cheques, and personal cheques.

What leisure activities are available on board?

Aboard our fleet, you will find a WiiTM console, as well as a selection of books and games. The library area on Deck 6 is also equipped with computers and a Wi-Fi connection. On the lower deck, an image and photography area has been set up. The cabins are equipped with direct access to video on demand.

Are any sport or fitness activities available on board?

There is a fully equipped gym on the ship.

Are any activities organized on board?

Each evening, you can choose from varied entertaining programmes.

Is there a dress code aboard the ships?

We advise you to wear elegant and relaxed clothes and formal attire to the Captain’s reception.

What sort of clothing should I bring on an expedition cruise?

For an expedition cruise, bring practical clothing and comfortable shoes. For cruises to the Arctic or Antarctic, you will be provided with a polar parka and snow boots in your size on board.

What are the kind of meals on board?

You can enjoy a buffet breakfast in the restaurant or in your cabin on request. Enjoy a buffet for lunch and in the evenings, indulge in a Michelin starred cuisine. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

Are snacks available outside of meal times?

Yes, when the restaurant is closed, coffee, tea and small pastries will be available. Details will be provided in the daily programme placed in your cabin each evening.

What does Open Bar mean?

Once you have boarded the ship and throughout your cruise, drinks* will be complimentary and unlimited. That is what we mean by Open Bar. This applies to drinks from the minibar and from room service, too.

*Does not include à la carte premium alcoholic drinks

I follow a special diet. Is it possible to accommodate this?

If you have specific dietary requirements such as gluten-free, diabetic or low-kilojoule variants or suffer from allergies, this must be clearly stated at the time of booking. Special menus will then be provided for you throughout your cruise. Jain and vegan options are available on board.

Is there a doctor on board?

There is a medical center on each of our ships. Consultation times will be included each day in your copy of the daily programme, however the doctor is available at all times for emergencies. On excursions, you will always be accompanied by either the doctor or the nurse.

Do I have to pay for consultations on board?

There is a fee for consultations with the doctor or nurse aboard the ship. The price is likely to vary depending on the time and place of the consultation (hospital or cabin). You must also pay for any medicines dispensed or prescribed.

Should I inform The Q if I take any specific medications?

If you take specific medications, please let us know on the information sheet you fill in prior to departure, then inform our crew when boarding and ensure you have enough medication for the duration of your cruise.

I get seasick. Can I still take a cruise?

Our ship is fitted with fin stabilisers that adapt to the movements of the ship. This system compensates for the pitching and rolling to provide stability. Passengers who suffer from seasickness usually have greatly reduced symptoms and are often surprised to find that the ship’s motion does not bother them.

Does the ship cater for people with reduced mobility?

Our ship is designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility:

  • Three specially designed cabins (307, 407, 509)
  • Access ramps allowing easy access to the communal areas
  • Notices, signs and cabin numbers are also translated into Braille.

Note, however, that all passengers must be self-sufficient or travelling with a friend or relative who can provide any assistance necessary during the cruise.

If a person is not considered fit enough to travel safely, the company reserves the right to refuse to let them board the ship. To ensure the well-being and safety of the passenger, the Captain’s permission is required to disembark in difficult areas or to travel in a Zodiac®.

What languages are spoken aboard?

The crew are bilingual; they all speak English. Signs are all in English.

Are children allowed for this expedition?

Children under the age of five are not allowed aboard our ships.

For children aged five to eight, permission to board the ship must be requested by writing to The Q. If permission is granted, a liability waiver must be filled out by the parents and returned to The Q to confirm the booking. More specifically, during all expedition cruises, including to the Arctic and Antarctic, children must be completely autonomous during Zodiac landings, and they must immediately understand and respond to instructions given by the adults in charge.

Consequently, their participation in such landings will be subject to approval from the Captain and the Expedition Leader, based on sea conditions and how difficult it is to land at each site visited. In any case, both on board and on land, children and young minors are the sole responsibility of their parent(s) or guardian(s).

Are pets allowed on board?

For safety and hygiene reasons, pets are not allowed on board.

Do the power sockets on board comply with European standards?

Yes, 220V alternating current at 50Hz is supplied through power sockets that meet European standards. The electricity on board is 220 Volt AC (European standard) and 110 Volt AC (North American standard). For safety reasons, the use of irons and hair irons is not allowed in the cabins.

Is smoking allowed on board?

All enclosed areas (lounge areas, dining room, cabins, reception area, etc.) are non-smoking. Please smoke only in the ship’s designated outdoor areas.

Is tipping compulsory?

Gratuities are included in the package. Tipping is at the discretion of guest.

Is there a laundry service aboard the ships?

Yes, laundry services is available. These services incur a charge and are billed directly to your cabin account.

Can purchases be made on board?

Gifts and souvenirs can be purchased in our boutique on board. Please note that the law requires us to close the boutique while we are at a port of call.

Can I send letters during my cruise?

You may leave letters and postcards at Reception and they will be posted for you. Please note your cabin number where you would normally place the stamp. The postage fee will be added to your account.

Is a telephone service available on board?

A satellite telephone system is at your disposal for contacting anyone, anywhere in the world. The cost of the call is added to the cabin account (€6/minute).

Calls that you receive can be transferred directly to your cabin or to any other communal area on the ship. To receive or send faxes, please see Reception.

Is Internet access available on board?

Unlimited Wi-Fi internet access is available in our ship, in both the cabins and the communal areas. One or several computers are at your disposal in the recreation centers.

Please note that the Wi-Fi connection may be slower or interrupted in certain geographic regions or due to circumstances outside of our control.

Know more

Climate change in Antarctica - Understanding the facts

Dress Code - Antarctica

Cancellation Policy - The White Continent