How to keep warm on a polar cruise

No matter where you travel in the polar regions, the weather and temperature can be highly changeable. What starts as a sunny day with a little breeze in Antarctica can soon become much colder if the wind chill picks up.

With the correct clothing and preparation, travelling in the polar regions isn’t necessarily uncomfortable; it just takes more planning than in warmer climates. A key to staying warm in cold weather is being prepared and keeping dry.

In this post, I share 9 practical ways, based on my personal experience, to help you stay warm on your polar cruise.

If you want to explore the polar regions, don’t forget that you can search and book the largest range of polar cruises and tours at Polar Escapes.

1. Dress in Layers

One of the best ways to remain warm and retain body heat in a polar environment is to wear layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed as needed, depending on the temperature and activity. With the correct layering you can keep warm in even the coldest temperatures.

Choose a thermal base layer that wicks moisture away from your skin. This ensures that during activities such as hiking, the material does not become damp from sweat, which can lead to coldness later on. Choose a synthetic material or merino wool and avoid cotton.

Next, add an insulating mid layer such as a fleece or wool top. On cooler days, I wear a thin marino roll neck under a thick fleece layer for an extra warmth. I also have a down jacket in my rucksack incase the temperature drops. Consider fleece pants or thermal leggings that can be worn under your waterproof pants for extra warmth.

An outer layer is a waterproof and windproof layer that you wear over the other layers. Suppose you are travelling during the spring or autumn months. In that case, it is worth considering a parka jacket, which is protected against the elements but includes an additional layer of insulation. Waterproof snow pants are a great way to keep warm on a Zodiac cruise. Also consider a ski jacket, ski pants if you are participating in off-ship activities during the spring and autumn seasons.

Many cruises and tours we sell include a complimentary outer jacket or parka. Please check with us when booking to see what is included.

Please see our comprehensive Antarctica packing list to learn more about the best clothing for the polar regions.

2. Stay Dry

Staying dry is key to keeping warm in the polar regions. Make sure you have a fully waterproof jacket and waterproof pants that can be worn during Zodiac rides and onshore landings. During Zodiac rides, you are often not moving, so consider adding extra layers of clothing to help keep you warm.

Damp clothing can rapidly cool the body in colder climates. This is why wearing a non-absorbant, moisture-wicking base layer is essential. Consider carrying spare clothing in a waterproof backpack on longer shore landings or hikes.

If you get wet, change out your damp clothes as soon as possible.  

3. Protect Your Hands, Feet and Head

Heat is lost first through your head, hands and feet, so it is essential to keep them covered at all times.

For the head, I recommend a thermal hat or beanie that also covers your ears. A fleece neck gaiter is my go-to in the polar regions, as it gives added insulation to the neck area and can be pulled up over your ears and nose if the wind picks up on a Zodiac cruise.

I always recommend taking two pairs of gloves, so you have a spare pair. I recommend one set of waterproof and windproof gloves that can be worn during Zodiac cruises to keep your hands warm and dry. Ski mittens are also suitable. Fingerless gloves are handy for operating a camera without removing your gloves.

On cold days, during shore landings or Zodiac rides, I recommend wearing two pairs of socks for added warmth—a thin pair close to the skin and a thick pair of wool socks.

4. Waterproof Footwear Matters

On an expedition cruise, you will likely make a wet landing. This is where you step out of the Zodiac into shallow water and onto a beach. In South Georgia, due to the steepness of the beach and the surf, you can expect to do more than one wet landing!

In the spring and early summer, there is still a good deal of snow on the shores of the Arctic and Antarctica, so waterproof footwear and rubber boots are a must.

Cold feet can quickly ruin an outing, so you must wear sturdy, waterproof boots during Zodiac rides and shore landings. If you prefer you can change into hiking boots once on the shore.

Most cruise lines will supply boots as part of the expedition. Please check with us to see if boots are included when making a reservation.  

To stay warm, consider adding thermal insoles or a double layer of socks to ensure your feet stay as warm as possible.

5. Consider Hand and Foot Warmers

Hand warmers can offer extra comfort on frigid days. Slip them into your gloves or boots for comfort during long excursions or Zodiac rides. We highly recommend rechargeable hand warmers that can be used over single-use ones to reduce waste.

6. Keep Your Body Fuelled

A key to staying warm is to keep well-fed. Make sure you have a decent breakfast in the mornings before undertaking a hike or shore excursion. In Antarctica, it is forbidden to bring food ashore, so enjoy a decent calorie intake before leaving the ship.

Keep well hydrated and drink plenty of warm beverages such as herbal teas, coffee and cocoa to help increase your body temperature. If you enjoy spending much time on deck, consider bringing a flask to keep hot drinks in.

7. Keep Moving

When it gets cold, remember to keep on moving. Whether you spend time out on deck wildlife watching or take a longer Zodiac ride, keep moving to generate heat so you don’t get cold. Even small movements, such as moving fingers and toes, can go a long way toward stopping you from getting cold and keeping your circulation moving.

If you are travelling on a ship with a promenade deck, taking a regular stroll around the ship is the perfect way to keep warm. Some ships, such as Le Commandant Charcot, even have heated seats on the deck, which is the ideal way to warm up outside.

8. Enjoy The Ship’s Facilities

Many polar expedition cruise ships have excellent facilities, such as saunas, on-deck jacuzzis, and spas. A sauna or hot pool is my favourite place to warm up after exploring outside on a cold outing or an adventurous polar plunge.

9. Know When to Go Inside

While exploring the polar regions is an exhilarating experience, it is important to recognise if you become too cold. If signs of hypothermia are developing, it is time to go back inside and warm up immediately. Ships’ guides are trained to spot signs of hypothermia early on, so you will be in safe hands.

Final Thoughts

Staying warm on a polar cruise is as much about being prepared as it is about knowing your body’s tolerance to the cold. Choosing the right clothing and protection will go a long way toward keeping you warm when you are off the ship so you can fully experience the magic of the polar regions in comfort.

At Polar Escapes, we provide free advice to help you plan your expedition cruise. If you have any questions about how to stay warm on a polar cruise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

If you are ready to embark on an adventure, why not check out our Arctic and Antarctica cruises to find your perfect trip?