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Deciding on your perfect cruise packing list can be a stressful time, especially if it's your first time out.
Although we're all guilty of forgetting things when traveling, it's best to keep it to a minimum as many cruise lines charge like wounded bulls for basic items such as charges, hats, sunglasses etc. This is made even worse if you're taking an expedition cruise as many of the ships do not have shops!
The answer? Read this guide, make a checklist and you'll be absolutely fine. If you want, you can just bookmark this page and keep coming back to remind yourself.
To make this process as easy as possible, we have separated this guide into three sections - warm weather, moderate weather, and Polar weather. Within each section we list the must have items for your cruise. We also separate each section into main line cruises and expedition cruises.
First up though, we have listed a number of questions that you will need to consider when thinking about your packing list. We have also provided a section on the real basics to avoid repeating ourselves.
Please read on or use the quicklinks below to jump to a certain section you want to know more about.
Quick Navigation
Specific Cruise Packing Lists
Questions To Consider Prior To Packing
The Basics
Evening Attire
Warm Weather Cruise Packing List
Moderate-Weather Cruise packing List
Polar Cruise Packing List
FAQ
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Expedition Cruise do not sell tours, we simply provide impartial advice. If you would like an exact quote with our recommended specialist click Get a Quote.
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Specific Cruise Packing Lists
If you're taking an expedition cruise and know your destination, please click below for our specific expedition cruise packing lists. If you're taking a main line cruise or don't know your destination yet, just read on.
Antarctica Packing List
Arctic Packing List
Alaska Packing List
Click here for a full and detailed Antarctica cruise packing list. We discuss everything from base layers and binoculars, to boots and gloves!
Click here for a full and detailed Arctic packing list. We provide all the information you need regarding what to wear and gear to bring.
Click here for a full and detailed Alaska packing list. W provide an overview of the clothes and gear you'll require for both main line and expedition cruises.
Questions To Consider Prior To Packing
No matter where or when you decide to cruise, there are a number of questions you'll need to consider when packing for your amazing trip.
Weather Conditions
The biggest question is what will the weather be like when cruising. Knowing this will have a great impact on what you decide to bring with you. For instance, temperatures in Svalbard will differ significantly to temperatures in the Galapagos. No one wants to be shivering their whole cruise!
Obviously, we can't predict the weather, but we can get a sense of average temperatures, rain fall, water temperature etc. This will then inform you of what you need to pack.
This guide has been laid out to answer this question. Simply read on to find out what you need to pack for the various climates.
Luggage limitations
Obviously, luggage limitations will affect your packing list quite considerably. You will also need to consider if you have any travels before or after your cruise planned?
Many of the major cruise lines like Celebrity or P&O will allow you to bring several (or more) pieces of luggage, so long as each piece does not exceed 23kg. Princess Cruises are very good and allow a massive 90kg per person! Expedition cruises also offer a considerable amount.
However, if you plan on taking a flight, then you'll only be allowed 1 piece without having to pay extra.
Length Of Cruise
The length of cruise will have a serious impact on how much you bring. However it probably won't have a huge impact on what you bring.
All cruise ships, whether main line or expedition, will have laundry services on-board (at an extra cost). This means you do not have to pack fresh clothes for the entire trip which will save you a bunch of space.
Added Activities
Knowing what extra activities and shore excursions you're planning on doing is vital when it comes to your cruise packing list.
Many cruises offer activities like kayaking, hiking, fishing, climbing, jet skiing, etc. For each activity you'll need to dress appropriately which means packing the right things. You will also need to research what your operator provides.
The Basics
No matter when or where you cruise, or what type of cruise ship you sail on, there is a number of basic items that you will need with you at all times.
Below we have given a quick overview of these key items. Please read on for a more detailed cruise packing list.
