Polar Cruise Travel Tips

Key Takeaways

• Put your batteries in different inside pockets of your clothes to keep them charged up – cold weather drains them much quicker.
• Put your camera in a plastic bag before going inside warm areas to stop condensation messing it up when you come in from the cold.
• Take both crystallised ginger and acupressure bands with you – they work brilliantly together to help with seasickness, better than tablets alone.
• Go for a cabin that’s lower down, facing forward and near the middle of the ship – you’ll get less rocking about and better nights’ sleep in rough weather.
• Set your camera to 1/1000th shutter speed and burst mode before wildlife shows up – you’ll get sharper photos that way.

Camera Settings for Polar Light

When you’re shooting in polar regions, getting the exposure right is crucial – you don’t want brilliant glaciers to look like dull, white blobs! To handle all that bright, reflective snow and ice, bump up your exposure compensation by +1 or +2 stops.

Keep your ISO nice and low (100-200) to get clear, crisp shots without any grainy bits.

For those amazing Arctic or Antarctic scenes, put your camera into aperture priority mode (A/Av) and go for f/8 to f/11 – brilliant for sharp landscapes.

If you’re snapping wildlife, switch to shutter priority (S/Tv) and aim for at least 1/1000 second.

Protecting Electronics in Extreme Cold

The bitter cold at the poles can really mess up your electronics if you’re not careful.

Don’t leave your cameras or phones out in the cold too long, and when you bring them inside, put them in a plastic bag to stop condensation from ruining them.

It’s worth getting proper camera covers or neoprene sleeves to keep your kit warm.

Take off any metal jewellery before handling equipment – the freezing temperatures can make metal stick right to your skin.

Keep your gadgets in waterproof cases when you’re moving between the ship and smaller boats.

Remember to keep power banks warm too, since they struggle in the cold just like normal batteries do.

Zodiac Landing Techniques

Hopping on and off Zodiac boats needs a bit of know-how and attention to what the crew tells you. Swing your legs across and plant your feet firmly on the side tube whilst keeping three steady contact points.

When you’re heading to the shore, don’t move until the driver gives you the nod – the timing’s crucial in polar regions where ice and tides shift about.

• Your lifejacket should be snug and keep your hands free for transfers
• Land in the middle of the Zodiac and get quickly to where you’re meant to sit
• Grip the rope lines for stability, not the tubes
• Pay attention to the crew during beach arrivals – they’ll tell you when it’s safe to get off and where to walk

Seasickness Beyond Standard Remedies

If you’re still feeling queasy despite regular motion sickness tablets, polar cruises might need a bit more planning to keep you comfortable.

Try wearing acupressure wristbands along with your usual medicine, and stick to the middle of the ship where it’s steadier. Go for a cabin on a lower level and make sure it’s facing forward – it really helps with balance.

Besides tablets, ginger works brilliantly – pack some crystallised ginger or bring strong ginger tea to drink throughout the day.

What you eat matters too – skip heavy, oily food and nibble on plain crackers in small amounts instead.

Keep your mind busy by looking at the horizon or getting involved in deck activities.

If seasickness hits you particularly hard, start taking your tablets a day before sailing and keep taking them at the same times during your trip.

Wildlife Photography From Moving Ships

Taking wildlife snaps from a moving polar ship needs some special know-how and planning.

You’ll want to get your camera settings sorted before you spot that polar bear or whale – there’s no time to mess about with buttons once you see one. Move your shutter speed up to at least 1/1000th of a second to handle both the ship’s movement and the wildlife’s motion.

• Keep your camera handy with a full battery and empty memory card – wildlife can pop up anywhere, anytime
• Find a spot where the ship’s rocking is minimal, usually mid-ship on a lower deck
• Get your focus ready on places where animals might show up, like ice floes or feeding areas
• Switch to burst mode to boost your chances of getting clear shots, especially with seabirds flying past

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can You Stay Outside on Deck Before Risking Frostbite?

While it’d be brilliant to spend ages on deck watching icebergs, you’ll want to pop back inside after 20-30 minutes when temps fall below freezing, unless you’ve got proper thermal gear on.

Are Polar Bears Ever Spotted Near Cruise Ships During Summer Voyages?

You’re quite likely to see polar bears on summer Arctic cruises – they hunt and move about near the ice edges where ships tend to sail. Sometimes you’ll catch sight of them swimming close to the boats.

What Formal Attire Should I Pack for Captain’s Dinners?

You can keep it quite relaxed. A jumper, casual shirt, or blouse with trousers will do nicely. Most polar cruises have laid-back dress codes.

Can I Use My Mobile Phone to Contact Home During the Cruise?

Mobile signal at sea is pretty much non-existent – a bit like being in the middle of nowhere. You’ll need to buy satellite Wi-Fi packages to keep in touch with folks back home, but don’t expect the connection to be good enough for watching videos.

Do Polar Cruises Offer Special Activities or Programs for Children?

Many polar cruises have brilliant activities for kids, like keeping an eye out for wildlife, learning photography, and taking part in fun learning sessions. It’s worth looking at age limits before you book your family trip.