Packing for an Alaskan cruise requires being prepared for a really wide range of weather. Additionally, the cruise line you choose also makes a difference. Some are more formal than others. Check out our recommendations on what to pack for an Alaskan cruise.
Our Alaska cruise vacation was epic! We chose our cruise line, the dates we intended to travel, and finally our cruise ship. Our concern was the Alaska weather because it is so very different from a Caribbean cruise and required more planning so we would pack appropriately for our Alaska Cruise.
The cruise line we chose did not have formal and dress-up nights as some do. This did make our packing easier. We were able to focus more on the ports and excursions rather than worry about bringing extra clothes for meals.
We knew the Alaskan cruise packing list would be different because of the fluctuating average temperatures. The Alaska Cruise season goes through the summer months, starting in May and ending in September, so we would see both a cold wind and warmer weather as well as rain.
Preparation Before Packing for an Alaskan Cruise
We watched several videos and read a lot of articles and lists before our inside-passage Alaskan cruise for a couple of reasons. First, we’d never been on a cruise and we wanted to know what to look forward to. Second, we deeply wanted to know how to pack thoroughly and efficiently for our Alaskan cruise..
I couldn’t wait for the trip and actually was completely packed a full month before departure. One twist you may or may not be able to relate to- we planned to spend several days in Seattle before boarding the ship. That added a little more challenge to trying to be efficient! Eventually, we created a packing list that covers all types of cruises. Get yours HERE!!
Time of Year
The time of year that you go to Alaska makes a huge difference in your apparel choices. However, like in most places, the weather varies widely and can be unpredictable. So you basically have to be ready for pretty much everything but tornados.
Even though we were prepared for cold, wet weather, we lucked out and had unseasonably warm (hot) weather. Thankfully we had planned on dressing in layers. This did mean that there were articles we brought that we wound up not needing. However, you have to be prepared for a very wide variety of temperatures and weather.
On a side note- coming from West Texas, it was kind of humorous to see temperatures of 82 have a heat advisory. 🙂
Packing Philosophies
It might be important to disclose some of my apparel philosophy- outerwear and shoes may be used multiple times between washings but underwear only once. There aren’t any exceptions to the underwear rule. Also, I plan it so I won’t need to wash clothing while on the trip. Different philosophies can have a significant impact on how you choose to pack for your Alaskan cruise.
To keep my used and unused apparel separate I carry a poly bag and at the end of use, the unusable clothing items go into the bag. Over the course of my trip, my “to be worn” things eventually migrate to the “dirty clothes” bag, and on the last day of the trip, I wear my last fresh travel clothes home. Everything else is already in one place, conveniently ready to pack.
On the other hand, Leah brought a small bar of laundry soap and a magnetic clothesline to wash clothes while we were traveling. She also does NOT travel light. She brings everything she thinks she might need. After watching numerous videos on Alaskan cruises, she made a list of (nearly) every recommendation anyone came up with. Since this was our very first cruise, she preferred to err on the side of having too much rather than not enough.
Suitcase- Checking Bags and/or Carryon
If you are needing to fly to your departure city for your cruise, that can significantly impact your packing choices. I tend to pack light… Leah…. not so much! She checked a large bag and carried a small carry-on. Our packing philosophies always vary but they seemed even more diverse when it came time to pack for our Alaskan cruise.
I hoped to have everything in only one backpack and one duffel bag. That way everything will be in a carry-on bag. I like to keep the duffel in the overhead compartment and the backpack under the seat in front of me. This helps me minimize the hassle of baggage checks and baggage claims. (And I’m better able to help Leah with all her luggage. Lol!)
