As I’ve said before, I was a student on the Spring 2024 voyage of Semester at Sea. Before my voyage, I struggled to find blogs like this one telling me what to pack and how much to pack and how to pack it. I’m an anxious person, so packing up for four months was very overwhelming. Everyone said the voyage made them a changed person, so what if I really got into hiking? Or what if everyone on my voyage really dressed up for class? Needless to say, I way overpacked and looking back I packed some very random unnecessary items. So here’s my guide to anyone who might need it!

CLOTHES:

First, you need to check average weather for each country you’re going to in the month you’ll be there. Then, read up on each country you’ll be porting in. What are the religious and cultural beliefs? Do you need to cover your shoulder and/or knees anywhere? Ex: In Thailand, women’s shoulders and knees must be covered in Buddhist temples. In addition, shoes are not allowed (so bring easy to slip on and off shoes). Finally, look at every piece of clothing you are putting in your bag. Does it match a lot of other things? If not, don’t bring it. Now my list…

• Swimsuits | You should be swimming on the ship because it’s fun. I also needed a swimsuit several times in country for various adventures. I would suggest 3-4 fun suits for the ship or a beach day in port and then 2-3 full coverage swimsuits (one pieces or modest bikinis) for adventures in country (ex: world’s longest water slide or shark cage diving).
• T-Shirts | I brought 3-4 of these as you will likely buy another one from the ship store and maybe one in country as well. These are good as coverups and hanging around the ship, but not really in country.
• Sweatshirts | I suggest bringing 3 of these because the ship can get cold. You’ll also likely buy one or two from the ship store.
• Leggings/Sweatpants | I brought 2 pairs of leggings and 2 pairs of sweatpants. The leggings are good for any adventures in port and the sweatpants are great for the ship.
• Jeans/Pants | I brought two pairs of jeans (1 for going out and 1 unripped pair for nicer outfits). I would also recommend a pair of these parachute pants and these linen pants because they both fit the modest guidelines while not being so heavy.
• Skirts | I would recommend this white maxi skirt for sure as well as a shorter denim skirt for the European countries. I don’t wear a lot of skirts, so that was perfect for me!
• Dresses | I brought wayyyy too many dresses. I would suggest one formal dress for fancy dinner and Alumni Ball and then 4-5 sundresses for in country. Bring dresses that you feel best in and don’t need to be constantly adjusting.
• Cute Tops | I would suggest 5-6 for fun outfits in country. If you bring basic bottoms, you can get more colorful with your tops. Also, basic-colored bodysuits are a great idea!
• Going-Out Tops | Bring 2-3 of these, more if you really want to party a lot.
• Shorts | These are going to be strictly for the ship. I brought 4-5 athletic/comfy shorts and one pair of jean shorts. This was a perfect number for me.
• Active Tanks/Tops | I would say to bring 4-5 of these. They’re great for in-country adventures or for class. I did not work out much on the ship because of the rocking in the gym, but if you plan to, maybe bring more!
• Sweaters | I brought one sweater and it was plenty. It worked great for the like 10 days of the voyage it was cold. I would recommend bringing a cardigan too to throw on.
• Undies/Socks | Bring every pair of both that you have! They don’t take up much space and it helps you have to do less laundry.
• Bras | I suggest bringing 8-10 sports bras to avoid laundry as long as possible. Everything else will just depend on the outfits you pack.
• Jackets | I would suggest you bring a rain jacket for sure! Depending on the countries you are visiting, you’ll have to just make the choice on a more hearty coat.
• Shoes | This is definitely a personal category, but if I did SAS again, I would bring athletic shoes (I love Asics), comfortable white tennis shoes (like these), Birkenstock-type sandals for around the ship and , wedge sandals, and nice heels for the formal outfit.
• Purses | I used my Lululemon belt bag EVERYWHERE. Other than that, I would bring a going out, nicer looking purse that you can keep under your arm. No need for big bags or expensive ones.

TOILETRIES:

I suggest buying the smallest normal size your store sells of products you like that don’t cost a fortune. For example, I usually use fancy Biolage shampoo, but here I bought Dove. I went through almost all of each of my toiletries throughout the voyage, and then I just threw them away at the end to avoid extra weight in my luggage. Obviously, bring the makeup and specific things you love, but there’s just no need to bring crazy expensive stuff. Should you be there the first week and regret not bringing something, many of the Asian countries have huge malls with lots of familiar brands. Now for the exact list of stuff I brought…

• Feminine Products | I recommend going to Sam’s Club and buying the 96 count of tampons for this. You can find pads anywhere you go, but be sure to bring the tampons you like.
• Shampoo & Conditioner | I recommend bringing both leave-in conditioner and post shower spray conditioner. The water they use for everything on the ship is de-salinated ocean water, so it dries out your hair fast.
• All Things Skincare |
• Toothpaste and Toothbrushes | Bring at least 3 toothbrushes just in case!
• Hairbrush & Slick-Back Tools
• Hair Tools | SAS has a strict rule that all hot tools must have an auto shut off feature. It’s also important to check that your tools won’t explode or short circuit with the European outlets.
• Sunscreen | I spent most of my voyage on or around the equator, so sunscreen was vital!
• Deodorant
• Makeup | Pack your everyday makeup but also be sure to pack a “it’s 95 degrees outside, I’m melting” routine. For me, that was Loreal Lumi Glow mixed with Super Goop Sunscreen, Tarte Blush, e.l.f. Eyebrow Gel, Too Faced Mascara, and Sephora Favorites Lipgloss.
• Haircare | I suggest bringing nothing more than you use in your daily life. I brought random stuff that just collected dust and took up space.
• Shaving Products
• Cotton Rounds / Q-Tips
• Tide To Go Pen
• Vicks Vapor Rub | This stuff has always been magic for any sickness I get, so this was a just in case add-in. Didn’t end up needing it, but it was a good safety blanket.
• Travel-Sized Versions | I suggest grabbing reusable toiletry bottles from the store and filling them with everything you may need. Then just pack those in a go bag, so you’re ready for anything!

Stay tuned for part two next Wednesday!