There are no hotels in Antarctica. All tourist accommodation is aboard expedition ships. Contact your specific tour operator to find out what voltage and plug type your ship uses and whether or not the electrical facilities will be compatible with your electronic devices.

Antarctica has no official currency or banking system

Summer (late November to March) is the only time tourists can visit Antarctica and even then, temperatures are close to freezing along the coastal regions. The interior plateau is much colder due to its higher elevation and distance from the sea. The Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate, with temperatures averaging from 5°F to 60°F. December and January are the warmest months and can have up to 20 hours of sunshine a day, while in winter it is dark almost 24 hours a day with temperatures falling well below -76°F. At that time of year, the surrounding ice pack makes access by ship out of the question.To view mating rituals among the seabirds and penguins, November is the best month. December to January is the height of the tourist season, when penguin colonies are feeding their new-born chicks. The best time to see whales is from February to March.

It is imperative to wrap up warm in Antarctica given its sub-zero temperatures. Required clothing is a mix of foundation or base layer clothing (thermal tops, thermal trousers, gloves, socks), insulating layer clothing (fleece tops, woollen sweatshirts, jackets, trousers) and outer or shell layer clothing (waterproof and windproof trousers, jackets, mittens and gloves). Scarves, insulating head gear, waterproof and insulated boots, goggles and sunglasses are also essential items.

As the coldest, windiest and driest place on earth, the primary health hazards in Antarctica include its severe low temperatures and high winds. The icy continent experiences continuous sunlight during its summer months, which can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Please take appropriate measures to minimize your risk. People from all over the world may travel to Antarctica on cruise ships. Traveling in close proximity with people from various places increases your risk of exposure to illnesses spread from person-to-person, such as influenza, measles and pumps. Please ensure you are up-to-date on your routine vaccinations, including the influenza vaccine and consider other vaccines recommended for the countries you will be passing through.

Since no one owns the continent of Antarctica, a passport or visa is not required for travel. However, it will be required by the other countries you'll likely need to stop at in order to get there.