When embarking on an expedition to Antarctica, packing appropriately is crucial due to the extreme weather conditions and remote location. It's crucial to double-check your list with your travel advisor, as cruise lines can have different requirements on items allowed, charter flight baggage weight limits, and what is offered on board that won't need to take up room in your suitcase.
Here are 10 essential items that are always a good start:
1. Thermal Layers for insulation. You can fit more layers in your bags than bulky clothing, and cruise lines on board temps are often quite toasty when you are inside enjoying some downtime.
2. Waterproof Outerwear to protect against snow and rain. Cruise lines may or may not provide an expedition style jacket, but even if they do these are often only windproof - meant to be the outermost layer of your protective gear. Double-check if they are also warm and waterproof should one be provided in your cruise fare.
3. Sturdy, insulated Boots for trekking across the icy terrain. The governing organization overseeing Antarctica visitors requires all boots be cleaned according to specific protocol. Cruise lines often provide boots for landings in a variety of sizes but do check that they will have yours (especially if you have an unusual size). If you bring your own footwear for landings, note that it will be required the cruise line personnel will take them and clean them, which could result in damage.
4. High-quality Sunglasses and Sunscreen are a must to shield against the intense glare and UV radiation. Despite the cold temperatures, the sun exposure on the 7th Continent is stronger than most have experienced elsewhere.
5. Binoculars for wildlife observation. Have your travel agent advise if your cruise line will make binoculars available during your voyage. If not, it is well worth bringing your own so as not to miss the many wildlife sightings.
6. Camera with extra batteries for capturing the breathtaking landscapes. And/or extra storage space if using your cell phone camera. Don't rely on the photographers on board even if they claim they are documenting your entire voyage for viewing later. Far too many times, those cruise line provided photos are lost or corrupted and never find their way to passengers post-voyage.
7. Moisture-Wicking Base Layers to stay dry. Much like your thermal layers, moisture-wicking layers will help with perspiration. You may be surprised just how hot it can get when you are hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, etc.
8. A Waterproof Backpack is necessary to keep your belongings safe during zodiac landings. Just know that the expedition team leaders on your cruise will advise what can and cannot be taken onto the Antarctica landings.
9. Motion Sickness Remedies for the potentially rough sea crossings. The Drake passage can be either the Drake Lake or the Drake Shake. Cruise lines may have motion sickness remedies on board in either the gift shop or through the medical personnel, but if you have a favorite, it's worth bringing along.
10. Lastly, pack a sense of adventure as the unpredictable and awe-inspiring Antarctic environment requires flexibility and an open mind.
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