European Voyage - 70% off
From Portugal to Portsmouth - The Wild West Coast of Europe
FROM: $7,895 $2,369.- p.p.*
DEPARTURE: 25 APRIL 2025
DURATION: 9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS
VESSEL: OCEAN ALBATROS
From Lisbon, the legendary Portuguese capital, along the wild western fringes of Europe to the heart of England, this voyage has something for everyone!
Join a thrilling voyage onboard Ocean Albatros, our purpose-built expedition ship. Sail in the wake of European travellers of ages gone by and explore the lesser-visited sides of Portugal, Spain, France and England.
*price per person in a shared type C double cabin with a balcony. This deal will expire on 30 November.
Your voyage begins in the spellbinding Portuguese capital of Lisbon, where fado music drifts out of bars serving green wine, and streetcars trundle along the streets. Next we visit the legendary city of Porto, home of port wine and the heartland of Portuguese culture before visiting the ancient city of A Coruña, where ancient stone walls guard the city, and a millennia-old lighthouse guards the seas of the verdant region of Galicia.
Next, we visit the fortress town of Concarneau in the heart of Brittany, where we will experience a vibrant mix of French and Breton culture, before crossing the English Channel to the Scilly Isles, England's garden islands. From Scilly, we will sail along the south coast of England, a land of quaint harbour towns, brooding fortress cities, ancient Jurassic fossils and staggering coastal scenery, before finishing in Portsmouth, the vibrant home of the Royal Navy.
Jaw-dropping scenery and landscapes are guaranteed!
Day 1: Lisbon, Portugal - Embarkation
Straddling the hills at the mouth of the river Tagus, the Portuguese capital of Lisbon needs little introduction. The city's history stretches back thousands of years, encompassing occupation by the Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate and a succession of Christian kingdoms, before being officially proclaimed the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal in 1256.
After Athens, Lisbon is the second oldest European capital, pre-dating latecomers like London, Paris and Madrid by centuries. It is the westernmost city on the European mainland, and has for centuries been the base for expeditions to far-flung corners of the world, as it does for our guests!
MV Ocean Albatros awaits our guests in the city's harbour. After the mandatory safety briefing and drill, enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail on the outer decks as we sail of of this magnificent city, bound for the wild western coasts of northern Europe.
Day 2: Leixões/Porto, Portugal
Situated on the northern side of the city of Porto, Leixões is Portugal's second largest and busiest sea port, constructed to relieve pressure on the city's ancient center. And what a city center it is! Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Porto is one of the finest examples of a preserved historic city anywhere on Earth, with monuments, ancient buildings and other architectural marvels at every turn.
Porto straddles a deep gorge, formed where the River Douro - the largest in Iberia by output - flows into the sea. Here, warm air masses from inland meet cool breezes off the Atlantic ocean, creating the perfect climate, with sunny summer days tempered by fresh ocean air. The city's golden beaches are exposed to the open Atlantic ocean, and the vast ocean swells here attract surfers and adrenaline seekers from around the world.
Founded on commerce, it is no surprise that the city's most beautiful buildings cluster at the docksides of the River Douro. Today, these ancient docks are loomed over by a vast iron bridge, connecting the northern and southern sides of the city, and the hilltops above are crowned by some of the oldest and best preserved buildings in Europe, such as Porto Cathedral.
Day 3: A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
On a narrow spit of land a the northwestern tip of the Spanish mainland sits the city of A Coruña, one of the largest and most culturally important cities in Galicia. A Coruña has been a port city long before the Romans arrived in this part of Europe, and the pre-Roman Celtic roots of the region are strong. In the verdant hills above the city, thatched roundhouses, unchanges since the Iron Age look out over the Bay of Biscay - many now swanky cabins and holiday homes.