Clothing
- Shirts/Shorts
- Gym Clothes
- Trousers
- Waterproof Jacket
- Underwear
- Nightgown/Pajamas
- Fleece/hoody
Footwear
- Comfy Shoes
- Flip Flops
- Walking Boots
- Socks
- Smart Shoes
- Hiking socks
Headgear
- Sun Hat
- Sunglasses
- Contacts (if needed)
- Reading glasses (if needed)
- Scarf
Electric Items
- Camera
- Spare batteries
- Phone/Camera Charger
- Plug Adaptor
- Laptop
- Kindle/E-book
- Binoculars
- power strip
- Phone
- Spare SD Cards
Accessories
- Earplugs
- Playing Cards
- Travel pillow
- Swiss Army Knife
- Corkscrew
- Zip lock bags
- Luggage Locks
- Duct Tape
- Travel Umbrella
- Suncream
- Water Bottle
Documents
- Passports
- Cruise Tickets
- Plane Tickets
- Insurance Papers
- Visa certificates
- Vaccination certificates
- Drivers License
- Cash and Credit Cards
- Emergency Numbers
- Copy Of All Documents
Packing Items
- Jewellery Organiser
- Packing Cells
- Wet and Dry Bags
- Laundry Bag
- Toiletry Bag
- Folding Tote Bag
- Purses (Day and Night)
- Day Pack
Toiletries
- Toothpaste/Toothbrush
- Shaver/Razor
- Dental Floss
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Brush
- Make up Remover
- Hair Straighteners
- Deoderants
- Mouthwash
Medications
- Acetaminophen
- Small First Aid Kit
- Hand-Wipes
- Seasickness Tablets
- Lip Balm
- Bad Aids
- Ibuprofen
- Prescribed Medication
Evening Attire
The evening time aboard cruise ships is a time to let your hair down, dress up a little and have some fun. Therefore, most passengers will bring clothing purely for evening purposes.
Evening attire is mainly aimed at main line cruises such as P&O, Celebrity Cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises etc. Whilst expedition-style cruises do have welcome dinners and similar events, they are by no means as grand and attire is far more casual.
Many cruises will have themed dinners and special event dinners. It's very important to check with your cruise operator prior to leaving what these are, otherwise you might miss out. Most main line cruises will have at least one formal dress night.
Men
- Dress Shoes
- Tuxedo or Dark Suit
- Black Tie or Bow Tie
- Suspenders or Belt
- Standard Ties
- Cufflinks
- Sports Jacket
- Dress Shirts
Woman
- Formal Shoes/Heels
- Formal Dress
- co*cktail Dress
- Maxi Dress
- Jewellery (if wanted)
- Smart Skirt
- Smart Flats
Warm Weather Cruise Packing List
Whether you prefer main line cruises or expedition-style cruises, everyone loves warm weather!
Cruises to South America, the South Pacific, mediterranean, and the Caribbean are hugely popular for just this reason.
Below we have laid out the packing items you'll need for your warm weather cruise. How many items you bring really depends on the length of your itinerary.
The following list excludes the basics listed above, unless there is a particular version of clothing or accessory that we recommend for the weather conditions.
Essential Clothing Items
Breathable Shirts
Because the weather will be hot, you'll need to make sure your shirts are made from a nice, light and breathable fabric. This really applies to your other clothes as well. We suggest sporting brands such as nike, adidas and under armour for Dri-Fit Shirts.
Lightweight Jacket
Although the weather will be warm, winds can still get high and reduce the temperatures significantly. During these periods it's great to have a lightweight jacket to protect you. We suggest the north face venture jacket for both men and woman. helly hansen also do a great range.
Swimwear
There is more than likely to be one or two pools onboard your cruise ship. During the warm weather you'll want take a dip or two which means bringing a nice swimsuit or two. Make sure you feel comfortable in it as you will probably wear it quite often. Totally up to you which swimsuit you choose, but we personally like the cupshe swimsuit range.
