Going on an Alaska Cruise? How do I pack and not take too much?
Packing for an Alaska cruise can be challenging, especially with airline baggage fees, weight restriction, and the changing weather conditions that can occur at any given time. Alaska is one of the most breathtaking and surreal destinations in North America that provides the opportunity to see whales, bear, eagles, and glaciers while being outdoors in the action or remain in a heated space on the cruise ship. Depending on the time of season you travel (May – September), the temperatures could range from 40F – almost 80F. Over the years, we’ve compiled a list of must-haves to pack for your trip to Alaska.
What to wear
Rain supplies (keep yourself & belongings dry)
A dry bag/backpack – these are helpful to place your belongings while off the ship on an excursion to keep them dry. Rain is prevalent in certain ports of call such as Ketchikan and the weather can shift at any moment. A dry bag will help keep your dry items safe from the elements. Amazon has these available for purchase starting at under $10
Rain jacket & pants – heading on a whale watching tour or going on a flight to the fjords? You don’t want to get caught in the rain. We recommend a lightweight rain jacket and pants for those days with the possibility of rain. There are many brands and options to choose from, but make sure it is lightweight but also breathable.
How to dress?
Dress in layers! If you want to have thermal under garments, we suggest silk or something breathable. If you’re bringing t-shirts, try to avoid cotton especially if you’re hiking or going to be outdoors – they don’t breathe well. A lightweight jacket is also a good idea. Remember that you will probably be removing layers during the day if it warms up and do want to be able to store them away in a backpack or dry bag during your adventure. Gloves and a beanie may also be a good idea for those cooler evenings.
Waterproof shoes – if you have a pair of shoes or boots that are comfortable and waterproof, bring them along! These may be heavier items, so wearing them on the airplane can help reduce some of the luggage space and weight. Do you have a pair of waterproof shoes that can double and be worn to dinner? If so, bring those so that you have a single pair of shoes for multiple purposes. A lot of cruise lines have a more relaxed dress policy, so check with them to see if this is appropriate. Example: some cruise lines allow flip flops or tennis shoes in their dining rooms.
Flip flops in Alaska? Certainly – if you choose. Flip flops or slippers are great for walking around your suite, or if you’re heading up to the pool, hot, tub or water slides.
Bathing Suit – you may not think to bring a bathing suit along since you may not be going to the beach while in Alaska. However, most cruise lines have thermal suites, heated pools, hot tubs, and water slides. Yes, the water slides in Alaska will be running and heated. Imagine sitting in a hot tub while cruising through Glacier Bay National Park watching the glaciers pass by.
Do your feet get cold? Don’t forget to pack wicking or wool socks to keep those footsies warm.
Keep your clothing organized. Have you ever heard of packing cubes? They can be helpful to pack into your luggage and keep organized when you unpack on the cruise ship. Here is a link to some packing cubes to get you started.
Formal wear? Some cruise lines still have formal or themed nights. Check with the cruise line to find out if you need this extra clothing.
Other items to not forget
Binoculars are a must have to see the wildlife while on the cruise. Imagine a bear near the water’s edge, a whale, or an eagle perched on an iceberg floating by. You will want these to be compact but powerful. There are many different types from kids to adult binoculars.
Magnetic hooks – remember that the cruise ship cabins are made of metal; therefore, these hooks will stick to the walls of your cabin walls, bathroom, and balcony. These are great to have extra hanging space for your layers, cruise lanyards, baseball hats, binoculars, and more. We recommend these for Alaska cruises, but for all cruises in general.
Bug spray for mosquitos is also highly recommended for your adventures off the cruise ship. Alaska natives call the mosquito a state bird. For the most effective, a high Deet-based spray is best but there are some less harsh sprays that can be somewhat effective. Make sure this and other liquids are packed in a zip lock or protective bag in your checked luggage – most large sizes are not permitted in carry-on at the airports.
Sunny days – there may be days where the sun is glaring off a glacier. It does happen, especially earlier in the Alaska season. Don’t forget to wear or pack a pair of polarized sunglasses for this purpose.
Electronics – a USB charger is helpful for ships that might not have USB in the room. Some cruises don’t like power cords/strips with surge protection, so you may want to consider something like this USB device for the trip.
Reusable Yeti or similar cup with closable lid for the cruise. You can re-fill your water, juices, coffee, and more in these cups and they will stay warm or cold throughout the day. Note, you will not be able to take these with liquid through TSA, but you can fill them in the airport with filtered water after security. These are great to use on the plane as well as the cruise ship or excursions.
In closing, there are many additional items that you could bring, but keep in mind that most passengers will have a limitation of size and weight by an airline. Its best to wear your heavy outfits and shoes on the plane and think about re-wearing some items that you pack. For example: you may wear a nice shirt or blouse to dinner which you can re-war the next day during your short excursion. Most ships also have laundry services if you need or want to send some laundry away or come home with a mostly clean wardrobe. Some cruise lines even offer laundry specials where you fill a bag for a flat fee.
If you have a particular question, please reach out to one of us and we’d be happy to help. Until next time, cheer!
