What to wear on a cruise to Norway...

Last summer, I went on my first cruise: a trip down the Norwegian fjords with my in-laws on P&O's ship Iona and wanted to share what was in my suitcase for a week-long cruise. Before I went we made our usual packing list (find a downloadable Google doc here) but there were a few things I wish I had brought, along with a few things that I wish I had left behind as I didn't use or wear them.


 So to help you learn from my mistakes, here's a week's worth of Norwegian cruise outfits!

On embarkation day we travelled down to Southampton directly from Cheltenham. This saved us money on a hotel but meant that what I wore needed to deal with a couple of hours in the car before going through security upon our arrival. 

Top: Cos via Depop, jeans: Levi's, boots: Grenson Nanettes

Once we had got settled, it was soon time to change for dinner. Molby handmake the most beautiful dresses and the Bertie is a current favourite!

Dress: Molby Bertie dress, shoes: Arizona Birkenstocks

Long-time readers will know how much I love stripes (in whatever form!) and this NRBY striped top is a fun addition to my collection! It is super soft and very flattering although very oversized - in the end I went for a medium despite usually being a size 18! Paired with my jeans and Birkenstocks, it was the perfect outfit for exploring the ship.

Top: NRBY Clothing

Sunday night was black tie which made me very nervous, I have never been to anything fancy so played it safe with a long black dress. I don't often wear black but the tulle and ribbon on this dress was hard to resist.


Dress: Coast

I spent the whole evening feeling like a princess swooshing around the boat so would thoroughly recommend going for it if there is a black tie night on your cruise. Some people wimped out but there's something to be said for going completely OTT!

I just love this photo!

Beautiful pearl earrings are from Musée Roo who makes the most beautiful historical jewellery. It is absolutely stunning (just check out her Instagram!) and I am a big fan!


An unexpected sea day the following day meant comfort was key so I went for layers of a ribbed white tank top, a sage green linen shirt and my trusty Levi's jeans. I threw these Teva sandals in last minute and I am so glad I did, they are ridiculously comfortable and the caramel colour (sand dune if you are searching for your own pair!) goes with absolutely everything. 

Shirt: Mango, top: Gap,  jeans: Levi's, sandals: Tevas

When I saw this top and these shorts on Whistles website, I fell in love. The marble print is beautiful and I absolutely love the colours. I don't usually wear strapless as I have quite broad shoulders but paired with this blazer, I felt cool, comfy and fun (after my swooshy dress I think this was my favourite evening outfit!)

Blazer: Mango via Vinted, top: Whistles, shorts: Whistles, sandals: Office, earrings: Etsy

We spent the next day walking up to Briksdal glacier (part of the Jostedal Glacier national park) which I would thoroughly recommend if you get the chance, so practicality was key. We had booked this trip before we went so I knew to pack exercise gear along with my trusty Nanette walking boots and a thin waterproof jacket. 

Top: Nike outlet, trousers: H&M, boots: Grenson Nanettes, jacket: Seasalt Rain
 
Tomato face: model's own


As someone who runs hot, natural fibres are my best friend and linen has been my absolute favourite all summer.  This sage green is a colour that suits everyone and it paired beautifully 

Shirt: Mango, top: Whistles, jeans: Levi's, trainers: Superga 

Can we just appreciate that background for a second?! This Sézane dress is one of my favourites (it makes me feel very chic!) and the long sleeves meant that I was comfortable without a jacket. In an ideal world I would have had a cream or gold clutch bag but I only had my black one.


Cashmere is one of those luxuries I have grown into over the past few years (blame my mother!) and it was very much needed when the weather clouded over. This pink shade may not be everyone's version of a classic but it's certainly earnt its place in my wardrobe since I bought it...



My hair here is just ridiculous but I blame the wind off the Norwegian Sea 😂 I love a co-ord and the print is actually little villages which felt very fitting as we sailed past the cutest little settlements.

Top: Whistles, trousers: Whistles, sandals: Teva, backpack: Kanken

Subtle this ain't but it sure is fun! This dress is actually a lovely poplin cotton and would be perfect if you were headed somewhere hot. I wore my gold sandals with this but it is a bit long on me so would be perfect with a chunky heel.

Dress: Anthropologie


What I wished I had brought with me:

  • A coral lipstick (I have a couple that I forgot to pack and I really missed them!
  • A small handbag so that I had a choice between my backpack and clutch bag
  • A more neutral evening bag (black sometimes felt a little harsh)
  • More earrings to jazz up my outfits


Have you ever been to Norway? What would you pack for a cruise? 
Maria xx

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