Wetsuit
Although you'll be in the pool fairly regularly, you may want to take the odd ocean swim or two. Having a good lightweight wetsuit is ideal for this as it protects you from the sun. Not essential though unless swimming in jellyfish regions. We always recommend rip curl, quicksilver and billabong wetsuits.
Sandals
Socks and shoes are best avoided in hot weather unless absolutely necessary. A good pair sandals will do the job nicely and keep your feet cool at the same time. Look for sandals with goos grip on the soles. Click here for numerous options.
Water boots
One of the most useful things you can take is a good pair of water boots. Ideal for any ocean swimming, particularly if you want to explore a rocky area or snorkel. If you buy a good pair they can also double as basic walking boots. Mares, O'neil and Cressi all do good water booties.
Essential Accessories
Snorkel/Mask
The snorkelling opportunities on warm cruises are generally quite frequent. This means you'll want bring your snorkel and mask from home. If you can fit it, try to bring your flippers also. Gear by Atomicl is the best in our opinion, but Mares, Cressi and U.S Divers are also good.
Sun Hat
Because you'll be spending a lot of time out on deck and on shore, you'll want a good wide-brimmed sun hat to protect you. Hats with neck covers are also great, although not everyones style. Click here for a range of sun hats.
Sunscreen
You'll be out in the sun a lot, it's therefore vital that you protect your skin properly. We suggest wearing at least facto 50+ for ultimate protection. We also suggest purchasing water-resistant suncream. Click here for recommendations.
Bug Spray
Although warm weather is lovely, sadly, it attracts the bugs! The most annoying is of course the mosquito which can literally ruin a beautiful evening. River cruises are particularly bad for this. Purchase a good bug spray. We recommend Repel bug spray.
Underwater Camera
You'll probably see some very cool creatures and eco-stems underwater, so bringing a good camera is a great way to capture this. Go Pro's are generally the most popular because of their small size and excellent image quality. We recommend the Hero 6 Black edition
Beach Toys
If you're bringing the kids, you'll definitely want some beach toys. Whilst your tanning yourself on the white sand, the kids can keep themselves entertained for ages with the right beach toys. If you have the space, the 18 piece set above is ideal.
Moderate-Weather Cruise packing List
Some of the most popular cruising destinations on earth operate in moderate-weather conditions.
Destinations like Alaska, Patagonia, and Norway are just three examples of this. Although the weather is not warm and beautiful, the destinations themselves more than make up for this fact.
Photographers often find these conditions far better as they add some atmosphere to shots that would otherwise feel a little flat.
The following items should be purchased on top of the basic items listed at the start of this page.
Key Clothing Items
Base Layer
Although it won't be super cold in places like Alaska and Norway during Summer, you'll still want a pair or two of base layers for cold night outside on deck. Make sure they're made from a high-wicking material like merino wool. Helly Hansen do great ones.
3-1 Jacket
Because conditions can change fairly dramatically and quickly during your cruise, you'll want a versatile jacket. 3-1 jacket are absolutely ideal as they can be used as lightweight windbreakers when hiking or heavy coats on cold nights. The 3-1 jackets by North face work incredibly well.
Waterproof Jacket
If you know you'll be warm during a shore excursion, it's sometimes advisable to just take a lightweight waterproof jacket that can be stowed away in your pack easily and snugly. The is icolumbia switchback jacket a great option, as is the North Face Venture jacket.
Warm Fleece
For the cold mornings and evenings, you'll want a warm fleece. Make sure it's comfortable as this will be your go-to piece of clothing if its not raining or very windy. All the major outdoor brands do good fleeces including North Face, Columbia, Helly Hansen etc.
Light Gloves
Thick gloves are generally not necessary during moderate climate cruises. However, some nice liner gloves are ideal for photography and long periods on deck as they provide both warmth and dexterity. Smartwool do great liner gloves.
Beanie
Much of your body heat escapes through your head. Wearing a good quality beanie will make all the difference on those cold nights out on deck. Probably not necessary when hiking. We recommend North Face beanies.
Hiking Pants
If you're hiking up hill or for long periods during a shore excursion, you'll want some lightweight trekking pants. These will let your legs breathe whilst also protecting them from branches, thorns etc. The North Face Venture range is ideal. Columbia and Helly Hansen also do a great range.
Long-sleeve Shirt
Long sleeve shirts are great for moderate climates as they give you the warmth and protection you need whilst also being very light and breathable. Both Helly Hansen and Patagonia do a wonderful job for comfort.
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Expedition Cruise do not sell tours, we simply provide impartial advice. If you would like an exact quote with our recommended specialist click Get a Quote.
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Polar Cruise Packing List
Polar cruises are truly epic. By far the most adventurous of all cruise itineraries, Polar cruises venture deep into remote regions where few humans have ever sailed.
The downside of course is the weather. Even in Winter, Polar cruises frequently experience temperatures below freezing.
In our opinion, this only adds to the fun, but you do need the right gear to keep warm and safe during these trips.
Below is a list of the main items you'll need for a Polar cruise. Almost every Polar cruise is conducted as an expedition-style cruise and the items below reflect this.
Please note that these items listed here should be brought with you on top of items listed in the Moderate-Weather Packing List and the Basics Section at the start of this page.
Key Clothing Items
Warm Base Layers
Polar cruises are cold and you'll most certainly need some good-quality base layers. These layers are super important ad they are the first defence against the conditions.
Although you won't need these when inside your cabin, standing on deck can get very cold, especially when you factor in wind chill.
Ideally you'll want to get baseleyers made from a high-wicking fabric. This will allow moisture to pass through from your skin to your outer layers.
Merino wool is ideal for this, plus it's also the warmest fabric you can get! We recommend base layers by Helly Hansen, Smartwool and Icebreaker. If you are allergic to wool then you should go for the Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Base Layers.
Parka or Core Jacket
So you're wearing your base layer, a shirt and a fleece. Now it's time for your core jacket or parka.
During an expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic, your parka will be your single most important piece of clothing.
Many polar operators actually provide a parka free of charge, but not all. Make sure you check prior to departure.
It's a bit of a rabbit warren when you start searching for core jackets, but essentially there are two types - down or synthetic.
Moist conditions tend to favour synthetic jackets, however, down jackets are generally warmer. So it really depends where your cruise is sailing to.
We suggest going for a slightly heavier down jacket for real warmth. Lighter jackets are easier to carry around, but you might suffer a little in terms of warmth. Make sure your jacket is waterproof and comes with a hood. Down jackets will not survive heavy downpours, but can easily handle drizzle and showers. Synthetic jackets can usually withstand most rain.
Many people have also asked if ski jackets can be used. You can answer this yourself by making sure it meets the criteria of being both warm and waterproof. They will never be as good as Arctic jackets, but they might do the job if you're on a tight budget.
The best parka on the market is probably the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. A cheaper alternative that is still great would be the North Face Himalayan Parka.
Insulated Trousers
Insulated trousers are almost as important as your core jacket. You'll want to be comfortable when making shore excursions and zodiac trips.
Having a good pair of insulated trousers will protect you from splashes, falling on the ice and, of course, the cold!
Makes sure your pants are fully waterproof as you'll be making wet landings quite frequently. The other option is to wear insulted trousers and chuck on a thin waterproof layer above.
Once again, people ask us if ski pants will do. The answer is the same. Make sure they meet the criteria and go from there. You're looking for comfort as well as warmth - could you hike for several our in your ski pants? If yes, then you might be okay.
We personally recommend pants by Arc’teryx. If you simply want some waterproof pants to chuck over your insulated trousers, then the North Face Resolve, Montane terra and the Helly Hanson Packable pantsare awesome!
Warm Gloves
Wearing warm gloves is paramount. People hands always get cold, especially if your circulation is not great.
