Expedition Cruise Fitness and Packing
What landings ask of you, and what to bring.
Get Expedition Cruise QuotesYou do not need to be an athlete for an expedition cruise, but you do need to move safely in a moving world. Getting from the ship into a Zodiac, and from the Zodiac onto a rocky shore, is the part that surprises first-timers. A little preparation makes every landing more enjoyable.
Fitness: What Is Really Asked of You
- Balance and grip. Crew help you step down into the boat using a firm wrist-to-wrist hold. Practice stepping up and down a high step at home.
- Wet landings. You may swing your legs over the side of the boat and step into ankle-deep or knee-deep water.
- Uneven ground. Shingle beaches, snow, mud and tundra. Walking poles help; some lines lend them.
- Stairs. Small ships may have fewer elevators. Ask if this matters to you.
- Sea days. Open-ocean crossings can be rough. Bring the seasickness remedy your doctor recommends.
Many expedition lines ask for a medical questionnaire signed by your doctor, particularly for polar voyages, and remote regions are far from hospitals. That is why evacuation coverage is worth a careful look; see Cruise & Travel Insurance.
An Expedition Packing List
Layers, not bulk
Base layer, warm mid layer, and a waterproof, windproof outer shell. Add or remove as the day changes.
Waterproof trousers
Essential for Zodiac spray and wet landings, in warm regions as well as cold ones.
Feet and hands
Warm socks, waterproof gloves and liner gloves. Check whether boots are loaned on board.
Sun and eyes
Sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and lip balm; snow and water reflect strong light.
Dry bag and binoculars
A small dry bag for the camera and a good pair of binoculars for wildlife.
Biosecurity
Clean boots and gear before the trip; polar and island regions require it to keep out seeds and soil.
For a printable list, see Cruising Checklist. And read the landing rules your expedition team explains on the first day: keeping your distance from wildlife and leaving nothing behind are not just courtesies but conditions of being there, whether under IAATO guidelines in Antarctica or national park rules elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for expedition cruises?
Policies vary. Many lines welcome older travelers who are mobile, and some set minimum ages for children or for activities such as kayaking. The key question is mobility, not age.
Can I go on an expedition cruise with limited mobility?
Some guests stay aboard for certain landings and enjoy Zodiac cruises instead. Be honest with the line about your needs before booking, because getting into a small boat in a swell takes some agility.
Do I have to buy a parka and boots?
Not always. Many polar lines include a parka and lend waterproof boots; others do not. Check your line’s inclusions before you shop.
Ask Us About Fitness and Gear
Not sure an expedition is right for you? Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can match you with a voyage that suits your pace.
Get Expedition Cruise Quotes