11 Scandinavian Cruise Journey Necessities From $8

13 days, three international locations, one actually epic journey within the North: that is Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes, a Viking ocean voyage itinerary. I’m not an avid cruiser, however I do respect the enchantment of this methodology of journey: it’s handy and logistically low upkeep. You unpack as soon as, you don’t schlep round along with your passport all through new locations, and you’ve got expert-guided excursions in each port. So, once I was invited to expertise a Scandinavian cruise, I jumped on the probability. 

I’m a seasoned traveler, particularly to Europe, having visited 10 instances within the final two years and greater than 20 instances total. I’m additionally an unusually wonderful packer (staff carry-on-only!). However a “coolcation” cruise across the Atlantic Ocean in August threw me for a loop: I packed like a complete beginner (as a Midwesterner with Scandinavian ancestry, I ought to have recognized higher). Fortunately, some inventive dressing and unbelievable souvenirs saved the day. However, to maintain you from blowing your price range in an already costly vacation spot, listed below are the ten necessities I counsel including to your cruise packing listing in case you’re headed on an analogous journey. 

Don’t pack: Leggings

Pack as a substitute: Versatile black pants

A trusted pair of comfy leggings is at all times an awesome journey outfit, however when overseas, I want to decorate up a bit extra for precise exploration. However for some cause, I forgot to pack nicer pants on my Scandi journey. I felt slightly unpolished when touring sights just like the waterfront Harpa live performance home in Reykjavik (psst: there’s a free shuttle from the cruise port as a substitute of taking an hour-long stroll). Nothing screams “I am an American in Europe” like an excessive amount of athleisure, so for my subsequent cruise, I’d you should definitely pack elevated black pants (that also really feel like leggings, let’s be actual). My present favorites are the SpanxSmooth PerfectFit Ponte Flare Pant or the same however extra inexpensive Quince Extremely-stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants. This fashion, consolation stays key for lengthy strolling days, however you’ll nonetheless really feel welcome in funky little retailers like Fischersund, a stunningly posh parfumerie in Reykjavik. 

Don’t pack: Fashionable boots

Pack as a substitute: Cute rainboots

I’ve taken my cute Sperry rainboots on a number of journeys to Eire and Scotland, international locations that simply scream misty mornings. Though Iceland can also be wet, I regrettably didn’t pack them. As an alternative, I introduced a pleasant pair of black Chelsea boots; whereas they have been good for dinner, it will have been a lot better to have hardier footwear throughout my Nordic journey. There was a waterfall hike I skipped as a result of I didn’t have the suitable pair of shoes, and I’m nonetheless slightly bummed about it. 

Don’t pack: A protracted trench coat

Pack as a substitute: A protracted vest

I really like the vest pattern, particularly smooth lengthy ones, as they’re a contact hotter with out the majority of carrying a protracted coat. My absolute favourite discover of the season is that this Mary Orton x Addison Bay striped one. I like to layer it with the coordinating pullover (which is so stripey and preppy) and my favourite navy leggings (whether or not they’re this Free Individuals pair, these Vuori bottoms, or the favored Spanx Booty Increase ones). I additionally love this versatile Zella Lengthy Hooded Puffer Vest that will be nice on a Scandinavian cruise, too, because of its performance. Subsequent journey, I’ll you should definitely pack one in every of these vests versus the lengthy trench coat I introduced, which was positive however not as ideally suited for layering or heat. 

Don’t pack: Athletic socks

Pack as a substitute: Wool socks

Usually, I’m a fan of my millennial no-show athletic socks (you may pry them out of my chilly, lifeless fingers, Gen Z), however I ought to have packed extra practical wool socks for this journey like these from Darn Robust. Whereas I really like their wool socks, I’ve different journey buds who swear by Bombas socks or Smartwool pairs. No matter you select, wool socks are an A-plus decide on any coolcation, whether or not to Norway, Iceland, or the Faroe Islands. 