Standing and watching wildlife does not require a lot of energy, so having gloves is key to keeping your hands from freezing.
We also suggest wearing liner gloves as mentioned in the above list. These are also ideal for dexterity when photographing.
Look for gloves that offer good grip, good dexterity and are completely waterproof. this is very important as you'll no doubt be touching snow and ice frequently.
From personal experience, there are a number of gloves we recommend that meet our criteria. These are the Outdoor Research Southback Glovesand the Black Diamond Guide Gloves. For people on a budget, the Dakine Scout gloves are also very good.
Headgear
Many people find the conditions are much easier to deal with when their heads are covered. This means a beanie and a neck/mouth scarf.
Although your parka will most likely have a hood, a beanie does not restrict viewing or head movement. This is very important when looking out for wildlife or taking pictures.
Although balaclavas are extreme, some people find face scarf masks like these very useful! We've tried them and they certainly do keep you face (including your nose) warm.
Footwear Items
Muck Boots
During your expedition cruise you'll be making numerous shore landings via zodiac. These will be 'wet landings' and you'll need some high-calf boots with good grip.
You'll need to make sure they have a good sole with a high rubber content for extra grip and durability.
The best option is known as Muck Boots. These are ideal for dealing with splashy landings. They are also insulated and will cover you down to -40 degrees fahrenheit.
For the more fashion-conscious among us, the Baffin Snow Monster boot are very good, and also look pretty good! The Sorel Glacier Extreme Snow boot is also a good snow boot with waterproofing. Both boots can handle even colder conditions than the Muck boots.
For people with waterproof hiking boots thinking they will be okay, you won't. These are wet landings in which you will have to stand in the shallow water occasionally.
Thermal Socks
Having super warm boots is not going to be particularly useful if you have thin socks that don't trap the heat.
Thermal hiking socks are generally fine, but some people wear a thin layer below also. This will trap more heat, but may be too warm and constricting for some people.
Make sure you try your boots on with the socks you will be wearing on your cruise, otherwise you could have some serious issues when the time arises.
When choosing thermal socks, look for pairs that are seamless. Rough seams create friction which creates blisters. Also, look for socks that are made from high-wicking materials like rag wool (which is the best). This will allow the moisture to pass through and won't stink out your cabin as much!
We recommend the thermal socks by smartwool.
Optical Equipment
Binoculars
Polar cruises are all about viewing magnificent wildlife. Therefore, bringing a good pair of binoculars is a must. Although your guides will have some spare binoculars, you really should invest in a high quality pair to get the most out of your cruise.
Like all optical equipment, quality really does matter. Poor binoculars won't have the same crisp image, colour depth, resolution, or depth of field.
Whilst image quality may not matter in your garden, it really matters when you're watching a 500kg polar bear stalk a seal!
Good quality binoculars generally cost in excess of $1,000, with the best ones costing over $3,000. We personally believe the price is worth it for the image quality, especially as high level binoculars should last you years. Make sure your binoculars are rubberised (for any drops or bumps) and completely waterproof.
On top of quality, you also need to decide on magnification. Higher magnification is not a sign of better quality. In fact, higher magnification binoculars at the same price point of smaller binoculars is generally a sign of inferior quality. Although longer magnification binoculars will get you a closer image, they will be heavier and you'll notice hand shake more. Smaller magnification binoculars are much lighter and compact and will not offer the same amount of shake.
We tend to find that a magnification of around 8 x 42 works pretty well. You just never now what you're going to see though, and how far away it will be! A great budget option is the Nikon Monarch range or the Bushnell Legend Series.
For something really good we recommend theCanon Image Stabilization All-Weather Binoculars. If you have to use another pair of binoculars after these, you'll notice what a difference the image stabilisation really makes!
