New Year's cruise to Antarctica

Layers. 

The best way to keep warm during a trip to Antarctica is to wear several layers of clothing and stay as dry as possible. 

1. The base layer. Thermal underwear (top and bottom), as well as socks, are best suited. Breathable, lightweight upper and lower thermal underwear will provide warmth without volume. Recommended fibers that insulate and remove moisture, such as polypropylene, merino wool and other synthetic materials. We do not recommend cotton or denim clothing. 
2. Thermal insulation layer. Fleece or synthetic shirts and trousers with long sleeves are recommended, as well as high-quality fleece or a light jacket or vest. 
3. The outer layer. Your gift parka will protect you from splashes during Zodiac landings, however, you will also need waterproof pants for each landing. When you are in the Zodiac, there is a chance that you will get wet. Many ski and snowboard pants now have high water resistance and are great for Antarctic conditions. Trousers should be loose, light, breathable, and wide enough to be worn over boots. Knee-length side zippers are preferred so that you can easily put on and take off your boots. We do not recommend wearing trousers with Velcro fasteners, as they may pose a risk to biological safety.

Footwear.

Hiking boots. If you decide to change your boots after disembarking, you will need hiking boots made of leather, Gore-Tex brand material or a material with high water resistance. 

Accessories.

We recommend accessories that protect your limbs, as they freeze easily. 

1. A woolen hat covering the ears. 
2. A buff or scarf, and preferably something that can cover your face. 
3. Waterproof gloves and thin gloves (as the bottom layer), which can be useful for photography and for extra warmth. 
4. We recommend taking at least two copies of each item with you. 

Basic necessities:

1. Sunglasses with UV protection (polarized are recommended, but not necessarily) and a strap so as not to lose them in the wind. The glasses perfectly protect the face from water and wind on the water or on the shore. 
2. Lip balm to protect against chapping.
3. A camera, a waterproof bag, additional memory cards and a spare battery.

Bags.

Please bring a backpack for day trips ashore, preferably waterproof and large enough to hold spare clothes, cameras, water, notebooks, etc. Bring plenty of plastic zippered bags to keep your belongings dry. You can also put a large trash bag in your backpack to keep things dry. We recommend using an airtight bag for expensive and fragile camera equipment. 

Important. Check with your airline about the baggage allowance between the airport of departure and Buenos Aires. The baggage allowance on a flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia includes one checked bag weighing 23 kg and one carry-on bag weighing 8 kg. If you wish to exceed this weight, additional baggage fees will be charged at the airport during check-in.

What do I need to take with me? 

On board, you can strip off layers of clothing after a day of exploration and enjoy 6-star ultra-luxury. 

You will need to take it with you for use on board.:

1. Swimsuit. Swimming pool is a popular way to relax.
2. Sportswear. Make sure you bring sportswear, including running shoes, if you want to visit the fitness center, yoga and Pilates studio, as well as wellness classes.
3. Comfortable clothes. You will need comfortable clothes to enjoy the luxurious accommodations on board. You can relax and recuperate in your luxuriously furnished suite or in one of the magnificent lounges, bars and restaurants. You can enjoy a lecture in a modern theater led by one of the expedition team members, and then admire humpback whales.

A checklist of necessary things:

1. 2 base layers (wool or synthetic top and trousers).
2. 2 layers of warm clothes (warm/fleece top and trousers).
3. 2 waterproof trousers 5 pairs of socks: quick-drying, thin socks 3 pairs of socks: thick wool/polyester socks. 
4. Thin gloves (bottom layer).
5. Waterproof gloves (two pairs are recommended).
6. Neck buff, scarf or other face protection.
7. Waterproof hiking boots.
8. A fleece or woolen hat covering the ears.
9. Sunscreen and lip balm.
10. Sunglasses with UV protection are best polarized.
11. Sunglasses holders.
12. Watch.
13. Spare reading glasses/contact lenses (if you usually wear them).

On board:

1. Comfortable casual clothes (trousers/jeans, shirts, sweaters or jumpers).
2. Elegant casual evening wear.
3. Comfortable shoes.

Recommended additional items:

1. A waterproof, lightweight backpack or an airtight bag is used to protect the camera.
2. A swimsuit is suitable for a temperature—controlled pool or possible immersion in the ocean!
3. A camera with extra batteries and a charger.
4. Additional memory cards.
5. Sleep masks — please note that the suites have blackout curtains.
6. Prescription drugs or a stock of other medications that you take regularly.
7. An extra pair of prescription glasses.
8. Fitness equipment for use in wellness centers on board.
9. Foot/hand warmers.
10. Summer/spring clothes for Buenos Aires.
11. Medications for seasickness, bracelets or patches if you are prone to illnesses on ships.
12. Ski goggles.
13. A diary or journal.
14. Heated hand warmers (for use inside gloves).
15. Binoculars.
16. A waterproof bag for transporting cameras and equipment on the Zodiac. Plastic bags are also suitable. 
17. Personal First Aid Kit: A small first aid kit containing prescription medications and over-the-counter medications for the treatment of underlying medical conditions
18. Spare batteries for the camera and double the number of films/memory cards that you think you might need a memory card for sharing photos.
19. Reusable water bottle.