| Preparing
For Your Voyage
 Planning
and preparation are essential components of any successful
voyage. Please use the following guidelines to help ensure
that your Arctic Adventure is everything you expect it to
be.
Baggage Allowance and Recommendations
To avoid excess baggage charges on international and domestic
flights, check with your ticketing agent about luggage restrictions.
In general, you are allowed two normal-sized pieces of luggage
per person and a carry-on bag.
In addition, we recommend:
- That your luggage is sturdy, secured
and clearly labeled (including your cabin number).
- That you carry your passport and
other important documents, prescriptions and other vital
supplies in your carry-on luggage. Staff will transport
the luggage to your cabin on embarkation day so that you
may not see it for some time after arrival.
- That you claim your luggage and
check it onto ongoing flights yourself whenever possible.
This may not always be convenient - but it will decrease
the risk that your luggage will go astray.
Climate
The Polar regions are cold even in the summer - but probably
not as cold as you think. It isn't easy to make simple climatic
divisions to explain the weather in the Arctic. In general,
the more north one travels, the colder it gets. Summers are
characterized by continuous daylight and milder mean temperatures.
But again, the high reflectivity of the frozen ocean and the
wind chill factor play an important role. Apart from regions
in the High Canadian & Russian Arctic, temperatures seldom
fall below freezing, but rain or snow can occur at any time,
and fog is very common.
In very general terms, expect temperatures to be as low as 5º
to 15º F (-15º to -9º C) and temperatures as high as 40º F (4º
C). Summer temperatures are around 40º F (4º C) over most of
the Arctic. Changing weather is a feature of all these expeditions.
Be prepared for it.
Clothing and Equipment
Although summer temperatures can be surprisingly mild,
you should expect wind, clouds and precipitation. 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 fibers like polar fleece retain heat better than
cotton.
To be fully prepared for polar weather, please study these suggestions
from an article in the New York Times entitled "Keeping Warm
and Dry in Winter Weather" by Jane E. Brody.
"Humans evolved as a semi-tropical animal. We are comfortable
unclothed in calm, dry air at a temperature of 85º Fahrenheit
(29º Celsius). Therefore, in winter we must take precautions
to prevent excessive exposure to cold and extra steps to help
the body conserve its own body heat.
Those who complain, "it's not the cold, it's the wind," are
right. Wind removes the layer of air your body has heated around
you to keep itself warm. A mere four m.p.h. wind 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.
Wetness also increases the loss of body heat. Air is a very
poor conductor of heat, but water is an excellent one. If your
skin or clothing gets wet, your body will lose heat much more
rapidly. Even at 50º Fahrenheit (10º Celsius), you can suffer
ill effects of cold if you are wet."
The following tips should help you be comfortable and healthfully
warm in cold weather.
- Avoid overdressing to reduce perspiration.
- Wear water repellent outer garments
that will keep you dry on the outside and still "breathe"
enough so that moisture from your body can escape.
- Body heat is most likely to be
lost from parts that have a lot of surface area in comparison
to total mass-namely, the hands and feet. Keep them warm
and dry. For hands, mittens are better than gloves.
- If the rest of your body is covered,
as much as 90% of the heat you lose can come from your head,
so be sure to wear a cap.
- Dress in comfortable, loose layers.
For anyone out in the cold, it is far better to wear layers
of relatively light, loose clothing than one thick, heavy
item. Between each layer there is a film of trapped air
which, when heated by your body, acts as an excellent insulator.
Keep from overheating.
- Wool and silk are superior to
cotton because they can trap warm air. Synthetic fabrics
that spring back into shape after compression are also good.
When damp or wet, polyester down is a better insulator than
goose or duck down. Polar fleece is popular and recommended.
What to Pack
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:
Parkas
For those colder days with possible inclement weather,
we suggest a waterproof and "breathable" outer shell made of
Gore Tex or of a similar fabric in combination with extra polar
fleece insulation. Bright colors are more visible - and thus
safer - in polar environments.