For the best image quality possible you need to consider the Swarovski Optik SLC Series, the Carl Zeiss Optical Inc Victory binoculars, or the Leica Ultravid HD range. All three brands offer image quality that is ridiculously sharp and crisp! If you can afford it you won't regret it. Saying this, if you do have shaky hands, go for the Canon image stabilization range.
Wildlife Camera
Many passengers cruising to the Poles do so for one reason - to take incredible wildlife photos.
The Arctic is home to polar bears, musk ox, and walrus, whilst Antarctica is home to some of the largest penguin and seal colonies on earth. With such spectacular wildlife on offer, you'll want an equally good camera!
Like all things optical, quality seriously matters, especially if you plan on printing out any of your photos. Choosing a camera really gets quite complicated and, if you're serious about wildlife photography, you probably already own one!
These days, most of us shoot on DSLR'S. Like binoculars, you need to consider elements such as image quality, mega pixels (the more mega pixels, the larger you can print out your photo), ISO range (for shooting in low light), and FPS (the amount of the frames you can shoot per second).
You'll also need to decide if you want a full-frame sensor or a cropped sensor. Whilst a full-frame sensor will give you a slightly cleaner picture in low light and better bokeh, a cropped sensor will give you extra reach (ideal for wildlife). A camera that shoots fast FPS is also great for wildlife that is moving quickly.
In our opinion, the best wildlife camera out there is the Canon 7d Mark II. Specifically designed for wildlife, this beauty is a cropped sensor body that can shoot 10 frames per second! For Nikon lovers, the D500 is very similar with 10 fps and a powerful 153-point auto focus system. Serious professionals tend to use the Canon 1DX Mark II - but it's out of the price bracket of most mere mortals.
Landscape Camera
The Polar regions are also incredible for their stark and unforgiving landscapes. Many people think they look like another world and landscape photographers like to take advantage of this.
The Polar regions also have the added benefit during Summer of long days. If you time your cruise right, you'll also get long sunsets and golden hours!
Because Antarctica has so many penguins and seal colonies, you'll often want a landscape camera to get the best out of the locations.
As mentioned above, landscape cameras tend to be full-frame sensors which will give you better low light performance and a higher mega pixel count.
Like wildlife cameras, Canon and Nikon are the most popular choices. However, Sony are now catching up fast and, in many photographers opinions, overtaken both brands in technical capabilities. There is certainly no doubt in anyone's minds that if you're into video also, then Sony out performs other brands by leaps and bounds. For example, the new Sony A7R III has a full-frame 42.4 mega pixel sensor, but can also shoot 4K footage and 120fps slow motion footage.
For people not looking for video capabilities, there is a whole host of options. The Canon 5D Mark IV is probably the world's most popular landscape camera. It has excellent low light abilities and great colour rendition. For Nikon lovers, the D850 tends to be the best choice for landscapers. The Nikon D810 is also a grown choice and a fair bit cheaper. For people on a budget, the cheapest full-frame camera on the market is the Canon 6D which is actually really good, especially for astro.
Lenses
Like cameras, deciding on a lens is a bit like a rabbit warren. Having a good lens is paramount though.
Many people ask us 'what is more important - the camera? Or the lens?'. They're both very important, but the lens probably has the greater impact upon the style of the shot.
Choosing a lens is a very personal thing and really depends on the type of photography your planning on. For most cruise passengers, having a long zoom lens is the right choice as it means you'll be able to zoom in on any wildlife spotted.
However, once ashore, you may want t switch to landscape lens to capture the unique environment. like cameras, Canon and Nikon are leading the market thanks to their large lens range. Sony are catching up fast, but have a slightly higher price point which puts off a lot of potential buyers.
The most popular wildlife lens on the planet is the Canon 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II. Because of its large focal range, it offers great versatility and can actually be used for landscape if necessary. For Nikon, we suggest the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor. Also a great lens that offers excellent image quality.
