Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. (VAE) is in business to help people realize their Antarctic dreams and goals. VAE will endeavor and strive to do everything in its power to help make their involvement with VAE and Antarctica a positive and rewarding experience. To this end VAE strongly advises that all travellers carefully read these Terms and Conditions, as all rights and obligations between VAE  and each passenger will be governed by these as herewith describe.

Description of the program

The program that VAE  is offering to the participants is described in the Travel Program corresponding to each voyage.

General booking terms

The following booking terms will apply in case of a regular booking, both for individuals and groups; in case of a charter (booking of the entire voyage and vessel) specific booking terms will have to be negotiated and agreed upon.

• A Booking Fee should be paid to confirm a booking made 120 days prior to the departure date or earlier.
• The total amount of the cost should be paid no later than 120 days before the date departure.  Failure to do so will liberate the booking for sale to another passenger.
• If a reservation is made after 120 days prior to the departure date, the total cost of the voyage.
• The Participation Form duly filled and signed by the passenger should be received by VAE  no later than 60 days prior to departure date.

The payment of a deposit of any part or full payment for a reservation on this tour shall constitute consent to all the provisions contained herein.
Payment, cancellation and refund policies.
The following payment, cancellation and refund policy will apply in case of a regular booking; in case of a charter (booking of the entire voyage and vessel) specific payment, cancellation and refund terms will have to be negotiated and agreed upon.
Once the Booking Fee is received, the outstanding payment should be paid in full no later than 120 days prior to departure. Failure to do so will liberate the booking for sale to another passenger and the booking fee will not be refunded.

In case of cancellation, which must be done in writing by the passenger, the following terms will apply:

• Cancellation made up to 120 days prior to departure: there will be a full refund of the expedition or program cost less 50% of the Booking Fee.
• Cancellation made between 120 days and up to 60 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 70% of the total cost of the voyage (per person).
• Cancellation made between 60 days and up to 30 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 40% of the total cost of the voyage (per person).
• Cancellation received after 30 days prior to departure: there will be no refund whatsoever.
  

If payments are not received by the dates specified above, VAE reserves the right to cancel a booking and withhold return of all payments received, unless a change in the payment schedule has been agreed in writing by an Officer of VAE .
VAE  reserves the right to cancel an expedition or program prior to the scheduled date of departure for any reason whatsoever. The decision to cancel an expedition or program is within the sole and absolute discretion of VAE . In the event of such a cancellation, all monies received by VAE  from the passenger or the passenger's booking agent for that expedition or program will be refunded, including the Booking Fee mentioned in the General Booking Terms. VAE shall not be liable for any special or consequential damages, whether known or unknown, neither for any costs of air ticket, hotel or similar expenses that the passenger may have incurred in, under any circumstances whatsoever.
VAE  reserves the right (in its sole and absolute discretion) to reschedule the departure and return of any expeditions or program in the Antarctic region at any time, as conditions warrant, and without prior notification and no further obligation on our part. VAE  also reserves the right (in its sole and absolute discretion) to alter or omit any part of the itinerary with due notice to the passengers wherever practicable. Such rescheduling does not constitute cancellation by VAE .
All reasonable efforts will be made by VAE  staff to ensure that the passenger's expedition objectives are met.
VAE  strongly suggests all of its passengers to purchase voyage cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against an emergency which may force you to cancel or leave an expedition or program while it is in progress.

Rates

Program and Expedition rates are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of booking and are subject to change prior to departure. VAE  reserves the right to modify the published rates without prior notice.

Responsibility

VAE  is not responsible for any expenses incurred by the passenger or passenger's booking agents in preparing for the voyage, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees or other voyage related expenses.
A tight time-schedule connection with an Antarctic expedition is unwise. For this reason, VAE  strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home. In no case is VAE responsible for any expense or penalty incurred by the passenger or passenger's booking agents deriving from a change in the ending date of the Travel Program.
Participants should understand that there are certain known and unknown hazards involved in Antarctic expeditions, which they must accept voluntarily at their own risk. VAE will not be liable for any illness, injury or death sustained during an expedition, nor will it be liable for any uninsured losses of property of any participant.
VAE  shall not be responsible for any injury to persons (whether or not resulting in death) or damage to property arising out of any act of war, terrorism, insurrection, revolt or other civil or military uprising occurring in the countries of origin, destination or passage. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
That is why VAE  strongly urges participants to check with their insurance agent to make sure that they are adequately covered for all eventualities. In case of a medical problem arising during the voyage, which results in costs for evacuation or repatriation, the responsibility for payment of these costs belongs solely to the passenger. VAE  strongly advises that passengers ensure that such eventualities are covered by travel insurance. If not covered by travel insurance, the responsibility still remains with the passenger and VAE  specifically declines any responsibility whatsoever.
VAE 's staff, agents and representatives, other than an Officer of VAE , are not entitled to promise refunds for whatever reasons, and VAE  will not be bound by any such oral or written promises.