Toiletries
I pack most small items in my shaving kit or other waterproof bags. These toiletries are small items and everything in this list is non-negotiable.
washcloth
toothbrush
toothpaste
towelettes or baby wipes
nail clippers
q tips
travel soap
travel shampoo
razor
medications
antacid
first aid kit
dental floss
small reusable bags
emergency sewing repair kit
Miscellaneous Items to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise
I have a second list of things I take when I travel that neither fits on the toiletries list, nor the clothing list but are still very important items. Generally, I will carry and store these things in a small day pack. I can then keep them in my backpack to take as little space as possible. I use some of these things while I am in transit and want to keep them in easy reach at all times.
For example, it seems I always need to charge my cell phone, so I keep it within easy reach. As a side note, I keep my DSLR camera and zoom lens in the top of my backpack for when impromptu photo ops present themselves. (We’ve learned this lesson the hard way and missed those one-of-a-kind shot opportunities!)
The items below range in level of importance. For example, you may not need or want to bring items to wash laundry in your room. But if you have lots of electronics, which most of us do, power strips are really helpful. Magnets also provide a way to get items hung up and out of the way.
Phone charger
Power strip (w/o surge protector)
Magnets to attach to the wall
Laundry soap and clothesline
Camera
Binoculars
Vacuum bags for clothes
Day Pack
Even if you don’t want to go on formal excursions, just walking around the port cities will be easier if you are prepared ahead of time. Some of the port towns are right off the boat dock. Others are further away.
reusable water bottle
wallet and credit cards
ibuprofen
acetaminophen
travel lotion
towelettes
phone charger
bug spray
telephoto lens
sunscreen
lip balm
insect repellent (you will probably not need mosquito repellent unless you venture deep into the rain forest, so this is optional)
Clothing
The third list is my clothing. We have been on numerous trips and have prepared for all sorts of travel destinations. However, packing for an Alaskan cruise was truly an “extra” experience.
To start, I list all the shipboard activities and refer to the Alaska cruise itinerary, making a calendar to designate airport days, shore excursions, and sea days. This helps immensely. I plan for the most unique things first, so the excursions get filled in first.
As I work through the calendar, I see what items already on the list would suit other days and be able to get as many multiple uses as I felt suitable. Since the summer season in southeast Alaska has cold winds and warm weather I pack for a variety of weather conditions. This is where those LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS, are SO important. This is also where your choice of cruise line factors into your cruise packing list. Some cruise lines have certain dress requirements for a variety of days and dining rooms. Some also have optional days that you might like to participate in but it’s not required.
Events and Places to Pack For
Hot Tub
Pool
Formal nights
Casual nights
Themed nights
Glacier Bay Day
Whale watching expedition
Panning for gold outdoor activities
Other outdoor adventures
Shopping in port
Rainy days
Sunny days
Cold weather
Warm days
Walking in Canada
Things to Pack
Undergarments
Clothing for layering
Bathing suit
Base layer
Warm pants
Long pants
Waterproof pants
Pair of Jeans
Pair of Shorts
Shirts with long sleeves
Waterproof walking shoes
good pair of Flip Flops
Waterproof rain jacket or any waterproof jacket
Packable coat
Fleece jacket
Formal Wear
Your Alaskan Cruise trip takes a little planning because there isn’t much room in cruise cabins and you will have to have warm clothes, Even though last year the temperatures rarely got too cool to be comfortable. You just never really know.
The good news is you can pack a lighter and send everything to the laundry room first thing in the early morning and have it back the same day. Or, as Leah did, bring items to wash and hang up clothes in your stateroom. The main thing with packing for an Alaskan cruise is trying to be ready for such a wide range of weather and temperatures.
Part of what added to the complexity of our packing was the choice we made to tour Seattle while we were in the area. This meant additional days to prepare for as well as an additional point with weather and temperatures to factor in.
Our trip to Seattle, however, was well worth the extra time and expense. It also was worth the added time while packing for an Alaska cruise. Check out more on our visit HERE.
If you are considering an Alaskan cruise, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go ahead and get to booking! We love traveling and have been to so many amazing places. However, Alaska is possibly my all-time favorite (so far!). It truly was an epic trip!!
