What to pack for: A Norwegian Fjord Cruise

Norway is a Scandinavian giant that is almost always on people’s travel bucket lists due to its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and amazing experiences. An iconic location for cruising, those who decide to visit with Ambassador can enjoy icy waters, mountainous terrain, and unmatched views that you won’t get anywhere else.

Just 220 miles from the Arctic Circle, Norway is notorious for being cold and snowy, but that is all part of the charm. Suppose you’re planning to visit Norway on a cruise in the coming months. In that case, thinking about what to pack is really important as you’ll want to make sure you’re warm and cosy whilst exploring some of the beautiful ports but comfortable whilst you’re enjoying relaxation onboard the ship.

READ MORE: A Guide to Norway’s Cruise Ports

Keep reading to find out what we recommend you pack for a cruise to Norway and some of the essentials you should make sure you have in your luggage.

What is the weather like in Norway?

Firstly, it is wise to understand what the weather is like in Norway to understand what sort of clothing you should be packing. As Norway sits in Scandinavia, its temperatures aren’t going to be kind, with its range being between 0 in the winter months and 12 in the height of the summer months. Snow is a common occurrence in Norway, with an average of 74 inches falling every year and usually occurring between December and April, so a winter coat and gloves are essential.

Pack according to the seasons

Even though you have unlimited luggage on an Ambassador cruise, you don’t want to be packing unnecessary items that could be taking up space in your bag and in your cabin. One of the best ways to avoid unwanted clothing is to pack according to the season you visit.

For example, if you’re visiting in the winter months, you’re going to need a thicker and warmer coat than if you were cruising in June or July. The same goes for footwear in winter.; you may want to pack walking boots that can deal well with snow when you’re in the port as opposed to trainers, which will suit the summer months.

READ MORE: A Guide to the Norwegian Fjords

What to pack for a Norwegian cruise

• A coat

• Appropriate footwear

• A selection of layers

• Hat, gloves and a scarf

• Formal wear

• Sunglasses and suncream

• Camera

• Binoculars

• A power bank

A coat

A coat is one of the most important items to pack for a Norwegian cruise, no matter what time of year you are visiting. If you’re visiting during the winter months, you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a coat that is not only warm but waterproof, as the snowy season can often catch visitors out.

If you’re visiting during the summer months, then a light coat will suffice, but you will want to make sure it is still waterproof. A pac-a-mac is a great option to have and to pop in your rucksack if you’re ever caught out in the rain.

READ MORE:  Why is Norway So Special?

Appropriate footwear

The footwear you pack for a trip to Norway should be different to the shoes you might pack for a Caribbean cruise. We always recommend that people pack shoes they know are comfortable and reliable and that they have worn prior to their cruise. You don’t want any surprise blisters dampening your trip!

The terrain in Norway can often be snowy and uneven, so walking shoes are great for those exploring off the ship and in port. Trainers are a must, as they can be used for sea days on the ship but, again, can be used when exploring cities and towns off the ship in fairer conditions.

A selection of layers

Packing layers is one of the best ways to ensure you have everything you need for a Norwegian cruise. Packing some base layers or thermals is a great way to make sure you stay warm when cruising, which means you can be adaptable depending on the weather each day.

Hat, gloves and a scarf

It goes without saying that a hat, gloves, and scarf should be packed for a cruise to a colder country. Even if you don’t end up using them, it is always beneficial to have them in case of emergency or colder weather than expected, and they won’t take up too much space in your case.

Formal wear

Even if you’re out and about during the day, you might want more formal wear for the evenings. Evenings on board Ambassador are all about fun, and with a whole host of entertainment to enjoy, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Most of our guests enjoy casual attire whilst on board, but when watching some of our evening shows and eating at some of our speciality restaurants, more formal attire may be worn if you desire.

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Although the climes may be colder in Norway, the sun is often still shining, so being prepared with sunglasses and sunscreen is always wise. The UV rays in colder countries can still have a detrimental effect on your skin and eyes if not protected, so making sure to put sunscreen on before you leave the ship for the day is essential.

Camera

It goes without saying that a camera should be a staple in your luggage when travelling anywhere in the world. Cameras are the perfect way of capturing special memories and moments forever so that you can look back for years to come and remember the wonderful cruise you had to Norway.

Binoculars

Norway and a Norwegian cruise are one of the best places to see wildlife that you might not get the chance to see anywhere else in the world. Binoculars are a great addition to your suitcase and can help you spot sea creatures and birds as you sail the fjords. They also mean that as your ship glides through the still waters of the fjords, you’ll be able to survey your surroundings better from the deck or from your private balcony.

Power banks

Power banks are great for days when you are off the ship and want to make sure you have backup energy if your phone or technology should choose to run out. Make sure you fully charge your bank before you leave home for peace of mind!

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If you’re looking to enjoy a cruise holiday in 2024, then why not consider the beauty of Norway? We have a wealth of late cruise deals that can get you there sooner than you think. Explore our amazing Norwegian Fjord cruises on our website, or head to our blog for more inspiring articles.