Itinerary       VAE has the duty to advise you that all operations carried out in the Antarctic territory are subject to constantly changing weather conditions and that the safety and comfort of passengers and crew will never be put at risk by taking actions that may result in a disappointing end to a unique experience.
This is an expedition to a remote part of the world, and VAE reserves the right to change the itinerary described in the Travel Program due to weather conditions, availability of anchorages or landing sites, political conditions and other factors beyond VAE 's control without consulting the participants. On any flight (to or from Antarctica), or in any sea operation, such operations will be carried out exclusively and absolutely according to the judgement of the Captain of the aircraft or the vessel, whose decision will be definite and will not be questioned by any party. It is understood that such decisions will be made in the best interests of all the passengers and with regard to the safety of the vessel and the aircraft. Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these inevitable itinerary changes.
In case that departure to or from Antarctica cannot take place due to unfavorable weather conditions either at point of origin and/or destination, VAE  will apply the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage.
Crafts
        Keeping in mind that safety is the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage, VAE  will make all efforts to carry out the itinerary detailed in the Travel Program corresponding to each voyage by using the air and water crafts foreseen to this end. However, VAE  reserves the right to use substitute crafts, in case of unfavorable conditions or other factors beyond VAE 's control, either at point of origin and/or destination.
The use of substitute crafts will be carried out exclusively and absolutely according to VAE 's judgement. It is understood that such decision will be made with regard to ensuring the safety of air and sea operations, accomplishing the Travel Programs foreseen for each voyage, maintaining standards of service similar to the ones originally foreseen, and in the best interests of all the passengers
Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of using substitute crafts.

Admittance

These voyages are intended for persons in reasonably good health. By making a reservation, the passenger confirms that they do not have any physical or medical conditions or disabilities that would create a hazard to he/herself or other passengers. VAE  reserves the right to exclude passenger from part or all of the tour, should the passenger be considered by VAE  to be not physically able or prepared to participate safely.
Should a passenger's application for participation in an expedition or program be justifiably declined by VAE  prior to the scheduled date of departure, VAE  will refund all payments received from the client less an administrative fee equivalent to 50% of the Booking Fee mentioned in the General Booking Terms, and this will be the limit of VAE 's liability. VAE  shall not be liable for any special or consequential damages, whether known or unknown, under any circumstances whatsoever. VAE 's decision to decline a passenger's participation in any expedition or program shall be taken in its sole and absolute discretion.

VAE 's leaders and guides will do their utmost to ensure that any problems are solved for the benefit of the group and the expedition as a whole. Passengers accept VAE 's authority (whether it be a Captain, Expedition Leader, Field Operations Manager or Field Guide) to make decisions affecting the group or individuals. For instance, such leader may require an individual to leave the group and/or to be excluded from (continuation of) the voyage (components) if he/she believes that person's health is at risk, if an illegal act is committed, or their behavior becomes detrimental to the safety, enjoyment or well being of the group. Should an VAE  leader take such action, that person would not be entitled to any refund whatsoever.
If the disturbing behavior or damage (as described above) should occur, all costs resulting from this shall be charged to the passenger.

Baggage allowance

On the flights to and from Antarctica, the maximum baggage allowance for each passenger, including hand luggage, is 20 kg. Baggage exceeding the maximum weight will be refused on board the aircraft and will not be allowed even by paying an excess baggage fee. Exceeding luggage will be kept in custody by VAE  and will be returned to passengers upon their return from Antarctica at the port/airport of arrival corresponding to each voyage.

Photography

Passengers extend VAE  permission to take their photograph during the voyage and release all rights over those images. Passengers who do not wish to be photographed during the voyage must inform VAE in writing, prior to the voyage.
Law and jurisdiction    This Agreement and any disputes hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Chile.

Payment, cancellation and refund policies.