The old city of A Coruña forms the core of the modern city, and sections of the ancient walls constructed in the medieval period (to keep out Viking mauranders from the North, and Moorish slavers from the South) still surround the narrow streets. The climate of Galicia is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, and the city experiences far more rain than the majority of Spain. Even the buildings in the city reflect the climate. Lining the waterfront are galería style balconies; glazed verandas with retractable glass panes, originally modelled on warship towers, they are considered essential in the region's wet climate.
Day 4: At Sea, En Route to Concarneau
Between Galicia and Brittany lies the Bay of Biscay. Sailors of old would whisper of this infamous seaway, which is home to some of the Atlantic Ocean's most ferocious winter weather. Thankfully, modern advances in maritime technology have tamed these infamous waters!
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind and enjoy the onboard amenities aboard Ocean Alabtros. Work up a sweat in the gym, refresh with panoramic views in the sauna, or enjoy the ocean views from our hot tubs.
The Bay of Biscay is world-renowned for its cetecean activity - in the middle of the bay lies a huge continental shelf, which drives nutrients from the deep ocean to the surface, creating a haven for marine wildlife. Dolphins, porpoise and whales are all commonly seen in the area, so be sure to grab your binoculars and join your expedition team on the outer decks!
Day 5: Concarneau, Brittany, France
Standing proud in the Baie de La Forêt is the medieval walled city of Concarneau, one of Brittany's most historic towns. Steeped in Breton culture and rich in art and history, Concarneau enjoys one of the most beautiful natural settings in Europe, surrounded by golden beaches and rolling green hills.
Concarneau sits in the heart of Brittany, the large peninsula in the northwest of France. As Roman power in Europe collapsed in the 4th Century, Britons from what is now Devon and Cornwall sailed to Brittany; more followed after the Anglo-Saxon invasions in the 5th and 6th Centuries.
The exact origins of the walled city are lost to time, although the walls today were constructed during the 14th and 15ht Centuries, a period when England and France where almost constantly at war. After the French Revolution, the city attained its modern shape, with new houses lining the bay surrounding the walled island city.
One of the most popular destinations in Brittany, the old town is a maze of cobbled streets, walls and independent shops and cafes - all lovingly restored during the 2010s. The modern port surrounding the walled city is home to one of France's largest artisanal fishing fleet - taste the catch of the day in one of the many local restauratns lining the quayside.
Day 6: Scilly Isles, England, United Kingdom
A cluster of granite islands and skerries 45km southeast of Cornwall, the Scilly Isles are the southernmost part of the United Kingdom. Green, lush and verdant, these welcoming islands are a veritable garden, kept warm and moist by the Gulf Stream.
The main settlement of Hugh Town on the island of St Mary's is our morning destination. A beautiful and quiant town, Hugh Town houses the majority of the islands' population. Star Castle, a 16th Century fortress looms over the narrow winding streets of the town, which are lined with independent shops, cozy cafes and welcoming pubs.
During the afternoon, we will visit the island of Tresco, the second largest of the islands. The whole island can be walked in a few hours, and is home to fewer than two hundred people. Without doubt the most famous attraction in the islands exists on Tresco - the world-famous Abbey Gardens. Built around the ruins of a medieval Benedictine abbey, these stunning gardens were established by Augustus Smith in the 19th Century.
Day 7: Fowey, England, United Kingdom
Fowey is a small town on the southern coast of England, in the county of Cornwall. Named for the river of the same name, the town sits between the rolling green hills of cornwall and the calm waters of the English Channel, the town was once a notable haunt for smugglers and pirates, raiding passing ships and sneaking luxuries such as tea, tobacco and liquor into England.
During the Victorian period however, the advent of the railways brought a new demographic to the town - sun-seeking tourists, looking to enjoy the clean seas and fresh air away from the industrial grime of the big cities. Rambling mansions and hotels line the waterfront, and restaurants and cafes tempt visitors in with locally produced delicacies. While the town lacks the beaches of some Cornish resorts, its perfect harbour makes it a magnet for watersports enthusiasts, who can choose between the calm river or the open sea.