For ultimate image quality however, you'll want a prime lens. Although they don't offer the same versatility (you're stuck at one focal length), the glass is better and the image slightly crisper than zoom lenses. Serious wildlife photographers will own a prime 500mm or 600mm lens. Both Canon and Nikon do them and prices are upsettingly high. A great budget option is the Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM lens. This versatile lens offers surprisingly good image quality for the price!
For landscape photographers there is probably even more options! The all-time favourites from Canon though are the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L ll USM and the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens. Image quality is excellent and the image stabilization is a real bonus, especially on a cruise ship!
For Nikon users the most popular option is definitely the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED Vibration Reduction lens. The shallow depth of field is ideal for portraits and the crisp image quality makes this a no brainer.
Key Accessories
Day Pack
Because you'll be making numerous shore landings aboard your expedition cruise, you'll want a good day pack to store your gear.
Although you may not think you'll have much gear, you will. Most people take water bottles, snacks, cameras, fleece, and much more ashore.
You'll want a backpack that is both comfortable, light, durable, and versatile. A really good backpack will have shoulder straps and compression straps. Side pockets are also great for water bottles.
Good backpacks will always have comfy waist straps for added stability.
Backpacks by Osprey are universally considered to be incredible. The Osprey Talon 22 is ideal for shore landings as its small size, lightweight build and versatility is second to none. Another option to consider is the North Face Borealis.
Polar Sunglasses
For people who live in cold climates, this may be obvious. However, there really is no exaggerating how bright snow and ice can be!
The light at high latitudes is intense and don't let the cold conditions fool you, plenty of people get sunburn in the Polar regions.
Another reason to purchase a good pair of polarised sunglasses is the wildlife. No now wants to squint out all day looking for whales, birds, bears etc. Having sunglasses will allow your eyes to relax and therefore see more.
The leader in Polar sunglasses is without doubt Julbo. Providing 100% protection from UVA, B and C rays, Julbo sunglasses block 90% of visible light. This makes them perfect for snow and ice conditions.
We suggest the Julbo Montebianco for men and the Julbo Monterosa for women. Very versatile lenses that would suit any environment. There are some slightly kore hard core options like the explorer and Vermont ranges, but these look very 'expedition'.
Flashlight
It's always a great idea to bring a flashlight - you never know when you'll need it. Your guide could spot something from the boat late at night and you'll want a good beam of light to see the creature.
When looking for lights you need to consider two things, the brightness of the beam, and the quality of the light beam itself.
You ideally want a torch above 300 lumens in strength. however, to avoid colour distortion of the thing you're looking at, you'll also want the cleanest, white light possible.
Flashlights by Led Lenser are very high quality with a pure white light. You may also want to consider a head torch such as the Petzl Tikka XP or Black Diamond Icon.
Trekking Poles
Although it may not seem it, hiking puts quite a lot of stress on your body. This is intensified when walking in slippery conditions like ice and snow.
Trekking poles are a common feature on Antarctica hikes as they offer that extra stability. They have also been proven to reduce the impact on your knees by up to 25%.
Trekking poles need to be lightweight, with good durability and easily adjusted. You also want to choose ones with a good grip. You'll need to decide between a cork or rubber grip - this is purely personal preference.
Aluminium poles are heavier than carbon fibre poles, but cheaper obviously. Leki, Komperdell, and Black Diamond all make great hiking poles. We personally recommend the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork.
Get a Cruise Quote!
Expedition Cruise do not sell tours, we simply provide impartial advice. If you would like an exact quote with our recommended specialist click Get a Quote.
Get a Quote
FAQ
If you would like to know more about anything mentioned in our ultimate cruise packing list, please feel free to leave a comment below and we'll respond within 24 hours.
Please just contact us if there is anything you think we missed and we can add it to the list!
Safe travels - Expedition Cruise Team
Tags: Cruise packing list, packing list for cruise, expedition cruise packing list, packing list for expedition cruise, clothing for expedition cruise, clothing list for cruise
