Just returned from Antarctica
in Antarctica
Oh my gosh, are you in for a treat! Tauck did an amazing job and you can rest assured that you will have an amazing experience. Here are some thoughts regarding the trip.
- The ship, Le Boreal, is very nice, the staff members are universally exceptional.
- The flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and return is a charter flight operated by Aerolineas Argentina. It will have passengers from Tauck as well as other Ponant guests. Lots of people had standard roller carry on luggage. I would recommend soft luggage for carry on that can be squished and squeezed into space...there was virtually no overhead space as the plane filled up.
- The dress code was very casual for the most part. There was a group of Aussies on our trip and the men almost universally wore t-shirts, shorts and flip flops! That said, it was chilly in some parts of the ship. I recommend a quarter zip or similar. There were two nights labeled as "elegant' dress. One night was focused on White clothing and one night was focused as a "gala". You don't need to bring anything fancy...this is an expedition cruise. for the "elegant dress" nights, maybe consider nice slacks and shirt, no need for men to wear a sport coat. Women can wear nice slacks and blouse/top/sweater. Don't fret over having to bring something special. For the regular evenings, I wore a quarter zip over a shirt. Jeans are fine.
- There is no need for a water proof back pack, unless you are bringing extra camera lenses, equipment, etc. You are only on the zodiacs or the land for a little over an hour, so I'm not sure what you would need to bring in a back pack. The Expedition Leader even said "you don't need a back pack...I'm not sure what people plan to bring in those things!".
- A collapsable walking pole is very helpful and highly recommended. You only need one unless you have other physical issues.
- The food is good, but not available at all times as on many cruise ships. The menu for the two restaurants is the same, but one has buffet service of some of the food items. There is always coffee available in the lounge and they also usually had cookies most of the time if you had the munchies. There was always an afternoon "tea" time when they brought out some special food item, small sandwiches, etc.
- The parkas that they give you (and you get to keep) are excellent...very high quality and warm. The zodiac cruises tended to be where you might get cool because you aren't moving. When you are on shore, you will be walking or climbing. We had two shore landings that had some moderate climbs and you get quite warm going up hill. For those that don't want to climb, the expedition leaders have other areas where you can explore.
- The zodiacs can be wet, especially going into waves and wind. The front passengers will get sprayed, but if you turn your back and put your hood up, you will be fine. Water proof outer pants are essential. The boots they loan you are good...you might want to bring your own insoles to help insulate you from the cold ground. I just removed some shoe insoles from my tennis shoes.
- The weather was changeable. We had several sunny days and several days of low clouds and mist. The weather can change very quickly too.
- We were lucky for the Drake Crossing both ways...we had moderate seas...some people felt sea sick, but most everyone seemed to be ok. If you are prone to sea sickness, use the patches or dramamine. Don't wait until you feel ill to use the patch or the dramamine...then it's too late.
It is hard to describe the wonder of the Antarctic. You will be mesmerized by its beauty and remember to take a moment to focus on where you are...take a deep breath and take it all in. There is nothing like it. Have a great time when you go!
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I was thrilled to read your excellent recap! We just booked this trip for Jan. 24, 2027. My husband is going kicking and screaming. He can't swim so the zodiacs are not his cup of tea. What were the temperatures? Is there a gift shop onboard? I would hate to go the whole way there and at least not get a keyring.