A British Isles cruise….what a great way to explore the history, culture, and landscapes of Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England. Sure, a land trip is fun but oh boy…it can be exhausting and confusing. Board your luxury ship, relax and enjoy arriving in new ports every day in style.
This post contains affiliate links, if you click and buy a product, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Understanding the Weather
Changing weather, varied excursions, and multiple currencies, knowing what to pack can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.
The cruise season in the British Isles typically runs from April to October. While summer brings the mildest temperatures, the weather can still be unpredictable. It is not uncommon to experience sunshine, rain, and cool breezes all in one day.
- Spring (April–June): Cool temperatures (10-16°C / 50-60°F) with frequent showers.
- Summer (July–August): Milder (14-22°C / 57-72°F), though occasional rain and coastal winds should be expected.
- Autumn (September–October): Similar to spring—cooler temperatures and increased chances of rain.
Packing Essentials
Layering is the key. With variable weather, packing layers is essential. Lightweight, versatile clothing will allow you to adjust as temperatures change throughout the day.
Lightweight, Waterproof Jacket – a must for sudden showers, especially in Scotland and Ireland. This is my favorite rain jacket. I love the striped lining, hood, rain protected zipper and length. It also comes in lots of colors.
Another great option is a waterproof poncho . This one folds up into a small packet, is lightweight, has a front zipper and pockets and is available in several colors!
3-4 shirts to wear with jeans
1 pair capris or casual pants to wear onboard.
1 nice dress 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 and decrease the amount you are taking. Lighter luggage is always a win!
1 hooded sweatshirt or fleece jacket,
1 or 2 sweaters
Comfortable Pants/Jeans or Leggings – These are essential for walking tours and casual sightseeing. I have found leggings to be the most comfortable for me. These are the ones I wear.
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 odor eliminators to help control it. You get enough for 3 pairs of shoes. They also work really well in your suitcase to remove odors. There are other designs available.
It’s also smart to protect your clothes from dirty shoes with shoe bags.
Socks and underwear (duh)
Workout clothes – if you plan to hit the gym
A bathing suit and coverup. The pools and hot tubs will be open….be sure to enjoy them.
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.
Thieves are everywhere. Protect your credit cards and passport by placing one of the RFID Blocking Card near them and you’re safe and ready to go.
Most ships provide umbrellas but they tend to be large and difficult to carry. We always pack a compact umbrella, no matter where we are traveling. Ireland is famous for the occasional downpour.
The glare off the deck will be very strong and even on overcast days, UV exposure can be high, especially near water. Good sunglasses are a necessity.
The glare off boat can be strong and if your lucky enough to have sunny days, you will be glad you have sunscreen!
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!
I have found packing cubes to be really helpful….they keep items organized in your luggage and you can easily transfer them to drawers when unpacking onboard.
Compression packing cubes are also really helpful when packing bulkier items like jackets and sweaters.
After sailing many times and finally having our luggage go missing due to luggage tags being torn off, we now use these reusable luggage tag holders. Amazon has holders for all cruise lines. These are for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Most stores are not providing free bags with purchase in an effort to reduce waste. I take reusable grocery bags. Useful at home too.
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.
Another good option is Bonine…it is the strongest over the counter medication available.
Currency: What You Need to Know
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the UK and Europe, having some local currency can be useful, especially in smaller shops, markets, or rural areas.
- United Kingdom (Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland): British Pound Sterling (£ GBP).
- Ireland: Euro (€ EUR).
If your cruise includes both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, you will need both GBP and EUR. Some locations in Northern Ireland accept Euros, but it is best to check in advance.
I recommend using an ATM onshore to obtain small amounts. We never get more than £20 or €20, as we find we use our credit cards most of the time. You can change currency onboard but an ATM onshore will give you the best exchange rate.
Final Packing Tips
A good portable phone charger is a must have item. Nothing is worse than having your phone die while traveling. I use this portable charger with a built in foldable USB-C connector for everyday use.
The UK and Ireland use a Type G plug. 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?
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – Visiting the UK as part of your cruise? Make sure you have applied for your ETA in advance, as it is now a requirement for many travellers. The cost is currently £10/Visa and they are good for 2 years. If you renew or get a new passport, you must reapply. You can apply for the ETA via this link directly with the UK government.
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…rain and cooler temperatures are not uncommon in the British Isles. 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.
Like to book your own tours? Visit Viator, TripAdvisor or GetYourGuide to explore all the options.
You may also want to check out these other posts:
It’s a Port Day – What You Need to Know
What to Know Before Your Cruise Embarkation
Let’s connect:
Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum,
A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum,
A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum
You can also follow me at:
YouTube at Travels With Mickey
Pinterest at Travels with Mickey
Instagram at Travels with Mickey
Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable!
P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much!
*Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
4 thoughts on “Ultimate Guide to Packing for a British Isles Cruise”