Alaska is a place that’s been on my bucket list for years. The rugged wilderness, towering glaciers, and abundant wildlife make it a dream destination for an avid cruiser like me. So when my wife Cheryl and I finally booked an Alaskan cruise, I couldn’t have been more excited!
But I also couldn’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out what to pack for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Alaska’s climate can be temperamental, ranging from sunny and warm to downright cold. Not to mention the variety of activities available, from exploring historic towns to hiking and whale watching. With so much ground to cover, packing presented an exciting challenge.
Luckily, Cheryl and I have been on over a dozen cruises, so we’ve gotten packing down to a science. For this Alaskan adventure, I made sure to pack cleverly and efficiently so we would be prepared for anything. Whether you’re cruising the Inside Passage or venturing inland, having the right clothing and gear can make or break your Alaskan experience.
So read on for my top [packing tips] for having an amazing time on your Alaskan cruise!
Focus On Layers
The unpredictable weather in Alaska means packing versatile layers that can be mixed and matched is key. The temperatures can fluctuate greatly depending on where you are, with coastal areas being much cooler than inland. I made sure to bring light, medium, and heavy layers that I could peel on and off as needed.
For lightweight layers, moisture-wicking athletic shirts and tanks work perfectly. I packed a few of my favorite dry-fit shirts to use as a base layer when paired with shorts or pants. I also recommend bringing at least one fleece jacket or pullover that can be worn on its own or layered over a shirt.
Medium layers like sweatshirts, sweaters, and vests are great for colder days or adventures like glacier hiking. A good rain jacket is also essential, as you’ll likely encounter some rainy weather. And don’t forget the socks! Having wool hiking socks to switch into when doing outdoor excursions can make a big difference in keeping your feet warm and dry.
For truly frigid days out on the glaciers or wildlife viewing, I made sure to pack my heavy duty winter coat and snow pants. Throw on some long underwear underneath and you’ll be able to comfortably enjoy hours outdoors without getting chilled. Hand and foot warmers can also come in handy if you tend to get cold easily.
The key is having attire you can mix and match as needed. With the right lightweight, medium, and heavy layers, you’ll be ready for Alaska’s fluctuating conditions.
Don’t Forget The Extras!
While your clothing layers will make up the bulk of your suitcase, don’t forget about the extra accessories and gear needed for an Alaskan cruise.
The two must-have extras? A waterproof pair of boots and a beanie hat. Having waterproof footwear is crucial for glacier hikes and other wet terrain you’ll encounter. And a warm hat will keep you comfortable in even the most frigid conditions.
I also recommend packing gloves, a scarf, and sunglasses. The gloves and scarf provide extra warmth, while the sunglasses help during long days out viewing glaciers and wildlife. Make sure to bring heavy duty outdoor gloves that can withstand the cold.
Some other Alaskan cruise extras I packed include:
– Binoculars for wildlife viewing
– Hiking poles for challenging terrain
– Backpack for daily excursions
– Refillable water bottle
– Portable phone charger for stays inland
– Motion sickness medication for boat tours
Packing the right extra gear for layering, warmth, and daily adventures is just as important as your clothing. Investing in good quality items that will withstand Alaska’s climate is worth it.
Pack For The Ship Too
While you’ll spend ample time bundled up on shore excursions, don’t forget to pack clothing and extras for your time aboard the ship too.
I made sure my suitcase included lightweight layers like shorts, t-shirts, and swim trunks for lounging around the ship and exploring port towns. Bringing your own reusable water bottle is also great for carrying with you on the ship to reduce waste.
Since dinners are often formal on cruises, having at least one elegant outfit for evenings is also essential. A cocktail dress, dress pants, collared shirt, and blazer make perfect attire for dining in the fancy restaurants each night. I also packed nicer flats and loafers to pair with my dress clothes, while my wife brought heels and sparkly earrings to accessorize.
Don’t forget the bathing suit if you plan on using the ship’s pools, hot tubs or spa facilities too. And having some cozy loungewear like yoga pants and a hoodie can keep you comfortable in your cabin between adventures.
While packing for time onshore is crucial, saving room for ship attire ensures you’ll be ready for evenings dining in luxury and days relaxing on board.
Choose The Right Luggage
All the layers and extras needed for an Alaskan cruise mean packing smartly is key. I recommend choosing your luggage carefully to make organizing and transporting your items easy.
Rolling duffel bags have become my luggage of choice for cruises. They provide tons of space while being easy to transport between the airport, hotel, and ship. I pack all my cold weather layers in the duffel, with my toiletries and extras in a small backpack for easy access.
Hard-sided suitcases on wheels are another great option if you prefer more structure. Just be mindful of size and weight restrictions for boarding ships and small planes when packing. Leave a little room for souvenirs on your return home!
Whatever luggage you choose, a portfolio folder or packing organizer is ideal for keeping travel documents and smaller items secure. Bring downloadable e-documents when possible to save space. Using packing cubes, compression sacks, or even Ziploc bags helps organize inside your suitcase too.
Choosing the right luggage and packing tools can streamline preparing for your Alaskan adventure. Investing in quality pieces that withstand the elements is worth it.
Review Weather Regularly
One last tip as departure nears – review the weather forecast regularly. Since Alaska’s conditions are prone to change, checking predicted temperatures and precipitation in ports you’ll visit can help with any last minute packing.
I recommend downloading weather apps and bookmarking handy sites like climate.gov and accuweather.com. Many cruise lines also offer information on average temperatures at ports of call on their websites and in pre-cruise materials.
Monitoring the weather in the weeks and days before you sail can help you finalize layers and accessories to pack. If a cold front is expected, throw in some extra hand warmers and the heavy duty snow gear. If sunny skies are predicted, you likely won’t need as many heavyweight layers.
Adjusting your packing list based on the predicted weather can ensure you have what you need while avoiding overpacking. Items like raincoats or fleece jackets can be left behind if the forecast promises sunshine. Checking weather forecasts up until departure day gives you time to pivot.
Start Planning Your Alaskan Getaway
Are you ready to sail to the Last Frontier? Contact me today to start planning your extraordinary vacation! My wife Cheryl and I have decades of experience in the cruise industry and will handle every detail, providing you with our highly personalized service. Reach out now to reserve your next thrill-filled escape! Let’s set sail on the adventure of a lifetime! Start that planning process here: Plan That Alaskan Adventure!
