How do you pack for an Alaskan cruise? That’s the query. When packing for our first Alaska cruise we needed to do some severe considering. Since then, we’ve taken two different Alaskan cruises plus a cruise to Antarctica and Greenland, so we now have realized loads about packing for polar areas. When touring to Alaska you must be ready for each kind of climate. Like different cruises, there are formal nights and cocktail evenings, however in Alaska, days are extra informal and the dinner apparel is extra relaxed. Alaska climate modifications shortly, so you have to layers to tackle and off as wanted.
What To Pack For An Alaska Cruise
Packing for a cruise trip to Alaska is totally totally different than a Caribbean cruise. Caribbean cruises are straightforward to pack for. Throw in swimwear, beachwear flip-flops, and some good outfits for evenings and you’re good to go. When cruising to Alaska, you should have a mixture of scorching climate and chilly climate, so you might want to pack layers.
Climate in Alaska might be unpredictable, starting from heat and sunny to chilly and wet, usually inside the similar day. Additionally, onboard the ship, you’ll have a mixture of informal and formal occasions, and you could be collaborating in shore excursions that transcend strolling excursions. You would possibly end up on a zodiac or kayak in the course of a Fjord.
To see precisely what we packed for our Alaska Cruise skip to:
We’ve taken three totally different Alaska cruises and our newest took us down the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia on the Nieuw Amsterdam ship by Holland America Cruise Line. This ship provided the right mixture of luxurious with journey, but it surely makes packing a bit extra concerned since you’ll need journey and activewear, but in addition some formal and good informal clothes. Don’t fear, we’ve created the final word Alaska Cruise Packing listing so you can be snug and look good.
Now we have additionally taken a cruise to Alaska with Princess Cruises and UnCruise. Princess Cruises is similar to Holland America Cruise Line, however if you need extra of an expedition cruise on a small ship to Alaska, take a look at our expertise with UnCruise.
Alaska Cruise Packing Suggestions – Layering
When packing for an Alaska cruise, it is very important take into consideration layering. Southeast Alaska might be very heat through the cruise season, however you’re nonetheless going to be cruising Arctic waters near glaciers and icebergs so that you’ll need each shorts and t-shirts with a mixture of thermal layers and waterproof clothes.
Layered clothes: The climate in Alaska can change quickly, and layering will will let you adapt to various situations. Think about packing T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Waterproof Pants that convert to shorts are an incredible choice for Alaska as you possibly can change shortly.
Additionally keep in mind, in case you are cruising early or later within the Alaska cruise season, the climate will likely be cooler, so pack some heat wool socks and a heavier sweater in your mid-layer.
On Deck
Even when the solar is shining, there will likely be a really cool breeze. Standing on the deck it would be best to have windproof and waterproof layers with a hat and gloves.
You’ll need to be snug so you possibly can actually absorb the great thing about this once-in-a-lifetime scene. (don’t be that man in shorts coming out for under 5 minutes as a result of he was too chilly)
On Shore
On land, it may be simply as unpredictable. When stopping at totally different Alaska cruise ports, you’ll encounter utterly totally different climate and shore excursions.
The climate can change shortly all through the Alaska cruise season and it may be surprisingly moist within the summertime. Juneau could also be scorching and balmy whereas Ketchikan could possibly be wet and chilly. The truth is, Ketchikan is without doubt one of the wettest locations in North America. So, you’ll need to have an outer layer that’s each windproof and waterproof, you’ll need a mid-layer to maintain you heat on chilly days, however you’ll additionally need summer time garments for the odd lovely, and balmy day.
Alaska Cruise Packing Guidelines
So, now that we perceive the unpredictability of the climate in Alaska, here’s a listing of steered objects you could need to pack in your Alaska cruise.
When packing for Alaska, needless to say you want layered clothes, waterproof outerwear, heat clothes, formal apparel, and informal apparel and most significantly don’t neglect snug footwear. Plus, simply since you are in Alaska, doesn’t imply you gained’t be swimming or having fun with the new tub, so be certain that to pack a showering go well with!
Waterproof Jacket
An outer waterproof layer is crucial if you wish to take pleasure in your Alaskan cruise to the fullest. We’ve turn out to be large followers of Fjällräven and this Fjallraven Excessive Coast Jacket isn’t solely wind and waterproof, it appears good as properly. So whether or not you’re going on a forest hike or sitting in a historic saloon, you’ll look nice.
Fleece Midlayer
Even in the course of summer time, it may be cool, so having a wise mid-layer is a good suggestion. I discovered that I wore my mid fleece layer on a regular basis, so having one which doubles as mid-layer however can be fashionable sufficient to put on by itself is a good concept and Fjällräven has selections for males and Girls’s Fleece.
Puffy Jacket
On the water, you could need to go for one thing a bit hotter than a fleece mid-layer. We love our Canada Goose Hybridge puffy coat, however it’s costly. Dave additionally has this Marmot puffer jacket and it really works nice. Put on it below your windproof and waterproof jacket or into city, both approach, it appears traditional. Purchase it on Amazon right here.
Trekking Pants
Whether or not you take a whale-watching tour, climbing to a glacier, or strolling by way of city, trekking pants are nice for an Alaska cruise. We like these Fjällräven Pants as a result of they seem like 1,000,000 bucks whereas nonetheless having sturdiness, breathability, and fast dry of efficiency put on. See it on Amazon right here.
For those who don’t have waterproof pants not less than plan to have waterproof ones as a result of there’s nothing worse than being damp and moist. For those who don’t have waterproof pants, these climbing trousers are light-weight and quick-dry.
Trekking Shirts
A great trekking shirt can double as good informal eveningwear. This trekking shirt by Fjällräven is breathable and wicks away moisture for extra adventurous excursions and actions whereas wanting ok to put on to the restaurant at night time. You should purchase it right here.