Fowey is the ideal gateway to Cornwall. Nearby attractions include the vast tropical greenhouses of the Eden Project, famous resort towns such as Padstow and Newquay, and of course, the stunning vistas of the Cornish coast - undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the UK!
Day 8: Portland, England, United Kingdom
Linked to the English mainland by a narrow causeway, the Isle of Portland stands proudly in the English Channel, guarding some of the world's busiest seaways. Portland is backed by the enormous Chesil Beach, which at 28km in length is the longest beach in Britain, and also shields a freshwater lagoon (the Fleet) - a vital habitat for wildlife and a Ramsar wetland. The region is part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site world-renowned for its incredible geology and fossil finds. Indeed, Portland is perhaps best known for the local Portland stone (a limestone) which is used in legendary buildings including St Paul's Cathedral and the United Nations Headquarters.
Portland is a town which has has to reinvent itself many times, from quarrying settlement to smugglers hotspot, from naval base to fortress town, and today to one of the most popular summer destinations in England. Boasting beaches on three sides, nowhere offers better access to the sea, while the modern road link allows easy access to the mainland to explore the length of England's Jurassic Coast.
Day 9: Portsmouth, England - Disembarkation
Sitting in the calm waters of the Solent, Portsmouth is undoubtedly the leading port city of the United Kingdom. A stone's throw from London on the south coast of England, the city of Portsmouth covers the whole of Portsea Island - the most densely populated island in the UK.
Situated at the heart of a vast network of waterways, Portmouth has played a key role in British maritime history; legendary ships such as the Mary Rose, the Challenger Expedition and Nelson's Trafalgar fleet all sailed from this port. Portmouth today is a busy and bustling city, a hub for vast container ships bringing cargo from all over the world, fleets of ferries sailing to Europe, and the only scheduled hovercraft service in the world (the fastest route to the Isle of Wight).
On the final day of your voyage, bid a fond farewell to the Officers and Crew of the Ocean Albatros as you disembark towards your next adventure.
Our Ship
Ocean Albatros
With a total of 94 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros has definitely become one of the most popular small ship luxury cruise vessels in the world.
Ocean Albatros offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.
The ship also includes a unique panorama sauna with stunning views, and even more dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement.
Category G Stateroom
Single stateroom with porthole- app. 14 m2
FROM $9,095 $2,729.- p.p.
Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located State Room close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Category F Stateroom
Triple Shared Stateroom with Porthole - 18-22 m2
FROM $6,195 $1,859.- p.p.
Our triple staterooms are ideal for solo travelers who want to share a cabin with other solo travelers of the same gender. Each room has three single beds, a porthole, and a private bathroom. Located on Deck 3, they are close to the mudroom and loading platforms. Triple staterooms accommodate three travelers.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
If you are traveling solo and want to share a room with others, just book your F cabin, and we will match you with two other same-gender travelers.
Category E Stateroom
Double stateroom with French Balcony - app. 14 m2
FROM $7,695 $2,309.- p.p.
The French Balcony Stateroom is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, one queen-sized bed (150x200 cm), floor-to-ceiling windows, and a bathroom. All French Balcony Staterooms are located on Deck 7.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Category D Stateroom
Twin/Double stateroom with porthole - 13-22 m2
FROM $7,195 $2,159.- p.p.
The State Rooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard State Rooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. They are located on deck 3 and 4. Please note the cabin layout and size may vary.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
If you are traveling solo and want to share a room with others, just book your D cabin, and we will match you with two other same-gender travelers.
Category C Stateroom
Twin/Double stateroom with balcony - app. 18-22 m2
FROM $7,895 $2,369.- p.p.
This type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, and a bathroom.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Category C Sup Stateroom
Superior Twin/Double stateroom with balcony - app. 22-25 m2
FROM $8,295 $2,489.- p.p.
The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, and a bathroom.
