Never have I ever felt so clueless as to how to prepare for a trip — in this case an Antarctic cruise.
Sure, the ship provides lots of packing tips. But I like to be confident that I have covered myself for pretty much anything. Perhaps it is the fact that I can’t run to the local pharmacy for a quick purchase of whatever I need. Or a store for a garment. I know there’s a boutique on board, but what all does it stock?
I haven’t been on a cruise since 2006, and only one time prior to that. So there’s a big element of the unknown here that for some reason is wreaking a bit of havoc with my normally calm pre-travel vibe. And, yes, I have polled others who have been for advice.
Oh, Antarctica, how shall I prepare adequately for you?? Gear rented? Check. Additional clothing layers ordered/received? Check. Glove liners where I can still take pictures without frostbite setting in? Check. Seasickness patches? Check. Waterproof phone pouch? Check. Check. Check.
It is somewhat confusing to me that it will be approximately 85 degrees when we arrive in Santiago, only to shortly proceed to the frozen tundra!
Below, our cruise route after flying from Santiago to the tip of Chile.
If you’ve followed how the hubby and I travel — no groups, no cruises, lots of driving ourselves — the notion of not being able to change the itinerary is also different. It’s not like we have the option to abandon ship for whatever reason. I like the freedom of changing destinations mid-trip. Obviously not the case for this trip.
My hope is that my posts “post cruise” will be “what was I so concerned about? Everything worked like a charm.” Stay tuned.
12 Responses
Have a wonderful time!
When we have cruised, I always take way too much clothes. Even when there are two different climates.
One tip I can give you is get magnetic hooks to hang up hats, purses and jackets. The walls are steel. I also take an over the door shoe hanger. You can put it over the bathroom door and put things in it you use daily that you may not have room for on the counter.
Hope this helps a little. We are doing a Mexican Rivera cruise next month.
Thank you!
My daughter and I took that cruise just before Covid hit. Sixteen days of amazing.
We left from Argentina. The Drake passage wasn’t too bad- I heard we were lucky. And wonderful lectures on board by environmentalists. Have a great time!
Thank you!
The gear the ship provides and/or you can order from them is very appropriate for Antarctica.
I second Peter’s comments about the Drake Passage….the Atlantic and Pacific don’t much like each other.
FYI… We sailed from Argentina not from Chile (not sure if that makes a difference.
I’m as prepared as I can be at this point!
Which ship? The Drake Passage will definitely be an experience. Take Bonine starting three days before…
Silversea. Fingers crossed! Thanks for the tip.
Giving up control is not easy for some of us! It can feel very disorienting😎
Ain’t that the truth!!
When you get back, remind me to tell you about my friend JoAnn’s experience.
Uh-oh. You definitely got my attention!