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Hurtigruten Group

What to pack for a HX expedition

There are several things to remember to bring along with you when you are coming on an expedition with us.

To make packing a bit easier, we have drawn up a packing list, covering both polar waters and expeditions in warmer waters such as the Caribbean, South America and in Europe.

If you should forget something, don’t worry! On board all our ships you will find a shop with a wide range of clothes and practical items. - On board it’s smart to wear ordinary shoes - Bring a memory card with a large capacity – there are sockets in the cabins to recharge photo equipment - The dress code aboard the ship is relaxed and casual and you are not expected to dress formally for meals - Extra shoelaces are also a good idea - Bring a good pair of binoculars - A small waterproof backpack is necessary for carrying essentials - Hiking boots with ankle support for joining expedition team hikes. - Note that because of bio-security, Rubber Boots provided onboard are mandatory to use on all hikes offered in Svalbard, Antarctica and the Northwest Passage. - Please remember to bring your passport and a copy of it - Sun protection - Sunglasses with UV filter lenses - Lip salve with UV protection. Dry, cold wind and sun often cause chapped lips - Money in the correct currency. Remember, our ships also accept several credit cards. - Remember to bring sufficient medication to last through any unforeseen delays - Rubber boots are available upon request, at no extra cost, aboard all expedition ships, except MS Nordstjernen, MS Santa Cruz, and MS Otto Sverdrup. - Adapter for European power outlets if your electronic devices do not have a European (type C) plug.

Packing for cold-water expedition cruises

- Warm winter jacket - Wind- and water-resistant trousers - 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) - Note that because of bio-security, Rubber Boots provided onboard are mandatory to use on all hikes offered in Svalbard, Antarctica and the Northwest Passage.

Packing for warm-water expedition cruises

- 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

Penguins perched on the ice of Cuverville Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

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