• Bring luggage that is sturdy, can be locked and is clearly labeled.
• On check-in at all airports, please check that your bags are properly tagged to the correct destination.
• When making domestic to international same-day connection, it is strongly suggested to check your bags to the first destination only, re-claim your bags and re-check to onward flight. This may not always be convenient, but it will decrease the risk that your luggage will go astray.
• Carry your important documents - your passport, airline tickets, prescribed medication and other vital supplies in your carry-on bag only, do not pack in your checked luggage.

Climate
The Polar regions are cold even in the summer - but probably not as cold as you think. Antarctica has an exceptionally cold, dry, and windy climate, with very little precipitation. This is due to its high altitude, high latitude, and the snow-covered cap of ice (i.e. the reflectivity of the icy surface results in minimal heat storage).
 
However, this is not the whole truth. Expedition cruises to Antarctica never reach the interior of the continent. Passengers only travel to coastal regions and only in summer, when conditions are much milder. This especially applies to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, due to their more northerly location. Here, low-pressure and high-pressure systems alternate, so expect thick clouds, strong winds, some rain or snow, interrupted by clear skies and relatively warm sunshine. Mean coastal temperatures along the Peninsula are seldom far from the point of freezing. Summers in this part of Antarctica are more comparable with winters in maritime Europe and North America, and far warmer than winters in central USA and northern Canada.
 
Also, changes in Antarctic weather can be rapid and dramatic. Fine, sunny conditions can shift in minutes to storms with very cold winds and snow flurries. So one has to be prepared for these possible weather changes.
 
Clothing
Dress on board all our vessels is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. Men may wish to bring one coat/tie and women one 'dressier' outfit for an 'evening out' pre-cruise and for the Captain's welcome and farewell dinner parties. Bring wind and waterproof outer layers. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton.
 
Important Note
We keep our vessels quite warm (approximately 70°F to 75°F or 21°C to 24°C) for the comfort of our passengers. To be fully prepared for polar weather, please review these suggestions from a past article in the New York Times entitled 'Keeping Warm and Dry in Winter Weather' by Jane Brody:
 
"Humans evolved as a semi-tropical animal. We are comfortable unclothed in calm, dry air at a temperature of 85°F (29°C). Therefore, in winter we must take precautions to prevent excessive exposure to cold and extra steps to help the body conserve its own body heat. Those who complain, "it's not cold, it's the wind," are right. Wind removes the layer of air your body has heated around you to keep itself warm. A mere four m.p.h. wind can carry away eight times more body heat than still air. The so-called wind chill factor measures the increase in cooling power of moving air, whether it's wind that is blowing or you who are moving rapidly and, in effect, creating a wind against yourself. Wetness also increases the loss of body heat. Air is a very poor conductor of heat, but water is an excellent one. If your skin or clothing gets wet, your body will lose heat much more rapidly. Even at 50°F (10°C), you can suffer ill effects of cold if you are wet."
 
What To Pack
When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers. The two most important items that you will need to bring on your voyage are boots and a parka.
 
Boots
Rubber, waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher (12-16" high or 30-41cm.) with a strong , ridged non-skid sole are essential for wet landings via Zodiac. You may have to step from the Zodiac into icy water up to 1 ft. or 30 cm high on some landings.
 
Also, expect poor footing on the ice and ashore. Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk. For maximum warmth, wear loose-fitting boots and two pairs of socks. Try out your boots before the voyage.
 
Parkas
You should look for a lightweight, roomy, wind and water-resistant parka with some insulation. Bright colors are more visible - and thus - safer in polar environments.
 
Gloves
Keeping your hands warm and dry can be a challenge. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm outer gloves. Thus, allowing you some protection from the cold when removing your gloves to operate your camera, etc. We strongly recommend that you bring more than one pair of gloves, in case one gets wet (or lost).
 
Hat/Cap
Warm, woolen hat/cap to protect your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection.
 
Pants/Trousers
Water-resistant pants/trousers of coated nylon or, even better, Gore-Tex® are essential for your comfort. They can be worn over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. We suggest that you purchase pants a few sizes larger than you normally wear as you will be wearing them over other clothing. Gore-Tex® or similar fabrics are excellent for keeping out wind and water without trapping excess heat. Rain gear and Gore-Tex® products can be found in any outdoor sport clothing store. In addition to your waterproof pants/trousers, warm ski pants are suggested if you have them, otherwise, bring any sturdy, warm pants/trousers that can be layered between your long underwear, such as jeans, sweatpants, corduroys, etc.
 
Socks
Warm, high wool or cotton socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet.
 
Outer Clothing
Woolen, knit or cotton sweaters/tops, polar fleece tops (medium weight), several cotton turtlenecks and T-shirts for layering and aboard the ship.
 
Underclothing
Silk or polypropylene underwear is highly recommended since it will keep you warm without adding bulk. Most polar travelers prefer a lightweight version - but this depends on your own personal thermostat.

