Forget the Guesswork—Here’s What Actually Works in Antarctica
Packing for Antarctica isn’t like prepping for the Med or even Alaska. You're heading to the most remote continent on Earth—where weather is unpredictable, landings are wet, and the wrong glove can ruin an excursion.
But don’t worry: we've been there. We've zodiaced through the Lemaire Channel, hiked on Cuverville Island, and done polar plunges off the back of Silver Endeavour.
And we know exactly what luxury cruise lines provide (and what they don’t). So before you overpack or overlook something essential, use this definitive checklist curated by our team of polar-certified cruise experts and based on years of experience with Seabourn Venture, Scenic Eclipse, Silver Endeavour, and other elite expedition ships.
Top 3 Antarctica Packing Mistakes—And How to Avoid Them
- Packing too much bulky gear that never gets used—especially problematic when transferring through Buenos Aires or Santiago.
- Forgetting critical items like glove liners, dry bags, or waterproof phone cases that make a real difference during zodiac excursions.
- Assuming the cruise line provides everything—which isn’t always true.
When you’re spending $20K+ per person for a once-in-a-lifetime polar adventure, you deserve to get it right the first time.
Your Antarctica Packing Blueprint—Built for Luxury Expedition Cruisers
This field-tested checklist is tailored to luxury expedition cruises where parkas and boots are typically provided, but smart packing still matters.
🧥 What the Cruise Line Gives You—And What They Don’t
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Insulated Waterproof Parka | Provided by most lines like Silversea, Seabourn, Scenic, and Viking. Often branded and yours to keep. |
| Waterproof Expedition Boots | Almost always provided onboard and collected after the cruise. |
| Waterproof Pants (Overtrousers) | Not always provided. Bring one pair minimum, two is better. |
Pro Tip: Seabourn and Scenic offer onboard boot rooms with dryers. Silversea butlers will clean and dry gear daily on Silver Endeavour.
🧊 The Three-Layer System That Keeps You Warm and Dry
- Base Layers (Moisture-Wicking)
- 2–3 sets of thermal tops and bottoms (merino wool or synthetic)
- Avoid cotton—wet = cold - Mid-Layers (Insulating)
- Fleece or down jacket
- Wool sweater or vest for shipboard comfort - Outer Layer (Wind/Water Resistant)
- Waterproof parka and pants as provided above
🧤 Cold-Weather Armor for Your Hands, Head, and Face
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Thermal Gloves (Waterproof) | Essential for zodiac rides and landings |
| Glove Liners (Touchscreen-Compatible) | Allows phone and camera use without freezing your fingers |
| Wool or Fleece Hat | Protects ears from polar wind |
| Neck Gaiter or Balaclava | Better than scarves, which get wet or blow away |
| Sunglasses (Polarized) | Snow and sea glare is intense |
| Sunscreen (Face + Lips) | SPF 50+ is a must—even in cold weather |
Insider Tip: Seabourn expedition staff recommend glove liners for photography and gaiters for wind protection on zodiac rides.
👖 Shipboard Style: What to Wear Between Landings
- 2–3 pairs of pants (jeans, leggings, or slacks)
- Long-sleeve tops and turtlenecks
- Cardigans or pullovers for layering
- Comfortable shoes for walking onboard
- Swimsuit for hot tubs or plunge pools
- Smart casual outfit for dining venues
Note: On Silver Endeavour, La Dame and Atlantide encourage refined but not formal attire.
📷 The Right Tech to Capture the White Continent
- - Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- - Camera with zoom lens or waterproof action cam
- - Extra batteries (cold drains fast)
- - Binoculars (some lines provide; confirm in advance)
- - International power adapter
- - Portable charger / battery bank
Cruise Insider Tip: Bring a power bank for long landings even if your suite has USB ports.
🧳 The Smart Luggage Setup Every Antarctic Cruiser Needs
- 1 soft-sided checked bag – easier to stow in-suite
- 1 carry-on bag – for transit essentials
- 1 waterproof backpack or dry bag – essential for zodiac excursions
Pro Tip: Soft-sided gear handles polar logistics better than hard-shell luggage.
🧼 Polar-Proof Toiletries You’ll Actually Use
- - Moisturizer and lip balm
- - Seasickness meds or patches
- - Mini first aid kit (band-aids, ibuprofen, etc.)
- - Eye drops / saline spray
- - Personal medications in original packaging
- - Reusable water bottle
- - Daypack for excursions
Don’t Waste the Weight—What You Can Leave Behind
- - Hair dryers (provided in all suites)
- - Dress shoes or heels
- - Bathrobes or towels
- - Multiple coats or boots (1 of each is plenty)
Want Help Packing Like a Pro? We’ll Build Your List—and Your Voyage
Booking with Cruise Insider means more than great pricing—we guide you on everything from pre-trip rentals to what gear to skip.
Call us at 1 (877) 734-6858 for Antarctica packing guidance, suite comparisons, or to access exclusive 2025–2026 expedition cruise offers or click here to browse through some of our favorite Antarctica journeys.
Trust us—we’ve been there, and we’ll make sure you’re ready.
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