Ultimate Packing List For Your Alaska Cruise

The Ultimate Packing List for an Unforgettable Alaskan Cruise

Embarking on a cruise to Alaska promises an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, packing for an Alaskan cruise requires careful consideration due to the region’s diverse climate and activities. To help you make the most of your journey, we’ve put together a comprehensive Alaska packing list that covers everything you’ll need for an unforgettable Alaskan cruise.

Clothing Essentials

1. Layered Clothing: Alaskan weather can be unpredictable, ranging from chilly mornings to sunny afternoons. Pack a variety of lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers, and sweaters.
2. Pants: As far as your pants go, you might want to invest in a pair of long pants that converts into shorts by unzipping the legs. My son had these for Scouts and they came in handy often. Water resistant nylon pants are great, especially if you are going to take advantage of the many exciting outdoor adventures. This company has an entire line of outdoor/adventure clothes that would be perfect for your Alaska cruise.
3. Outerwear: Puffer or fleece vests take up minimal space and are easily carried around throughout the day. They are a great option to add to layer up. A waterproof jacket or windbreaker could be your best friend. Alaska can get a decent amount of rain in the summer.
4. Warm Accessories: Don’t forget essentials like gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf. These will be your best friends when you’re out on deck admiring glaciers or wildlife. Warm, wool, water-wicking socks will help your feet stay warm and dry, especially if you will be in the snow or rain.
5. Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof boots (on sale at the time of this post) are essential for shore excursions. You’ll also want comfortable walking shoes for exploring towns and cities.
6. Formal Attire: Most cruise ships have formal nights, so pack a few elegant outfits for special dining occasions. If your cruise doesn’t have a formal night, you can omit this. Also, “formal” nights are different for every one so feel free to get as dressed up (think Cinderella going to the ball) or as casual as business casual. Anything is acceptable on most cruise lines, but check with your specific cruise to be sure.
7. Swimwear: Some cruise ships offer heated outdoor pools and hot tubs. Pack a swimsuit if you plan on taking a dip while enjoying scenic views.

Adventure Gear

1. Binoculars: Alaska is renowned for its wildlife, and a pair of binoculars will enhance your chances of spotting eagles, whales, and bears.
2. Camera Gear: Capture the stunning landscapes with a good quality camera, extra batteries, and memory cards. A Go-Pro is an awesome option if you want to just attach your camera and capture all those amazing memories to look back on, share with loved ones or even post to social media for those viral posts!
3. Backpack: A daypack is handy for carrying essentials during shore excursions, such as water bottles, snacks, and extra layers.
4. Waterproof Bag: Keep your items dry while Kayaking, fishing and participating in other outdoor water activities, with a waterproof bag.
5. Waterproof Phone Holder: These are great to keep your phone nice and dry while participating in water activities. The phones stay protected, yet you can still use them to take photos and videos without removing them from the protective clear bag.
6. Rain Gear: Along with a waterproof jacket, consider packing rain pants to stay dry during wet excursions.
7. Workout Clothes: If you are planning on taking advantage of the exercise facilities or classes on board your ship, you will want to have comfortable workout clothes.

Electronics

1. Power Strip: Cruise ship cabins often have limited power outlets. A power strip will let you charge all your devices conveniently.
2. Adapters: Ensure you have the right power adapters to charge your devices onboard. These power adapters with USB ports are great.
3. Portable Charger: Keep your smartphone and other gadgets charged while exploring ashore with a portable charger like this one.
4. Phone Charging Cord: You likely won’t be able to charge your device without a cord to plug it into, so don’t forget the cord.

Toiletries and Medications

1. Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Even on overcast days, the sun’s rays can be strong, especially near reflective surfaces like glaciers. I prefer mineral based sunscreen like this spray one or this lotion one, as they are generally safer for you and the environment. And these lip balms are made with naturally derived ingredients, moisturizing seed oils, and infused with premium essential oils, or learn how to make your own here.
2. Insect Repellent: Some excursions might take you into areas with mosquitoes, so it’s wise to be prepared. We love this natural, essential oil-infused alternative to traditional bug repellent that effectively prevents mosquito, flea, and tick bites.
3. Motion Sickness Medication: If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring appropriate remedies.
4. Prescription Medications: Make sure you have an adequate supply for the entire trip.
5. Hand Sanitizer: For on board the ship, exploring towns, or out on a fun excursion or adventure, be sure to take some hand sanitizer with you. There’s nothing worse than getting sick on your cruise vacation! We love this one because it kills 99.99% of germs, it has aloe vera, Thieves Essential Oil, and Peppermint Essential Oil, smells great and leaves your hands soft.

Miscellaneous Items

1. Travel Documents: These include your passport, cruise documents, ID, and any required visas.
2. Cash and Cards: While cards are widely accepted, having some cash for small purchases in remote areas can be helpful.
3. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during excursions and onboard activities. We love these.
4. Notebook and Pen: Document your journey, jot down highlights, or keep a travel journal.
5. Ziplock Bags: These are handy for storing wet or dirty items and protecting your electronics from the elements.
6. Hat/Visor and Sunglasses: Keep the sun out of your eyes with these necessities. Don’t forget Alaska sees a lot of daylight hours during the summer months.
7. Blanket: The north Pacific ocean can get pretty cold. Take a blanket that you can take out the the deck and wrap up with while you are taking in all those views. This one is soft, easy to carry and folds into a little pillow. Perfect for travel, even on an airplane.
8. A Bottle Of Wine: Didn’t expect that one did you? And obviously it’s not one of the needed items. However, if you do enjoy wine, I suggest taking a bottle with you. It will be way cheaper than purchasing on board (especially if you didn’t purchase a drink package). Each person (21 or older) can take with them one 750ml unopened bottle of wine on board. This is some of my favorite wine because there is ZERO added sugar, no unnecessary additives, it’s beyond organic and you can pick wine from around the world. Trust me, when you are on the ship, you aren’t going to want to wake up regretting drinking wine with a bunch of added sugar or other unnecessary fillers/color changers, etc.

Pack Right, Be Prepared, and Make The Most Of Your Adventure

An Alaskan cruise is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. By packing the right clothing, gear, and essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your adventure. Keep in mind that packing light while covering all your needs is key to enjoying your cruise to the fullest. With this ultimate packing list in hand, you’re all set to embark on an unforgettable journey to the mesmerizing landscapes of Alaska.

Thoughts?

If you are still researching and/or deciding on if an Alaska cruise is right for you, let’s chat! I’d love to plan the perfect Alaska cruise for you and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to send me an email at d.spies@dreamvacations.com

Read all about these popular Alaska Cruise ports! Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Anchorage, Seward, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. And coming soon to the blog: Haines and Whittier. Make sure you subscribe to the blog to be notified when these posts are up!

Curious about our current deals and specials? Or just want to enter to win a cruise? Visit my Dream Vacations Website.