Once the Booking Fee is received, the outstanding payment should be paid in full no later than 120 days prior to departure. Failure to do so will liberate the booking for sale to another passenger and the booking fee will not be refunded.
In case of cancellation, which must be done in writing by the passenger, the following terms will apply:

• Cancellation made up to 120 days prior to departure: there will be a full refund of the expedition or program cost less 50% of the Booking Fee.
• Cancellation made between 120 days and up to 60 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 70% of the total cost of the voyage (per person).
• Cancellation made between 60 days and up to 30 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 40% of the total cost of the voyage (per person).
• Cancellation received after 30 days prior to departure: there will be no refund whatsoever.

If payments are not received by the dates specified above, Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. reserves the right to cancel a booking and withhold return of all payments received, unless a change in the payment schedule has been agreed in writing by an Officer of Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. .
Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. reserves the right to cancel an expedition or program prior to the scheduled date of departure for any reason whatsoever. The decision to cancel an expedition or program is within the sole and absolute discretion of Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. . In the event of such a cancellation, all monies received by Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. from the passenger or the passenger's booking agent for that expedition or program will be refunded, including the Booking Fee mentioned in the General Booking Terms. Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. shall not be liable for any special or consequential damages, whether known or unknown, neither for any costs of air ticket, hotel or similar expenses that the passenger may have incurred in, under any circumstances whatsoever.

Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. reserves the right (in its sole and absolute discretion) to reschedule the departure and return of any expeditions or program in the Antarctic region at any time, as conditions warrant, and without prior notification and no further obligation on our part. Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. also reserves the right (in its sole and absolute discretion) to alter or omit any part of the itinerary with due notice to the passengers wherever practicable. Such rescheduling does not constitute cancellation by Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. . All reasonable efforts will be made by Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. staff to ensure that the passenger's expedition objectives are met.
Victory Adventure Expeditions Ltd. strongly suggests all of its passengers to purchase voyage cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against an emergency which may force you to cancel or leave an expedition or program while it is in progress.

CONTINGENCY PLAN

VAE has carried out Antarctic air-cruises since 2003. The experience of these years has allowed developing a profound knowledge of the delicate coordination between the air and the sea operation in an extreme environment as Antarctica.
It is important considering that until present no air-cruise has ever been cancelled due to the impossibility to fly to Antarctica, and that the longest delay ever suffered has been 2 days. Consequently, VAE  is able to estimate that the chances that an Antarctic flight suffers 1 day delay are very low, about 5%-10%.
However, in the light of these considerations, in the unlikely event that the flight to Antarctica cannot take place due to unfavorable conditions either at point of origin and/or destination, VAE  has established a Contingency Plan, applying from Day 2 the Travel Program corresponding to each voyage.

CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR THE CLASSIC ANTARCTICA AIR-CRUISE

From Day 2 to Day 6 every effort will be made to transport passengers to Antarctica taking into consideration their safety and the safety of the aircraft. In case such efforts are not successful, the daily program described hereby will apply:

• Day 2 Guided tour to sites of historic and wildlife interest close to Punta Arenas. Lunch is included. Dinner and lodging in Punta Arenas.
• Day 3 Departure for Puerto Williams (Navarino Island, by the Beagle Channel). Arrival at the Hotel Lakutaia for a full day program that includes: nature walks, guided tours to historical aboriginal sites and a magnificent botanical park (for further information see www.lakutaia.cl). Lunch is included. Dinner and lodging at Hotel Lakutaia.
• Day 4 Breakfast at the Hotel Lakutaia. Guided horseback riding, sailing to Wulaia (by the Murray Channel), trekking, biking or kayaking according to preferences. Lunch is included. Dinner and lodging at the Hotel Lakutaia.
• Day 5 Breakfast at the Hotel Lakutaia. Guided horseback riding, sailing to Wulaia (by the Murray Channel), trekking, biking or kayaking according to preferences.  Lunch is included. Dinner and lodging at Hotel Lakutaia.
• Day 6 Breakfast at the Hotel Lakutaia. Departure to Ushuaia for a full day visit, including tours, meals and time for walking. Dinner and lodging at the Hotel Lakutaia.
• Day 7 Breakfast at the Hotel Lakutaia. Flight from Puerto Williams to Punta Arenas, in time for connecting flights. End of the Contingency Plan.

        If on Day 6, VAE will not be able to transport passengers to Antarctica, VAE will refund to each passenger 40% of the total cost of the Travel Program. Refunding will take place at VAE's earliest convenience and will release VAE from any further liability.

Return flight   

In case of a delay on the return flight to Punta Arenas from Antarctica, passengers on board the ship will continue cruising to nearby places until the return flight to Punta Arenas is authorized. Full board and all excursions are included. No refunding for whatever reason is foreseen.

CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR THE ANTARCTICA EXPRESS AIR-CRUISE

In case of a delay on the return flight to Punta Arenas from Antarctica, passengers on board the ship will continue cruising to nearby places until the return flight to Punta Arenas is authorized. Full board and all excursions are included. No refunding for whatever reason is foreseen.

CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR THE NEW-YEAR ANTARCTICA AIR-CRUISE

From Day 2 to Day 5 every effort will be made to transport passengers to Antarctica taking into consideration their safety and the safety of the aircraft. In case such efforts are not successful, the daily program described hereby will apply:

• Day 2 Guided tour to sites of historic and wildlife interest close to Punta Arenas. Lunch is included. Dinner and lodging in Punta Arenas.
• Day 3 Departure for Puerto Williams (Navarino Island, by the Beagle Channel). Arrival at the Hotel Lakutaia for a full day program including: nature walks, guided tours to historical aboriginal sites and botanical park (for further information see www.lakutaia.cl). Lunch is included. Dinner and lodging at the Hotel Lakutaia.
• Day 4 Breakfast at the Hotel Lakutaia. Guided horseback riding, sailing to Wulaia (by the Murray Channel), trekking, biking or kayaking according to preferences. Lunch is included. Dinner and lodging at the Hotel Lakutaia.
• Day 5 Breakfast at the Hotel Lakutaia. Guided horseback riding, sailing to Wulaia (by the Murray Channel), trekking, biking or kayaking according to preferences. Lunch is included. Dinner and lodging at the Hotel Lakutaia.
• Day 6 Breakfast at the Hotel Lakutaia. Guided horseback riding, sailing to Wulaia (by the Murray Channel), trekking, biking or kayaking according to preferences. Lunch is included. Dinner and lodging at the Hotel Lakutaia.
• Day 7 Breakfast at the Hotel Lakutaia. Transfer to Ushuaia. Lunch is included. Dinner and lodging in Ushuaia.
• Day 8 Breakfast. End of the Contingency Plan.

        If on Day 5, VAE will not be able to transport passengers to Antarctica, VAE will refund to each passenger 40% of the total cost of the Travel Program. Refunding will take place at VAE's earliest convenience and will release VAE from any further liability.

AIRCRAFT FOR ANTARCTIC FLIGHTS

Keeping in mind that safety is the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage, VAE informs its passengers that all efforts will be made to fulfill the flights between Punta Arenas and Frei Station, or vice versa, with the aircraft foreseen to this end. However, VAE reserves the right to fly a substitute aircraft, in case of unfavorable conditions or other factors beyond VAE's control, either at point of origin and/or destination, which may put at risk the safety of the air operation.
The use of a substitute aircraft will be carried out exclusively and absolutely according to VAE's judgement. It is understood that such decision will be made with regard to improving the safety of the flight, and in the best interests of all the passengers.

USEFUL TIPS

Suggested clothing   The average temperature in the Antarctic Peninsula area ranges round about 0°C (32°F), although sometimes it may get a little lower because of the chill factor caused by the wind.
For this reason, it is best to wear several layers of light, warm clothing, with a windproof and waterproof jacket and pants as outside layer. The suggest clothing for Antarctica is very similar to skiing equipment.

• Thermal socks
• Thermal underwear, including sweatshirts and turtlenecks.
• Fleece jacket and trousers
• Waterproof hooded parka
• Insulated waterproof trousers
• Thermal gloves or mittens.
• Polar cap, hat or balaclava hood
• Swimsuit (for possible hot spring dips)
• Comfortable cloths to wear on board (temperature 20°-22°C or 68-72F)
• Comfortable rubber-soled shoes to wear on board.

Waterproof boots

As most landings in Antarctica are "wet landings", the best footwear is knee-high waterproof boots. You will not need to carry them with you since VAE will provide you with a pair of thermal rubber boots before arriving in Antarctica.

Face protection

Good quality UV filtering sunglasses are essential. Glacier glasses have leather flaps at the sides to stop the light from passing through. Due to the high reflectance of UV radiation, you will also need good sun block lotion for your face (protection factor 30 and above) and lip balm.

Photography

To see the wildlife, you should have a good pair of lightweight binoculars (best degree of magnification 7 or 8X30). If you are passionate about photography, do not forget a good zoom lens to shoot wildlife and which avoids close approaches, and take with you a good supply of film rolls or memory sticks.
Do not forget to take with you spare batteries since cold temperatures can reduce their life span.
And furthermore…       
Do not forger to take with you:

• Personal medications
• Backpack to carry your belongings during shore excursions.

As well, do forget to inform us about your dietary restrictions, if any.