These notes will give you a brief idea of how to prepare for, and what you may encounter on your voyage. We stress that this is an “expedition” style cruise. Our emphasis is on wildlife encounters, personal contact with the environment, visits to sites of historical interest and, to a lesser extent, local conditions, spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. No two voyages are alike: there is always an element of the unexpected.
Valid passport and visa if required. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip ends. Since visa requirements differ for each nationality, we ask that you check with the nearest consulates/ embassies and secure visas if required.
Vaccinations are not required for these cruises. However if you are visiting certain parts of Asia, Africa or South America prior to joining the expedition, you may be visiting areas infected with yellow fever. In that case you will need a yellow fever inoculation. Please consult the Public Health Service nearest to you.
Any major health problem, disability, or physical condition that may require emergency care must be brought to our attention prior to the voyage.
Please complete the Personal Information Form, which you will receive upon booking, and return it to your booking agent 8 weeks prior to departure.
Be sure to carry ample supplies of any prescription medications you require as well as medication against motion sickness (sea sickness). Carry your medication in your hand luggage.
The choice of clothing for cold climates is a very personal matter. It depends on your individual experience with cold conditions. Are you more susceptible to cold temperatures than other people?
For your comfort and safety, avoid getting wet (whether from perspiration, precipitation, unsuitable boots or sea spray). Bring wind and waterproof outer layers. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibres like polar fleece retain heat better than cotton.
The secret to keeping warm is the “layer principle”. It is better to have several light layers of clothing than one heavy layer. This also gives you flexibility in your clothing so you can take off a layer if you are too warm or put another layer on if you are cold. The most important layer is the outer waterproof and windproof shell because even a light wind of 6 kph (about 4 mph) can carry away eight times more body heat than still air! The so-called “wind chill factor” measures the increase in cooling power of moving air, whether it’s wind that is blowing or you who are moving rapidly and, in effect, creating a wind against yourself.
A common complaint is “it’s not the cold, it’s the wind”, but an equally common polar maxim is “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!”
When packing, don’t weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire for your trip that can be worn in layers, including:
A pair of pull-on rubber and completely waterproof boots that are mid calf or higher with a strong, ridged non-skid sole is ESSENTIAL for landings. Stepping out of the Zodiacs to shore almost always involves stepping into water, it is important to have waterproof boots that are high enough to avoid water going over the top and into the boots.
Also, expect poor footing on the ice and ashore. For this reason boots such as Sorrels, snow boots, hiking boots or low rubber boots are not satisfactory (you’ll get your feet wet!).
Please note: if you don’t bring the correct footwear you might not be allowed to land during the expedition cruise.
Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk.
Boots with waffle soles like those on a hiking boot or running shoe tend to give the best footing. Avoid imitation rubber boots made from PVC. These are unyielding and more prone to slipping. Ideal boots are “Wellies” or “Viking” boots: other brands of rubber boots can be purchased from work clothing stores, surplus stores, farm co-op stores, garden supply centres, outdoor stores and marine supply houses.
Sailing boots that are sold at marine stores have good non-skid soles that are good for slick ship decks and wet rocks, but they lack traction on snow, ice or mud. The all-around traction soles are good for ice and snow but are not as slip resistant on slick decks or rocks.
Remember that you will be wearing these boots a lot. So they must be comfortable for extended wear and walking. The boots should not be too tight or too sloppy. If they are too tight you will get cold feet. If they are too loose you can, within reason, add an insole or extra socks to take up the space. For maximum warmth, wear loose-fitting boots and two pairs of socks. Rubber boots generally come in whole sizes and many brands are uni-sex. Be sure to get the best fit no matter what size they are.
Your boots are probably the most important item you need to bring, so if you have questions or just need some further advice please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Those travelling to Antarctica can rent equipment in Ushuaia instead of carrying all the way from home.
This 13-day tour explores cosmopolitan Istanbul and the ancient sites of Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus, features a 3-night cruise in the Gulf of Fethiye on board a traditional Turkish gulet and explores the fantastic scenery of Cappadocia.
Type
Days
Price
Shoestring
13
From
$1885
$2215
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