James Cook Kit List

Download a pdf of the James Cook Kit List here

For your voyage on James Cook we would like to recommend you adhere to the following guidance notes on your packing check list.

Medical care
It is of the utmost importance that if you have a disorder or sickness for which you use medication that you inform us in advance. We ask you to ensure that you bring enough medication for the entire voyage. We also request that you flag any medical conditions to your skipper before we leave for your voyage, ensuring that they are informed if you are carrying any medication.

When bringing any medication onboard we respectfully request that it is clearly labeled with your name and is accompanied by instructions for use to avoid any confusion. If you have any concerns about a specific health problem we advise that you get in touch with our office.

Luggage
Please do not bring suitcases or hard bottom bags for your voyage. They take up a lot of space and cannot be stowed. We ask to only use sturdy but soft luggage bags.

Sleeping
You will need a sleeping bag as bedding is not provided. You may wish to bring a pillow for extra comfort but it is not essential. We suggest that you bring warm pyjamas as the temperature onboard can vary.

Clothing
Staying warm, dry and comfortable will allow you to maximize your experience. Layering for warmth is the best approach. Loose layers will trap a film of insulating air.  We suggest thermals if you have them, trousers, t-shirts, long sleeve jumpers, fleeces, thick socks etc. Other accessories such as a hat, gloves and a scarf are also recommended.

We suggest bringing waterproof shoes such as Wellington boots as well as trainers or boots. As you will be wearing these daily they should be comfortable, if they are too tight they will give you cold feet, if you can fit on 2 pairs of socks all the better.

During warmer weather there are likely to be opportunities to go swimming on a voyage. If you are interested in this you must bring a suitable swimwear.

Sunglasses (uv filter) and sunscreen
Please ensure that you are adequately protected from the sun by bringing with you a sunscreen that is suitable for you skin type. Sunglasses and a sun hat will also be useful to you on your voyage.

Toiletries
Please keep your toiletries to a minimum restricting yourself to what is absolutely necessary. You will need to bring a towel suitable for showering with. Please do not bring aerosols onboard. Any found will be confiscated until the end of the voyage.

Personal belongings
You may bring with you personal items such as glasses, camera, diary and CD’s. We have a CD player on board for the use of the crew.
You may bring your mobile phone with you however; it’s use is restricted to your free time only. It must remain switched off at all other times. Any member of the crew who abuses this rule will have to surrender their phone until the end of the voyage. Mobile phones are brought at your own risk and their safe keeping is your responsibility. They are not insured if lost overboard or if damaged during the voyage.

Money
In addition to pocket money we suggest a contingency amount of £10 to be retained for shore based activities such as the cinema, leisure centre or swimming.


Prohibited items
We ask that you do not bring the following items onboard James Cook:
-    alcohol or drugs
-    torches
-    electric games
-    fizzy / energy drinks
-    alarm clocks
-     valuable items such as jewelry

Overseas voyages
There are additional requirements when overseas ports are to be visited, for example during Tall Ships voyages. You must bring your passport with you. Please ensure that it is not due to expire whilst on your voyage. Also check the requirements of the country you will be entering. Some countries demand that you have at least 6 months validity left on your passport to gain entry.

It is recommended that you also have an E111. This entitles the holder to free or reduced cost medical treatment in mainland Europe. This can be obtained from a post office or online on the nhs website; http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx