Destinations · Things to Do · World Cruise
December 22, 2025 Words: Kerri Lee

Pack Like a Pro for Your Ultimate World Cruise

From polar regions to the tropics, tips for a perfectly curated suitcase

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Embarking on a world cruise is an exciting endeavor. And Seabourn’s 2028 World Cruise is so much more than a journey at sea; it’s an exploration into cultures, climates, flavors, and experiences.

With three months of discoveries ahead — from feeling the icy chill of Antarctica, seeing once-in-a-lifetime wildlife, to enjoying thrilling expeditions and exclusive Seabourn Signature Events — deciding what to wear can feel like its own voyage. While days ashore require adventure-ready attire, evenings aboard your luxurious yacht-like ship call for pieces more suited for cocktails or comfort.

Traveling through five continents and six climate zones leaves many scenarios to consider, so thoughtfully curated suitcases are your essential travel companions. For the coldest part of the trip, you’ll receive a complimentary World Cruise 2028 Polar Parka, meaning one less bulky item to pack. For everything else, consider this your guide to achieving an all-weather wardrobe for readiness and elegance for each climate.

Seabourn equips every explorer with the ultimate secret weapon: curated packing lists for every corner of the globe. Whether you’re chasing penguins in Antarctica, strolling sunlit Mediterranean streets, or savoring the tropics, our guides ensure you’re perfectly prepared for the journey ahead.

Basic Packing Principles

Before exploring the nuances of each climate, it helps to ground your packing plan in a few core strategies to aim for two suitcases and one carry on. These fundamentals will keep your luggage lighter and your wardrobe flexible, so you’re effortlessly ready for days at sea and ashore.

  • Keep essentials easy to find: Ensure travel documents, identification, medications, chargers, and other must-haves are simple to access. If you’re flying to Miami for embarkation, pack these items, along with a change of clothes and necessary toiletries, in your carry-on as a precaution.

  • Build a capsule wardrobe: Choose a cohesive color palette so tops, bottoms, dress clothes, and layers all work together in different outfit combinations. A neutral palette will keep you looking refined and stylish while staying versatile.

  • Ensure all items serve dual-purpose: When space is tight, you’ll want to pack items that work harder. A scarf can be a sun shield, a light blanket, or a modesty wrap. A rain shell can protect you from rain, can be worn over base layers for extra warmth, or act as a light jacket in temperate climates. UV-protection tops can keep you sun-safe and double as a light layer under a sweater.

  • Limit footwear to options that meet clear needs: Bring waterproof shoes for wet conditions, sturdy shoes for outdoors in the warm weather, a comfortable pair of stylish sneakers or loafers for city strolls, sandals for beaches or poolside, and a dressy option for elegant dinners.

  • Let accessories fill in the gaps: Since you can’t bring all your favorite pieces, refresh your look while saving space with different hats, scarves, pocket squares, or simple jewelry.

  • Be amenity-ready: Your luxury ship has a full spa, pool, and gym. Be sure to pack swimwear and the proper clothing to enjoy these amenities on the ship and ashore.

Bonus Tip: Take advantage of your ship’s laundry services from self-serve to full service including wet cleaning and pressing to help save you from overpacking.

Tropical: Sun and Shores

Break out your sunhat and sunglasses! The tropics will welcome you with soft, humid air and warm ocean breezes. Whether you’re wandering the vibrant streets of Panama City or lounging seaside, comfort, sun protection, and breathability should guide your wardrobe choices.

Tip: Embrace airy fabrics like linen, cotton, jersey or silk blends that move effortlessly and have a refined look. Flowing dresses or skirts and relaxed resort sets transition easily from exploring onshore to dinner onboard. Linen button-downs, polished shorts, or lightweight chinos can help men keep the heat at arm’s length. Follow a palette of soft neutrals to stay perfectly polished and cool under the sun. Sandals or sneakers will be your best option for comfort and style here.

Equatorial: Warmth Meets Humidity

Beyond the tropics are equatorial destinations such as São Tomé and Príncipe, off the coast of Equatorial Guinea. The sun shines boldly overhead and the air can feel thick due to humidity. Sudden showers are possible along the equator, so you’ll want to dress ready for anything.

