What To Pack For An Alaska Cruise: The Complete Packing List
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And while wool socks and warm hats are recommended at any time of the year, it’s especially important to pack warm layers in the very beginning or end of the Alaska cruise season. I’ve cruised to the Last Frontier multiple times, including on big ships like Norwegian Encore. It’s one of my favorite destinations in the world and one of the top cruise itinerary recommendations I make when people ask me where to sail. There’s a freshness in the air, a staggering amount of wildlife to watch, and as for the beer and seafood... But with an Alaska cruise comes unique packing challenges. While fantasizing about the taste of fresh-caught Alaska halibut or daydreaming about the glory of the great glaciers, many travelers wonder what to pack for an Alaska cruise.
Layering is Key: What to Start With
These from Coalatree will be comfortable to wear, weather-resistant, and are ideal for exploring Alaska’s many trails. As a result, you won’t have to be concerned about the rainy season. When planning what to wear on an Alaska cruise, there are a few things to consider. For an Alaska cruise, you’ll need to pack clothes for your days and evenings on the cruise ship (including formal night), as well as activities on land. Due to strong winds and ease of use in crowded areas, we don’t recommend packing an umbrella. Therefore, it’s important to pack a waterproof jacket with a hood.
Other Important Items for Any Trip
A puffer or fleece vest is a small item of clothing that can make a big difference in keeping you warm and cozy during your cruise. Even if these aren’t normally on your packing list, bring them. “It’s always important to stay hydrated when embarking on an excursion,” agrees Chun from Holland America Line. I’ve tried several brands, but prefer DripDrop Hydration Electrolyte Powder Packs because they are formulated for fast electrolyte absorption and contain less sugar than other brands.
Gratuity Calculator & Tipping Amounts for Major Cruise Lines in 2024
If you already have a trusty backpack on hand but want to make sure it doesn’t get soaked through on your various Alaskan adventures, consider a rain cover like this one from Osprey. For $45, this large cover will seal over your backpack (from 50 to 75 L). When you’re not using it, the rain cover packs into itself and weighs 4.4 ounces.
Columbia Steens Mountain Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
Opt for a travel-size version that’s preferably made of plastic instead of glass so it won’t take up too much space in your suitcase and is unlikely to break. SunglassesNo matter what time of year you’re cruising in Alaska, sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the bright sunshine reflecting off the sea or ice. Look for a pair with polarized lenses that will reduce glare and block out UV rays, as well as frames that are comfortable and won’t slip off your head too easily. You can also do a quick search before departing to see if your ship has laundry services available, which may also allow you to bring less clothing than what I’ve mentioned below. Sure, you can take pictures with your phone, but do you really want to photograph Alaska and its gorgeous landscapes and wildlife on a tiny phone? You’ll be thankful you packed your best camera on your trip to Alaska once you catch your first glimpse of a majestic glacier or humpback whale.
If you cruise to Alaska early in the season at the end of April or May, be prepared for the weather to be cooler than the summer months. I usually sleep with the stateroom bathroom light on and the door closed. Just enough light is emitted around the crack under the door. But it’s so darn bright when you walk in during the night. So I bought this little plug-in night light, one for home and one for travel. It stays on all the time and doesn’t blind you when you walk into a dark bathroom at 4am.
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Even though your cruise ship will still have two formal nights, unless you’re on a luxury cruise, typical “formal” isn’t over the top on an Alaska cruise. My Alaska packing list covers everything you’ll need to pack for a 7-day Alaska cruise, like my Holland America Eurodam Inside Passage cruise. If your cruise is longer or you’ve chosen a cruise and tour, I also include how and what to pack.
Workout Clothes
It ensures your camera or phone stays on when you most need it. The Alaska cruise season typically runs from late April to early October, with the peak season being June, July, and August. These months provide the warmest weather, longest days, and the best chance of spotting wildlife such as bears, whales (among a variety of majestic sea life), and eagles. However, if you prefer to keep things casual, many cruises offer alternatives to formal dining where the dress code is more relaxed.
Should I Pack a Dress for Formal Night on an Alaska Cruise?
They can scrunch up and fit into your pocket if you get too warm. So in addition to one or two thinner dressy scarves, bring that neutral colored pashmina. I’ve even used it to cover my legs on a particularly cold and windy whale watching tour. Instead, I found and will bring two lighter-weight knit crew neck sweaters.
From hats to wool socks, scarves, gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses, there are many accessories that you’ll want to bring with you to Alaska. An Alaska cruise calls for a wide range of footwear, as you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes to wear in port and shoes to wear onboard. A pair of water-resistant sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes is recommended, as they tend to keep your feet comfortable and warm while providing enough support for a range of outdoor activities.
Remember, you can’t easily run out for something you forgot to pack, so having a full checklist to serve as a reminder of what to bring on an Alaska cruise is ideal. That’s why we’ve put together a printable list to help you plan. It has everything you need to consider bringing, all put into easy sections. In April, you might encounter snow; anything goes in the fall. Bottom Line An Alaskan cruise is, for many, a trip that occurs just once in a lifetime.
Some cruises organize formal nights when attendees are required to dress up a little more, but for the most part, casual attire is acceptable. You should start here and read these Alaska cruise reviews to figure out what to bring, but more importantly what isn’t avoided onboard. To help you remember everything, I’ve created these printable Alaska cruise packing lists. Together these packing lists include everything on this list, plus a few other items that you might want to bring. Knowing what to pack for an Alaska cruise can make your journey to new lands even more seamless, allowing you to make the most of your vacation.
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