What To Pack For Your Expedition Cruise To The Arctic Or Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
What to Pack for Your Expedition Cruise to the Arctic or Antarctica

What to Pack for Your Expedition Cruise to the Arctic or Antarctica

It’s easy to get confused about what to pack for a polar cruise. Some items are provided and some are not, and it’s not always clear which is which. This article will make your polar pack list painstakingly clear. Promise.

PLEASE NOTE: We require all passengers to bring a waterproof jacket and pants (minimum 15,000mm rating) for our Zodiac cruises to shore, as these can be quite wet. You will also need high rubber boots for landings during trips on Rembrandt van Rijn, though we provide such boots on our larger motor vessels.

Apart from that, what you pack is largely a matter of personal preference. Here are our recommendations for documents, gadgets, and clothing...

blog-image

Required identification and travel documents

We know this seems a bit like we’re insulting your intelligence, but it bears noting that some of the most obvious travel items get overlooked in the rush for jackets and boots.

Wherever you’re joining us from, you will first need a valid passport. We recommend that your passport be valid for at least six months after your trip ends, in fact, though this is not a make-or-break requirement to go on our voyages.

You should also bring your other identification, debit cards, credit cards, and cash in either the euro or US dollar. And please check with your nearest embassy in case you need a visa.

blog-image

Clothing for your Arctic or Antarctic trip

After travel documents, proper clothing is the most important thing to pack on your cruise. It’s no secret that the polar regions get really, really cold. Antarctica in particular can chill the bones even in summer, but the clothes listed below will also serve for an Arctic trip.

FOOTWEAR (SHOES AND SOCKS) We will loan you knee-high waterproof muck boots for outings when you’re booked on our large motor vessels, Hondius, Plancius, and Ortelius. We do not provide these boots when you’re sailing on the smaller vessel, Rembrandt van Rijn.

You will, however, want to bring sturdy shoes with quality grip soles for walking around the ship. Decks can get slippery and the ship is prone to rocking, so please do not bring flipflops, sandals, or any kind of open-heeled footwear.

Also, pack ample pairs of warm socks. We recommend thick Merinos or similar, and it’s not a bad idea to include thin inner socks for additional warmth and dryness.

blog-image

BASE LAYER (THERMALS AND UNDERGARMENTS) We strongly recommend dressing in layers, because temperatures can change rapidly in the polar regions. But it’s equally likely that your nature walks and other outdoor activities will heat you up even in cool weather.

Start with a good base, then. Breathable thermal underwear is useful, since it helps keep you warm even if you end up stripping off outer layers.

blog-image

MIDDLE LAYER (T-SHIRTS, SWEATERS, AND PANTS) Pack casual clothes you can wear inside the ship or over your undergarments when you’re outdoors. Your waterproof outer layer can go over these clothes and be removed if you get hot, which is likely to happen during more rigorous outdoor activities.

Our vessels are designed for exploration, not luxury, so don’t worry about packing your gala gown or tux. Comfortable clothes you can wear in the observation lounge, having a drink at the bar, and trekking around polar coastlines are ideal.

A warm sweater is a good idea, and we recommend thin inner gloves to wear inside thicker outer gloves (which we’ll discuss later) during excursions and landings.

Packing a scarf, neck gaiter, or some kind of neck-warming shirt is also useful. Some people like turtlenecks, others prefer scarves. It doesn’t really matter what you pack as long as it keeps your neck warm and can be removed. This goes double for an Antarctica cruise, where it can be windier than in the Arctic.

Pack a good cap or hat as well, and make sure it is able to cover your ears. And as always, make sure it is something you can quickly take off if it gets sunny and hot.

blog-image

OUTER LAYER (JACKETS, SCARVES, AND OUTER GLOVES) This may be the most self-evident layer of the lot. You’ll want a quality jacket that is waterproof and windproof, and it can also be valuable to have a hood attached. The outer layer should at least have a 15000 mm water resistance and ideally have a highly visible red or yellow colour.

The same goes for your outer pants and gloves. Trousers should fit over muck boots or your own personal footwear, and both pants and gloves should be waterproof and able to be easily removed on hot days or during activities that make you sweat.

Remember, though, you’ll be using your camera a lot. Your thick outer gloves, like your thin inner gloves, should allow you to easily use your buttons and/or screen.