The Superior Balcony Staterooms also include a seating area complete with a table and chair. Additionally, a select few of the Superior Balcony Staterooms are equipped with a sofa that can serve as a bed for a third occupant.
If you prefer to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is possible under this category upon request.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
If you are traveling solo and want to share a room with another person, just book your C Sup cabin, and we will match you with another same-gender travelers.
Category C XL Stateroom
Grand Twin/Double stateroom with balcony - app. 25-30 m2
FROM $8,695 $2,609.- p.p.
The Grand Balcony Staterooms are located on deck 4. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, and a bathroom.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Category B Suite
Twin/Double suite with balcony - 30-32 m2
FROM $10,295 $3,089.- p.p.
Ocean Albatros has 2 Balcony Suites on board located on deck 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a work desk, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Guests staying in our suites additionally have unlimited access to our specialty restaurant, upgraded toiletries, a stocked minibar, wine and fruit at the start of the voyage, and free laundry service.
Please note that it is not possible to book this type of cabin if you are travelling as a single traveller.
Category A Suite
Twin/Double junior suite with balcony - 36-39 m2
FROM $13,995 $4,199.- p.p.
The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. Guests staying in our suites additionally have unlimited access to our specialty restaurant, upgraded toiletries, a stocked minibar, wine and fruit at the start of the voyage, and free laundry service.
The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Please note that it is not possible to book this type of cabin if you are travelling as a single traveller.
Premium Suite
Premium Double/Twin suite with balcony - 42 m2 – FS (Freydis Suite)
FROM $14,795 $4,439.- p.p.
The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck 4. If desired, a third guest can occupy the suite using the sofabed. This additional guest will also receive 50% off our already discounted rate.
Guests staying in our suites additionally have unlimited access to our specialty restaurant, upgraded toiletries, a stocked minibar, wine and fruit at the start of the voyage, and free laundry service.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Please note that it is not possible to book this type of cabin if you are travelling as a single traveller.
Family Suite
Twin/Double family suite with French balcony - 50 m2 – BS (Brynhilde Suite)
FROM $14,795 $4,439.- p.p.
This suite is the largest of all the staterooms and is only available on board the Ocean Albatros. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is located on Deck 7, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Guests staying in our suites additionally have unlimited access to our specialty restaurant, upgraded toiletries, a stocked minibar, wine and fruit at the start of the voyage, and free laundry service.
Please note that it is not possible to book this type of cabin if you are travelling as a single traveller.
Inclusions
- 9-day/8-night cruise on Ocean Albatros with accommodation of your choice
- English-speaking expedition staff
- Near-port walks with the expedition team
- Information briefings and lectures by the expedition team
- Full board on the ship
- Dinner drink package
- Free coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
- Welcome and Farewell cocktails
- Taxes, tariffs, and landing fees
- Digital visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list, and more
Exclusions
- Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- International/domestic flights
- Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
- Meals not on board the ship
- Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)
- Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
Voyage Activities
Master Classes
Enrich Your Voyage Experience with our Master Classes on the places we visit.
Optional Excursions*
Enrich Your Experience at every destination with our optional excursions to a variety of historical and cultural sites.
* Additional fee applies, activities are subject to weather conditions, itinerary, availability.
What are the payment and cancellation conditions?
Payments for the cruise are to be made in USD by credit card according to the following schedule:
- First 25 % - A deposit will be required at time of booking.
- Final 75 % - 90 days prior to the cruise
- If booking is made less than 90 days before to departure, full payment is due within 72 hours.
In case of cancellation of the cruise cancellation fees are:
- Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administration fee of a minimum of USD 1000 per person.
- From 179 days to 91 days prior to departure cancellation costs are 25% of the total cruise tariff.
From 90 days until departure cancellation costs are 100% of the total cruise tariff.
What is included in the price?
