What to pack for: An Icelandic Cruise

Iceland is one of the most magical places on earth. With glistening white snow, bubbling hot springs, dramatic volcanoes, and landscapes everywhere you look, it is like something out of a novel. Whether you are planning to explore the capital of Reykjavik or want to head to the pockets of beauty to the north, where waterfalls and glaciers sit juxtaposed to one another.

If you’re looking to travel to Scandinavia or to awe-inspiring Iceland, you might require a little guidance on the sorts of things you should be packing to ensure you have the best cruise possible. Keep reading to find some of our recommendations on the sorts of items you should ensure are on your Iceland cruise packing list.

Warm clothing

Iceland is in northern Europe, and therefore, temperatures can reach low numbers, so having warm clothing is essential. Layering and base layers are the perfect way to ensure you stay warm; they allow you to take layers off should the temperatures rise a little. Thermals, short and long sleeves, are a great addition to a packing list and are perfect for keeping your body warm in the bitter winds and rains that you might experience in Iceland.

Warm/waterproof jacket

It may be an obvious suggestion, but make sure you pack a suitable warm and waterproof jacket, not only to keep you warm but also to keep you dry on those rainy days or when you’re out exploring waterfalls and fjords.

You will want to ensure that your rain jacket is thick and insulated, as well as waterproof rather than just showerproof. The temperatures in Iceland can drop as low as -20˚c in the north and -3˚c in southern areas, so a good coat will save you from chills.

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Thermal/wool socks

People may not realise, but you often lose most of your heat through your head and your feet, so great socks are critical. Wool is a natural insulator and, therefore, is perfect for keeping your toes warm in colder temperatures. Similarly, there are great thermal socks on the market that will ensure you stay toasty and warm, too.

Waterproof trousers

Iceland is the land of waterfalls and glaciers; therefore, packing a lightweight pair of waterproof trousers that fit in your daily backpack is ideal. When visiting some of the country's majestic waterfalls, you might get wet from the spray, but waterproof trousers will stop you from getting chilly in the cold weather.

Swimsuit

Swimming on an Icelandic cruise might not sound like your idea of fun, but you may have forgotten that Iceland is home to the spellbinding Blue Lagoon, a natural hot spring that is often a bucket list location for those visiting the country. Therefore, making sure you pack a swimsuit is essential!

Wool hat

What better way to accessorise your Icelandic outfits than with a wool hat? As mentioned before, wool is excellent for keeping in the heat and, therefore, is the ideal material for a cosy hat.

Gloves

Keep those fingers toasty and warm on port days with a good pair of gloves. Similarly, wool gloves are great, but you may also want to consider waterproof gloves if you’re planning to head on excursions.

Heat packs

Small but mighty, heat packs are the perfect addition to your packing list and are compact and lightweight to carry around daily. Heat packs can be activated as and when needed and can be reused for the duration of your trip, helping you keep yourself warm whilst exploring.

Waterproof bag/backpack

When heading out on excursions or port days, you will want to carry around items like water bottles, extra layers, heat packs and more, so making sure you have a strong and sturdy backpack should be high on the priority list. You may want to go one step further and buy a waterproof backpack to know your items aren’t getting wet should the weather be a little wet.

READ MORE: Must-try Icelandic food and drink

Sunglasses

Although it can be very cold on occasion, an Icelandic cruise can also offer sunshine. Make sure you pack comfortable sunglasses with good UV protection, especially if it has been snowing. The sun's reflection on the snow can often make it seem even brighter than it is. 

Suncream

Similarly, the sun and wind, even in Iceland, can still burn, so it is essential to pack suncream and after-sun for the days when you are outdoors in port or on excursions. Midnight sun means that the sun is out all year round in the country at some times of the year.

Water bottle

Always having a water bottle with you is a great way to stay hydrated. Whether this is a steel-lined bottle to keep your water extra cool or a fold-up plastic camping bottle that may take up less space, you’ll be able to fill it up at our refill points on board.

Electricals

Electricals often take up a lot of space when packing, but luckily, on Ambition and Ambience, there is no limit on the weight of your luggage, so you can pack all the equipment you like. There are plenty of plugs in our cabins, so you can charge any electricals when you are back on the ship easily and quickly, but remember, we don’t allow extension leads on board.

READ MORE: How to make the most of your cabin onboard an Ambassador cruise

Camera

There is no better way to capture the memories of your Icelandic adventure than by snapping them in photo form for you to look back on for years to come. There is also no location that photographs better than Iceland, whether it is the dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife or breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Pack a small and compact camera for the days when you’re out and about.

Portable charger

A valuable addition to your packing list is a portable charger. If you plan to use your phone to take photos or spend a long day in port, then a compact portable charger means you can keep it in your backpack and use it when needed.

Although you want to ensure you know what to pack for your cruise to Iceland, the most important thing is to sit back and enjoy the experience with Ambassador Cruise Line.

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