Packing tips for your Antarctic Voyage
For your Antarctic voyage, clothing that can be layered is the most suitable to provide maximum versatility to your wardrobe. Keep in mind that you will stay warmer and more comfortable if you wear several medium-weight layers of loose clothing under your parka, rather than if you wear a single, heavy layer. For comfort and safety, it is also important to wear waterproof and windproof clothing and to avoid getting your skin wet.
We suggest that you start with a base layer of thermal underwear and thermal socks, rated for below freezing. Next, a pair of comfortable jeans or khakis, and a light shirt or t-shirt, followed by a fleece. Over this, you will need waterproof trousers and a waterproof jacket (see below regarding the jackets and rubber boots on board).
The dress code on board is casual. During the day, comfortable casual attire is appropriate and the evenings are smart casual. Jackets and ties are not required although you may wish to wear something a little dressier for the welcome and farewell dinners.
Your itinerary may also include time in Buenos Aires (Argentina) during “summer” when temperatures and humidity can be high, so you will need to pack accordingly. Lightweight, loose-fitting, casual clothing, made of breathable fabric (such as cotton), is recommended.
View Expedition Leader, Pam Le Noury’s top tips for packing for Polar regions
The following items are usually provided on board the vessel (please check the advertised cruise inclusions or ask one our travel consultations for further information):
• A waterproof jacket. Please note these jackets are the outer (weatherproof) shell only, they are not lined with a warmth layer.
• A pair of calf to knee-high waterproof rubber boots. Boots are great for getting in and out of Zodiacs and are warm enough with a good pair of thermal socks. Please note that almost all landings are ‘wet landings’, meaning you will step into water to get ashore. The waterproof rubber boots provided on board are suitable, and mandatory, for wet landings but if you prefer to bring your own rubber boots they should be knee-length.
We recommend that you bring the following items:
• Waterproof trousers (ideally with no Velcro parts which can be a biosecurity hazard as they collect seeds and grass)
• Two or three pairs of warm, casual jeans or khakis to wear under your waterproof trousers. If you have ski pants, you might also include them in your selection of casual trousers.
• Long thermal underwear.
• T-shirts and other casual warm weather clothes, for layering and whilst on board ship.
• Two or three warm, long-sleeved shirts (wool or flannel suggested). Polo-necks are also a good layering option and offer good insulation against the wind.
• Two or three warm woollen or polar fleece jumpers (a combination of lighter and heavier jumpers is preferable for greater flexibility).
• Three or four pairs of warm, sturdy and tall thermal socks and an equal number of thin socks to wear underneath them for extra insulation - silk or polypropylene sock-liners do well for this purpose.
• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers with rubber soles for use both on board ship and during sightseeing (when rubber boots aren’t required).
• A water resistant, nylon backpack for carrying camera and other equipment. Preferably without any external mesh components as this becomes a biosecurity frustration (snagging seeds and grass)
• A wool ski hat - and a scarf if the hat cannot be pulled down to cover your neck.
• Waterproof gloves or mittens. It is recommended that you also bring a pair of thin, polypropylene gloves (glove liners) that fit under your gloves or mittens so that you can take your outer gloves or mittens off during photography without getting your hands cold.
• One or two pairs of sturdy, polarised sunglasses with UV protection. The brightness of the summer sun reflected off the ice can be dangerous to under-protected eyes.
• Sunscreen/Sunblock and lip balm.
• A camera, lenses and plenty of memory cards and batteries or charger.
• Binoculars.
• Zip lock plastic bags as an added protection for carrying camera, etc.
• A collapsible walking stick, if you are more comfortable using one on uneven terrain.
Please note that the above information is a general guideline for packing for our Antarctica cruises. Please contact one of our experience travel consultations for specific information pertaining to each cruise itinerary. Further information will also be provided to booked passengers.