About the Discoverer
- Operated by our partner: Polar Latitudes
- What makes this ship special: Perfectly suited for navigating the demanding waters of the southern polar regions, the Discoverer seamlessly blends onboard comfort with an adventurous ethos and a highly experienced expedition team of naturalist guides. With just 140 guests on board, there’s a great choice of indoor and outdoor spaces from which to enjoy the stunning polar landscapes including from the bubbling warmth of the 2 outdoor jacuzzis.
- Language on board: English
- Currency on board: The standard currency on the Discoverer is US dollars. All of your onboard purchases including bar, laundry, ship shop, etc, are charged to your shipboard account and settled by credit card or cash (US dollars only) at the end of the voyage.
Swoop says
You will receive a complimentary liner jacket to use on this voyage, which you are welcome to take home with you as a practical memento.
Clothing & kit
Hiking to a glacier
Clothing and footwear for excursions
A windproof, waterproof outer shell jacket will be loaned to you on your voyage. You will also receive a complimentary inner liner jacket to use on the trip and take home with you. Rubber boots and one trekking pole will also be loaned to you on board. You can request a second trekking pole if needed.
Similarly, any specialist equipment required for kayaking, camping or other pre-booked activities where applicable (please see your documents for further details of what you need to bring), will be provided. Please note that you must have waterproof trousers for all excursions and these are not provided.
Water refilling stations are available around the ship, so please do bring a refillable bottle with you.
Clothing on board
The clothing you wear day-to-day during your expedition (with the exception of the aforementioned jacket, rubber boots and activity-specific kit) is not included so you must pack this and bring it with you. Please read our guide on what to wear in Antarctica.
Dress on board is informal, so Polar Latitudes recommend bringing casual and comfortable clothing. You may wish to bring one marginally smart casual outfit for Captain's Cocktails, but this is completely optional. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from the deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure your parka is never far away in case the call 'Whales!' comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. It will be comfortably warm on board, but cold outside, so carry layers with you along with a hat and gloves.
Sourcing your Antarctic gear sustainably
Preparing for an Antarctic expedition doesn’t have to mean compromising on sustainability. This guide offers practical tips for travellers who need to source gear for their adventure.
Reusing, borrowing or renting your outdoor gear from our trusted supplier not only helps preserve Antarctica’s pristine environment but also prepares you for the extreme conditions.
Swoop expert, Ben, wearing his rented gear in Antarctica
Travel Insurance
All passengers must carry a Travel Protection Plan. This Plan must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, and pre-existing medical conditions.
Additionally, passengers are strongly advised to carry a Travel Protection Plan which includes coverage for cancellation, curtailment, trip interruption, and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to or otherwise involving a passenger.
As any potential evacuation from Antarctica can cost up to USD $150,000 we recommend that no policy carry less than this amount of coverage. Polar Latitudes will require information as to carrier, policy number, and a 24-hour contact number.
Please note that UK regulations mean we are unable to provide travel insurance recommendations. You can find more information on organising coverage in our guide to arranging travel insurance.
Discoverer
Onboard facilities
Communication & WIFI
Discoverer
The Discoverer features a wireless network accessible from your personal computer or smartphone from virtually anywhere on board.
Electricity & plugs
On board
Cabins onboard the Discoverer feature both a 110v and a 220v plug socket, one of which is North American style, and the other is European with two round pins.
While you are travelling through Argentina as part of your trip:
The Argentinian plug socket is a bit more unusual with holes for three flat prongs. However, the top prong doesn't have a function, so adaptors only include two angled prongs. However, some plugs support the two cylindrical prong plugs that the Chileans use. Some US-style travel adaptors may work but it is essential that the flag prongs can be tilted to angle inwards. Fixed vertical prongs will not fit into the sockets. The voltage is 220V.
If you are travelling in Chile as part of your trip:
A Chilean plug socket has two cylindrical prongs. The voltage is 220V.
Plug adaptor
Other facilities
Lecture Theatre
Observation Lounge
- Enjoy a drink and reflect on your adventures in the Observation Lounge, fitted with large panoramic windows and comfortable seating
- Learn more about the wildlife, history and geology of the regions you explore by attending presentations from the expedition team in the Lecture Theatre
- Gather for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the ship's Restaurant, offering a warm and welcoming setting for meals inspired by international cuisine
- Exercise enthusiasts can stay active in the Fitness Centre, equipped with modern exercise machines and ocean views to accompany your workout
- Unwind in the peaceful setting of the Wellness Centre, which includes a sauna, steam room and a treatment room
- The ship's outdoor jacuzzis offer a unique way to relax between excursions, enjoy the warmth of the whirlpool while surrounded by spectacular scenery
Good to know
Luggage arrangements
Polar Latitudes have a storage facility in downtown Ushuaia that guests can make use of to store luggage post-voyage.
However please note that the storage facility is only open: Mon-Fri (until 5pm), Sat & Sun (until 3pm).
Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world
Tipping guidance
Any tipping is at your discretion and entirely optional. If you choose to tip, the suggested amount for recognition of service on the ship is USD $20 per day. This can be added to your shipboard account and paid by credit card.
The gratuity is divided among the crew hotel team, cabin and dining room stewards, chefs, Hotel Manager, etc. The other crew members are compensated for gratuities in salary. The expedition team doesn't solicit gratuities and we encourage passengers to be generous with the hotel team first.
If you personally wish to leave a thank you for the team you can do this at reception.
Food allergies or dietary requests
Please ensure you have flagged any dietary requirements in your passenger forms, which you are required to fill out online before you travel. If you have a serious food allergy or a dietary preference we recommend that you speak to your Customer Experience Coordinator about this well in advance of your trip.
Additionally, once on board the Seaventure, we recommend introducing yourself to the ship's Hotel Manager, who will already have received your passenger form info. This helps the team match your face to your dietary requirements, so to speak, and make sure you're catered for properly.
There is a wide selection of food available daily, so if your allergy isn't too serious you'll be easily well looked after. If it's serious, and you can get an anaphylactic shock, be as prepared as you would be at home. Carry your EpiPen with you and let your companions know where to find it and how to use it too.
Albatross by the Drake Passage
Swoop says
Remember to check the ‘My Travel Documents’ tab in your Adventure Planner for all your important travel documents from our partner Polar Latitudes, so you’re ready for your adventure on board the Expedition.
Michael Battley Customer Experience Team Manager
