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Just to make sure you have everything you need, here’s our complete packing list of everything you will need to fully enjoy your amazing Alaska Cruise. 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. 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.
Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Jacket
But recently I started to always pack this basic, super-simple folding small travel alarm clock with me. Take photos in your home and outside and get used to different lighting conditions. Plus, if your Alaska cruise begins or ends in Vancouver, you’re going to need a passport for Vancouver. I chuckled when I saw those baggie bottoms, not realizing how essential they’d be on a hike in the rain. Not only will you be able to slosh through mud puddles and step through little streams and squishy bogs, you’ll get comments from the locals, who will immediately assume you’re Alaskan. When you’re out on deck or on a tour, putting your gloves on and off to take a photo is a real pain.

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants
I love it because it’s people-friendly, animal-friendly, and eco-friendly. When it’s packed down into its convenient carry pouch, it can double as a pillow. It’s great for Alaska because it’s waterproof and windproof, so it’s a no-brainer to wear on glacier hikes, during rain showers, on your balcony, and around the ship. The high collar helps to trap heat around your neck, and it’s designed to fall below your hips, keeping your core insulated for better warmth. There are also two zippered pockets where you can securely store your ship identification, lip balm, or other small items. An Alaska cruise packing list wouldn’t be complete without waterproof shoes.
What to pack for an Alaska cruise
Anti-microbial properties also translate into less odor and longer life between washes, so you can wear it worry-free and repeatedly on the same trip. My first Icebreaker base layer was a go-to when I backpacked around the world for three years, from European winters to Southeast Asian summers. In total, I wore it for over a decade; it never shrank and always performed. Overall, I recommend aiming to create a capsule wardrobe that you can mix and match throughout your cruise, with the addition of these clothing items that are a must for an Alaskan cruise.
Typically, June and July are the warmest months of the Alaska cruise season, with lows in the 40’s to highs in mid 60’s F. If you don't want to get dressed up at all, you can dine in your ship's more casual eateries. Or, if your ship is doing a late-night stay in port, you might want to seek out the best place for king crab, wild Alaska salmon and other local delicacies on shore.
Alaska cruises tend to be more informal than Mediterranean or Caribbean cruises. Bring smart casual clothes rather than a cocktail dress or tuxedo for the evenings. Pack pants made from warm fabric, or better still some waterproof overpants to keep your legs warm while out on the glaciers and icy terrain. Cruise ships offer trips and activities for guests that run on a strict schedule.
What You Won’t Need or Can’t Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

Be prepared for rain, with the proper outdoor clothing and gear. Your ship might stock some, but you'll want your own for spotting whales, bears, eagles and other wildlife and for close-up views of glacial ice and other wilderness from the ship and on shore. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, you might want to bring a retractable walking stick for uneven surfaces. A camera with a zoom lens or a cellphone that takes good quality photos is probably already on your list, but make sure you have chargers and enough memory for the hundreds of photos you will likely take. A portable charger is useful for full-day trips where you might burn through your cellphone battery. Rain will likely be in the picture, particularly if you cruise during the popular months of July and August.
Alaska cruise packing list
When people say to dress in layers for Alaska, it starts with thermal undergarments. If you plan on visiting the glaciers, you can expect if to be cold and chilly. If you wear a base layer, you’ll keep warm and comfortable. Here’s a comprehensive Alaskan cruise packing list, including clothing, gear and cruise essentials to bring on your cruise. Speaking of chargers, a portable charger is also a good item to have on hand during your cruise to Alaska. Odds are you’ll be taking a lot of photos and videos during your trip, which can quickly drain the battery on your phone.
Disney Alaska cruise: 10 things to know before sailing north - The Points Guy
Disney Alaska cruise: 10 things to know before sailing north.
Posted: Mon, 10 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
You might need to keep important documents, such as copies of identity documents or your cruise tickets, safe. A waterproof folder is the best way to keep them all together and safe from being damaged. Pool water on the deck, rain or spilled drinks can all be serious falling hazards. Keep yourself safe by wearing slip proof sandals rather than flip-flops when walking out and about on deck. A collapsible backpack will be great to use when out on land trips.
These travel size sunscreens are easy to pack for your Alaska cruise, and can be used on future cruises as well. While you won’t need a jacket every day in Alaska, if you are cruising during the colder months, there will be times you’ll be happy to have a thin warm puffer coat. Here’s a list of clothing to bring on a 7 day Alaska cruise. You may decide to bring more of some items and less of others depending on your preference and month of your cruise. April and May are the driest months of the cruise season, with less chance of rain. However, you’ll want to be prepared with raingear and clothing for all weather conditions.
Beyond clothing, there are many things you’ll want to pack for your Alaskan cruise vacation. October weather is usually more chilly and rainy than the other months of the Alaska cruise season. Temperatures typically range from lows in the 30’s to highs in the low 50’s F.
To solve this problem, I ordered these gloves to use with my iPhone. I’ve always loved Isotoners so that’s why I went for the more expensive gloves with device-touch enabled finger tips. And…so you don’t have to constantly take them on and off to take photos with your iPhone or Android, I really suggest device-enabled gloves. Also, for both men and women, a good ol’ baseball cap comes in handy. I usually buy this on the ship or in Alaska and have a souvenir at the same time.
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