Norwegian Fjords Cruise Packing Tips

Sailing the fjords of Norway is amazing. The scenery is stunning and there are many excellent excursions.  But….“WHAT DO I PACK!”.   We have sailed the fjords several times. I use a modified version of my What To Pack For Alaska list. 🙂

This list also works well for Iceland cruises.

First off remember….it’s not the middle of winter!  Just because you are heading to the great northern region of Norway, that does not mean it will be snowing and cold.   Sure, it could rain and/or be windy (and therefore be a tad chilly) and you may get chilled while sailing into the fjords.  BUT….once the ship stops, if the sun is shining, it can be very warm.  If you are sailing in May or September, be prepared for cooler temperatures. Later in the summer, it can be warm and humid.

The most useful suggestion I have is layers, layers, layers!  Bring a lightweight waterproof jacket….heavy down coats are NOT required!  Neither are UGGS!  Seriously, light weight layers is the answer.

Here are the items that have worked for me.

Norway Fjords Packing List:

2 pairs jeans or other long pants (in case one gets wet) Leggings are very popular now and are perfect for travel. Fleece lined and water resistant are a great option if you are sailing early in the season or later…or if you easily get cold. I recently sailed Norway in late May and was fine wearing regular leggings.

3-4 shirts to wear with jeans/pants/leggings.

one or two pairs casual pants to wear onboard

1 nice outfit for formal nights

1 or 2 skirts and/or nice pants and shirts/sweaters to wear with them – choose colors that work well together to create more outfits.

1 or 2 hooded sweatshirts – pullover or zip up

1 waterproof jacket or warm vest… or poncho. This jacket is waterproof, lightweight and good for hiking and travel. It keeps you dry when you need it and packs down small. I have worn a vest under a rain coat for additional warmth.

A waterproof poncho would also be very useful. This one folds up into a small packet, is lightweight, has a front zipper and pockets and is available in several colors!

Hand warmers are a perfect way to keep your hands warm when cruising Norway. 

A good travel size umbrella can also be very useful.

scarf, hat and gloves (for sailing into the glaciers)

1 or 2 pair dress shoes/sandals

1 pair sandals for pool deck

swimsuit and coverup (Many are probably thinking…seriously? a bathing suit?  Yes!  The ship’s pools will be open and the hot tubs will be running….enjoy them!)

2 pair good walking shoes (waterproofed is a good idea) I use this waterproof spray on my shoes.

Hint…wet shoes can be smelly. I use these to remove odors, you get enough for 3 pairs of shoes. They also work really well in your suitcase to remove odors and keep the it smelling fresh. 

It’s also smart to protect your clothes from dirty shoes with shoe bags. 

Good sunglasses – the glare off the deck will be very strong.

You will definitely want some good binoculars while cruising the fjords. Most ships provide some in your cabin but the quality is usually not very good. We bring a good travel size with us.

Just discovered these amazing mosquito/bug repellent patches…so much nicer than using bug spray!

Socks and underwear (duh)

Workout clothes – if you plan to hit the gym

When going ashore, it is nice to have a good bag. I like to use a crossbody bag, Protect your valuables from pickpockets and thieves. This bag is also RFID protected. 

More and more passengers are using a this type of bag. It is easy to wear around your waist or as a crossbody.

Sunscreen (glare off boat can be strong) 

A travel first-aid kit .is a necessity. Pain killers (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.) and a few bandaids…easier (and cheaper) than going to the ship’s doctor. This is a great first aid kit for traveling.

Magnetic chip clips to keep papers organized…cabin walls are metal, so magnets will work. 

Stonger magnetic hooks are very useful to hang up coats and hats. Keep the cabin organized! 

After sailing many times and finally having our luggage go missing due to luggage tags being torn off, we now use cruise line luggage tag holders. Highly recommend. 

Many stores are not providing free bags with purchase in an effort to reduce waste. I take reusable grocery bags. 

Cabins have blackout curtains but light can still sneak through the bottom or sides. In Norway, the sun sets very late and rises super early. An eye mask is very helpful.

Are you prone to motion sickness? These sea sick patches will make your cruise more enjoyable! AND….they are Captain Kate approved! These are the exact same ones she uses onboard, while flying and when in the car.

I love these adapters by Hero. They have them for several different countries and are made in the US with a 100% money back guarantee and lifetime warranty. The ship will have US and EU outlets but for any hotel you stay in pre or post cruise, you will need one.

Most cruise ship cabins have only a few electric plugs. You’re going to need additional outlets to charge electronic items like phones, computers, tablets, kindles, etc. USB ports are also useful.

VERY IMPORTANT – Cruise lines don’t allow  a regular surge-protected power bars from home (they will confiscate them). I recommend using one that plugs directly into the outlet without a cord. Many ports are confiscating those with cords, as they consider them extension cords. This is the one we travel with.

Be sure to bring printed copies of travel documents – while most cruise guests rely on digital versions, it’s always a good idea to carry a printed copy of your itinerary, travel insurance details, and any booking confirmations as a backup.  What cruise documents do you need?

Planning Your Time Ashore

With the right clothing and footwear, you will be well-prepared for your British Isles cruise. Once your packing list is sorted, the next step is planning how to make the most of your time ashore.

Cruise lines offer excursion option. If you want to arrange your own, visit Viator, TripAdvisor, Get Your Guide and Big Bus Tours Want to hire a car and drive yourself? AutoEurope is a well established car rental agency in the UK and EU. Just want to hire a private driver and enjoy the sights instead of driving? Holiday Taxis and Welcome Pickups have locations around the world.

Final thoughts:

I hope this list helps with your packing.  Remember…it isn’t always frigid and snowing in Norway! Check back and let me know if this was helpful….or if you have any suggestions!

If traveling to the UK to either board or as a port stop, don’t forget to get your UK ETA prior to leaving for your cruise. The UK government has introduced electronic travel authorization (ETA) for visitors who pass through the UK border This includes passengers from the USA, Canada, and Australia. All eligible non-European visitors must apply for an ETA and will need one to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025.

If traveling to most countries in Europe, you may also need an ETIAS. This will most likely become active in late 2026.

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