Packing lists that assume something will go wrong

Embarkation day is the one that goes wrong. Pack as though your checked bag will not reach the cabin until dinner, because it often does not.

• Passport valid at least six months past your return date
• Printed boarding documents and luggage tags for embarkation day
• Carry-on with swimwear, medication and one change of clothes
• Two smart evening outfits per week at sea
• Power strip without surge protection, since surge models are confiscated
• Motion sickness remedy, even if you have never needed one
• Lanyard for your stateroom card
• Cash in small bills for tenders, porters and shore guides
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat with a chin cord for windy decks
• Two magnetic hooks, since cabin walls are steel
• Travel insurance documents saved offline
• Collapsible day bag for port days

Resort packing fails in two places: sun protection and shoes you cannot walk on wet stone in.

• Two swimsuits, so one is always dry
• Reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun
• Packable hat and a cover-up you can wear to lunch
• Sandals with grip for wet pool decks and boat steps
• Light long sleeves for sun and strong air conditioning
• Insect repellent for evenings
• Waterproof pouch for your phone on boat transfers
• One dinner outfit, since most resorts have an evening dress code
• Blister plasters and antihistamine
• Cash for staff gratuities where cards are not accepted

You will walk further than you plan to, and enter at least one church with a dress code.

• Walking shoes broken in before departure
• A layer that covers shoulders and knees for churches
• Cross-body bag that closes properly
• Two cards with tap payment, stored separately
• Plug adapter: Type C or F for most of Europe, Type G for the United Kingdom
• Museum and restaurant reservations saved offline
• Compact umbrella
• One outfit for a proper dinner
• Portable battery for a full day out
• Photograph of your passport, stored separately from the passport

Layers, not bulk. Cotton is the one fabric to leave at home, because it holds water and cools you.

• Waterproof outer shell, jacket and trousers, for wet landings
• Merino base layers, top and bottom
• Insulated mid layer, such as fleece or down
• Warm gloves plus thin liner gloves for using a camera
• Hat that covers the ears, and a neck gaiter
• Sunglasses with side protection for snow glare
• Binoculars, 8x42 is the usual choice
• Dry bag for camera gear on zodiac landings
• Motion sickness remedy for open crossings
• High factor sunscreen and lip balm, since ice reflects sun
• Spare batteries, which drain quickly in cold air
• Confirm what the ship lends: boots and parkas are often included

Everything here goes in the cabin with you, not in a checked bag.

• Medication in its original packaging, enough for two extra days
• Compression socks
• Empty refillable water bottle to fill after security
• Noise-cancelling headphones, charged
• Entertainment downloaded before you leave home
• Eye mask and a neck pillow that actually supports your head
• Moisturizer and lip balm for dry cabin air
• One change of clothes in case bags are delayed
• Charging cable and a battery pack within reach, not overhead
• Snacks, for the stretch between service rounds