FAQs ABOUT MARPATAG's The Spirit of the Glaciers ITINERARY - in their own words:
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MARPATAG CRUCEROS Santa
Cruz Cruiser Cruising
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FAQs ABOUT MARPATAG's The Spirit of the Glaciers ITINERARY - in their own words:The weather in El Calafate is mainly dry with mild temperatures; the annual rain reaches 300mm. The rainfall increases to the West with 1000mm to 1500mm a year in the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (National Park) (the continental ice area receives 8000mm a year).
The wind comes mainly from the West and Southwest. The frequency and intensity of the wind is stronger during daytime in spring and summer.
The average annual temperature is 7.5 ºC (45.5 ºF). The average temperature in winter is 0.6 ºC (33.08 ºF) and 13.4 ºC (56.12 ºF) in summer.
Daylight varies according to the time of year. In summer, the longest day in the year is December 21 with 18 hours of daylight (dawn is at 5 a.m. and sunset is at 11 p.m.). In winter, the shortest day is June 21 with 8 hours of sunlight (from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).
- Hiking boots or shoes.
- Windstopper and waterproof jacket.
- Polar fleece sweater
- Thermal T-shirts and socks.
- Gloves /hat / scarf.
- Sunblock / Sunglasses
- Camera
- Binoculars
Smoking is not allowed inside the cruise ship but it is on the outside decks. For the protection of the National Park, please do not throw cigarette butts to the lake.Boarding is on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the company’s own dock “La Soledad” (Punta Bandera) located at 50km from El Calafate.Since the space onboard is limited, it is advisable to board the ship only with the luggage necessary for the number of days onboard. The rest of the luggage can be left at the hotel where passengers are staying (before and/or after the navigation) or at our office in El Calafate. Our staff will coordinate the transfer of the luggage for passengers to have it at the time of landing.What is it included in the rate of the program onboard Crucero Santa Cruz?
The rate includes:
- Three-day, two-night navigation in Lago Argentino (lake), where passengers can admire the barrier of ice floes which at the moment does not allow us to get close to the Upsala glacier (during clear days it is possible to admire the stunning Upsala glacier at the distance) the glaciers Spegazzini, Mayo and Perito Moreno.
- Two nights onboard in a double cabin with private bathroom and external view.
- Landing in Seno Mayo and Puesto de Las Vacas.
- Full board accommodation with alcoholic beverages during meals.
- Soft and hot drinks during navigation.
- Onboard activities led by a bilingual guide (English-Spanish).
- Transfers FROM and TO El Calafate (downtown).
- Entrance fee to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (National Park).
- VAT (10.5%)
All of the cabins can be for single or double occupancy. In the Deluxe cabins, beds can be double or twins, while in the rest of the cabins beds are only double.
All of the cabins have private bathroom and external view; the cabin space varies according to the category.
All of the cabins have hairdryer.The ship has a central air-heating system.The ship and cabins have electricity 24 hours (220 volts).There is a safe box in each cabin.The program is full board with alcoholic beverages during meals (wine, beer, mineral water and sodas), and hot and soft beverages during navigation.
In case there is a passenger with special food needs, this should be informed in advance.There is a list with the alcoholic beverages available in the bar. The extra consumption can be paid only in cash (Argentinean pesos, dollars or Euros) before landing. Credit cards are not accepted.There are talks on glaciology, climate changes and national parks, focusing mainly on the distinctive characteristics of the Parque Nacional los Glaciares (National Park). Besides, passengers are told about the first settlers and pioneers in the region, about the culture and traditions of our Patagonia.
There are board games and books available about the region.
Besides, videos and movies are shown at scheduled times about topics related to what Cruceros MarPatag offers.Landings are performed using semi-rigid boats to access the coasts of Lago Argentino (lake). Once there, passenger can go walking while exploring the Andean-Patagonian Woods until reaching beautiful panoramic points or the Mayo glacier (this glacier cannot be seen from the lake).
The level of difficulty is intermediate/low. Any person with an average fit condition can participate in all land activities.It is possible to take the regular tour with kids over 10 years old. In case of charters or special tours, there are no restrictions regarding age.Is there cell phone signal, Internet or satellite connection during the tour?
During navigation there is no cell phone signal, except in two areas of the National Park: “La Soledad” dock, the boarding point (Claro signal only) and in front of Perito Moreno Glacier (Claro, Personal and Movistar signals). There is no Internet connection throughout the whole tour. In case the passengers need to call their families or work places while navigating, the Crucero Santa Cruz is equipped with a satellite telephone that can be used to make phone calls but not to receive them. This service is available for all passengers and it has an additional cost which will be informed at the time of using it.The cruise ship complies with all the safety norms established by Prefectura Naval Argentina. There is a safety booklet in each cabin with more information.The crew onboard is trained to assist the passengers in case of an emergency.What is the minimum number of passengers to confirm the departure?
There is not a pre-established minimum number of passengers. All departures are guaranteed during the season period and dates of the regular program,The cruise ship has neither elevators nor any other facilities for disabled people.Is there any suggestion about tips to the crew and the guides onboard?
At the end of the trip, you can leave a tip for the crew and the guides onboard inside the envelope you can find in the cabin. The envelope will be then put in a case and the tips will be shared with the crew.