Packing for this cruise turned out to be easier than expected.

I mean you want to make sure you are dressed appropriately enough for zooming around in Zodiacs. This involved risking life and limb during the search of the depths of our basement for a storage tub called “mountain clothes”. These are the very same items we used for our Antarctica cruise in 2022.

We dragged the tub upstairs and looked at the clothes dating back to 2004 when we were crazy enough to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. Luckily the clothes still fit, sort of, and the only extra items we needed were warmer base layer shirts. That was a relief.

Luckily things seem to be quite casual in the evenings on the ship, no formal nights, so that made packing easier. They lend you boots and provide a jacket and waterproof backpack. However, we still ended up filling 2 large suitcases to their capacity. It’s all those little extras that you take “just in case” that take up so much room.

Having the correct clothes for a vacation has always been a big deal for me, and over the years I like to think I have perfected the art of selecting the perfect wardrobe for any trip. The Northwest Passage is simply not that easy,

First of all, both the airline, Icelandic, and the charter plane limit what you can take. When you look at the suggested packing list there is no way that everything is going to fit into just one suitcase, and one carry on. I check all of the social media sites to see how on earth you can do this. There are 2 schools of thought. Those like me who are in a mad panic, and those who say that is way more space than you will actually need. We do a test run, packing everything into our suitcases, and surprise surprise, we are not overweight. This must be a first – I am very proud of us for being so minimalistic.

So, what do they say you need to take? The packing list was very similar to Antarctica:

PACKING CHECKLIST

Base Layer 

Long underwear: Provides warmth without bulk. Two sets.

Insulation Layer 

Expedition stretch top and bottoms: A lightweight layer worn over your base layer with tapered legs to fit into boots.

Loft vest: Provides extra warmth when an additional layer is needed.

Outer Layer 

Hooded parka: Windproof, waterproof and custom-designed for polar travel is provided onboard, compliments of Seabourn.

Waterproof pants: Essential. Wide enough to fit over boots with knee-high side zippers.

Rain jacket: Pack this piece in your hand luggage so that you have a windbreaker ready when you deplane.

Footwear 

Boots: Essential. At least mid-calf high (12-15 inches / 30.5-38 cm in height). Preferably insulated. Seabourn will lend these.

Hats, Gloves & Socks 

Hat: Fleece hat with a visor and ear flaps is recommended.

Socks: Extra heavyweight socks made of wool or wool blend.

Minimum two pairs.

Sock liners: Thin sock liners, worn under your socks for extra warmth. Pack as many liners as you have socks.

Neck gaiter: Preferred to scarves for Zodiac travel.

Gloves: Windproof and waterproof ski gloves or mitts.

Glove liners: Provide extra warmth on cold days.

Accessories 

Waterproof backpack: A water-resistant backpack is provided on board, compliments of Seabourn, for carrying items ashore and keeping your arms free for embarking/disembarking the Zodiacs.

Recommended if you have a lot of camera equipment.

Binoculars: Compact with at least 10X power and 25mm objective diameter for wildlife watching.

Seal-proof waterproof bags: To store your electronics.

Foot/Hand warmers: For extra warmth.
Sunglasses or goggles: U.V. filter protection to cut the glare.

Sun and wind protection: Lip balm and waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum).

I mean that’s a lot of stuff when you also have to have clothes for actually being on the ship when you are not off exploring in zodiacs. After all there are only 7 expedition days out of 28 days away from home. And the expeditions only take a few hours a day. Oh the challenge of it all. However, we have risen to bigger challengers before. No duct tape, or over the door shoe holders, or extra shower caddies, and I will limit the number of novels I bring along. I know we can do it! Oh, and what about a swimsuit? Is there a polar plunge in my future?

So the suitcases were packed and ready to go. But then the issue of hand luggage reared its ugly head. We are flying on Icelandair, and they have very strict carry-on luggage restrictions. So Brian’s carry-on bag and our normal travel backpacks were too big. Brian ended up buying this very cute little carry-on bag, with detachable wheels. It is of course not great when it comes to having enough room for all of his camera equipment and electronics, but hopefully the airline will be happy. On the other hand, I do not travel without my red carry-on bag, and I am hoping that it is not deemed to be too large, and they force me to check it at the gate. It has gone to ends of the earth and back with me. No one has ever had an issue, so let’s see what happens.

No visas or vaccinations needed for this cruise, just passports and we are good to go!