1. When you are riding in a zodiac, you can get cold and wet pretty quickly. When you are going on a zodiac cruise, which last 30-60 minutes typically, you are likelier to get very cold than any other time in your Antarctic trip (unless you fall in to the water which happens extremely rarely). Dress more warmly for a zodiac cruise than any other event.
2. If you are diabetic and need medication on regular intervals throughout the day, put a small supply of needed drugs in a waterproof container and leave them in your parka all the time during the voyage so that you will have them if you need them. You will rarely go outside without your parka which makes it a great place to store such items.
3. Everyone who needs prescription drugs for their health regime should (I would prefer must) put all your medicines in a waterproof container in your cabin. Label this box “Prescription medicines” and keep it on a dresser table or desk in plain sight. In the event of an emergency, a staff or crew member can rush to your cabin and bring your box to you. Everyone should do this without fail. Remember in an emergency, a crew member may be told to go to your cabin at some risk to that person, think ahead and leave your medicines in a box in open view. I recommend the simple “Lock and Lock” plastic boxes that are sold in grocery stores or in discount stores in the U.S. More hardcore solutions would include a pelican case which costs three times as much but would provide more protection.
4. One of the most beautiful parts of any trip to the Antarctic that begins in Ushuaia, is the passage down the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia. Few passengers see it because they are eating dinner, settling into their cabin, or just relieved that the series of flights needed to get to and from Antarctica are over for the moment.
5. Remember the old rule: 95% of the shots you actually wind up showing to your friends will be taken on the 20% of the time when the weather is good and the sky is blue. True, digital re-working allows one to cheat, but perhaps better would be to swear off photography for an entire day (or afternoon) when the weather is overcast and grey, and just sit and look at all that is around you. At the very least, if traveling with someone, take one day and trade off and let the other person be the principal photographer for that day.
6. No, you cannot have too many photographs of penguins.
7. Don’t miss any of the lectures. If one particular lecturer is disappointing, still she/he may make a point or two that adds to your knowledge—and therefore appreciation—of the Antarctic.
8. Spend as much time as you can on deck. Even when “nothing is happening” magic moments occur. Stay out as much as possible—the cold weather also helps burn calories.
9. One of the greatest pleasures in the Antarctic—and after thirty some trips I still try to do it every time—is to take a seat by the shore where the penguins are landing and watch them. In this way you see them swim—and I still remember how unbelievable they are in the water. You really see that they are birds flying through the water. Plus, ashore you can see all the behaviors the naturalists talk about.
10. At least one day on the voyage, stay up late until the sun goes down or should have if you are in 24 hours of daylight. The shadows and the light can be unbearably beautiful that time of day and too few people witness this great moment.