Santa's coming early for me---my dream cruise

[BorderLady]

The MS Amsterdam from Rio to Santiago, including Christmas Day in the Antarctic!

Considering that temperatures will start off at 85 to 90F, then dropping to ...Heaven knows what! ... then back up again, I'd appreciate packing tips from those who've taken this trip. What did you wish you had taken? What did you wish you'd left at home?

Layering will be the name of the game, of course, but what about warm tootsies? Any ideas on best socks/shoes/boots that don't take up lots of luggage space?

I'll appreciate your ideas. Thanks.

[RuthC]

Packing was certainly a challenge when I sailed in early Jan. 2002. I was leaving and returning to New England in the winter, flying to Rio. I wore a sundress to the airport, with my heaviest winter coat over it. I slung an old HAL canvas bag over my carry-on (filled with reading material, CD player, snacks) and stuffed a collapsible duffle bag in it, too. When I go to the airport I shoved my gloves in the coat pocket, packed my coat, and checked it through.

For the most part I had summer slacks/tops and sundresses for daytime wear. I may have taken one sweatshirt and a windbreaker, but don't remember for certain. It was cool in the Falklands, and frigid one day in Antarctica. People tended to go in and out while enjoying the scenic cruising. A couple of days in Chile were cool, too.

This was the absolute best cruise of my life; Antarctica was the best part of that cruise. It's an exhausing flight down, and at least as exhausting coming home, but so very worth it.
I hope it's every bit as good for you.

[InterestedBystander]

Looks like the Christmas cruise on the Amsterdam includes several days in the Antarctic region. With any luck, perhaps there’ll be a shore visit somewhere but at the very least, it sounds like you’ll want to spend a lot of time on deck seeing the sights.

I’m a cyclist, winter and summer. Here are some of the things I’ve done that won’t overload your baggage, as well as tips from others who cycle during the coldest winter weather.

Slip on the end of a plastic bag (like for english muffins) over socks from toes back to the ball of the foot. It keeps the wind off, but not much trouble with moisture build up undeneath since moisture can vent toward the back of the foot. The bag makes more difference than you might think.

Use shoes one size too big and wear a thin silk sock under a bulky wool sock.

Install (an extra) neoprene insole in a larger shoe. You might be able to use it with your regular walking shoe, too.

Enjoy! That cruise is on my wish list, too. I hope you'll report when you get back.

[jhannah]

That sounds wonderful. Borderlady! Congratulations! That cruise is on our wish list, too. Maybe some day we can pull it off.

[Charliesmom]

We went on a Buenos Aires to Santiago cruise via Cape Horn and found that mid-weight jackets (like from Lands End or LL Bean) along with hats and gloves, were perfect, especially for the cool weather going through the Chilean fiords. I wore Birkenstock walking shoes. We did dress for three seasons - hot summer, cool spring and warm winter. Since we didn't go to Antartica, I cannot comment on what to wear there.

It is a marvelous cruise. Enjoy!

Roberta

[Bill S]

Borderlady: Congratulations! I hope you will enjoy this itinerary as much as we did--it was absolutely the best cruise we have ever taken in every respect!

You have the right idea: layer! I just broke down the number of days we would be in cooler temperatures and in warmer temperatures and packed accordingly.

With respect to footwear, my DW took warm socks and tennis shoes and had no problem with cold feet, but her ears and hands were protected very well. In the Falklands, Ushuaia and Antarctica, I wore insulated, waterproof Merrell mocs-they were more than adequate. There are no shore excursions in Antarctica, so unless it snows on you, down there, you won't be walking around in any snow or ice down there. We did have snow the morning after we left Antarctic waters, however.

I wish you spectacular weather and calm seas!

[BorderLady]

Many thanks to all of you for your tips and encouragement.

I'll want to spend lots of time outside so the earmuffs are a good idea (that I probably would have forgotten).

Cold feet are always my main concern but I'll certainly want warm gloves, too. Binoculars will be important to see everything so I sure don't want to have to stand around with my hands stuffed in pockets.

I'm still very interested in hearing what people take on a multi-climate cruise that turns out not to be needed.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

[RuthC]

I'm still very interested in hearing what people take on a multi-climate cruise that turns out not to be needed.I never take anything that I don't need---but then I pack lightly.
I even used my bathing suit! It's a kick to be sailing in those frigid waters, looking out at collosal icebergs, while bubbling over in the hot tub.

Binoculars were supplied by HAL for everyone on the ship, but they are not powerful and you might want to bring your own. Sometimes your camera lens can serve the same purpose.

[bobpatj]

If you haven't checked it out already, the South America board has a lot of useful information and some wonderful pictures. We'll be sailing on the Amsterdam on Jan. 25th, Rio to Santiago. I hope you'll post a review.

[BorderLady]

RuthC -- I'm so glad you mentioned the bathing suit. I've always passed up hot tubbing on HAL ships and I doubt I would have considered it. On reflection, the prospect of lolling in the steamy water in the midst of glaciers is just 'kicky' enough to lure me. (And that'd be a sure way to warm up my cold tootsies) :)

bobpatj -- thanks for turning me on to the South American forum. I hadn't thought of looking past the HAL forum. And there's LOTS of helpful information there. Several comments about 30F. weather (which, in itself) doesn't sound so bad) but combined with a fierce wind coming straight off the Antarctic ice -- that gets my attention!

Can't wait! Six more weeks --- I'm getting verrrrrrry excited.