Don’t pack: A pashmina

Pack as a substitute: A blanket scarf

Whereas I really like a superb thrift retailer discover (my Midwest favorites are Esthers in Omaha and Love Letter in Door County), my go-to classic pashmina wasn’t actually heat sufficient for a Scandinavian jaunt. Enter this blanket scarf from Dudley Stephens. (I personal the black, however I’m eyeing the cream for winter white appears and the eye-catching pink for Husker soccer recreation day.) Fabricated from an excellent cozy fleece materials, this outsized scarf has a scalloped edge that makes it really feel upscale and trendy whereas offering performance for a chilly climate journey. (Add a monogram for an excellent fancier look.) For cheaper options, you may store this mossy inexperienced Nordstrom Rack discover or this Quince cashmere wrap. I respect a full-on scarf second, too, so contemplate this Barbour magnificence if you wish to go that route — so koselig (the Norwegian solution to say hygge). 

Don’t pack: A patterned skirt

Pack as a substitute: A stable skirt

Whereas I am keen on this polka dot skirt from Amazon and have it in two colours, the busy sample isn’t as versatile as I might have favored throughout my journey. I ought to have opted for a extra impartial maxi skirt (sorry not sorry) model, like this Open Edit Maxi Skirt this Everlane pleated quantity. Frankly, a stable coloration merely mixes in higher for extra outfit choices on the street. If you would like slightly extra textural second, contemplate this smooth and glossy maxi, too. 

Don’t pack: A backpack

Pack as a substitute: A fanny pack

Whereas I’m obsessive about my very stylish ivory Monos backpack (the vegan leather-based is a dream), I discovered myself coveting a smaller day bag on my Scandi cruise. Enter my go-to fanny pack belt bag from Sapahn: I really like the pebbled end and waterproof coating of the putty oil leather-based fashion. This sportier model from Vuori is one other nice journey decide, or you would go for this straightforward Everlane bag, too. I might have appreciated a small bag like these on my port day in Alesund, Norway once I ended up overdoing it with souvenirs (a.ok.a. shopping for an enormous portray and too many quirky antiques). 

Don’t pack: A cardigan

Pack as a substitute: A turtleneck bodysuit

When it comes to layering, thinner bodysuits pack higher and take up much less area than a cardigan. My go-to is this sold-out Madewell decide, however fortunately, Lululemon’s Wundermost Extremely-soft Nulu Turtleneck Bodysuit is a equally nice discover that doesn’t add bulk (and it’ll assist make sundresses Scandi-appropriate by layering one beneath). I didn’t find yourself needing any of the sweaters I introduced as a result of I discovered such unbelievable handmade ones in Iceland. Take a look at The Handknitting Affiliation of Iceland in Reykjavik, which grew to become my absolute primary store I visited all of 2024. 

Don’t pack: A carry-on

Pack as a substitute: A checked bag

As I discussed earlier, I’m dedicated to staff carry-on-only, however I purchased so many souvenirs (cough, sweaters, cough cough) that I needed to buy an additional bag to deliver all of them residence. This was a primary for me, however I ought to have deliberate for this figuring out my full-on obsession with sweaters (duh, Midwest). Plus, I’ve a toddler (shoutout to Child Bob), and I wish to get him youngsters’s books from each nation I go to. Iceland had just a few nice ones and a fluffy puffin stuffed animal, which all added heft to my baggage. A hardy checked bag like this gorgeous one from July will undoubtedly be part of me on my subsequent cruise. 

Don’t pack: Common underwear

Pack as a substitute: Fast-dry underwear

One factor to recollect a couple of two-week cruise, particularly in chilly climate, is that you just’ll probably need to do laundry. However, it may be a problem to navigate the communal laundry rooms discovered on each cabin ground on Viking ocean vessels. On sea days, they’re tremendous busy, and it’s onerous to squeeze in to make use of the machines. Having some fast dry underwear, like these from REI, would have made for an easier laundry course of, as they will let you skip the dryer step.

Don’t neglect to pack: A cruise lanyard

Cruise lanyards — who knew! This additional nugget of knowledge comes from my very seasoned journey buddy, Abbie, who not solely has been to over 100 international locations but in addition leads group journeys and is a Fora journey advisor. Even this veteran managed to someway misplace her keycard/cruise identification card, which is methods to entry not solely your stateroom however the ship itself. We observed some extra skilled cruisers wore these lanyards. Though they’re not precisely stylish, they’re tremendous helpful. Store choices that are available a slew of colours out there or go for extra primary all-black ones as a substitute.

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