Question About Shoes for Penguin Visits

[joyy7403]

This is something I cannot find addressed on any thread, I may have missed it.

We will be doing the SA cruise in January. I am wondering if I should bring shoe covers of some kind to prevent bringing penguin droppings back to the ship. I am not afraid of germs, but bringing that back to the ship can't be sanitary. I appreciate any advice any previous visitors can give me!

[joyy7403]

Perhaps my question is too rediculous to answer. I'm not being a germaphob, I just thought that maybe it was a reasonable question. I think I've gotten my answer by not getting any answers. It's a non-issue. Happy sailing!😁

[Chairsin]

You did not say if your cruise includes Antarctica or not but if that is where you will be penguin watching there are most definitely very strict protocols for cleaning your boots when you leave and return to the ship. The concern is generally less what you bring back to the shop than what you take on shore.

 

 

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[roaming_kiwi58]

We visited several penguin colonies on mainland South America from a HAL SA & Antarctica cruise last Christmas (there were no actual landings in Antarctica). We did not use anything special for footwear. In some of the penguin colonies you usually have to keep to the pathways, and okay the penguins don't recognise they are only for humans, but they get all the human traffic and we didn't find them that dirty. One colony had a lot of wooden walkways for the humans.

We had no issues with very dirty shoes when we went back to the ship.

Walking in penguin colonies on Antarctica is a different story regarding keeping your footwear clean.

Hope this helps!

[joyy7403]

Your replies helped greatly, thank you! We will just be staying on the mainland, no travel to Antarctica 😩. I am just so excited about this cruise!

[sandysk]

Not a silly question at all!!!!

Many people have suggested taking those surgical booties that doctors wear to cover your shoes for penguin visits.

Have a great trip.

[joyy7403]

That is a great idea also! I could have some on hand just in case it gets too messy. Or if I decide to sit down & play with them for a while! Wish I could.

Edited October 14, 2016 by joyy7403

[TiogaCruiser]

We went to Ottoway Sound and Puerto Tombo and see no reason for shoe covers. It was no different than walking in our local park with the ducks walking around.

[joyy7403]

We went to Ottoway Sound and Puerto Tombo and see no reason for shoe covers. It was no different than walking in our local park with the ducks walking around.

 

We have a lot of Canadian geese here, so I know what you mean. I was just thinking of the hundreds of penguins I've seen in pictures & imagining the mess.

 

Thanks for your input!

[Keith1010]

In most cases I would just wear hiking boots. Low cut ones.

 

If you go to the Falkland Islands I would go with the painter shoe covers which over the years I have recommended to others because of not only droppings but the mud.

 

Keith

[joyy7403]

In most cases I would just wear hiking boots. Low cut ones.

 

If you go to the Falkland Islands I would go with the painter shoe covers which over the years I have recommended to others because of not only droppings but the mud.

 

Keith

 

I never thought about the mud. I'll check into those, thank you!!

[WupperAV]

Shoes for Penguins? When Penguins visit here they run about barefoot.

[joyy7403]

LOL

Well, I guess I'm such an animal lover that I think their cute little webbed feet may get cold! Well, guess I'll leave the suitcase full of booties at home!:D