Our general inclusions cover the following: full board on the ship (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks), complimentary non-alcoholic beverages available at dinner, 24-hour access to free tea and coffee, Landings and excursions with an English-speaking expedition team, taxes, tariffs, and landing fees, and a link to a digital visual journal.
Additionally, rubber boots are available for borrowing at no extra charge. Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners).
For additional details, please see the full inclusions under the itinerary.
What are the extra costs not included in the price that I should be aware of?
- Medical Insurance with coverage up to 200 000 USD
- Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
- Meals not on board the ship
- Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
- Flights
Are children allowed?
Minors under the age of 18 must be travelling with a parent or responsible adult over the age of 21 in the same stateroom as well as on shore excursions for the duration of the voyage. If the minor is not travelling with a parent, a Child Travel Consent Form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and received by AE prior to the release of travel documents.
As we travel in remote areas and for safety reasons, Albatros Expeditions (AE) cannot accommodate children under 8 years of age (weight of 29 kg and 1.2 m. tall). Although AE accepts children over 8 years of age there is no childcare or special programming onboard. In addition, safety harnesses and seating equipment are not provided for children onboard any AE excursion or shuttle service. Guests may use their own approved safety harnesses and seating equipment provided the vehicles have compatible equipment to safely secure the child. This equipment is not guaranteed, and AE reserves the right to refuse any child above the age of 8 years of age and below 14 years of age on any shore excursion or shuttle for safety concerns.
Passengers must be 21 years or older to consume or purchase alcohol onboard. AE reserves the right to refuse to serve anyone who in its sole judgment is deemed impaired and a risk to the health and safety of passengers and ship’s crew.
Can I join if I have a walking disability?
Albatros Expeditions welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize that there are inherent risks associated with traveling onboard ships that are configured for expedition cruise travel. It is vital to notify the agent (in writing) at the time of booking! While we would be more than happy to have all guests on board no matter their limitations, it is important for us that you know all the information before you decide to book an expedition with us.
At the start of our journey, we do a safety drill where the elevators are turned off. This means all guests need to use the stairs from their cabin to the top deck (deck 7). The same applies during rough weather.
While, our staff can help during boarding, with room service and other needs but cannot provide 24/7 assistance or lifting. Guests needing assistance and those who are physically disabled must be accompanied by someone who assumes full responsibility for any assistance necessary during the cruise and in the event of an emergency.
Moreover, guests requiring a wheelchair must provide their own collapsible wheelchair. Please be aware that some ports of call, shore excursions, docks, gangways and other requirements may prevent a wheelchair-bound guest from leaving the vessel; any decisions regarding this will be made by the Expedition Leader or ship’s captain.
Albatros Expeditions presently operates two expedition vessels, the Ocean Victory and the Ocean Albatros. And each has two cabins available to guests requiring wheelchair access.
After Booking
What Optional Excursions are offered in this voyage?
For this voyage we offer several optional excursions for each destination that we visit. Please note that you can only choose one excursion per day/port. The prices displayed are for pre-booking. We recommend you to pre-book the excursions, as there is only limited availability when booking them onboard. Find more information on each excursion here.
Day 2: Leixoes/Porto - Portugal
- Porto Walking Tour with Local Delicacies ($105 p.p.)
- St. Francis Church and Stock Exchange ($105/p.p.)
- Wine Tasting and Porto Cathedral ($130 p.p.)
Day 3: La Coruña - Spain
- Santiago de Compostela - The Heart of Galicia ($100 p.p.)
- Walking Tour - Discover History, Sights & Flavours ($45 p.p.)
Find more information on the excursions La Coruña here.
Day 4: Concarneau - France
- Walking Tour of the Village of Locronan ($75 p.p.)
- Château Keriolet and "Ville Close" ($95 p.p.)
- Quimper and Pont-Aven ($150 p.p.)
Find more information on the excursions in Concarneau here.
Day 5: St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly - England
- St. Mary's History Walk ($65 p.p.)
- Island Explorer Walk ($60 p.p.)
