Destinations

Most Antarctica expedition packing lists focus on clothes and footwear. This list includes items you probably didn’t consider, but they can definitely make your trip easier.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

External Hard Drive for iPhone

I used my phone as my camera. Since I didn’t have cellular service and wifi was limited, I couldn’t back anything up to the cloud, so my phone memory filled up. Bring an external drive to back up your phone or camera. 

Toe Warmers

Toe warmers aren’t just for your boots on excursions. Try putting them in your slippers before the polar plunge to keep your feet warm.

Magnetic Hooks

Magnetic hooks are great for hanging up wet clothes in your cabin.

Insulated Water Bottle

There are filtered water stations all over the boat, so you can save money and skip buying bottled water.

Sea Sickness Bands

I’m not sure if these bands really work or if it’s just the placebo effect, but if you feel better, that’s what counts. I also recommend spending time on the observation deck during the day. If you start to feel seasick, you might want to lie down, but try not to. Find a spot where you can see the horizon instead. It really helps.

There were also ginger candies at the front desk if you need another option. 

Scopolamine and Phenergan

Be sure to check with your doctor first, but these were my go-to choices since I get very seasick.

Phone Lanyard

I wore my phone around my neck during excursions. That way, I could grab it quickly if a whale appeared, and I didn’t risk dropping it in the water when I got excited.

Mesh Hanging Shower Caddy

A mesh hanging shower caddy is a great way to keep your bathroom organized and your toiletries easy to find.

Noble Mick’s Drink Mix

These drink mix packets were perfect for making cocktails in your room. My favorite was the Old Fashioned. Bring an extra water bottle to use for mixing drinks.

Travel Toiletry Bottles

Wondering how to bring alcohol on a cruise when you are only allowed to bring one bottle of wine? Fill toiletry bottles. Vodka or make-up remover? I take no responsibility if you get caught.

Poo-Pourri

I think this one explains itself.

Fingerless Gloves

Fingerless gloves were perfect because I could use my camera and still keep my hands warm during excursions.

Scrubba Portable Washing Machine

I travel a lot with just a carry-on, so I’m always doing laundry on the road. Laundry services can be pricey, and they were especially expensive on the boat. I’ve washed plenty of clothes in hotel sinks, so I was glad to finally have this portable washing machine.

Space Saver Vacuum Storage Bags

Space saver vacuum bags are a good way to pack bulky winter clothes and make sure your complimentary parka fits in your suitcase for the trip home.

Duffel Bag

Pack your things in a duffel bag instead of a suitcase. You can slide a duffel under the bed and keep it out of the way.

Looking For More Information

I recently traveled to Antarctica on the Ocean Albatros to celebrate my friend’s 50th birthday. We went on a twelve-day voyage with Polar Latitudes Expeditions, called Encounter the Antarctic Circle, from February 28 to March 11. We picked this trip because we wanted to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66 degrees south, which you can only do later in the season when there’s less ice. March is the last month of the tourist season before the ice comes back and the region has 24 hours of darkness. In winter, Antarctica’s landmass grows by 50% because of the ice.

If you’ve already booked your trip to Antarctica, or if you’re just curious about what it’s like, I’ve put together everything you need to know about an expedition to Antarctica. 

Zodiak Cruise

Zodiak Landing

Zodiak Cruis

Stonington Island

Itinerary

Before the cruise, people kept telling me to stay flexible, and they were right. Each evening, we got the plan for the next day, but not a single day went exactly as scheduled.

We were lucky with the weather—it was sunny most days, and the usually rough Drake Passage was calm. The conditions were so good that we traveled farther south than many of the staff had ever gone. In fact, it was the farthest our boat and captain had ever been. We made it to 68 degrees south.

Frequently Asked Questions

Penguins

Deck BBQ

Base Y, Horseshoe Island

Whalers’ Bay

Looking For More Information