What to pack for your cruise to the Northwest Passage

Climate in the Northwest Passage

Climate and temperatures

We travel through the Northwest Passage in summer. The High Arctic summer can have temperatures as low as 5° C (41° F), but can also reach mid to high 20° C (68° F).

High Arctic summer days

Being this far north in summer means days are long. Daylight lasts from about 20 hours per day at the beginning of August to 12 hours by the end of September.

How should you dress?

Wearing clothes in layers is the best way to dress. We advise bringing light jumpers, a woollen jumper, warm socks, a scarf, mountain/winter boots, warm and waterproof trousers, a jacket, a woollen hat, and gloves. When going ashore, mosquito repellent might also be handy.

Packing list for the Northwest Passage

In addition to your “ordinary” packing list (toiletries and necessary basic clothes), we recommend these items for your expedition:

1. A pair of casual shoes for use onboard
2. Camera equipment and a memory card with a large capacity. Check if you need an adapter. The power plugs and sockets on board are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
3. The dress code aboard the ship is relaxed and casual, and you are not expected to dress formally for meals
4. A pair of good binoculars (or rent a high-quality pair from the shop)
5. A small waterproof backpack to carry essentials during landings
6. Please remember to bring your passport and a copy of it
7. Sun protection (factor 30 +) and insect repellent for landings
8. Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
9. Lip salve with UV protection
10. Remember to bring sufficient medication to last through any unforeseen delays
11. Wind and water-resistant trousers
12. Warm cap or headband
13. Swimwear for use in our on-deck pool and hot tubs
14. Scarf or fleece tube
15. Warm woollen jumper and fleece jumper/jacket. Remember layers are essential
16. Gloves and/or mittens
17. Warm socks
18. Shoes with good soles are recom­mended for use on the outside deck and for excursions ashore. Make sure that they are worn-in walking boots