Going on a cruise in Scotland? Here's our recommended kit list.

We are often asked about our recommended kit list or what to bring on board to make your cruise holiday with us more comfortable. We obviously have many years of experience under our collective belts and have come up with this list which gets sent to you when you book with us, but we thought we would share it here in the blog so it is also accessible to anyone searching for help with cruise travel in general. 

(We have included Amazon purchase links below as you will see for easy browsing.)

Clothing

Bring sensible clothing and footwear (such as boots or stout shoes) including waterproofs, hats and gloves for shore visits, and for time spent on deck. Wellingtons are not essential unless you like to wear them for walking. Footwear may get wet during any beach landings but you can always go ashore barefoot carrying shoes. Dress is informal (no dressing for dinner).

Luggage

Do not bring hard-sided suitcases. Space is limited in cabins and you'll have more space if you bring soft bags which will stow away more easily than suitcases.

Electronics

You are welcome to bring laptops, tablets, cameras and other devices. There are “regular” 240v power sockets in your cabin for charging batteries, etc. We don’t have hairdryers, but feel free to bring your own which can be used whenever the engine/generator is running.

Binoculars

If you have your own pair of favourite binoculars then please do bring them along with you. You will find them very useful for getting close up views of the wildlife, as well as other things we might see such as castles, ruins and lighthouses for example. We will have a stock of loan binoculars board just in case.

Need a new pair? Browse binoculars here!

Other Items

Please feel free to bring books, guides or maps, sketch-books, paints, fishing rods (if they fold down) etc; whatever will enhance your holiday. Also consider bringing polarised sunglasses, sun-lotion, sea-sickness remedies and midge repellent. Don't forget some lens wipes and cloths or tissues for removing salt spray from your glasses and other optics. Please never just wipe them with a dry cloth as the salt crystals could scratch your lenses!

Seasickness

The Hjalmar Bjørge is fully stabilised and was built in Norway for unforgiving Arctic waters, so can easily handle any seas. Suffice to say therefore that she is a very stable boat. However, you will sometimes feel the motion of the sea. A small number of guests do sometimes get seasick and as we want you to enjoy your holiday we may alter our route if our original plans will force us into heavy seas. It's always a good idea to come prepared for possible seasickness. 

Bring tablets with you and then you probably won't need them! Most of our passengers seem to favour “Stugeron” or “Kwells” which you will find in chemists and pharmacies. 

Other people swear by ginger, either taken in the candied form, biscuits or tea to help settle your stomach, and there are also acupressure bracelets which can work for some, worn on the wrist. Patches are a newer remedy on the scene and many people seem to find they can work also.

Buy Remedies Here!

Midges and Biting Insects

Midges are not a problem while at sea. However, during the summer months, you may encounter them if you go walking on any of the islands, along with deer flies and horse flies. Some islands are more prone to midges and flies and the crew will advise you on this. You are advised to take suitable precautions such as covering up (long sleeves, trousers and a midge-net for your head) and/or applying repellent creams/lotions. There are many proprietary midge/insect repellents on the market such as Smidge which is one of the most-often used.

Shop all midge/insect repellants here!