It is always important to pack light on a cruise, but unlike those big ships, a Maine Windjammer Cruise has very little in-cabin storage. If you are planning to take a Maine Windjammer Cruise (find out if it is right for you), you can expect to have a small storage space under your bed and perhaps a shelf or cubby if you are lucky.
There won’t be drawers or closets for you to unpack your belongings on a Maine Windjammer schooner, so plan to take clothing directly from your bag and bring along a small laundry bag for dirty clothing. What will work best for this Maine Windjammer cruise packing list is to bring just one small duffel bag (nothing to stiff or sturdy) and perhaps a small tote bag in addition.
It really is critical to pack light if you want to have any space to maneuver around your cabin. (Find out what it is like to go sailing in Maine aboard the Schooner Heritage.) But don’t worry if you don’t look your best. A Maine Windjammer Cruise is not a place for fashion. Given the rustic conditions of the cabins and shared marine bathrooms, the wind and salty air, the most you can hope for is presentable.
Think of a Maine Windjammer Cruise as camping on the water and it will give you a good idea of the vibe and what you need to pack for the trip. You will want to wear clothing that is comfortable and moisture-wicking on a Maine Windjammer. It is also important to dress in layers.
During my three-day, four-night cruise, we experienced conditions from hot and humid with temperatures in the 90s to cloudy skies and chilly nights with temperatures in the 50s or 60s. Given those ranges, it is hard to be fully prepared so packing layers of activewear is the best way to go. And don’t worry if you wear the same pants multiple times. Even if people notice, no one cares because they are all doing the same thing.
A Maine Windjammer Cruise is not about the fashion or the photos (unless it is of the lighthouses). It is about the experience!
Maine Windjammer Cruise Packing List
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I hope this Maine Windjammer Cruise packing list makes your trip easier and you don’t overpack like I did. This list will give you just what you need, without the extras, and everything will hopefully fit comfortably in your cabin.
What to Pack to Wear on a Maine Windjammer Cruise
- 2-3 pairs of shorts – preferably either hiking shorts or exercise shorts/skirts that have pockets and are moisture-wicking or water resistant, ideally with SPF protection.
- 1-2 pairs of wind/water resistant hiking pants (I also love these from Prana)
- 3-4 t-shirts (moisture-wicking material with SPF are preferable like these Sun Trek shirts from Columbia)
- 1-2 long sleeve shirts (these hiking shirts are great for layering and offer sun and weather protection)
- 1 sweatshirt
- 1 rain jacket with hood (I like both Columbia and L.L. Bean rainjackets)
- 3-4 pairs of moisture-wicking socks
- Underwear
- Lightweight pajamas that are suitable to be seen in public
- Sunhat with strap
- Sunglasses (strap optional)
- Non-skid sneakers or boat shoes
- Water socks or closed water shoes for landing on shore
- Flip flops/shower shoes
Extras to Pack
- Extra beach towel
- Sleep Buds or earplugs (I couldn’t travel without my Sleep Buds, especially in such close quarters as on the lower decks of a Schooner)
- Small portable fan
- Small tote or string bag to bring essentials to “Lobster Island” for the afternoon
- Phone and charger with Calm or sleep app and a strap to keep it secure. I use the Bandolier lanyard type of strap but if you have good pockets, you can also just use a strap on the back of the case so it doesn’t slip out of your hand while taking pictures over the rail.
- Camera with a zoom lens and extra batteries
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Book – preferably a Kindle/Nook for reading in dim lighting if you want to read on the deck
- Brush / toothbrush / toothpaste / deodorant / shampoo / conditioner / soap (leave the make up and styling products at home but be sure to bring hair ties for long hair)
- Moisturizer and lip balm with SPF
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash to tip the crew (10-20%)
- Any beverages you might want to drink on board besides the coffee, tea, juice, lemonade, iced tea, and water served with meals. Keep in mind that you should purchase it at room temperature as there may only be room in the two ice chests reserved for guests for a little bit at a time.
- Dramamine or seasickness oils if you get seasick (although this is rarely a problem on a Maine Windjammer Cruise.)
Well this list is short but sweet because you don’t want to pack too much. Just remember that you can park right by the dock so anything that you need for the rest of your trip can be left in your car. And, if you forget anything, you can always go out first thing the morning before you set sail for any last minute items.
Enjoy your Maine Windjammer Cruise! Meanwhile, if you want to see more of Maine, be sure to check out these articles:
- Things to do in Rockland, Maine
- Things to do in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
- Things to do near Acadia National Park
- Maine Coast road trip
- Off-the-beaten path Maine road trips
Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
