An Iceland cruise is a gateway to dramatic landscapes, from the midnight sun to steaming hot springs. With cold temperatures and diverse excursions, combined with life onboard your ship, a well-thought-out Iceland cruise packing list is crucial.
By being prepared for variable weather conditions and unique activities, you can embrace all that an Iceland cruise has to offer. To help you prepare for your trip to Iceland, we have put together some suitcase suggestions, letting you know what to pack for a cruise to Iceland.
In this guide…
- Understanding Iceland’s weather on a cruise
- Essential clothing for an Iceland cruise
- Must-have accessories and footwear for excursions
- Packing for onboard comfort and relaxation
- Things you don’t need to pack for an Iceland cruise
- FAQs about cruising to Iceland
- Summing up your Iceland cruise packing list
Your essential Iceland cruise packing list
Understanding Iceland’s weather on a cruise
As the name suggests, Iceland is known for its cold weather, which is part of the allure of going on a cruise to this enchanting destination. The cold temperatures, even in the summer, create stunning landscapes that make any voyage memorable.
The time of year you visit will impact what you want to include in your Iceland packing list, so it's good to have an understanding of what to expect.
The summer is the primary cruising season for Iceland, with the nation seeing cool temperatures, light showers, and incredibly long daylight hours (it’s not called the midnight sun for nothing). The average summer temperatures range between 9°c and 11°c.
Spring and autumn bring colder temperatures, with lows of 2.9°c in April and 4.4°c in October. Those visiting Iceland in the winter can expect even colder weather, with temperatures dropping below zero.
Iceland is known for its sudden weather changes; showers can arrive quite unannounced. In the summer, you can enjoy some pleasant sunshine between colder spells, so it's essential to be prepared for anything.
When packing for an Iceland cruise, work layers into your packing plan so you can adapt to the weather on the fly. Naomi, from the travel blog Authentic Chic, shares the following insight:
“We did a luxury small-scale cruise to Iceland in summer and had a lovely suite with an extensive closet, so I had enough space and only had to unpack once. And although we had some quite sunny days in July, we also had several windy and rainy days, as can be expected of Iceland, that’s why layering up is always a good idea!”
Our cruises to Iceland tend to take place in the summer, but we also offer cruises in spring and autumn. For those hoping to witness nature’s wonders during winter, our northern lights cruises are also worth exploring later in the year.
essential clothing for an Iceland cruise
- Thermal base leggings
- Long-sleeved tops
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated outerwear
- Wool or thermal socks
- Smart-casual evening outfit
- Warm hat, gloves and scarf
It’s essential to consider versatility when packing clothes for an Iceland cruise. With the cold temperatures and varying conditions, you want to be ready for anything.
Pack a healthy array of versatile outfits with base layers, which will be particularly valuable for excursions. From hiking across lava fields and horseback riding to relaxing in thermal pools, Iceland keeps you on your toes.
Think layering, such as thermal leggings, long-sleeved tops, waterproof jackets, and insulated outerwear. These items will help you stay warm while allowing you to adjust to rain and sunshine.
Jenni, from the travel blog Cruise Mummy, spoke to us about her tips for cold-weather cruises like Iceland, and puts layering at the top of her list:
“When it comes to clothing, I always recommend layering. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to pack thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer like a fleece or insulated jacket, and a waterproof outer layer. A warm hat, gloves, and scarf are essentials – especially for time spent on deck or during shore excursions.”
Naomi from Authentic Chic offers a few more suggestions: “The weather in Iceland is super fickle, so pack some vests, a good (waterproof) coat, and thermowear, like leggings for under your trousers.”
Of course, it’s important to strike the right balance between onboard comfort and outdoor practicality. We will delve more into what to pack for your days at sea later, but ensure you pack clothes that you can relax in onboard and would like to wear to meals in the evening.
You’ll find diverse experiences on our tailored cruise holidays, each calling for well-considered wardrobe options. Browse our itineraries for cruises to Iceland for more on what to expect.
READ MORE: Packing for Your First Cruise Holiday
Must-have accessories and footwear for excursions
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Practical trainers
- Smart evening shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Swimwear
- Gloves
- Hats (for sun and cold weather)
- Sunglasses
- Daypack
When you travel to Iceland for a cruise, you will also want to pack a selection of must-have accessories. For example, comfortable and sturdy footwear will enhance your enjoyment of the different excursions.
We recommend waterproof hiking boots, practical trainers, something smart for the evenings, and even sandals/flip-flops for trips to the pool.
Charlie from The Millennial Runaway travel blog offers these recommendations for footwear and accessories based on her trip to Iceland: “Excursions often involve walking on icy paths or rugged terrain, so sturdy, waterproof boots are a must. Accessories like a woolly hat and touchscreen gloves make all the difference when you’re out exploring waterfalls, glaciers, or standing on deck hoping to spot the Northern Lights.”