Tip: Opt for breathable, performance fabrics and smart quick-dry pieces to stay comfortable in this humidity. A sunhat or cap, UV-protective tops, and packable rain shell will help you navigate shifting conditions without scrambling for cover. Consider bringing a lightweight, water-resistant day pack to keep personal items dry in the event of an unexpected shower. Sturdy shoes for warmer outdoor exploration are the best option, so a change of conditions won’t slow you down.

Temperate: Cool to Warm

Depending on the season, you can expect the day to evolve from crisp to warm in temperate destinations. Paris, London, Lisbon, or cities of similar latitude, may start with a cool morning that requires a light sweater over a cotton shirt, but as the afternoons grow warmer, you’ll want to slip your sweater into a tote bag as you sit at a corner café or pub.

Tip: Easy, elegant layers come into play here. Adaptable pieces, such as a light sweater or a tailored lightweight blazer, can carry you through a brisk morning with style. For men, chinos or trousers with polished, breathable shirts will work well. Or, with a warm afternoon in mind, women may opt for midi dresses paired with a cardigan or shawl. As the sun goes down, an evening breeze calls for your blazer or shawl again. Dressing for these cities means embracing versatility while showing off your street style. Stylish sneakers or loafers are a smart choice for navigating cobblestone streets as you visit charming boutiques or historic cathedrals.

Subequatorial: Warm and Mild

Between the tropics and more temperate regions sits the subequatorial zone, where warmth is steady, but weather can soften or strengthen depending on the time of year. During your time in Cotonou, Benin or Tema, Ghana, the rain may sweep in, sunshine may hang high for hours, and evenings may feel surprisingly mild.

Tip: Wardrobes here need to be as flexible as the weather acts. Light trousers, breathable tops, and your reliable rain shell will help you be ready for both sunny explorations and brief showers. A lightweight scarf or shawl becomes useful: a stylish layer on cooler evenings and a sun cover during bright afternoons. Sturdy outdoor footwear will keep your feet dry and comfortable no matter what the skies decide.

Subtropical: Gentle Warmth

Subtropical climates weave warmth with variety. Think humid but with a graceful blend of sun and coastal breeze. Callao, the Galapagos Islands and Buenos Aires, where the days are warm and clear, are the perfect examples of this climate.

Tip: Your linen blends will do double duty at these destinations. In these diverse landscapes, your wardrobe for the day may rely on what you have planned. Breathable and flowy fabrics and smart footwear are key for a nature walk. Or you may want to be beach-ready and bring your sun protection and sandals ashore.

Polar: Icy Realms

Thanks to your complimentary World Cruise 2028 Polar Parka, you’ll be prepared for the frosty fjords, glaciers, and windswept landscapes that await you in Antarctica and Patagonia. Comfort, warmth, and layering are key for enjoying events like Seabourn’s signature Caviar on Ice in style.

With a few smart choices, like sunglasses to protect your eyes from the reflection off the silvery ice, you'll be equipped for the crisp air and quiet grandeur of the polar destinations.

Tip: Create a base layer with lightweight thermals or merino long-sleeved tops and leggings. These are breathable and warm along with moisture-wicking undergarments and tall socks. Gloves, knit caps, a wool scarf or neck gaiter are essential for protecting skin from the elements. You’ll want to be ready for the Zodiac boat rides by wearing waterproof and windproof pants. This is the only region where you’ll wear the winter boots, but while they break the dual-purpose rule, they are a necessity for safety and comfort in these cold conditions. However, your swimsuit will perform double-duty here if you choose to participate in the exciting Polar Plunge — it’s a tethered jump into icy water under the guidance of our expedition team.

Bonus Tip: We also recommend bringing a lightweight, collapsible walking staff (also called a trekking pole) which provides a sense of security, increased balance, and confidence when walking on ice, snow and rugged terrain.

Are you ready to pack like a pro? With smart pieces and a flexible, capsule-style mindset, you’ll ensure every moment, from icy shores to city promenades, is met with comfort, style, and confidence.

Let the luxury services begin even before you board: Seabourn's Personal Valet Luggage Service will pick up your suitcases from your home so they’re waiting for your aboard in your elegant suite.

The Seabourn 2028 World Cruise is an exceptional experience with world-class dining, unparalleled amenities, and personalized hospitality. Your trip crossing the equator and back with our team is bound to be an unforgettable voyage of discovery and wonder.

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