• Backpack or day pack, sturdy, lightweight and waterproof to carry your gear ashore.
• Sunglasses with U.V. protection.
• Bathing Suit, for some hotels, (Santiago/Buenos Aires) - and (perhaps) for that Polar plunge!
• Good pair of binoculars for spotting whales and seabirds from deck.
• Camera, extra batteries and twice the amount of film you think you may need.
• Protective lotion for lips and hands. Sunscreen for your face. Note: reflected glare from water, snow and ice can be intense.
• Extra pair of prescription glasses. Those who wear contact lenses should also bring a pair of glasses as salt and wind can irritate the eyes.
• Zip-lock plastic bags as added protection for carrying film, camera, etc.
• Electrical converter with adapter plug set, 220v/110v.
• Woolite/laundry soap for hand washables.
• Small medical kit containing any prescription medicines and other medication that you may need for basic ailments such as stomach upsets, allergies, headaches.
   

PREPARING FOR YOUR POLAR ICEBREAKER VOYAGE

Climate
In general Antarctica has an exceptionally cold, dry, and windy climate, with very little precipitation. This is due to its high altitude and the snow-covered cap of ice (i.e. the reflectivity of the icy surface resulting in minimal heat storage).
 
However, this is not the whole truth. Expedition cruises to Antarctica never reach the interior of the continent. Passengers only travel to coastal regions and only in summer, when conditions are much milder. Mean coastal temperatures along the Antarctic Peninsula are seldom far from the point of freezing. Summers in this part of Antarctica are more comparable with winters in maritime Europe and North America, and far warmer than winters in central USA and northern Canada.
 
In general, mean temperatures are lower in the Ross Sea, the Weddell Sea and the coast of East Antarctica due to their more southerly locations. Here temperatures more often fall considerably below freezing. Wind is also of critical importance. It isn't the temperature of the air that really makes one feel cold, it is the wind chill factor.
 
Also, changes in Antarctic weather can be rapid and dramatic. Fine, sunny conditions can shift in minutes to storms with very cold winds and snow flurries. So one has to be prepared for these possible weather changes.

Antarctica

All of our voyages begin in the ‘Town at the end of the World’, Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina. We sail down the Beagle Channel accompanied by albatrosses and head into the Drake Passage. Once at sea, our informal educational program consisting of presentations, discussions and other fun activities gets under way.

As we continue south towards the Antarctic Peninsula we see our first icebergs and then our first glimpse of Antarctica! The western flank of the Antarctic Peninsula is a rugged, mountainous spur flanked by ancient glaciers and massive ice shelves that creep down to the water’s edge. In the lee of the Peninsula lie dozens of islands, home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on the continent, including Weddell seals, Elephant seals, Skuas, Giant Petrels and rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.

We’ll usually make our first landing in Antarctica late on Day 3. Over the following days we make the most of the long daylight hours, with several excursions each day, weather permitting. With an emphasis on spending as much time off the ship as possible, we’ll venture ashore to hike or watch the wildlife, or cruise in the Zodiacs among the icebergs and whales. No two voyages are the same, and you can be as active or not as you please.

Our Falkland Islands and South Georgia itineraries extend the experience to include the extraordinary wildlife and history of the Sub-Antarctic. Homeward bound, we pass legendary Cape Horn on our return to Ushuaia, our journey’s end.

Ports of Call
The following is a list of some of the more interesting areas in and around the Antarctic Peninsula, some of which we plan to visit during our voyages.

The South Shetland Islands
An archipelago of over 20 islands just north of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Deception Island
You sail into the heart of this flooded volcanic island, one of the most interesting destinations in Antarctica. You go ashore to explore an old whaling station, and can enjoy a dip in the hot springs at Pendulum Cove.

King George Island
Home to a sizable colony of Adelie and Gentoo penguins, and some Chinstraps, King George is a favorite feeding area for Humpback whales, which can often be observed during summer feeding on krill.

Livingston Island
This was once an important hunting ground for seal traders, who decimated the local seal population. Today the island is again rich in wildlife, including Weddell, Elephant and Leopard seals, plus rookeries of Chinstrap, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins, petrels, terns and skuas.

Half Moon
This is a delightful spot, close to Livingston Island, with a sizable rookery of Chinstrap penguins as well as nesting terns, Kelp gulls, fur seals and Blue-eyed shags.

The Antarctic Penninsula
Against a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains and ice-blue water, the Antarctic Peninsula has a rugged coastline of bays and channels which offer excellent opportunities for exploration.

Hope Bay
Situated in the most northerly point on the peninsula, Hope Bay boasts one of the largest penguin rookeries on the continent (mostly Gentoo penguins).

Paradise Bay
With breathtaking panoramic views across the bay, this is one of the most beautiful places on the peninsula, home to terns, petrels, cormorants, seals, penguins and whales.

Lemaire Channel
This glacier-lined fjord offers a unique spectacle and is undoubtedly one of Antarctica's most beautiful passages. Minke and Humpback whales can often be observed, following in the wake of the ship.

SOUTH GEORGIA
South Georgia rises some 3,000 metres above the Scotia Sea, and is undoubtedly the most dramatic of all the Sub-Antarctic islands. Salisbury Plain is home to a vast rookery of brightly coloured King penguins, and at Grytviken you witness the remnants of a once-prosperous whaling industry that nearly decimated whale populations.

THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
The Falkland Islands have a haunting beauty, and in the outer islands you observe Elephant seals, Southern sea lions and a host of seabirds including the Black Browed albatross. At Stanley, the smallest capital city in the world, you stroll past quaint homes with a distinctly Victorian character. History buffs will be fascinated by its museums and memorial sites.