Swimwear should certainly make its way onto your Iceland packing list, not just for the onboard pool, however. Shore tours to Iceland’s famous hot springs, like the Blue Lagoon, will be on the agenda for many.
Other essential accessories for Iceland to consider include a sun hat and sunglasses to protect against glare, as well as a daypack for storing all your belongings during excursions.
Jenni from Cruise Mummy shares the important reminder to pack for warm weather too, even for somewhere like Iceland: “When choosing an itinerary such as Iceland or Scandinavia, it's important to remember that you may have hot weather too! In Iceland, the temperatures can reach 25ËšC in summer, so you'll also want to pack your shorts, t-shirts, sandals, sunglasses and swimwear. And don't forget your sunscreen!
“For accessories, I’d suggest bringing a small pair of binoculars for spotting wildlife, a dry bag for protecting your tech and documents from rain, and good non-slip walking shoes for exploring on land.”
If you are seeking this packing list pre-emptively, why not consider a late booking and discover our last-minute cruise deals for a spontaneous Icelandic adventure?
Packing for onboard comfort and relaxation
- Casual loungewear
- Lightweight book/e-reader
- Travel adapter
- Swimwear
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Easy to remove layers
It’s not just your time at shore that you should consider when packing, but also your time onboard. Many Icelandic cruises will involve some sea days as you travel across the North Sea. During these days, you’ll want to take full advantage of the amazing amenities on our ships, so make sure you pack accordingly.
Swimwear for onboard hot tubs and spa days is ideal; we also recommend bringing flip-flops or sandals and a cover-up to wear as you travel from your cabin.
Perhaps you’ll want to spend your time huddled up in one of our cafes or bars with a book. In that case, an e-reader can be a great way to bring a range of novels without sacrificing too much luggage space.
Adaptive clothing can also be great. Casual loungewear is perfect for days onboard, but you’ll be moving between areas of the ship – especially from inside to outside – you might want layers that you can easily slip on and off to feel more comfortable.
Things you don’t need to pack for an Iceland cruise
If this is your first cruise, you might be forgiven for imagining that every evening onboard is a formal affair and worrying that you don’t have enough finery to last. You’ll be pleased to learn that for cruises under 12 days (which most of our Iceland itineraries are), you’ll be looking at two formal nights at most, so two formal outfits are plenty. If you do want to dress up, though, feel free!
You can find out exactly how many formal nights your desired itinerary will have in our FAQ, How many formal and theme nights are there on my cruise?.
We’d also recommend against bringing large amounts of bulky and heavy electronics that you won’t use. There is so much to do when travelling with Fred. Olsen. Even on your sea days, it’s unlikely you’ll reach for items like a laptop or tablet, so opting to leave those at home and embracing the sea life can be a great space-saving technique.
Finally, don’t worry about bringing specialist equipment that can be provided on your shore tours. If you book shore tours before you leave, make sure you understand what’s included in the cost so you don’t pack items such as walking poles or wetsuits that will be provided for you at the time
FAQs about cruising to Iceland
What is the weather like on an Iceland cruise?
The primary cruise season for Iceland is during the summer, though cruisers should still expect chilly temperatures. The weather on a summer Iceland cruise typically features temperatures of around 10°c, with unpredictable rain, but long days of sunshine that can last until very late at night. Cruises to Iceland in spring and autumn see cold temperatures down to low single digits, and winter cruises can see temperatures dip below freezing.
Do I need waterproof clothing for an Iceland cruise?
Yes, waterproof clothing is an important thing to include on your Iceland cruise packing list. Rain is common throughout the year in Iceland, and it can be unpredictable. Therefore, ensure you include a rain jacket, waterproof trousers, and shoes when packing for your cruise.
Can I swim in hot springs during an Iceland cruise?
Yes, you can swim in hot springs during an Iceland cruise. Iceland is renowned for its geothermal pools and iconic hot springs, making them some of the top activities for those on an Iceland cruise holiday. There are shore tours to Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, where visitors can take a dip and enjoy the warm, rejuvenating waters.
What kind of shoes should I pack for excursions in Iceland?
Shore tours in Iceland take many forms, so packing a couple of different types of shoes will make life easier. We recommend packing waterproof hiking boots for excursions that involve walking across Iceland’s beautiful and rugged terrain. For excursions to Iceland’s cities and towns, a pair of comfortable walking shoes will fit the bill nicely.
READ MORE: The Best Cruises for Adventurers
Summing up your Iceland cruise packing list
In summary, when it comes to what to pack for a cruise to Iceland, you will want a varied selection of clothing and accessories to accommodate different eventualities. Iceland’s weather is chilly and temperamental, so pack practical layers and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable and ready for every aspect of your cruise.
Ready to set sail? Explore our range of inspiring cruise holidays to Iceland today.