- Wildlife Sea Safari ($55 p.p.)
- Seaquest Glassbottom Boat Tour ($60 p.p.)
- Tresco Abbey Garden ($70 p.p.)
Find more information on the excursions in St. Mary's here.
Day 6: Fowey - England
- Cornwall Highlights - Discover St. Ives and Lands End ($150 p.p.)
- The Eden Project ($200 p.p.)
- Walking Tour and Free Time ($50 p.p.)
Find more information on the excursions in Fowey here.
Day 7: Portland - England
- Lyme Regis - A Journey Through Dorset's Coastal Beauty ($110 p.p.)
- Jurassic Coastal Walk - Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove ($145 p.p.)
- Mystic Stonehenge ($160 p.p.)
Find more information on the excursions in Portland here.
Can you help me book my flights and transfer from the airport to the vessel?
If you need help with flights & additional land arrangements, please get in touch for an appropriate referral to one of our preferred travel partners in your location.
What time is embarkation and disembarkation?
Europe:
- Embarkation: 3-5 p.m. on the first day
- Disembarkation: 8-10 a.m. on the final day
Please note, these times are for reference and may be subject to slight changes. You will receive an Embarkation Letter with the most up-to-date information approximately one month before your departure.
How much luggage can I bring with me?
You can bring the usual luggage allowance of 20 kg in addition to your hand luggage. Should you have more than one suitcase, our reception team will be happy to store it for you during the voyage. This will allow you to enjoy more free space in your stateroom.
Upon check-in, you will be required to present your Cruise Ticket and passport. Luggage tags will be handed out prior to check-in by an Albatros Expeditions representative at the pier. It is important that ALL pieces of luggage have luggage tags attached to them. Please attach these to your check-in luggage prior to check-in at the pier.
What clothes should I wear?
This cruise requires a relatively large variation of clothing as the temperature at each location, and day-to-day conditions will vary. On shore, as well as outdoors on board the ship, warm windproof and waterproof clothes, gloves and hats are necessary. Sunny days during this voyage may mean guests are comfortable in summer clothing, but we expect a wide range of weather conditions.
So, what is the secret of keeping warm? Layers! They insulate trapped air, and you can adjust them as needed. Select lightweight technical fabrics engineered to lead away moisture, while keeping you dry and warm. This could for example be, from the inside-out, a wool base layer, a sweater or fleece as the mid layer and wind- and waterproof jacket as the outer layer. On the legs, tightly woven leisure pants would normally be sufficient on shore, but on cold days at sea thermal underwear as a base layer will add substantial comfort. On windy days with rain and surf, a pair of water-resistant pants are vital for any excursion off the ship!
A pair of strong slip-resistant hiking shoes/boots are excellent for strolling in the villages or hiking nearby. On board the ship, the dress code is casual, and only regular footwear is required; bring comfortable practical clothes to wear on board and for landings/excursions. However, some guests choose to dress up for dinner.
Our team will provide a briefing on the best way to layer your clothing once you are on board. Sturdy rubber boots are available to borrow on board for free, should guests require them.
What should I pack?
Please have a look at our packing list here.
When will I receive my ticket and all the pre-departure information?
Approximately one month before the departure, we send all the final documents including:
- Cruise tickets
- Flight Tickets
- Embarkation letter
- Pre-departure guide
- Albatros Cruise Ticket and General Terms & Conditions
- Pre-Boarding Health Declaration (to be completed on the day of arrival and given at check-in on the ship)
Do I need insurance?
To ensure a safe and secure journey, your insurance policy must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Medical evacuation coverage of at least USD 200,000 per person.
- Proof of insurance, as our expedition staff may need to verify this on board.
- Coverage for all pre-existing health conditions, medical treatments, and evacuations in every area visited during the voyage.
