What to pack for Expedition Cruises

There are several things to remember to bring along with you when you are coming on an expedition with us.

To make packing a bit easier, we have put together a packing list, covering both polar waters and expeditions in warmer waters such as the Caribbean, South America and in Europe.

And if you forget something, don’t worry! You will find a store with a wide range of clothing and practical items on board all of our ships.

  • On board, it’s a good idea to wear regular shoes.
  • Bring a memory card with a large capacity – there are sockets in the cabins to recharge photo equipment.
  • The dress code aboard the ship is relaxed and casual and you are not expected to dress formally for meals.
  • On most of our cruises, lectures and presentations will be in English and simultaneously translated to GER (or FRE on SB). There will be single-use in-ear headphones available on the ship; however, for better comfort, consider bringing your own personal headphones.
  • Extra shoelaces are also a good idea.
  • Bring a good pair of binoculars.
  • A small waterproof backpack is necessary for carrying essentials.
  • Please remember to bring your passport, and an extra copy of your passport
  • Sun protection
  • Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
  • Lip balm with UV protection. Dry, cold wind and sun often cause chapped lips.
  • Money in the appropriate currency. Remember, our ships also accept several credit cards.
  • Remember to bring sufficient medication in case of any unforeseen delays
  • You will receive a wind- and water-resistant parka as a memento on all expedition ships except MS Nordstjernen and MS Santa Cruz.
  • Rubber boots are available upon request, at no extra cost, aboard all expedition ships except MS Nordstjernen, MS Santa Cruz, MS Maud and MS Otto Sverdrup.
Various items on a table Various items on a table

Expeditions to polar waters – this means voyages to Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland, Canada and the Norwegian coast.

  • Warm winter jacket
  • Wind and water resistant trousers and long thermal underwear and top (we recommend wool)
  • Warm cap or headband
  • You should also bring swimwear to for use in our on-deck whirlpools
  • Scarf or fleece tube
  • Warm woollen jumper and fleece jumper/jacket, remember layers are essential
  • Sunglasses with UV filter lenses
  • Gloves and mittens, fleece and wool
  • Warm socks
  • Bring extra batteries for your camera, as battery life is shorter in cold areas
  • Shoes with good soles are recommended for outdoors, on deck, and for excursions ashore. Make sure they are worn-in walking boots.  

Expeditions to warm areas – generally, South America and the areas around the equator are hot and muggy, but during the evenings it can cool down quite a bit, especially if it rains. Fast-drying clothes that can be layered work best.

  • Inexpensive rain poncho
  • Sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet
  • Wide-brimmed sun hat
  • A light jacket (water resistant) that will keep you warm on a cool evening and dry during a sudden downpour
  • Swimwear, both for use on the beach and in the whirlpools on deck
  • Short- and long-sleeved T-shirts with UV filter
  • Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
  • Shorts for warm days
  • Pants for cooler days
  • Insect repellent with DEET
  • Anti-itch cream for insect bites