8 Things to Know for Your Antarctica Cruise Packing List

Antarctica Cruise Packing List

You’ve booked your dream expedition to Antarctica, and now the planning begins! When packing for travel to the most remote place on earth, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Here is a list of 8 crucial things to consider for your Antarctica cruise packing list when preparing for your Antarctic adventure.

1. Keep Weight Restrictions In Mind

If traveling on a fly-cruise voyage, the flight to and from Chile has a strict limit on luggage weight, and it’s essential to keep this in mind when packing for your expedition. The checked baggage allowance on Chilean domestic, commercial flights, like the one between Santiago to Punta Arenas, is 23 kg (50 lb).

However, Antarctica flights are limited to only 20 kg (44 lb), including cabin luggage. It’s also important to note that excess baggage allowance cannot be purchased on the Antarctic flight because there are weight restriction requirements to operate the flight rather than a commercial consideration.

For this reason, you should make sure your luggage during the Antarctic portion of your voyage fits within the weight allowance. If you have additional luggage, it can be stored in Punta Arenas at no extra cost until your return from Antarctica.

Remember that you can leave your waterproof boots at home! We provide all our travelers with a pair of sized knee-high thermal rubber boots before arriving in Antarctica for use during your voyage.

2. Take Enough Medication

Since you will be on an isolated continent, we urge you to bring a generous supply to last well past the end of your voyage if you take prescription medication. Having extra medicine at hand will ensure you are well covered if your trip requires an extension for any reason. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the availability of your medication in the onboard clinic.

3. Pack Layered Clothing

The average temperature in the Antarctic Peninsula area during the austral summer is about 0°C (32°F). With an unexpected storm, the temperature can drop quickly. Conversely, on clear days it can also become quite warm in the sun.

As a way to adapt to these variations, we recommend wearing several layers of clothing, including a thermal base layer, one or two mid-layers with wicking properties, and a waterproof and windproof top or outer layer, which includes your pants, jacket, hat, and gloves.

4. Don’t Forget Eyewear and Sunscreen

The sun shines brightly in Antarctica and can be pretty intense on even not-so-clear days. Specifically, the UV radiation reflects against the snow, ice, and water all around. So you’ll want to invest in polarized sunglasses that have high UV protection. You’ll also want to bring a good-quality sunblock for your face (rated SPF 30 or higher) and lip balm with an SPF rating as well.

5. Take a Camera, Batteries, and SD Cards

Whether you’re an avid photographer with sophisticated equipment or an amateur with a point-and-shoot camera, taking a bad photo in Antarctica is nearly impossible. Be sure to pack your favorite camera, along with charging equipment (charger or batteries) and extra memory cards or rolls of film if you prefer. And remember, because Antarctica’s cold temperatures can reduce their life span.

There is the temptation to take photos everywhere you look, and these souvenirs will last you a lifetime. Still, we also encourage our guests to put their cameras down occasionally and take time to soak up the experience. Read more about photography tips in Antarctica here.

6. Shop for Your Trip

If you need a little help shopping for your voyage, Antarctica21 has an online gear shop with recommended items vetted for quality and efficacy in the polar regions. We only recommend what we use ourselves to our guests, so you can trust you’re getting the best.

You can purchase gear packages that include all the essentials you’ll need, like waterproof pants, insulated gloves, socks, and the Antarctica21 signature waterproof expedition jacket. You can also shop for items individually. And the best part – you can have these items shipped, free of charge, to the hotel in Chile, so you don’t have to pack them with you from home.

7. Check Out Antarctica21’s Signature Waterproof Expedition Jacket

A purchase that will keep you dry and comfortable during your voyage, and a jacket you’ll be able to wear with pride. Not to mention a great conversation starter – when people ask you about it, you can tell them all about your adventure to the 7th continent! Purchase it in our gear shop.

8. Buy Travel and Medical Insurance

Travel and medical insurance are a must-have for just-in-case scenarios. For any trip, especially remote areas, Antarctica21 requires participants to be adequately covered by a travel insurance policy that covers aero-medical evacuation from Antarctica in case of a medical emergency during their trip, including emergencies related to pre-existing health conditions. We highly recommend that all travelers purchase a travel insurance policy that includes trip interruption and cancellation coverage for additional peace of mind.

Need more help with your Antarctica cruise packing list? Check out our Essential Travel Tips, including planning information, our suggested packing list, suggested reading, and Antarctica21 Travel Guides.