Please note that Albatros Expeditions is not liable for any medical or health issues that may arise during the trip. In the event of an emergency, our team will coordinate with the nearest possible medical facility. Decisions will be made collectively by the ship’s captain, our medical staff, and the expedition leader. Agreeing to these terms is a prerequisite for embarking on your journey.
As a suggestion, many of our customers have previously used the following international insurance companies:
- AXA
- Allianz
- World Nomad
How can I pay onboard?
The currency used on board 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.
Before and after the cruise in Ushuaia, most shops and restaurants accept credit cards. There are also several ATMs around Ushuaia if you wish to withdraw local currency. Please note that taxis do not accept credit cards, but payment in USD is normally possible if agreed upon in advance.
Most credit cards are secured with automatic geographic control. As a starting point, your card is only active for purchases in your country of residence and online until you use it in another country. When you are on a voyage, it can sometimes occur that a transaction is declined by the bank due to this geographic control. To avoid this, we recommend activating your card in advance not just for the locations you’ll be visiting during your trip, but also for Miami, USA, where the payment system of Ocean Victory/Albatros is registered. You can do this by contacting your credit card provider regarding the use of your credit cards abroad and informing them of your voyage, activating the locations you’re visiting as well as the US, and the duration of this overseas activation until your return home.
Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
Keep in mind, we will be cruising in a very remote region of the world. Mobile phone reception will be lost shortly after leaving ports. Internet signal is downloaded to the vessel via satellite connection and distributed on board through a Wi-Fi system. Connection to the ship’s Wi-Fi net with your phone or computer is available for a charge from the reception.
The quality and speed of the internet is dependent on the number of users and the satellite receiving conditions, especially the further south, we cruise. In Antarctica we can often experience total block-out of the signal. Remember to switch off ‘Data Roaming’ function on your mobile device. For further details, please contact your mobile phone operator.
Do you offer vegetarian food onboard?
Full board is included on all cruises, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon snacks, and free tea and coffee available 24/7, along with a welcome and farewell cocktail. Dinners always offer a meat option, fish option, and vegetarian option. Our onboard bar provides a variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic drinks, and water. All meals are prepared by our chef. If you have any special dietary requirements (allergies, intolerances, health conditions, or religious preferences), please inform us as early as possible, ideally at least 2 weeks before departure. To ensure efficient service, please reconfirm your requirements with the crew when you board the ship.
How would a typical day on the Ocean Albatros look like?
After leaving the bustling city of Lisbon, your vessel will set a northward course along the Atlantic seaboard of Europe. The goal for the days spent exploring the region is to offer activities which will allow everyone to explore off the ship as much as possible, and experience the nature, settlements and culture of the North Atlantic in person.
Our activities will vary widely according to the nature of the locations we visit – some larger cities need an entire day to explore, whereas some smaller villages can be seen in a few hours. Activities we offer include landings (where a variety of excursions may be offered), Zodiac cruises and ship cruises. No matter the day’s planned activities, the onboard Expedition Team and Expedition Leader will work as hard as possible in conjunction with the Captain and Crew to maximize exploration opportunities.
A “typical” day onboard may look like this (subject to weather and sea conditions and sailing schedule):
- 06:45: Wake-up call
- 07:00-08:00: Breakfast
- 08:30-11:30: Morning activity – arrival in port at anchor or alongside. Depending on the location, we may spend the whole day in port.
- 12:30-13:30: Lunch onboard
- 14:30-17:30: Afternoon Activity – Either in connection with the morning, or at a different site, depending on itinerary
- 18:30-19:30: Evening Recap and briefing for tomorrow with Expedition Team
- 19:30: Dinner
After Expedition
When will I receive photos?
You will receive a digital visual journal link approximately 2-3 weeks after the end of your voyage. This will include the voyage log, gallery, species list, and more!
What should I do if I have forgotten something onboard after my journey?
In case of a forgotten item on board, please get in touch with us at info@albatros-expeditions.com
You can find more useful information in our terms and conditions and FAQ.