The ultimate packing guide for your polar expedition cruise

What Should You Pack for Your Scenic Discovery Yacht Polar Voyage?

1. What Does Scenic Provide for Polar Voyages?

2. How Should You Dress for Polar Regions?

3. What Accessories and Footwear Do You Need?

4. What Other Essential Gear and Technology Should You Bring?

5. How Should You Pack for Arctic, Iceland and Norway?

6. How Do You Prepare for Colder East Antarctica?

7. What Do You Need to Wear On Board your Ultra-Luxury Ship?

What Does Scenic Provide for Polar Voyages?

Scenic covers your core polar essentials so you can travel with confidence. A complimentary wind-proof, waterproof hooded parka designed for polar Expedition Voyages will be delivered to your suite when you board your Discovery Yacht, and it is yours to keep.

You also receive key items for your landings and excursions:

• Insulated water bottle to refill at filtered water stations.

• Complimentary use of polar boots.

• Trekking poles for offshore activities.

• Dry suits for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, fitted on board.

• Personal in-suite binoculars for wildlife and scenery viewing.

Before you travel, you’ll be asked to select sizes for your parka and polar boots. If you need a different size once you are on board, the Scenic team will promptly help you find the right fit.

How Should you Dress for Polar Regions?

You should dress using a three-layer system, so you stay comfortably warm and dry in changing conditions. The idea is to adjust layers rather than pack heavy single garments.

1. Base layer

• Tops and bottoms that insulate and wick moisture.

• Fabrics such as polypropylene, merino wool and other synthetics are recommended.

• Fit close to the skin to move perspiration away from your body.

2. Insulation layer

• Fleece top and pants, or a lightweight loft jacket or vest.

• Polar fleece or long-sleeve synthetic shirt and pants for warmth and breathability.

3. Waterproof outerwear

• Your complimentary Scenic parka.

• Lightweight waterproof pants are essential for every excursion, as you may get wet when sitting on the Zodiac or when stepping ashore.

• Many ski and snowboard-style pants now offer a high waterproof rating and work well in polar conditions. Look for pants that are loose fitting, breathable and wide enough to fit over your polar boots, ideally with knee-high side zippers so you can easily take boots on and off.

Did you know?

You must avoid pants with Velcro, as these can be a biosecurity hazard by trapping seeds or sand and are harder to clean between landings.

What Accessories and Footwear do you Need?

Accessories that protect your extremities (hands, feet and head) make a big difference to your comfort. Make sure to include:

• Thermal, wool or synthetic socks. Many guests prefer to wear two pairs at once, choosing long, thick socks for added warmth.

• At least two pairs of gloves: a thinner liner glove for dexterity (it will be helpful when taking photos with your phone), and a warm, waterproof outer glove for extra protection.

• A wool hat or beanie that covers your ears, plus a neck gaiter and scarf that can also cover your face when needed.

Extra tip: If you choose to change out of your polar boots during landings, pack sturdy hiking boots made of leather, Gore-Tex or another high-quality waterproof material.

What Other Essential Gear and Technology Should you Bring?

You should bring simple, practical gear that protects you from glare, wind, and spray while helping you capture each moment.

• The strong light and reflective snow in the polar regions make eye protection essential. Sunglasses with UV protection are recommended, with polarised lenses ideal, and a strap helps prevent them from being lost in the wind.

• Ski goggles are also useful for keeping water and wind off your face while you are on the water or ashore.

• Lip balm to help protect against wind burn.

• A compact backpack for day trips ashore, preferably waterproof and large enough to carry spare clothing, cameras, and water.

• A good-quality camera, waterproof bag, spare memory cards, and an extra battery to ensure you can capture every special sighting.

• To keep your gear dry, bring plastic zip-lock bags and consider a drybag for more expensive or fragile camera equipment.

• Add a lanyard to your phone so it remains secure while taking photos during Zodiac, kayak and stand-up paddleboard excursions.

How Should you Pack for Arctic, Iceland and Norway?

When exploring the Arctic, Iceland and Norway, you should pack for varied terrain and cultural stops rather than just ice and snow. You will move between remote communities, historic towns, and nature walks. Be sure to consider:

• Comfortable, sturdy shoes for cobblestone streets and uneven paths.

• A practical day bag or small backpack for personal items.

• Layers you can add or remove as you move between indoor venues and outdoor viewpoints.

Insects such as mosquitoes may appear during the warmer months. Consider packing light, long-sleeved tops and trousers, plus insect repellent, so you can enjoy your time outdoors.

How do you Prepare for Colder East Antarctica?

East Antarctica and the Ross Sea region are colder than the Antarctica Peninsula and can experience temperatures as low as approximately -10 degrees Celsius to -30 degrees Celsius. For these conditions, extra layers are essential so you can stay comfortable during longer periods ashore or on Zodiac, kayak and paddling excursions.

Here are some extra layering suggestions:

• Pack an additional fleece or synthetic mid layer.

• Bring thicker thermal leggings and tops for days with longer landings.

• Consider hand and toe warmers to boost comfort without adding bulk.

What do you Need to Wear on Board your Scenic Discovery Yacht?

On board Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Ikon, you can peel back your outer layers and enjoy 6-star ultra-luxury in relaxed comfort. The dress code is smart casual and the temperatures tailored for your comfort and enjoyment.

On board wardrobe essentials:

• Swimwear for the Vitality pools, jacuzzi and optional Polar Plunge.

• Activewear and runners for the fitness area, yoga and Pilates studio, and other wellness classes.

• Comfortable clothing for time in your spacious suite, lounges, bars and dining venues.

During the day, on board dress is generally relaxed, with guests favouring comfortable, casual clothes. In the evening, you will see a mix of styles: some guests choose to dress up for dinner, while others feel comfortable in the same smart-casual outfit they wore during the day, perhaps adding a cardigan, shawl or light jacket for extra warmth. A short-sleeved top with a light layer such as a shawl or jacket is also another option for some guests.

You can tailor your wardrobe to your personal style, knowing Scenic’s focus is on comfort, ease and a welcoming atmosphere rather than strict formality.