Packing for the Sea Component
- Space aboard is limited. EVERYTHING you bring will live with you in your bunk (except foul weather gear). Pack in crushable luggage (duffel bags, etc.) not a suitcase.
- The key to clothing on the ship is layering. Clothes that can be worn over or under other layers will serve you well.
- In New England temperatures will range from very cold to pretty warm. In the tropics, it can be anywhere from chilly to sweltering.
- Clothes that dry quickly will make you happy. It is a boat, after all. As a rule, synthetic fibers like polar fleece and various polyesters and nylons do a better job of this than heavy cotton. Avoid denim, thick towels and heavy cotton sweatshirts; once wet, they will NEVER dry.
- The clothes you bring should be comfortable and easy to move in.
- The clothes you bring to sea will be put to hard use and are subject to the same rugged life aboard a working vessel you will be. In other words, things might get torn, stained, etc. You might think of this as an opportunity to take some of your oldest T-shirts out for one last fling (and maybe not bring them back).
- You will be provided with a mattress, pillow and pillow case. You’ll need to bring either a sleeping bag or a couple of twin sheets and a light blanket. Folks sailing in the tropics generally prefer sheets and often end up sleeping on top of everything to stay a little cooler.
- Many students have found a second set of clean sheets to be a refreshing mid-cruise treat.
- Don’t count on doing laundry. It’s frequently unavailable and if you do find it, it’s apt to be expensive and/or unreliable. Pack what you need for six weeks.
- Think hard about what you really need.
- You will change your clothes much less frequently than you do on land. A pair of shorts might last 10-14 days at sea. Really.
- If you wear prescription glasses, bring a second pair. If you wear contact lenses, bring your glasses as well.
- DO NOT BRING electronic equipment (walkman, radio, cell phones, beepers), scuba gear, food, liquor.
Optional Stuff: Marlinespike, writing material, reading material, camera & film (very expensive outside the U.S.), small daypack for port stops, musical instruments, ziplock bags (waterproof packaging), water bottle, insect repellent, baby wipes (between showers) Use packing list on reverse to guide your decisions. It has been compiled based on the suggestions and experience of many who have sailed before you. If your cruise track travels from the southern region to New England or from New England to the south, you will need to pack for time in both climates. Pacific cruise tracks will obviously be quite warm…use the “southern trip” guidelines. Your captain will conduct a “sea orientation.” If you have questions regarding what to bring, be sure to ask at that time.
You Must Bring on all Cruise Tracks
| Foul weather gear WATERPROOF | Jacket w/hood, pants, boots (boots may seem bulky to pack, but when you need them you’ll be glad you did. SEA has foul weather jackets and pants available for $45 each. |
| Light jacket | 1 windbreaker or polar fleece shell |
| Wrist watch | 1 digital or with second hand |
| Towels | 2 light and quick drying (leave the giant thick bath sheet at home) |
| Sleeping bag or sheets | 1 bag or 2 sheets (+light blanket) |
| Sunblock and chapstick | SPF 15 or greater for both |
| Sunglasses | 2 pair – must have UV protection |
| Toilet kit | Toothpaste, toothbrush, etc. No hair dryers |
| Flashlight | One small flashlight with one set extra batteries |
| Sheath knife or pocket knife | |
| Shampoo/body detergent | Do not bring bar soap, it won’t foam up in salt water. Any detergent based product will work. Suave is cheap & works great. |
| Hat | Broad brimmed for sun protection |
| Your Passport |
You Must Bring on all Cruise Tracks
| Southern Trips | Northern Trips | |
| Underwear | 14 pairs – they’re compact & nice to have | 14 pairs |
| Socks | 2-6 pairs – Less if you wear sandals. More if you’re a sneaker wearer. | 6-8 pairs Wool/Polypropylene – wet cotton will freeze your feet |
| Shoes – non-skid/rubber soled | 2 pairs – Teva or similar is fine. Must have heel strap, no flip flops. One pair of sneakers. | 2 pairs – probably lace-ups to wear with warm socks. Tevas for warmer days if you have room. |
| Shorts | 4-6 pairs – quick drying | 2 pairs |
| T-shirts | 8-12 (1-2 long sleeved) | 8-10 (2-4 long sleeved) |
| Pants | 1-2 pairs – avoid denim, it never dries. Lightweight canvas or synthetic blends. | 3 pairs – avoid denim. Wool or synthetic blends. |
| Swimsuits | 2 | 1 |
| Sweater/ Fleece | 1 Wool or Polar Fleece – no cotton | 2 Wool or polar fleece – no cotton |
| Hat | 1 – broad brimmed hat/cap | 2 pairs |
| Long underwear | ----------------------- | |
| Gloves/Mittens | ----------------------- | 2 warm pairs |
