Expert advice on preparing for an expedition to the Arctic and Antarctica from Seabourn Cruise Line.
Remote destinations, awe-inspiring locales, incredible wildlife, ocean-front suites, an expedition team of scientists, scholars, and naturalists – a luxury cruise aboard purpose-built expedition ships the Seabourn Pursuit and the Seabourn Venture opens up a whole new world of ultra-luxury cruising.
But before you sail, brush up on what you need to bring to ensure maximum comfort, both on-shore, and on deck. Shaun Powell, Seabourn’s Director of Expedition Operations, comes through here with tips on the proper attire for your polar expedition cruise.
The Perfect Parka
A complimentary PolarShield parka by Helly Hansen is presented to every Seabourn expedition guest – comfortable, functional, and stylish – yours to keep at the end of the voyage. You order the jacket 30 days before your expedition and it’s waiting for you in your suite when you check in. “There’s a windproof and waterproof outer shell, plus an inside liner, so you can layer those as needed,” Shaun says. “Typically, people think Antarctica is a super-cold place, which it is in the winter, but we visit during the summer, so the conditions are much milder.”
The parts of Antarctica that Seabourn travels to – the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula – average around 30º F in the summer, so many visitors will find the conditions less painful than at home during the winter. “Think of it as the Florida of the continent,” Shaun laughs. Guests also receive a complimentary dry bag for safeguarding phones, camera gear and other personal effects while exploring via Zodiac skiff boat.
Shell Pants
“A lot of the time, people want to sit down and watch the wildlife – on the snow, on the ice – so waterproof pants are essential,” Shaun says. Water beads off seam-sealed waterproof pants, so you stay dry on shore landings—and getting in and out of the Zodiac. “Buy a pair that are a bit lose, because you’ll be wearing another layer underneath, whether that’s fleece leggings or just your jeans.”
It’s vital that guests look for pants without any Velcro claps or fasteners on them, which tend to pick up material from one site and transfer it to the next. Due to Antarctica’s strict
biosecurity rules, Velcro is discouraged, because it is too hard to keep clean. Instead, opt for a pair that only features elastic or a zipper at the ankles and waist.
TRY: Ultimate Direction Ultra Pants pack well and easily keep clean. You can also opt for a pair with reinforced knees, such as Boulder Gear Luna snow pants.
Body Basics
Like most outdoor adventures, base layers are an essential packing-list staple, helping to make your trip as comfortable as possible. Wearing wool or synthetic blends next to your skin helps regulate your body temperature. In addition to t-shirts, tops and leggings with moisture-wicking capability help keep you dry.
TRY: Kari Traa Smekker long-sleeve base layer tops and pants do double duty, also working well as a fashionable shipboard attire during the day. Craft Core base layer tops are also soft and comfortable, with flatlock seams. Optional middle layers can also include an insulated vest, like those by Helly Hansen, Outdoor Research and prAna.
Gloves, Hats and Neckwear
Pack at least three pairs of waterproof gloves or mitts – in multiple weights – and at least two fleece-lined hats. Seabourn guests also receive a branded beanie cap on-board, for wearing underneath knitted caps.
“I recommend bringing thin neck buffs, like the lightweight ones you might wear skiing, that are easy to throw in your pocket and easy to pack,” Shaun says. “Balaclavas are also good for covering both your head and neck.” With regard to gloves, he suggests finding a not-too-tight pair with thermal-sensing touchscreen capability or choosing mitts with tops that flip off so you can operate your phone or camera. “Go with anything that allows you to be more tactile without exposing your hands to the elements too much.”
TRY: Dakine leather three-in-one mitts or ski gloves, Gordini gauntlet gloves or ski mitts, and Scott waterproof gloves with fleece lining will all do the trick. Turtle Fur's multifunctional headwear keeps you warm and makes a statement.
Boots and Footwear
Warm and waterproof PUQ Quest boots are made available to all passengers on the Venture and Pursuit. They’re over-the-calf boots with a neoprene sleeve from the ankle up. You simply send in your size and a pair is waiting in your suite when you arrive on board.
“They’re all unisex sizes and geared toward a man’s foot, so they tend to be a little bit wider,” Shaun says. “So for women, I would suggest staying true to size or going a half-size lower. And for men, I’d say a half-size larger is what they will feel like. Keep in mind that you’re going to have a fairly bulky pair of socks on, too, and you don’t want the boots to be too tight. The great thing is that we have more on board. So if yours don’t fit, you can swap them out for another pair.”
Shaun adds that many people wear loafers or trainers on the ship. Ugg boots and Blundstones are also popular choices.
TRY: Merrell Icepack Zip Polar Boots or Lands’ End Squall Insulated Snow Boots are great for on-deck iceberg-watching.
Sock Support
It’s best to bring four or five pairs of big socks, layering wool with synthetic – just like you would for the ski hill. Depending on how your boots are fitting, try a thin pair with a thicker pair overtop – and maybe pop an extra pair in your dry bag.
TRY: Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion Over the Calf Socks or their Classic Edition Full-Cushion Crew Socks keep your feet warm and toasty.
Essential Accessories
Shaun recommends getting a waterproof phone case for your polar adventure, one that will repel water as well as the cold air. “In the cold weather, electronics tend to go run out of power a bit faster, so that extra shell gives you a bit more protection,” he says, adding that many come with a handy lanyard. “The new phones are so sleek, they can slide right out of your pocket or hand. Cases like Otterbox and LifeProof are wrapped in a grip-friendly material that makes them easier to hold onto in polar environments. You don’t want your phone ending up in the mud, muck, or water.”
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm are also key ingredients to any polar adventure. “I’ve seen some of the worst sunburns in Antarctica because people are not anticipating how much UV is down there,” Shaun says. “Also, make sure your lip balm has an SPF in it to ward off the sometimes intense reflection.”
TRY: LifeProof FRE SERIES waterproof and snowproof cases are fully submergible and shock resistant. DriftFish floating sunglass straps keep your sunglasses buoyant should they land in the drink – and you can use them back at home for paddling or boating. And Panama Jack sunscreen lip balms come in a variety of flavors, each delivering broad spectrum UVA-UBV sun protection.
On-Board Attire
When you’re back on board and out on the deck, most people wear the same pants and parka as they do off the ship, while others will pare down to a thinner windbreaking layer. “The wind can be the most aggressive element in the polar environments, more so than the temperatures,” Shaun says, “, particularly on the foredeck.” He suggests hitting it like you would at the ski lodge.
On-board inside, a business-casual look is the norm, “like you would dress at a country club,” Shaun says. “We do have optional formal dinners throughout the voyage when having a suit or
a couple of nice dresses will come in handy.” Shaun also suggests you bring clothes that are versatile enough for multiple activities, perhaps throwing in items that are reversible to add variety.
Weight Restrictions
Seabourn suggests you pack as light as possible for the polar regions because charter flights have strict luggage requirements – the combined weight of the allowed two bags can’t be more than 75 pounds.
“We need to make sure we are running a safe operation – these smaller aircraft have more weight restrictions than what people are used to on international flights,” Shaun says. “You can’t just pay for extra luggage – this is a safety concern. Packing to your weight allowance is fairly easy, though, considering the park and boots, which are your heaviest items, are already going to be on the ship waiting for you.”
And if you forget something? “Our onboard boutique is well stocked, so you can find most of the gear you may need on-board.”