Alaska cruise season is quickly approaching. Many people are wondering “WHAT DO I PACK!“. After cruising to Alaska for over 10 years, I think I may have figured this out.
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First off remember….it’s summer! Just because you are heading to the great northern land of Alaska, that does not mean it will be snowing and cold. Sure, it will most likely rain (and therefore be a tad chilly) and you may get chilled while sailing into the glaciers. BUT….once the ship stops, if the sun is shining, it can be very warm. I have been to both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay and gotten sunburned. I’ve also been there, and Tracy Arm Fjord, with rain….so be prepared! There have been visits to Juneau when the temperature climbed into the 80’s! It was so hot!
The most useful suggestion I have is layers, layers, layers! Bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket….heavy down coats are NOT required! Neither are UGGS! I can’t tell you the number of times I have watched people walk off the ships looking like Nanook of the north, only to be lugging all that gear back to the ships later…sweating! Seriously, light weight layers are the answer.
The above photos are from Glacier Bay….a little overcast, but VERY warm! The trip into Glacier Bay was a tad chilly…but hey!…the ship was moving, creating a slight wind.
If you plan to do any type of strenuous activity like hiking, bring the proper gear. Waterproof shoes are always a good idea. I buy good walking shoes and waterproof them.
Here is what I have compiled after my years of Alaska sailing:
Alaska is all about the scenery. Most cruise ships provide binoculars in your cabin but they aren’t very good. We like to bring a small, travel size pair.
2 pair jeans or other long pants (in case one gets wet) Leggings are very popular and are perfect for Alaska. If you want fleece lined leggings (in my opinion, not really needed), this link is a good option. Fleece lined
3-4 shirts to wear with jeans
1 pair capris or casual pants to wear onboard.
1 nice dress for formal nights
1 or 2 skirts and/or nice pants and shirts/sweaters to wear with them – choose colors that work well together to create more outfits.
1 hooded sweatshirt or fleece jacket You can buy some nice ones in port at reasonable prices.
1 or 2 sweaters
1 waterproof jacket or warm vest… or poncho This is jacket is waterproof, lightweight and good for hiking and travel. It keeps you dry and packs down small.
A waterproof poncho would also be very useful. This one folds up into a small packet, is lightweight, has a front zipper and pockets and is available in several colors!
Scarf, hat and gloves (for sailing into the glaciers)
Hand warmers are a perfect way to keep your hands warm when cruising to the glacier. The wind while sailing in can be cold….and if it’s raining…brrr!
Alaska can be rainy. Most ships provide umbrellas but they tend to be large and difficult to carry. We always pack a compact umbrella, no matter where we are traveling.
1 or 2 pair dress shoes/sandals
1 pair sandals for pool deck
Swimsuit and coverup Many are probably thinking…seriously? a bathing suit? Yes! The ship’s pools will be open and the hot tubs will be running….enjoy them!
2 pair good walking shoes (waterproofed is a good idea) I use this waterproof spray on my shoes.
Another option is to purchase shoe covers. These are easy to pack in your port day bag in case it starts raining.
Hint…wet shoes can be smelly. I use odor eliminators to help control it. You get enough for 3 pairs of shoes. They also work really well in your suitcase to remove odors. There are other designs available.
It’s also smart to protect your clothes from dirty shoes with shoe bags.
Most cruise ship cabins have only a few electric plugs. You’re going to need additional outlets to charge electronic items like phones, computers, tablets, kindles, etc. USB ports are also useful.
VERY IMPORTANT – Cruise lines don’t allow a regular surge-protected power bars from home (they will confiscate them). I recommend using one that plugs directly into the outlet without a cord. Many ports are confiscating those with cords, as they consider them extension cords. This is the one we travel with. There are other ones with different plug options also.
I love these adapters by Hero. They have them for several different countries and are made in the US with a 100% money back guarantee and lifetime warranty.
The glare off the deck will be very strong. Good sunglasses are a necessity.
