Most of my seagoing experience has been on coring cruises in polar/sub-polar regions, which is reflected in this list – adjust the amount of warm/cold weather gear as necessary for the region you’ll be working in! Caveat: unless you’re working in a very warm location, you will likely still want to bring some sort of warm jacket and hat since conditions can become wet and windy depending on the time of day/weather. I like to use the website Windy to get an idea of what the weather will be like while I’m out and/or the average expected conditions for the region.
Clothes
Everyday shirts and pants
The number of each depends on the duration of the cruise and if you’re planning to do laundry. Plan to re-wear clothes between washes.
Bring clothes that you are OK getting dirty/ripped
I like to pack several pairs of work pants with lots of pockets, which I’ll typically re-wear several times. My favorite pair are canvas workpants from Dovetail Workwear ( I have them in grey, which masks glacial mud really well, so I can wear them several times before washing ☺)
Sweatshirt (x2)
One for wearing around the ship, and another to keep clean for while you’re relaxing
Only pack one if you plan to buy one on the ship!
Pajamas
Set of clothes for lounging/existing outside of bed
Pair of clothes for working out (if there is a gym on the ship and/or time)
Long underwear top and pants (if sailing in a region with cold weather)
Long-sleeve tops can also be nice for layering under t-shirts
Underwear
The number of pairs you pack will likely dictate how often you do laundry – plan accordingly, depending on your personal preference and the duration of the cruise
I like to pack quick-dry underwear that can be washed in the sink if I’m in a pinch and don’t want to do laundry
Socks (more pairs than you think you’ll need. They will probably/definitely get wet).
A pair of wool ones too, if it will be very cold
Swimsuit (for before/after the cruise or if the ship has a sauna)
A nicer/dressier outfit
If you have the room, a slightly nicer outfit for dinner/exploring post-cruise (very optional)
I’ve heard lore of non-US vessels having fancy dinners that require more-formal attire, if you know you’re going on a ship that does this, plan to pack a nicer outfit for the occasion.
Shoes
Steel/composite-toed boots
I have a pair of tall Xtratufs that are good for working in messy/wet conditions on deck and a pair of Blundstones that I wear in the lab/MSCL van, but you really only need one pair. On most cruises, you won’t be allowed on the working deck of the ship without them.
If you’re buying your first pair, I’d suggest getting tall boots rather than the ankle-height ones because they’re better at keeping water out.
Regular close-toe shoes that are comfortable to stand in for a long duration
And that you’re ok with getting dirty
Shower sandals (optional)
Slippers or extra shoes that are kept clean for time off shift (optional)
Outerwear
Foulies – jacket and pants/bibs
Saltwater is brutal on Goretex and normal rain jacket material, so avoid wearing these if possible.
Windbreaker or something to wear over your clothes/jacket to keep from getting muddy
This is a go-to item for me when I’m working in the MSCL van because it keeps dirt/sharpie off of my warm jacket/sweatshirt. It’s nice to have an alternative to foulies that you’re also ok with getting dirty.
Warm/puffy jacket
Winter hat (even if it’s summer – the wind can be brutal at night).
Bring one that can fit under a hard hat (no pompom ☹)
Sunglasses
Gear
Small backpack
I like to fill this with everything I’ll need during my time on shift, so I don’t have to go back into my cabin while my cabinmate is asleep). See the section below for what I usually pack in here.
Utility knife
Headlamp (+ extra batteries)
Work gloves
Bring several pairs because they will get wet!
Toiletries
Put these in some sort of bag or hangable caddy – bonus if it can come into the shower with you. Keeping them from rolling away with ship motion is key.
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body Soap
Face Wash
Face/body sunscreen (!)
Lotion/lip balm (skin can get very dry on ships!)
Deodorant
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Floss
Nail clippers/file
Hairbrush
Hair ties
Feminine hygiene products (if necessary)
I prefer a menstrual cup because they can be good for long days and take up less space
Snacks/Food
Werther’s/Lifesavers/ginger chews to help with seasickness
I like to pack sugar-free hard candy, so my teeth don’t feel gross all day
I’m also a fan of Spry brand mints – they’re made with xylitol, which is allegedly good for your teeth – they can be nice if drinking coffee/snacking mid-shift
Saltines/salty snack
Most ships will have something like this to help with seasickness, but I like to bring a sleeve of my own to keep in my cabin in case I feel sick/hungry and don’t want to leave.
Personal snacks (optional)
Most ships are pretty good about stocking at least some food for snacking, but bring something special for yourself if it’s a long cruise and/or if there’s something you’ll really miss. I always bring a bar of chocolate :)
I am a vegetarian and have been in situations where there are not many protein options beyond hard-boiled eggs, which has been challenging on longer cruises. Some ships/cooks are better about this than others; vessels can have reputations (ask around if you don’t already know). I like to pack high-protein meal/snack bars if it’s a long cruise and I’m worried about getting enough.
Electrolyte tabs (optional)
Medication
Seasickness meds
NEVER double up and use the patch with oral medicine – this will make you incredibly sick!!!!
Start taking the night before going on the ship to build it up in your system
Common over-the-counter meds (i.e., Advil/Tylenol, Tums, Pepto Bismol)
Ships should be equipped to handle stuff like this, too, but I prefer to bring my own because it’s easier
Anything you normally take (prescriptions, allergy meds, vitamins)
Personal Items
Water bottle
Sealed coffee mug
Earplugs
Journal
Book/craft/entertainment (optional)
Most ships have books you can borrow, too
Pillowcase and small blanket (optional)
Linens are typically provided, but I like to bring some of my own
Electronics
Laptop
Phone
Headphones
Camera
Chargers for all the things
Durable/waterproof watch
International adaptor (if necessary)
Hard Drive/SDD for taking data off the ship
Polar/Cold Weather Specific Items
Warm winter hat
Isolated work gloves (!!!)
Buy several pairs because they will get wet!
Face buff
Wool insoles for steel-toe boots (optional, but I really like mine)
Extra, extra-thick socks
Paperwork and Documents
Passport (if necessary)
TWIC card (if you have one)
Drivers license
Printed/digital versions of documentation related to pre/post-cruise travel (i.e., hotel reservations, shuttle info). I also like to keep a list of emergency contacts too, in case something happens to my phone. These are especially good to have if you disembark in a different country.
Things I keep in my small backpack
Laptop
chargers
Water bottle
Sealed coffee mug
Hand sanitizer
Headphones
Notebook
Pen, Pencil, Sharpie
Cash (just in case/for buying ship merch)
Granola bar/hard candy
Seasickness and pain meds
Things to do pre-cruise
Download books/movies/music and any helpful notes/documents/papers for offline access
Most ships have pretty good internet access now, but there can still sometimes be limits to the amount of data that can be downloaded and the internet can be slow. I like to download helpful papers and cruise-related documents before I leave, so I know I will be able to access them.
Depending on the ability to stream music, you might need/want to set your Spotify account to ”offline” mode, which you can do by following these instructions. This allows you to access your downloaded music for up to 30 days without having to access the internet to confirm your subscription status.
Turn off any auto-sync settings on phone/computer to limit data usage
Take photos of important documents (i.e., passport, driver’s license)
Let bank know about travel (if necessary)
Clear up space on computer (if necessary)