Packing Essentials for Your Alaskan Cruise Adventure

Preparing for an Alaskan cruise doesn't have to be overwhelming. While you may encounter some cooler temperatures than you're used to, you won't face extreme Arctic conditions. Beyond the stunning glaciers and icefields, you might even enjoy weather that's perfect for shorts and T-shirts.

Unlike packing for tropical island getaways, an Alaskan cruise requires a different approach. Take the time to discover what essentials to include on your packing list, ensuring you're ready for the varying weather and landscapes of the 49th State.

Packing Guide for an Alaskan Cruise

Alaska's weather can be quite changeable and differs by altitude. In the temperate Southeast Alaska, which is the primary cruising region, summer temperatures may dip into the 30s (Fahrenheit) near glaciers, such as when exploring Glacier Bay National Park, Yakutat Bay (home to the massive Hubbard Glacier), and College Fjord. However, temperatures can soar into the 60s or even higher in towns like Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau, where it can reach 80 degrees on warmer days. Nights in these areas tend to be cooler.

The secret is to dress in layers that you can easily add or remove to adapt to shifting temperatures.

Insulated and waterproof layers

Rain is likely, especially if you cruise during the busy months of July and August. (Looking to dodge the rain? Check out the best time to cruise Alaska.) Be sure to pack waterproof jackets, shoes or boots, umbrellas, and hats to keep yourself dry.

In April, you may face snowfall; the fall season brings unpredictability. There's a reason many Alaskans wear waterproof Xtratuf boots, often dubbed "the Alaskan sneaker." During early and late cruises, warm parkas, gloves, hats, and scarves will be essential, especially when you're outside on deck watching glaciers break apart.

Attire for outdoor activities

Be sure to pack a range of outdoor clothing options for your Alaska cruise. Fortunately, you likely already own these essentials: think fleece jackets, zip-off hiking pants, and sturdy footwear. If your plans don’t include adventurous Alaska activities, you probably won’t need to shop at stores like REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, or L.L.Bean, or search Amazon for specific gear.

If you plan to take part in a shore excursion in Alaska where you might get chilly or wet — such as a highly recommended dog-sledding adventure atop a glacier — the tour operator will supply necessary gear like parkas, waterproof pants, and boots. For water activities like kayaking, they will also provide waterproof equipment for your use.

Evening Attire

While casual attire is the norm on your ship, your cruise line may provide specific recommendations for nighttime wear. Lines like Princess Cruises and Holland America feature both casual and dress-up evenings.

Some cruise lines maintain a casual vibe for evening wear in Alaska, while others designate particular nights as informal, smart casual, or "elegant chic," implying a need for slightly dressier outfits—think a nice sweater or blouse for women and a sport coat for men.

Many cruisers enjoy stopping at a smart-casual look. However, a few lines offer the chance for guests to dress up further on "formal" nights. Lines such as Cunard Line, and to a lesser extent Holland America, attract passengers who enjoy dressing for dinner, sometimes even in suits and gowns. Longer itineraries tend to draw more cocktail dress and tuxedo enthusiasts.

If dressing up isn’t your style, you can always opt for the more casual dining options on your ship. Alternatively, if your ship has a late-night port stay, consider seeking out the best local spots for king crab, wild Alaska salmon, and other regional specialties. Alaskans often prioritize comfort over formality, even in upscale restaurants.

Gear and Accessories

You don’t need to prepare for an Alaska cruise as if you’re heading into the wilderness, but it’s crucial to bring the right amount of adventure and travel gear.

A camera with a zoom lens or a high-quality smartphone camera is likely on your packing list, but ensure you have chargers and plenty of memory for the countless photos you'll take. A portable charger is handy for full-day excursions when your phone battery might run low.

Binoculars are a must-have. While your ship may provide some, having your own will enhance your experience for spotting whales, bears, eagles, and other wildlife, as well as for viewing glacial ice and the surrounding nature both from the ship and on land. If you plan on extensive hiking, consider bringing a retractable walking stick to navigate uneven terrain.