But to return to the topic of sweat for a moment…

You will probably sweat often during your landings, and this can make you colder than usual if the weather changes or you stop moving. So to repeat, pack breathable layers that are not too tight and can be easily removed and stored in a small day pack.

blog-image

Cruise toiletries and related products

Sunscreen is one of the most important items to pack for polar travel, as it is our goal that you will spend most of your time outside. Sunlight reflecting off the snow can quickly cause a burn. You may also want a general moisturizing lotion and lip balm, as the air can be quite dry.

Motion sickness mediation is handy, especially if you’re crossing often-rough waterways like the Drake Passage. But you can purchase this from us if you forget to bring your own. There are also a number of natural seasickness remedies you can pack.

A small, personal medical kit is also a good idea. Our ships have basic first-aid equipment in case of minor injuries, but it never hurts to bring some of your own bandages and meds.

blog-image

Additional but essential expedition items

Sunglasses are a must. It gets bright in the polar regions, especially on clear days in snowy areas. Keep your eyes safe with a quality pair of UV-protectant sunglasses.

blog-image

Pack a small or medium-sized waterproof backpack that you can wear during excursions. You can use this to store lightweight but useful things like the clothes you take off, a water bottle, binoculars, or spare batteries for your camera.

Binoculars are key, because you’ll be marveling at a lot of landscapes and wildlife.

blog-image

And again, a good camera is critical.

Cameras are indeed so vital that we even have a dedicated photography packing guide especially for them. Pack memory cards and spare power options, too. But as always, remember to put the camera down on occasion and simply enjoy the surroundings.

blog-image

Earplugs are nice to have if your cabin mate is loud or you are sensitive to noise while sleeping. An eye mask can also be pleasant, though our cabins are typically easy to keep dark.

If you’re not from Europe, you will probably need an outlet converter. Our sockets on board use the traditional EU slot with two large pins.

A headlamp is a good idea, though this is mostly the case only on Northern Norway trips that sail during the darker months of autumn through spring. And you could also pack a journal and writing tools, but we often provide these in your cabin.

blog-image

One last word about luggage

Luggage is mostly a matter of personal taste, but you will want luggage you can carry easily and that is waterproof. There will be a few occasions in which you will have to deliver your luggage to and from your cabin and also the Zodiacs, where we may encounter sea spray.

Download checklist >

Blog
go-leftgo-right

Scenes from St. Andrews Bay:  12 Pics of Penguins, Seals, and More - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Scenes from St. Andrews Bay: 12 Pics of Penguins, Seals, and More

If you ever find yourself exploring the breathtaking sub-Antarctic island chain of South Georgia, one of the most captivating spots you'll encounter is the picturesque shoreline of St. Andrews Bay.
Arctic and Antarctic Basecamp Cruises – Choose Your Own Adventure - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Arctic and Antarctic Basecamp Cruises – Choose Your Own Adventure

There’s an astonishing variety of activities to choose from when planning an Arctic trip or Antarctic cruise, which can be a bit overwhelming. How do you choose just one voyage over another when you want to experience everything? Happily, you don’t have to give up one activity for another. Basecamp cruises have you covered.
Life in the Polar Regions - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Life in the Polar Regions

Polar bears in the Arctic, penguins in Antarctica.
Arctic vs. Antarctica: A Traveler’s Guide - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Arctic vs. Antarctica: A Traveler’s Guide

Sunrises vs. sunsets, coffee vs. tea, Wonder Woman vs. Superman...
The Ins, Outs, and Ups of Polar Mountaineering & Ski Mountaineering - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Ins, Outs, and Ups of Polar Mountaineering & Ski Mountaineering

Traveling to the polar regions, whether to the Arctic or Antarctica, is an adventure almost no matter what you do.
Top Antarctica Cruise Experiences for 2025 - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Top Antarctica Cruise Experiences for 2025

Antarctica, the world’s southernmost continent, captivates adventurous travelers with its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. Cruises to this icy destination offer unparalleled access to pristine wilderness, unique wildlife, and transformative experiences. In 2025, the allure of Antarctica promises to be even greater, with cutting-edge expeditions and eco-conscious travel options reshaping the journey south.
Five Reasons You Should Cruise the Ross Sea Immediately - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Five Reasons You Should Cruise the Ross Sea Immediately

