What To Pack for a HX Expedition
We’ve created a recommended packing list to make preparing for your expedition that little bit easier. If you should forget something, don’t worry. On board our ships, you’ll find a shop with a wide range of clothes and practical items. What’s more, you’ll receive a complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket and be loaned boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities.
On-board
Casual clothes – the dress code is relaxed and informal, even for dinners
Comfortable flat shoes for everyday use while onboard. It can be slippery on deck, so we recommend shoes with a good grip
Swimwear if you wish to use the hot tub or sauna.
Sandals
Gym clothes if you wish to use the fitness facilities
Type C plug adapters (two-round pins commonly used in Europe)
Warm-weather destinations
Fast-drying clothes that you can layer
Rain poncho
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Light water-resistant jacket
Short- and long-sleeved t-shirts, preferably with a UV filter
Shorts and light-weight trousers
Sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet
Reef shoes/water socks or water shoes/sandals
Hydration electrolyte tablets
Snorkel gear
Reef-safe sunblock, which should not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate as these chemicals contribute to coral bleaching and disrupt the ocean’s pH balance.
Cold-weather destinations
Warm winter jacket
Waterproof trousers (mandatory for expeditions in Polar regions)
Woollen/fleece-lined jumpers
Woollen underlayers and long thermal underwear and tops
Warm hat or headband that covers your ears
Scarf, buff or fleece tube
Underlayer gloves and top-layer gloves
Waterproof gloves
Warm woollen socks
Shoe ice grips
Insect repellent and bite & sting relief ointment (Greenland only)
Hat with mosquito net (Greenland only)
Biosecurity packing guidelines for expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic
Help protect the pristine Arctic and Antarctic environment from the threat of non-native species by following these biosecurity packing guidelines from the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO):
For Arctic packing guidelines from AECO, click here.
For Antarctic packing guidelines from IAATO, click here.
Additional items for all destinations
Hiking boots for excursions and other shoreside activities
Polarised sunglasses with UV protection
High-factor sunscreen
Moisturiser and lip salve with UV protection
Hat or baseball cap (one with a chinstrap is recommended due to windy conditions)
Camera and memory cards with a large capacity
Extra batteries for your camera (battery life is shorter in cold areas)
Environmentally friendly insect repellent and bite & sting relief ointment
Mosquito net for your hat
Small waterproof bag (20l volume) for landings
Small backpack for excursions
Binoculars
Good to know
You’ll receive a complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket to keep. Please note that it is not a thick winter jacket.
Our onboard shop offers a variety of essentials and gifts to purchase, including Helly Hansen gear, sea sickness tablets, and souvenirs.
We’ll loan you boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities.
In some areas we visit, rubber muck boots are mandatory for stepping ashore. We’ll loan them to you for free. They come in sizes 35-50 EU.
We reserve the right to refuse activity participation to guests who are not properly dressed for the conditions.
Visit our excursions hub and select the excursion that’s relevant to you. In the practical information section, you’ll find guidance regarding what to wear.