It may seem surprising, but the sun shines brightly in Alaska, so be sure to pack sunscreen. Don’t forget bug spray, as Alaska is known for its abundant mosquito population.

Expect some rain or water-based shore excursions during your northern adventure, so bring a dry bag or dry pack to safeguard your gear. On drier days, a day pack is useful for storing any extra layers you may not be wearing.

Remember to include some packaged snacks from home in your luggage. Cruise lines typically don’t supply them, and they can be especially useful if you're traveling with kids or on long train or bus journeys.

Advice for stress-free packing for your Alaska cruise

When packing, remember that your ship may offer a self-service laundry room, either complimentary or coin-operated, and may provide send-out laundry and dry-cleaning services for a fee. This can be especially beneficial if you extend your cruise with a land tour in Alaska, allowing you to travel lighter since you can wash clothes during your journey.

If you happen to forget an item, you can easily make purchases using U.S. dollars in the Alaskan towns and cities you visit. You'll find many familiar brands available in local stores and pharmacies.

Packing Guide for Your Alaska Cruise

With that in mind, here’s a recommended packing list for your Alaska cruise vacation:

• A lightweight waterproof jacket or raincoat (avoid bulky winter jackets)
• Heavy sweaters, sweatshirts, or fleeces (for layering beneath the jacket)
• A selection of T-shirts or casual tops (including some long-sleeved options)
• Two to three pairs of jeans, khakis, or leggings
• One or two pairs of durable walking shoes that can handle wet or muddy conditions (sneakers are acceptable, but waterproof hiking boots are recommended for avid hikers)
• A hat and gloves (especially useful when your ship gets close to a glacier)
• An umbrella
• Shorts (particularly if you wear them in temperatures above 65 degrees)
• A swimsuit (for enjoying the ship's hot tubs, pools, or waterslides; some smaller adventure ships might offer a polar plunge)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a baseball cap or sun hat (the long-lasting midnight sun is quite bright in Alaska, especially reflecting off ice)
• Bug spray (Alaska is home to a significant mosquito population, including around 55 species)
• An assortment of evening wear and shoes for dining, tailored to your ship's guidelines (check your cruise line's website for specifics)
• Accessories (belts, scarves, or fun jewelry can enhance a basic outfit for versatility)
• Workout clothes (if you plan to attend classes or utilize the ship's fitness center)
• Binoculars
• Toiletries and prescriptions (pack these in your carry-on luggage)
• Underwear, pajamas, and socks (including thicker wool socks for hikes or higher elevations)
• Your cellphone or camera, preferably equipped with a zoom lens
• Chargers for all your devices, along with a multiplug extender to power multiple gadgets simultaneously
• A portable charger for excursions in case your cellphone runs low on battery
• A waterproof backpack or bag to protect your cellphone or camera, as well as store extra layers and snacks
• An e-reader or books, games, and cards, as Alaska cruises often involve days at sea without port visits (you might also discover interesting selections at local Alaska bookstores, or consider Alaska-themed novels like "The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah, "Alaska" by James Michener, or "The Snow Child" by Eowyn Ivey)
• Your own wine or Champagne (this can save you money, but check your cruise line's policy on the number of bottles allowed; corkage fees may apply)

Key Takeaway

When packing, aim for versatility and be ready for varying temperatures and weather conditions to ensure a successful cruise to Alaska. If you're unsure, choose outdoor gear over formal clothing. Also, keep in mind that you can easily buy most items you forget once you're in port during your northern adventure.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Begin with these articles:

• Avoid these 15 common mistakes on your Alaska cruise
• Everything you need to know about booking an Alaska trip using points
• 8 top Alaskan lodges for experiencing glaciers, Denali, and more
• The 9 best Alaska cruises tailored for every type of traveler
• 6 outstanding Alaska cruises designed for families
• One-way vs. round-trip Alaska cruises: Which option is right for you?
• Essential items to pack for your cruise
• 20 must-have cruise essentials — including a roll of duct tape