I was the Tour Manager for last year's Antarctic White Christmas and will be the TM for this year’s Antarctica and Falkland Islands tour departing on 24th December.

Having read a number of posts about clothing and what to take here are some tips.

Santiago - it will be hot, so summer clothing and footwear is required.

Punta Arenas – a lot cooler, so wear some of your Antarctic kit and your winter shoes on the Domestic flight:

1, to lighten your luggage;

2, to be prepared for the drop in temperature

Waterproof/windproof jacket

I can confirm that once on board the ship Hurtigruten will give all guests such a jacket and it is very good.  This will be yours to keep at the end of the voyage.

Boots

Hurtigruten will provide you with boots for the expeditions.  These are very good heavy-duty, waterproof boots.  They will be yours for the duration of the cruise.  You return these at the end, the boots are cleaned and sanitised between users. 

Also, they will be cleaned and sanitised when you return from shore excursions, whilst still wearing them you clean them in a clever device.  There should be a tray under your bed which you put your boots on when in your cabin.

The ship will provide walking sticks as necessary on shore excursions.  These, and all equipment provided, are all kept clean and pest free.  

They will also provide you with a refillable water bottle, which will be yours to keep.

Hurtigruten is an excellent cruise company with a wealth of experience in polar explorations.  Once on board there will be safety and other briefings which are compulsory to attend.  Along with many lectures, films and other experiences all related to the Antarctic which you can choose to attend.  I highly recommend you do.  It is all so interesting and will enhance your experiences both when on excursions and once you’ve come home.

Clothing

For shore & sea excursions

Rather than a thick jacket to wear underneath the jacket provided, you need LAYERS.

For all cold weather conditions layers are the key - you can add to or take away from them.

Whereas a thick jacket is bulky and can restrict your movement as you traverse the snowy pathways.

• Thermal layers for your top and bottom halves.

• Thin, long socks to go under thick walking or ski socks.

• Gloves - thin gloves/glove liners to go under your waterproof gloves or mittens (ski gloves are ideal).  If you can, buy handwarmers to have inside your gloves or in pockets.  Last year was mild enough and we didn’t need to use them, but better to have them and not need than wish you had!

• A jumper, long-sleeved T-shirt, other top as mid layer

• Fleece as top layer

• Good outdoor trousers – tuck these into your boots

• Spray over-trousers – these go over your boots to keep your legs dry and prevent any water going into your boots!

• Hat, scarf, sunglasses. 

• A balaclava or thin neck warmer which you can pull up under your hat is a good idea.  Keeps your neck and ears warm.  Sometimes it’s not that cold but the wind can be biting.

Backpack

This is essential to put your camera, phone, water bottle, etc… in.  If it isn’t fully waterproof put the items into plastic bags.  A rucksack will keep your hands free whilst getting on and off the tender boats and keep things dry in case of spray off the boats and snowfall.

For onboard & inside the ship

When going out on deck you’ll want to wear similar to that for shore excursions.  You don’t have to wear the boots, the winter shoes or boots you brought with you will be okay.

The ship is warm inside so lighter weight clothing is suitable.  You can wear your outdoor trousers and t-shirt, jumper, etc…, but it is nice to change into something different for dinner.

Whilst this isn’t a cruise where you get dressed up for dinners, most guests had a dressy top or nice shirt and trousers for the Christmas and New Year’s Eve meals.

At all meal times no outdoor boots or outdoor jackets are allowed in the dining rooms.  There was a hanging rail outside for jackets, but it’s just as easy to take them back to your cabins.

Photography

Bring spare batteries with you and ensure you carry a spare on excursions.  Cold conditions can cause batteries to loose charge, so carrying a spare in your pocket keeps it warm in case you need to change it.

Remember to pack your chargers.

Flight luggage allowance

It is important that you stick to the 23kg weight limit for checked luggage.  Regardless of which flight class you travel in on the International flights, both Domestic flights are Economy only.  The Domestic flights are organised by Hurtigruten.

Currency

As stated in previous posts.  Anything you purchase on board will be charged to your cabin to be paid before disembarking.  You can settle the bill using debit or credit card.  Prices are displayed in Norwegian Krone and Euros, you will pay the Euro price.  

Chilean Peso – you’ll be in Chile for a short time, so I’d suggest you get some cash on arrival at Santiago airport from an ATM, or change some US $ or £ Sterling at the hotel.  Another option may be to use your debit or credit card to pay for food, drinks, etc… when in a local restaurant.

Wishing you all the most wonderful time.

Happy Travelling,

Sarah

Before I left for my Antarctic Peninsula trip in November I was totally reliant on clothing guidelines provided by the tour operator.

The really important clothing is what you wear travelling to/from the shore via zodiacs, and onshore itself.