What to pack in your ferry cabin bag: The ultimate 2026 checklist for an overnight sailing
- teamthomastravels
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
If you caught our recent post, Taking the slow boat to Spain - Why the Brittany Ferry to Santander is the ultimate mini cruise experience, you’ll know we are now officially convinced by the concept of slow travel. Swapping the frantic energy of an airport terminal for a two-night "mini cruise" across the Bay of Biscay wasn’t just a way to reach Santander, it was the moment our holiday actually began.
While packing for your trip, don't forget a little go-bag for the sailing. Unlike a plane, where you shove everything into a suitcase and don't see it until the carousel, you'll want a separate cabin bag for the ferry. You don't want to be that person hauling a massive, heavy holiday suitcase through the narrow cabin corridors!
To help you hit the sundeck as quickly as possible, we’ve put together the ultimate cabin bag checklist that should easily fit in a rucksack or weekender bag.. This is everything you need to keep within arm’s reach so that your main luggage stays tucked away in the car.
What to pack in your ferry cabin bag for an overnight crossing:
The Essentials:
Toiletries and Meds: Toothbrush, skincare, and any daily medications.
Change of Clothes: Enough for two days on board plus something a bit nicer for dinner in case you feel like dressing up.
Pyjamas and Slippers: Essential for maximum cabin comfort.
Tech and Entertainment:
Plug adaptor: Ferries to the continent typically use 2 pin European sockets, so if your devices/charger plugs are from the UK, US, Australia or Asia you'll need an adaptor. We use a universal travel adaptor with multiple USB sockets to charge several devices at once.
Chargers: For your phone, tablet, or Kindle.
Headphones: Perfect for watching movies or listening to podcasts on deck.
Books or Kindle: Ideal for reading by those big sea-view windows.
Tablet for watching films or writing (we like to set aside some time for blogging catch-up).
Deck of cards, journal, colouring, travel sized Scrabble or Uno.
Out on deck:
Binoculars: A total must-have for whale and dolphin spotting in the Bay of Biscay.
Layers: A windproof jacket or hoodie for the sundeck as it gets breezy, especially once the sun goes down.
Sunglasses, sunhat and SPF: The sun reflection off the water is very strong and while the sunbathing is lovely, you're very exposed out at sea!
Your gym wear if you'd like to workout on the fitness equipment.
Optional Extras:
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated without buying plastic bottles.
Motion Sickness Relief: Even on a large, stable ferry, the Bay of Biscay can occasionally be choppy. It’s worth packing sea-sickness tablets or acupressure bands just in case.
Earplugs/Eye Mask: While the cabins are comfy, some people find the hum of the engine or the morning announcements a bit intrusive.
Small Tote Bag: For carrying your book, phone, and room key around the ship.
Once you have your binoculars ready for dolphin spotting and your slippers waiting in the cabin, all that’s left to do is sit back, enjoy the sea air and watch the horizon. Whether you’re heading for a sun-drenched road trip through Andalusia or a quiet escape to the Picos de Europa, starting your trip on the "slow boat" ensures you arrive relaxed and ready for adventure.
Safe travels, and we’ll see you on the sundeck!
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