Warm Trousers
Ski pants are suitable if you have them; otherwise, bring
any sturdy trousers that can be layered between your long underwear
and rainpants. Jeans or corduroys are good both for excursions
and wear aboard ship.
Waterproof
Pants (Trousers)
Water resistant "rainpants" of coated nylon are essential
for your comfort. Wear them over your regular clothes to keep
you warm and dry. Even better is gear made of Goretex and similar
fabrics that are waterproof and "breathable." These materials
keep out wind and water without trapping excess heat. Although
excellent, these fabrics are expensive and can be damaged by
prolonged exposure to salt water. Rinse Goretex in freshwater
after exposure to salt. You can find rain gear in outdoor sport
clothing stores that carry foul-weather clothing for sailors
and fishermen.
You can find rain gear in outdoor sport clothing stores that
carry foul-weather clothing for sailors and fishermen.
Long Underwear
Silk or polypropylene underwear is highly recommended
since it keeps you warm without adding bulk. Most people prefer
a lightweight version - but this depends on your personal thermostat.
Sweaters
Wool sweaters or a polar fleece jacket of medium weight
are recommended.
Turtlenecks
Bring several practical turtlenecks for layering and
use around the ship.
Mittens and
Gloves
Keeping your hands warm and dry is a challenge - and
important. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath
warm mittens. Thus, you can take off the mittens to operate
your camera and still have some protection from the cold. It's
a good idea to bring an extra pair of wool mittens to wear if
your other pair gets wet (or lost).
Woolen Cap
A warm cap to protect your ears - and a scarf.
Warm Socks
Sturdy, tall wool socks worn over a thin pair of silk,
polypropylene or cotton/wool socks should provide enough insulation
for your feet. Bring several pair, since you will inevitably
get your feet wet.
Rubber Boots
Excursions on these voyages will be both by Zodiac and
via helicopter. We suggest that you bring rubber, unlined, waterproof
boots that are mid-calf or higher (12-16" high) with a strong,
ridged non-skid sole. Be prepared for possible poor footing
on the ice and ashore. For Zodiac landings, you may have to
step from the Zodiac into icy water up to 10" high on some landings.
Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult
to walk. For maximum warmth, wear loose-fitting boots and two
pairs of socks.
Other Useful Items
- A sturdy, lightweight and waterproof
daypack to bring your gear a shore.
- Sunglasses with U.V. filter.
- Protective lotion for lips, hands
and face. Reflected glare from water, snow and ice can be
intense.
- Bathing suit for hotels, aboard
some ships and (maybe) for a polar plunge.
- Camera and twice the film you
think you may need.
- Extra pair of prescription glasses.
Those who wear contact lenses should also bring glasses
since salt and wind can irritate the eyes.
- Prescription medicines and other
remedies such as seasickness medication and lomotil. Be
prepared for rough water. Bring along a signed and dated
letter from your physician stating any health problems and
dosage of medications, to provide information to medical
authorities in case of an emergency.
- Binoculars for spotting whales
and seabirds from deck.
- Zip lock plastic bags as an added
protection for carrying camera, film, etc.
- Woolite/laundry soap (if you plan
to do any hand laundry).
- T-shirts or other casual warm
weather clothes, for layering and aboard ship.
Dressing for
Gateway Cities
Some voyages include time in the city during midsummer,
when temperatures and humidity can be high, so please pack accordingly.
Also, if you plan on visiting a nice restaurant, men may wish
to pack a coat and tie and women an informal dress.
Currency Regulations
In general, you may carry an unlimited amount of funds
during your trip. You may not, however, take out of a country
more foreign funds than you brought into that country.
Deal only with banks and approved currency exchanges abroad.
Always save exchange receipts until you have actually left the
country.
Prohibited
Items
Trade and export of anything made from an endangered
animal or, in most cases, marine mammals is prohibited in most
European and Asian countries and the United States. This includes
items made from seal fur and ivory, including walrus tusks or
anything made from walrus ivory. It is both illegal to export
ivory from Russia and to import it into most countries.
