Just Back From Jan. 20, 2015 Antarctic Expedition
Just got back from Antarctica and we wanted to provide a little more insight for those who will challenge themselves to the expedition in the future.
First, take walking sticks. Folding, extending, or whatever. No matter how good you think you can walk on the rocks and in the snow, or on the ice, the walking sticks will DEFINITELY help you from falling. The penguin colonies are on the rocks and pebbles be their design. To get there from the landing sites may mean walking in soft snow. Walking sticks help with balance, and exploring drifts to see how deep they may be. DEFINITELY take walking sticks. There are none on board to rent or borrow. Ushuaia does not seem to have a supply of them. Both times we were in Ushuaia, the stores were closed except for a few opportunities for postcards and chocolates.
Second, rent the boots, as TAUCK suggests. It is less bother, they will not have the "odor" when you take them back, and if there is a sizing problem, it is resolved on board ship right now. We saw some comments about getting wet getting out of the zodiacs. That is only a problem if you disembark incorrectly. If you follow the instructions and directions of the expedition and ships crew, you will not get water in your boots. There are always two crewmen in dry suits standing in the freezing water to help you avoid making errors in disembarkation. Trust them.
Thirdly, do take medications for colds, lozenges for coughs, and patches for the potentially rough seas of the Drake Passage crossing. I believe the Drake Passage has the worst reputation in the World, but there can be exceptions. Captain was very good in explaining what the crossing would be like, and the ship and crew are prepared to help us in anyway that they can. Some of our fellow passengers decided to bring their colds with them and share. So, we had a lot of coughing and colds going on. But, take a few precautions, and use a mask on the flight down to Ushuaia. Also remember the cardinal sailors rule, "one hand for the ship." Use this rule, and crossing the Drake Passage will be a lot safer for everyone.
Lastly, a word about weight limits. Yes, 44 lbs. is the limit on the checked luggage down to Ushuaia. TAUCK has made arrangements so that the over limit items (weight) can be checked in at the hotel in Buenos Aires, and the Tauck support team in Buenos Aires will arrange to have it at the airport in Buenos Aires when you return from the Antarctic. We were allowed to use the laundry bags in the hotel, and there was time to re-pack at the airport before checking in to the flights going home. On the way out of Ushuaia back to Buenos Aires, the weight limits are 17 lbs on the carry-on, and 12 lbs on the personal item. These were strictly weighed and checked at the airport in Ushuaia before we were allowed to board. Everyone in our group managed to meet the restrictions and still pack their red parkas.
It was a good idea to have something comfortable to wear back to Buenos Aires since the temperature there was in the 80's.
Otherwise, the expedition was like an out of this world experience. The naturalists were excellent though they tended to speak with a French accent in most cases. The food on board ship was excellent, and the accomodations were very good. We were never cold while on board ship.
