{"id":25735,"date":"2022-06-28T12:38:30","date_gmt":"2022-06-28T02:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures?p=25735&preview=true&preview_id=25735"},"modified":"2024-09-18T12:31:32","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T02:31:32","slug":"antarctica-packing-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/antarctica-packing-list\/","title":{"rendered":"What to pack for an Antarctica cruise"},"content":{"rendered":"

How do you pack for a cruise to Antarctica<\/a>, one of the coldest, windiest, driest, remotest places on earth? No prizes for guessing that a ball gown isn\u2019t on the packing list.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first rule of packing for an Antarctica cruise is to pack early. Antarctica is one of the most unpredictable places in the world, with little-to-no ability to buy anything while you\u2019re there. This is a recipe for disaster if you\u2019re not a tactical packer, so it’s important to allow enough time to borrow or buy anything you don\u2019t own. Pack the night before your flight and you\u2019re doomed to board your ship with mismatched gloves, no underwear, and a solitary shoe.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a handy guide to packing for an Antarctica cruise<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

1. Layers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While it\u2019s tempting to pack heaps of bulky sweaters and overcoats, what you really need is a solid combo of short and long-sleeved tops (some thermal, some not). Your ship will be pretty toasty, so having layers to peel off when on board (and put back on when heading out on the deck) is smart.<\/p>\n

Layering is generally thought of in three stages: your base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer.<\/p>\n

Base layers<\/h3>\n

You will definitely appreciate a thermal base layer on an Antarctic cruise, and wool or a wool blend is best (the more wool, the warmer you’ll be). Cotton tends not to be as good as a base or mid-layer as it has poor moisture-wicking properties, which means moisture \u2013 such as sweat \u2013 will sit against your skin and cool your body temperature.<\/p>\n

Mid-layers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Go for a poly blend or fleece, and make sure it’s not too fitted so your base layers will all fit snugly underneath. Multiple thin layers over your thermal base (to allow for adjusting to conditions) are better than thicker layers. \u00a0However, when you\u2019re sitting in a Zodiac, it can get pretty cold, so make sure you have one fleece that you can put on for when it\u2019s really<\/em> frosty.<\/p>\n

Outer layers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One rule for outer layers: make sure they’re 100% waterproof! Depending on which ship you’re travelling on, you’ll either be provided with a jacket to keep or borrow. It’s also essential that you have a pair of insulated, waterproof pants to slip over your bottom half and your boots. You’ll be much more comfortable during shore excursions and kicking about on deck looking for whales.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/h3>\n

2. Footwear<\/h2>\n

Standard hiking boots won’t cut it for an Antarctica adventure. You’ll need a pair of muck boots instead, as they’re designed to deliver grip and performance on snow and ice while keeping your feet warm and dry. We’ll provide you with a pair of muck boots for the duration of your voyage.<\/p>\n

You’ll also need pair of comfy shoes for when you’re relaxing on the ship, and maybe a pair of runners if you fancy using the onboard gym.<\/p>\n

3. Gloves<\/h2>\n

When you’re in Antarctica, it’s ESSENTIAL you look after your hands, head and feet. Frostbite is never fun. We suggest layering up your gloves with a polyester blend base, and a waterproof top layer (it’s worth getting two pairs of each, in case a pair goes missing or gets wet. If you’re a photographer, think about packing a fingerless pair too, or investing in gloves with sensor fingertips so you can still use your phone or camera screen.<\/p>\n

4. Tight-fitting beanie<\/h2>\n

Loose hats are a disaster in Antarctica \u2013 the wind is so ferocious it can rip hats off unsuspecting heads in seconds. Show that wind who’s boss and take a beanie that fits really snugly on your head, and make sure it covers your ears. In fact, pack two hats, just in case (plus, beanies are really your only opportunity to express your fashion sense).<\/p>\n

\"Travellers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

5. Neck gaiter<\/h2>\n

It’s important to keep your neck covered when you’re on deck or out on land excursions. Scarves tend to unravel and\/or get caught in the Velcro on your jacket, so a warm neck gaiter will keep you snug as a bug.<\/p>\n

6. Socks<\/h2>\n

We suggest wearing two pairs of socks each time you head out: a thin, poly-blend against your skin and a thick woollen outer layer. When in doubt, pack more socks. Your thicker socks will get wet while you’re out on shore visits, so having a few pairs to rotate is a good move. Your thinner socks are perfect for when you\u2019re ship-bound. You\u2019ll be warm and sheltered when eating in the dining room, listening to lectures and reading in your cabin, so your thick woolly socks are overkill when you’re not outside.<\/p>\n

7. Sun protection<\/h2>\n

Yep, the sun shines in Antarctica and you\u2019ll be mighty sorry if you get burned by it. Don’t forget to pack your sunglasses (with UV protection), broad-spectrum sunscreen, and SPF lip balm.<\/p>\n

8. Moisturiser<\/h2>\n

Windy and dry conditions mean your skin will resemble a lizard\u2019s if you don\u2019t moisturise. Unless you want to come home looking like Rango, slather it on every day while you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n

9. Seasickness medication<\/h2>\n

\"ASeasickness is something many people fear when it comes to an Antarctic cruise \u2013<\/b> particularly when it comes to crossing the Drake Passage<\/a>. Whether you\u2019re a seasoned sailor accustomed to big swells or someone who goes green at the gills on a stationary commuter ferry that hasn\u2019t even left port yet, seasickness doesn\u2019t discriminate. Anti-nausea medication can be a bit hit or miss, but being armed with options when you\u2019re feeling queasy is helpful.<\/p>\n

Before your journey, speak to your doctor about seasickness or anything else that might be worrying you. If you\u2019re asthmatic, diabetic or living with other health conditions, ensure you\u2019ve got all of your regular medications packed. While your ship may stock some basics, it\u2019s not a floating pharmacy so it\u2019s worthwhile to double (even triple) checking your medication is in your luggage before leaving. The same goes for sanitary items.<\/p>\n

10. Entertainment<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Sure, the adorable antics of penguins and the slightly terrifying smiles of leopard seals are scintillating whatever the time of day, but it\u2019s a good idea to pack some of your own entertainment for those times you need to retreat to your cabin (probably during the Drake Passage crossing). Consider bringing:<\/p>\n