11 Worst Packing Mistakes I Made on a 13-day Scandinavian Cruise — and What to Bring Instead, From $8

Thirteen days, three countries, one truly epic adventure in the North: this is Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes, a Viking ocean voyage itinerary. I’m not an avid cruiser, but I do appreciate the appeal of this method of travel: it’s convenient and logistically low maintenance. You unpack once, you don’t schlep around with your passport throughout new places, and you have expert-guided tours in every port. So, when I was invited to experience a Scandinavian cruise, I jumped at the chance. 

I’m a seasoned traveler, especially to Europe, having visited 10 times in the last two years and more than 20 times overall. I’m also an unusually excellent packer (team carry-on-only!). But a “coolcation” cruise around the Atlantic Ocean in August threw me for a loop: I packed like a total amateur (as a Midwesterner with Scandinavian ancestry, I should have known better). Luckily, some creative dressing and incredible souvenirs saved the day. But, to keep you from blowing your budget in an already expensive destination, here are the 10 essentials I suggest adding to your cruise packing list if you’re headed on a similar journey. 

Don’t pack: Leggings

Pack instead: Versatile black pants

A trusted pair of comfortable leggings is always a great travel outfit, but when abroad, I prefer to dress up a bit more for actual exploration. But for some reason, I forgot to pack nicer pants on my Scandi trip. I felt a little unpolished when touring sights like the waterfront Harpa concert house in Reykjavik (psst: there’s a free shuttle from the cruise port instead of taking an hour-long walk). Nothing screams “I’m an American in Europe” like too much athleisure, so for my next cruise, I’d be sure to pack elevated black pants (that still feel like leggings, let’s be real). My current favorites are the SpanxSmooth PerfectFit Ponte Flare Pant or the similar but more affordable Quince Ultra-stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants. This way, comfort remains key for long walking days, but you’ll still feel welcome in funky little shops like Fischersund, a stunningly posh parfumerie in Reykjavik. 

Don’t pack: Stylish boots

Pack instead: Cute rainboots

I’ve taken my cute Sperry rainboots on multiple trips to Ireland and Scotland, countries that just scream misty mornings. Although Iceland is also rainy, I regrettably didn’t pack them. Instead, I brought a nice pair of black Chelsea boots; while they were nice for dinner, it would have been much better to have hardier footwear during my Nordic adventure. There was a waterfall hike I skipped because I didn’t have the right pair of boots, and I’m still a little bummed about it. 

Don’t pack: A long trench coat

Pack instead: A long vest

I love the vest trend, especially sleek long ones, as they’re a touch warmer without the bulk of wearing a long coat. My absolute favorite find of the season is this Mary Orton x Addison Bay striped one. I love to layer it with the coordinating pullover (which is so stripey and preppy) and my favorite navy leggings (whether they’re this Free People pair, these Vuori bottoms, or the popular Spanx Booty Boost ones). I also love this versatile Zella Long Hooded Puffer Vest that would be great on a Scandinavian cruise, too, thanks to its functionality. Next trip, I’ll be sure to pack one of these vests as opposed to the long trench coat I brought, which was fine but not as ideal for layering or warmth. 

Don’t pack: Athletic socks

Pack instead: Wool socks

Normally, I’m a fan of my millennial no-show athletic socks (you can pry them out of my cold, dead hands, Gen Z), but I should have packed more functional wool socks for this trip like those from Darn Tough. While I love their wool socks, I have other travel buds who swear by Bombas socks or Smartwool pairs. Whatever you choose, wool socks are an A-plus pick on any coolcation, whether to Norway, Iceland, or the Faroe Islands. 

Don’t pack: A pashmina

Pack instead: A blanket scarf

While I love a good thrift store find (my Midwest favorites are Esthers in Omaha and Love Letter in Door County), my go-to vintage pashmina wasn’t really warm enough for a Scandinavian jaunt. Enter this blanket scarf from Dudley Stephens. (I own the black, but I’m eyeing the cream for winter white looks and the eye-catching red for Husker football game day.) Made of a super cozy fleece material, this oversized scarf has a scalloped edge that makes it feel upscale and fashionable while providing functionality for a cold weather trip. (Add a monogram for an even fancier look.) For cheaper alternatives, you can shop this mossy green Nordstrom Rack find or this Quince cashmere wrap. I appreciate a full-on shawl moment, too, so consider this Barbour beauty if you want to go that route — so koselig (the Norwegian way to say hygge). 

Don’t pack: A patterned skirt

Pack instead: A solid skirt

While I adore this polka dot skirt from Amazon and have it in two colors, the busy pattern isn’t as versatile as I would have liked during my trip. I should have opted for a more neutral maxi skirt (sorry not sorry) version, like this Open Edit Maxi Skirt this Everlane pleated number. Frankly, a solid color simply mixes in better for more outfit options on the road. If you want a little more textural moment, consider this sleek and shiny maxi, too. 

Don’t pack: A backpack

Pack instead: A fanny pack

While I am obsessed with my very chic ivory Monos backpack (the vegan leather is a dream), I found myself coveting a smaller day bag on my Scandi cruise. Enter my go-to fanny pack belt bag from Sapahn: I love the pebbled finish and water-resistant coating of the putty oil leather style. This sportier version from Vuori is another great travel pick, or you could opt for this simple Everlane bag, too. I would have appreciated a small bag like these on my port day in Alesund, Norway when I ended up overdoing it with souvenirs (a.k.a. buying a huge painting and too many quirky antiques). 

Don’t pack: A cardigan

Pack instead: A turtleneck bodysuit

In terms of layering, thinner bodysuits pack better and take up less space than a cardigan. My go-to is this sold-out Madewell pick, but luckily, Lululemon’s Wundermost Ultra-soft Nulu Turtleneck Bodysuit is a similarly great find that doesn’t add bulk (and it’ll help make sundresses Scandi-appropriate by layering one underneath). I didn’t end up needing any of the sweaters I brought because I found such incredible handmade ones in Iceland. Check out The Handknitting Association of Iceland in Reykjavik, which became my absolute number one shop I visited all of 2024. 

Don’t pack: A carry-on

Pack instead: A checked bag

As I mentioned earlier, I am devoted to team carry-on-only, but I bought so many souvenirs (cough, sweaters, cough cough) that I had to purchase an extra bag to bring them all home. This was a first for me, but I should have planned for this knowing my full-on obsession with sweaters (duh, Midwest). Plus, I have a toddler (shoutout to Baby Bob), and I like to get him children’s books from every country I visit. Iceland had a few great ones and a fluffy puffin stuffed animal, which all added heft to my luggage. A hardy checked bag like this pretty one from July will undoubtedly join me on my next cruise. 

Don’t pack: Regular underwear

Pack instead: Quick-dry underwear

One thing to remember about a two-week cruise, especially in cold weather, is that you’ll likely have to do laundry. But, it can be a challenge to navigate the communal laundry rooms found on every cabin floor on Viking ocean vessels. On sea days, they’re super busy, and it’s hard to squeeze in to use the machines. Having some quick dry underwear, like these from REI, would have made for a simpler laundry process, as they allow you to skip the dryer step.

Don’t forget to pack: A cruise lanyard

Cruise lanyards — who knew! This extra nugget of wisdom comes from my very seasoned travel buddy, Abbie, who not only has been to over 100 countries but also leads group trips and is a Fora travel advisor. Even this veteran managed to somehow misplace her keycard/cruise identification card, which is how to access not only your stateroom but the ship itself. We noticed some more experienced cruisers wore these lanyards. Although they’re not exactly chic, they’re super useful. Shop options that come in a slew of colors available or opt for more basic all-black ones instead.

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