Gearing Up For Seabourn's Ultimate Antarctica

Even before you begin packing for a trip that includes 'extreme' climate changes you will surely check your wardrobe to determine what you have and what you need. Seabourn recognizes that such a trip isn't always easy to plan for—especially if what you need is out of season—and has launched "Seabourn's Adventure Outfitter," a convenient online site providing suggested lists of equipment and clothing, for guests preparing to join the company's "Ultimate Antarctica & Patagonia" voyages later this year aboard Seabourn Quest.

The cruise line has teamed up with an experienced polar outfitter to create a site for guests who wish to purchase expedition wear or to make arrangements to have the specialized insulated boots suggested for Antarctica available to them directly on the ship. This eliminates the need for guests to pack and carry these somewhat heavy and bulky boots which are only needed during the time in Antarctica. The outfitting site offers a full range of expedition gear with convenient direct to ship delivery and can be reached from Seabourn.com. A selection of suggested books, field guides and maps is also available from the site for guests who wish to prepare in advance for the adventure.

"All guests on these cruises will be provided a beautiful complimentary Seabourn expedition parka and a handy daypack for secure, hands-free carrying of cameras and other items during the beach landings," noted John Delaney, Seabourn's senior vice president of marketing and sales. "Guests seeking other cold-weather pieces may also purchase additional clothing either as a package or by the piece on the website. All of the items available for sale have already been tested and are suitable for excursions ashore in the chilly Antarctic climate."

Temperatures will vary between Austral summer conditions in South America to chillier winter conditions during the five days in Antarctica where temperatures are expected to average in the mid-thirties Fahrenheit. Wind and precipitation can affect comfort, as well. Guests will also want to be on deck during cruising in the Chilean fjords, around glaciers and at other times, so suitable clothing will help them make the most of the entire cruise.

Beginning Nov. 20, 2013, Seabourn Quest will sail on a series of four 21- to 24-day voyages between Valparaíso, (Santiago) Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina. They include days exploring the Chilean coast and fjords, Beagle Channel, Glacier Alley, the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park, Cape Horn, the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, Montevideo and five days of cruising and landings on the Antarctic Continent in uncompromised Seabourn luxury. A 24-day Holiday version, departing Dec. 11, 2013, will include a rare visit to the sub-Antarctic wildlife Eden of South Georgia Island, renowned for its beauty and its vast, teeming rookeries of king penguins and other seabirds, as well as breeding elephant and fur seals.

Seabourn Quest Image Courtesy of Seabourn Cruises