Monday, April 1, 2024

The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List for 2024

packing list for alaska cruise

However, the shoulder months of May and September can offer discounted rates and less crowded ports. So, depending on your travel style, you may want to consider traveling during the less popular months if you’re looking for more of a budget-friendly or “off-the-beaten-path” experience. The weather on an Alaskan cruise can vary greatly depending on the time of year and the specific regions visited. Generally, summers (June to August) in Alaska are mild with temperatures ranging from degrees Fahrenheit, but it can drop lower, especially in the evenings.

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Alaska Cruise Packing List [Free Printable Checklist]

If you’re cruising the Inside Passage and waterways of Southeast Alaska, expect summertime highs between 50 and 60 degrees, with the occasional 70- or 80-degree day. You’ll need a mix of clothes for different weather, but you must keep your luggage light. The key is finding a balance between being prepared and packing efficiently. Here are some tips to help you manage your cruise luggage effectively. They show you how to change your look with different accessories.

Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On

It fits in your hand, weighs less than a pound and can easily fit into a backpack. If it’s warm when I travel, I put it into a freezer ziplock bag and squish the air out of it. It’s also water resistant (not waterproof) and a windbreaker. The overwhelming majority of ships for seven-night round-trip cruises to Alaska depart from either Seattle or Vancouver, Canada. A one-week Alaska cruise spends two days northbound and the same back plus three or four Alaska cruise ports, all in the Inside Passage. As the popular Scandinavian saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” It’s true!

Women’s Carto Triclimate Jacket

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Outside of what you’ll wear in port, remember to pack for your time onboard the ship! Don’t forget to pack clothes for formal night, your swimsuit to wear in the pool, and comfy clothes for lounging in your stateroom. Outside of your main clothes and footwear, don’t forget to pack accessories for an Alaska cruise. From hats to wool socks, scarves, gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses, there are many accessories that you’ll want to bring with you to Alaska. Packing for an Alaska cruise is nearly as important as boarding the ship. If you want an unforgettable Alaska cruise, it’s essential to pack appropriately.

Ready to Set Sail on Your Alaskan Adventure?

So, you’ll need to pack a variety of Alaska cruise clothing suitable for all types of conditions. Always bring a few days’ extra pills and keep with you in your handbag or carry-on. You don’t have to spend a fortune but a decent pair of binoculars will really enhance your chances to see wildlife. Get small ones that you can stuff into a sneaker when you pack or into a little corner of your suitcase. I travel with Nikon’s small, folding waterproof binoculars.

Binoculars for Wildlife Spotting

packing list for alaska cruise

To keep your little ones entertained throughout the cruise, pack a few travel-sized games and toys. These can be great distractions during travel time or for keeping them engaged during downtime. Alaska’s cold temperatures can be quite challenging, especially during glacier visits or outdoor adventures. If you get chilled easily, pack hand warmers and thermal socks to keep yourself warm and comfortable. Since you’ll be exploring both the ship and various Alaskan destinations, comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Now that I’ve shared my tips for what to pack, here’s my printable checklist to help you with your own packing. And if you are planning a warmer weather cruise in the future, check out my other blog post about what to pack for a Caribbean (warm-weather) cruise. Weather in Alaska and most of the Pacific Northwest gets cool overnight and can warm up during the peak of the day. You’ll want to be ready to head out to explore in cold weather, but be able to remove layers when the sun is high and the temps warm-up. What to pack for an Alaska cruise is not as difficult as it may seem. While packing for a cold weather cruise may require more preparation than a cruise to the Caribbean, a few key layers should suffice in nearly all weather conditions.

What to Pack for Dining and Formal Nights on a Disney Alaskan Cruise

Now, after several more trips to Alaska and just being better-traveled overall, I know where I went wrong — and I’m here to share my essential Alaskan cruise packing list with you. In terms of non-clothing items, consider packing binoculars for wildlife viewing, a camera to capture the beautiful Alaskan scenery, and any medications you may need. Always carry a copy of your ID and ship information in case of emergencies. Remember that all of this including some snacks, your water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. can all fit inside that one day bag I mentioned above. For a shore excursion on an Alaskan cruise, you’ll need a variety of items to ensure that you’re prepared for any weather or activity. Start with comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for walking, hiking, or any other activities you might participate in.

Join our Cruise to Alaska Facebook Group

One thing — even if they say they are flushable wipes, don’t put them down the toilet as they can cause issues with the ship’s plumbing. Instead, you can toss them in the trash can provided in the bathroom. There will be moments when you’ll want to document your Alaskan adventures on your phone. Minimize the risk of getting it soaked when sailing near a waterfall or kayaking around a lake by bringing a cell phone dry case, which will keep the water out while still allowing you to use it. Those traveling during the shoulder seasons (May and September) will want to bring a few more long-sleeved tees than short. During a cruise through the Last Frontier, travelers can be exposed to temperatures that drastically change from morning to noon to night, so it’s essential to be prepared for all kinds of weather.

The better you pack and the better prepared you are for the weather, the more you’ll enjoy yourself. What to pack on a cruise to Alaska is tricky because the weather varies from one extreme to the next, sometimes within a few hours. Braving the changing weather is part of the experience, just embrace it. Choose items that have multiple uses and skip what’s not essential.

We spent years in R&D, so you can spend years wearing your Bombas. Each item we make is rigorously tested for comfort and durability, and we’re constantly looking for more ways to innovate and improve. Because the better your clothes are, the better you feel when doing, well, just about anything. Sailing through the seas, a Kindle becomes your literary anchor.

packing list for alaska cruise

As mentioned, bringing a quality rain jacket is a must regardless of the season. This Columbia Pouration Rain Jacket works as a lightweight outer layer or shell that you can quickly slip on and zip up for water protection against rain, splashes, or continual mist. This jacket stands out for being waterproof but breathable, and because it can pack down into its own pocket for easy portability.

I like this jacket because it’s lightweight, has a detachable hood with a slight rain-blocking brimming (so no need to pack a rain hat), and has hand and chest pockets with easy zipper pulls. You’ll also get optional armpit venting and a more tapered fit that somehow ends up making this rain jacket look kind of chic. The women’s version comes in seven colors ranging from basic to bright, and the six men’s variations include solids and two tones.

Even putting them into plastic bags and squishing out the excess air, I won’t bring them with me. Get tunic tops for Alaska with enough room in the arms so you can wear a layer or two underneath. That’s another reason why I love my tunic crew-neck tops – they’re great for layering. Here’s what I might wear on a shore excursion in the Inside Passage, especially to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. Up close at Mendenhall Glacier may not only be icy-chilly but there’s also spray off the water.

For women, I recommend packing seamless underwear and sports bras made from natural fibers like cotton or bamboo. For men,  cotton boxers or boxer briefs will be comfortable to wear and will help keep you cool and dry throughout your Alaska cruise. For cooler weather, a good base layer made from wool or synthetic fabric will help keep you warm. You’ll also want to bring along a day pack for your excursions. I like to use sling bags, but a packable water-resistant backpack would be perfect for an Alaskan cruise.

This will also give you a better idea of how much suitcase space you’re taking up and how much extra space you’ll have leftover for souvenirs. Chun recommends packing thermal layers to keep comfortable in temperatures that can range from 30 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoiding overpacking for a cruise can be achieved through careful planning and prioritization. Start by checking the weather forecast for your destinations and the duration of your trip as your departure date approaches to help you determine the type and amount of clothing you need. Focus on multipurpose items that can be worn in multiple outfits and layering pieces for different weather conditions.

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