In our search for lesser-known holiday spots that still offer fully developed amenities like spas and gift shops, we often miss out on some of the planet's truly underrated treasures.
Arctic Mythology: Inuit, Saami, and the Ancient Greeks - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Arctic Mythology: Inuit, Saami, and the Ancient Greeks

The Arctic locations we visit aren’t merely made up of phenomenal landscapes, exotic wildlife, and more adventure than a Hardy Boys novel.
Amazing Greenland - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Amazing Greenland

If you ever get the chance to take a trip to Greenland, you will be amazed by its coastlines, fjords, ice-covered peaks, and great expanse of snow-covered land. You will also notice that Greenland is a rugged area with a rich diversity of life, making it a dream location for scientists as well.
Cheapest Antarctica Cruises: How to Save on Your Journey - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Cheapest Antarctica Cruises: How to Save on Your Journey

Antarctica, the world’s most remote and pristine continent, is often seen as a destination reserved for luxury travelers. However, affordable options do exist, making this dream journey accessible to more adventurers. With careful planning and the right provider, like Nexta Expeditions, you can explore the icy wilderness without breaking the bank. This guide will show you how to save on your Antarctic cruise while still enjoying a high-quality experience.
Polar Marine Visitors: the Whales of Antarctica and the Arctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Polar Marine Visitors: the Whales of Antarctica and the Arctic

Whales are the world’s largest mammals, found in the Arctic and Antarctica. This article covers some of the major species you may see on voyages to these remarkable areas.
Highlights from the First Arctic Voyage of Hondius - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Highlights from the First Arctic Voyage of Hondius

Our new ship Hondius completed its first Arctic expedition cruise on June 14, 2019. This being a new ship, the maiden voyage was not without its hiccups. But despite these, passenger response to the expedition was overwhelmingly positive.
Penguins, Albatrosses, Petrels: The Winged Wildlife of South Georgia - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Penguins, Albatrosses, Petrels: The Winged Wildlife of South Georgia

South Georgia’s location south of the Antarctic Convergence gives the island a more Antarctic-like climate compared to other regions at the same latitude. The climate here is marked by cold, cloudy, wet, and windy conditions with highly variable weather.
The Eight Albatrosses of Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Eight Albatrosses of Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic

Our guests are typically wildlife enthusiasts, with a particular interest in bird life. While many bird lovers focus on the penguins we encounter, there's a smaller yet equally passionate group that favors the more airborne seabirds. Among this birdwatching subset, the albatross is a species that garners (and deserves) significant attention.
The Most Enchanting Antarctica Cruise Islands - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Most Enchanting Antarctica Cruise Islands

Whether it’s Greenland in the Arctic or Snow Hill Island in Antarctica, the bulk of our polar expeditions take place around, between, and upon islands.
All About Ice: Glaciers and Icebergs of the Arctic and Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

All About Ice: Glaciers and Icebergs of the Arctic and Antarctica

Whether it’s Greenland in the Arctic or Snow Hill Island in Antarctica, the bulk of our polar expeditions take place around, between, and upon islands.
The polar bear: king of the Arctic food chain - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The polar bear: king of the Arctic food chain

As apex predators, polar bears reign supreme in the Arctic food chain. Only humans pose a threat to this massive and majestic species. But one look at these magnificent creatures explains why so many people embark on Arctic trips hoping to spot a polar bear in its natural habitat.
The World Is Changing for Greenland's Native Inuit People - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The World Is Changing for Greenland's Native Inuit People

You may know them as Eskimos, but the people of the Arctic are officially called the Inuit. Historically, they were hunters in the truest sense. For hundreds of years, they survived the world’s harshest conditions, living off their prey of whales, seals, polar bears, musk oxen, birds, fish, and reindeer. This has always been their way of life.
Science of the Ross Ice Shelf - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Science of the Ross Ice Shelf

Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf is vast, spanning 487,000 sq. km – comparable to the size of France – with a thickness that varies from a few hundred meters near the sea to over 1,200 meters away from the floating edge. The edge along the Ross Sea forms a towering ice wall, rising up to 50 meters above the water, with most of the ice submerged below the waterline.
Five Birds You Might See on Your Greenland Cruise - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Five Birds You Might See on Your Greenland Cruise

A Greenland expedition cruise offers birdwatchers a unique opportunity to capture stunning avian photographs. With over 230 bird species, Greenland boasts both spectacular landscapes and diverse winged wildlife.