Please note that antiquities cannot be exported without official
permission. Should you be interested in purchasing antiquities
abroad, we suggest you research local exportation restrictions.
Customs
If you plan to take any foreign-made articles such as
cameras, binoculars, videos or expensive watches, it is a good
precaution to register them or bring with you some proof that
the item was purchased in your home country. If you bought the
items on a previous trip abroad and you have already paid duty,
bring the receipt. Items that may be readily identified by a
serial number (cameras, tape recorders, etc.) can be registered
before departure at the nearest customs office. The Certificate
of Registration will expedite free entry of these items on your
return, and you can use the certificate on subsequent trips.
Duty Free Purchases
Purchases of duty free items at many airports must be
made at least one hour before flight time.
Electric Current
The electrical supply on board is usually 220 volts,
50 hertz. For those coming from the USA you will need to bring
a small 220v/110 v converter available in places like Radio
Shack. The electrical outlet sockets are the standard European
two round pin system.
Passengers coming form the USA, Australia or other countries
with a different system will need to bring a suitable adapter.
Inoculations
As of this writing, no vaccinations are required for
entry into countries on this program - and the Centers for Disease
Control in Atlanta has issued no advisories. Should any changes
in the regulations occur, you will be advised accordingly.
In general, be aware of the usual discomforts of travel - change
of diet, sunburn, dehydration and motion sickness. If you are
visiting certain parts of Asia, Africa or South America prior
to joining this expedition, you may be visiting areas infected
with yellow fever, in which case you will need a yellow fever
inoculation. Please consult the Public Health Service nearest
you.
Combating Sea
Sickness
Anticipate some rough water on the voyage. To avert motion
sickness, avoid alcohol, tobacco, excess liquids, and confined
spaces. Most people feel better sitting on deck looking at the
horizon or prone with eyes shut. Oddly, you will feel better
with some food, such as crackers or dry toast in your stomach.
Many people eat to avoid feeling sick. Please click here for
further information.
General Health
In general, doctors recommend that you make sure that
routine immunizations are up-to-date before traveling, particularly
tetanus and polio. Older travelers, in particular, may want
to consider a preventative measures against influenza and pneumonia.
Medical Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out special travel
insurance that will reimburse you for the cost of emergency
medical services and evacuation, which can be prohibitively
expensive in remote areas.
Meals
American or Continental breakfast at hotels, lunch during
full-day excursions and all meals during the cruise are included.
Money Matter
Before leaving home, check the validity dates of any
credit cards you plan to bring and make sure they are signed.
Familiarize yourself with the emergency services offered, especially
personal check-cashing; bring your checkbook. A pocket calculator
is convenient.
Photography
In general, bring a camera that you already know well,
or experiment with any new equipment before the voyage. Bring
more film than you could ever imagine using (two rolls of 36
exposure film daily is usual for non-photographers) and at least
one extra set of batteries. The photographic possibilities are
endless and the limited shipboard shop may not stock your favorite
film.
Expect a variety of light conditions, from bright sunshine and
glare to dark, overcast skies. You may want to take a variety
of film speeds for these varying light conditions. A telephoto
lens is useful, since we must maintain a respectful distance
from wildlife. Bring a wide angle lens or a panoramic camera,
as the landscapes are impressive.
Place any gear to be brought ashore inside a small backpack;
your hands must be free and cameras work better when they are
warm and dry. Salt spray, condensation and cold are particularly
hard on electronic cameras and video cameras. A foam-lined case
will help keep your batteries warm; you may also wish to keep
a simple camera tucked inside your jacket.
A cold camera kept in a waterproof case or sealed plastic bag
will not develop condensation once brought into a warm environment.
An ultraviolet (UV) or skylight filter will protect expensive
lenses from dust and damage. Make sure that your lenses have
them.
Suggested Reading
Click
here to see a comprehensive reading list of relevant
Arctic literature and reference material.
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