Socks and underwear (duh)
Workout clothes – if you plan to hit the gym
When going ashore, it is nice to have a good bag. I like to use a Backpack purse….I love this one, stylish yet functional
More and more passengers are using a this type of bag. It is easy to wear around your waist or as a crossbody.
The glare off boat can be strong and if you’re lucky enough to have sunny days, you will be glad you have sunscreen! One of the worst sunburns of my life was from being on our family boat and lying on the white deck without suncreen!
If you are heading into the interior or plan to do any hiking, these mosquito repellent patches are amazing. Just place on your clothing…bugs stay away!
A travel first-aid kit is a necessity. Pain killers (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.) and a few bandaids…easier (and cheaper) than going to the ship’s doctor. This is a great first aid kit for traveling.
Magnetic chip clips to keep papers organized…cabin walls are metal, so magnets will work.
Stonger magnetic hooks are very useful to hang up coats and hats. Keep the cabin organized!
I have found packing cubes to be really helpful….they keep items organized in your luggage and you can easily transfer them to drawers when unpacking onboard. Honestly, these have been a game changer for us.
Compression packing cubes are also really helpful when packing bulkier items like jackets and sweaters.
After sailing many times and finally having our luggage go missing due to luggage tags being torn off, we now use these reusable luggage tag holders. Amazon has holders for all cruise lines. These are for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Many stores are not providing free bags with purchase in an effort to reduce waste. I take reusable grocery bags. Useful at home too.
Are you prone to motion sickness? These sea sick patches will make your cruise more enjoyable! AND….they are Captain Kate approved! These are the exact same ones she uses onboard, while flying and when in the car.
Final thoughts:
I hope this list helps with your packing. Remember…it isn’t always frigid and snowing in Alaska! Check back and let me know if this was helpful….or if you have any suggestions!
Visit my Amazon Storefront idea list Alaska Packing Essentials to see the full list.
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That is a wonderful list and very helpful! You Rock!! Thank you!
Thank You! Leaving for our first Alaska cruise next week. This was very helpful.
So glad it was helpful. Have a wonderful time. Alaska is our favorite cruise! 🚢
Thank you for the helpful list. We’ve been on many Caribbean cruises but our first Alaska cruise is in 4 weeks. I figure that anyone wearing BSU apparel must know what they are talking about (we live in Boise). Go Broncos! 🙂
Thank you Brenda! We also live in Boise and love our Broncos!! Glad the list was helpful…have a wonderful cruise.
thank you for a great list..Its’ our first Alaska trip…leave July 29th…can’t wait
Would you change anything for a 14 day Alaskan cruise?
Not really. Plan on doing laundry once onboard. I find it easier to lighter. If you find you need another outer layer, there are inexpensive jackets and sweatshirts in every port. Plus they make a great souvenir. Have a great cruise 🚢
“Nice image :)”
Howdy. Same for end of May cruise? Will over-the-shoe boots work? Thx.
Yes. Those will help if it rains and will save on packing Nothing worse than wet feet 😀
We leave May 19th, looking at general weather says it will be cold! Are they correct?
I would expect cooler temps but not cold. Layers are the most important thing and waterproof. May tends to be the driest month but best to be prepared. There will still be snow in the mountains but not likely in town unless they have a freak late storm
What type of over the shoe boots did you find?
I have not used those, have only commented that they would work. There are waterproof tennis shoes on the market now. Vessi.com has some…not cheap but they work.
The soles of the water shoe need to be thick and flexible to allow for easy portage if needed. This usually involves crossing rocky surfaces so a sole with traction and one that protects your feet is important.
Thanks my first cruise . So excited!
Thank you! I expect that list to be very helpful. How many days is that for, and is it land and sea or just sea?
I’ve used it for 7 day cruises and 14. Has been sufficient in both. We’ve done both cruise only and spending a few days exploring prior to boarding.
So happy that it will be useful for you! Have a great time….Alaska is amazing. 🙂
This list is great. Tyvm for posting. Do you know average temperature for August p? I’ve read 70…
It can vary greatly. Temps are picking up now…Ketchikan was 70 today! Be prepared for anything….storms can roll in at any time. Layers are the most important….and rain gear of some kind.