Since it’s not a common destination, I thought I’d start a thread and see if I could be helpful, or at least interesting. What would you like to know about this trip?
How long were you there? What “vacation stuff” did you do there?
Did a shapeshifting alien invade your group?
Where did you keep the thermostat set? 
Was it worth it? I’ve heard Antarctic vacations can easily run into several thousand US dollars. Do you think it was worth the money spent?
lol
What kind of clothing did you take? Did you have to get shots? What accommodations were there?
How long were you there?
More or less one night in a hotel, followed by a flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas, where we boarded the ship. One day in the fjords, but the weather was getting bad, so we struck out south across the Drake Passage (two days). Around 8 days in Antarctica, two back across the Drake with a landing at Cape Horn, a day in the fjords, and off again at Punta Arenas.
**What “vacation stuff” did you do there? **
Scenic cruising, Zodiac cruising, a number of landings, showshoeing, kayaking, polar plunge, lectures, movies about Antarctica, citizen science (noting birds and nesting while on land), visits around (but not in) research stations, and several small souvenir options at those stations.
**
Did a shapeshifting alien invade your group? **
Not so far as I know.
Where did you keep the thermostat set?
Speaking as a woman of a certain age, as low as it went.
**Was it worth it? I’ve heard Antarctic vacations can easily run into several thousand US dollars. Do you think it was worth the money spent? **
It was about $7000, which included my airfare, a night at a hotel in Santiago, and flights between Santiago and Punta Arenas. I had saved for it for awhile. Since my goals had to do with birds and landscapes, it was absolutely worth it. That the crew and expedition leaders were excellent, the ship and food were above average, the other passengers were friendly and decent, and I scored my last continent, absolutely.
It just occurred to me, it’s Summer there. What was the temperature like? Shirtsleeve weather? Jacket and jeans?
I know a test you can perform to determine for certain.
**What kind of clothing did you take? Did you have to get shots? What accommodations were there? **
I took layers: Base layer, tee and pants, 2 pairs of wool socks, jacket and rain pants, plus a shell that they supplied, along with knee-high rubber and neoprene muck boots. I had 3 changes of clothes, including those I was wearing, a few extra items (like Tevas for on the ship, a bathing suit, and a fleece vest), and outerwear accessories (waterproof insulated gloves, fleece gaiter, fleece ear covers) and good sunglasses. I could have done with a little less, but had I spilled anything on myself or ripped anything, I’d have been happy for the back-up articles.
No shots required for vacation in Antarctica. I imagine that those working there would have other requirements. I made sure I was up to date on my standard vaccinations, including tetanus. We had to provide a form signed by our doctor within 8 weeks of embarkation stating that we had no medical issues that were likely to require emergency services, since there’s nothing between the ship’s doctor and having the Chilean military send a helicopter.
There aren’t accommodations in Antarctica except for workers at the bases. We stayed on the ship. The four “ladies from Port Lockroy,” who operate under the Antarctic Heritage Trust, told us that they apply in a competitive process to spend November through March at their station, where they collect data and operate a post office and souvenir shop. They have no running water so when ships come in, they shower on board. Last year, 3,500 people applied for 3 openings. We were unable to land at Port Lockroy because the number of people in a day is restricted, so they came aboard for a talk and to sell stamps and a few souvenirs. I presume they frank the stamped letters, then put them aboard the next ship going to the Falklands, which is where they enter the British Antarctic Territory mail system.
Did you get any pictures of you standing with wild Penguins?
**What was the temperature like? Shirtsleeve weather? Jacket and jeans? **
Typically -2C to +2C, which wasn’t bad, though with wind it was pretty chilly at times. On most days, standing on deck for more than a few minutes required at least the 2 pairs of socks, covered shoes, base and long pants, base and shirt, plus a jacket. Normally, the shell and gloves were necessary as well. However, on the day that I kayaked I wound up taking off the neoprene gloves (I was in a dry suit with booties) and my hat because I was too warm.
**Did you get any pictures of you standing with wild Penguins? **
Indeed I did, though at a distance of 5 meters per Antarctic policy. Since penguins can’t read, they sometimes come closer.
I think this is the coolest part of your trip. Nice job!
**I know a test you can perform to determine for certain. **
I was really more concerned about the Star Spawn of Cthulhu.
**I think this is the coolest part of your trip. Nice job! **
Thank you! I had some specific birding goals, and hanging out with penguins (specifically, Adelies and Chinstraps) was one of them.
You tried out your Morgan Freeman impression, didn’t you? How could you resist? Any good? 
Congratulations on bagging your last continent! How many countries have you been to? My wife’s aunt and uncle traveled there a couple of years ago. I asked them to bring back some Antarctic ice. It’s still in my freezer. 
Seriously. I have some Iwo Jima sand and I’m going to give her some of it — and I know she’ll get a kick out of it. That’s the way we roll.
Of all the places you’ve visited, what is (are) the place(s) you’d definitely want to return to for another visit? Not because, dang, you meant to see XYZ but youran out of time, but because you loved it so much
You tried out your Morgan Freeman impression, didn’t you? How could you resist? Any good?
Alas, my attention was on other symbolic activities.
**Congratulations on bagging your last continent! How many countries have you been to? **
By Travel Century Club criteria, which are broader, about 85. By the UN country list, probably 64.
I asked them to bring back some Antarctic ice. It’s still in my freezer.
Fun!
Of all the places you’ve visited, what is (are) the place(s) you’d definitely want to return to for another visit?
I’d turn right around and go back to Antarctica if I could. I’d enjoy having more time to poke around in Scandinavia and Iceland, though it’s quite expensive. I’m very fond of Botswana and if I were unattached and unemployed, I’d try to get a job there.
Mostly, though, I think about places I haven’t yet been, like Easter Island or Andorra, and start saving for the next trip.