Mountain climbing Boots
For those who plan to do a number of glacier excursions, canine sledding, climbing within the Tongass Forest, or heading out on zodiacs, we extremely suggest waterproof climbing boots. Now we have additionally used waterproof sneakers in Alaska. These waterproof boots are our go-to. Sporting climbing boots provides you correct ankle help for uneven terrain, and when touchdown on a glacier or going canine sledding, you possibly can placed on some wool socks and keep toasty heat.
Waterproof Sneakers
You don’t have to pack heavy climbing boots. In case you are strolling round city or on the ship, these work fantastic as properly. We’ve even worn simply waterproof sneakers on excursions like whale watching since we aren’t going into any muddy areas, but it surely nonetheless could also be moist on the boat. For those who aren’t doing main actions, waterproof sneakers will likely be sufficient.
We like Merrill model and Moab 3 waterproof climbing shoe is what we put on and it’s an excellent all-around shoe that can maintain your toes heat and dry.
Devices and Gear for Your Alaska Cruise
Binoculars
You’ll seemingly see wildlife like eagles, whales, and bears, and binoculars may help you get a more in-depth look. Even when you have a zoom lens, binoculars will actually assist benefit from recognizing wildlife and taking in the great thing about glaciers and icebergs up shut. We like these Tasco binoculars.
Digicam There will likely be loads of lovely landscapes to {photograph}. We go into digital camera gear additional beneath, however keep in mind it would be best to have greater than your smartphone in Alaska. You’ll need a zoom lens to seize wildlife and a large angle lens to seize the large glaciers and landscapes.
Lanyard for Cruise Ship Card
When happening a cruise, you should have a cruise card that you simply use to buy all the pieces. Even when you have an all-inclusive bundle, you have to to swipe your cruise card. We discovered {that a} lanyard works nice to carry our playing cards so we don’t have to hold round a again whereas on board. This bundle provides 4 waterproof lanyards and baggage tags.
Magnet Hooks
There are by no means sufficient hooks in cruise cabins and when cruising in Alaska, you will have extra sweaters, jackets, and layers hanging round. Magnetic Hooks are an incredible concept as cruise ship partitions are product of metallic. You’ll be able to put them on a wall and dangle your garments out of the best way with ease.
Espresso Mug
A refillable mug is a should when on a cruise. Until you’re ordering a specialty espresso (or have a bundle) you’ll be utilizing the small mugs at eating places. With a mug, you possibly can refill your espresso and carry it across the ship with you. Now we have discovered this to be invaluable for espresso or tea drinkers. This personalised insulated espresso mug is nice for carrying on the ship because it captures the journey.
Hanging Organizer
Bogs might be small on a cruise ship and we love this hanging toiletry bag. We put all the pieces in it and it retains our toiletries clear and out of the best way. We merely dangle it on the again of the door or on the magnifying mirror when in use. When completed we are able to zip it up and retailer it away. See extra particulars.
Lanyard for Cell Cellphone
When on a ship, I actually love having a security hook on my telephone or digital camera. This waterproof floating case is common and can maintain your telephone dry whereas having it safely hooked up to your neck or wrist.
For extra packing ideas, learn our articles
Refillable Water Bottle
Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is necessary, particularly while you’re lively and it’s an effective way to have water readily available whereas on a cruise as a substitute of regularly needing to buy water.
Backpack or Daypack
A small day pack could be very helpful for carrying objects throughout shore excursions. We suggest a water-proof pack as it could rain loads and if you will do whale watching or different excursions on the water, it will maintain your valuables secure from splashing. Buy it right here.
Sun shades
Sun shades and Sunscreen: The solar might be surprisingly robust in Alaska, particularly when mirrored off of snow and water. We love the traditional Aviators by Rayban. However the reality is, I simply put these in as a result of they’re what I put on, any sun shades with correct UV safety will work.
Chapstick and Hand Moisturizer
The fixed change in Alaska climate might be powerful in your pores and skin and lips. We love this travel-size Burt’s Bees necessities equipment that
Jewellery Organizer
As we talked about above, Alaska cruises aren’t as formal as Caribbean Cruises or different cruises all over the world, however there are nonetheless formal nights and you’ll gown up as a lot as you want. To spruce up cocktail attire or formal apparel, I like having a selection of knickknack, and conserving it organized is vital, particularly when staying in small cabins. Having storage and group is vital. See it right here.
Beauty bag
Similar to my jewellery case, I like having my make-up and lotions organized. Having all of it in an organized place makes preparing straightforward. Test it out on Amazon.
Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes have turn out to be a staple for all our travels. They maintain clothes and equipment organized and we use them for storing laundry as properly. When you’ve traveled with packing cubes, you’ll by no means return. Buy them right here.
Hygiene and Disinfectant
In as we speak’s world of cruising, everybody could be very conscious of cleanliness. Holland America Line (and different cruises similar to Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean for that matter) are very conscious of hygiene and conserving passengers secure with servers handing out meals and plastic limitations protecting the buffet.
However it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to pack just a few journey necessities for hygiene and cleansing. We like having this Antibacterial Spray – Lavender Scent readily available and Journey Dimension Lysol Disinfectant Wipes at all times turn out to be useful.
See extra Tavel Gear and Gadget Concepts at
Electronics packing listing for Alaska Cruise
We supply a number of electronics. However we’ve outlined what we expect most individuals ought to convey and can really feel snug with to seize these superb moments and keep linked. We’ve rounded up sure issues which are particular for an Alaska cruise.
Belkin Mini Surge
It would be best to have your personal a number of shops to plug your electronics in as charging is proscribed in cabins. This Belkin has two USB ports and three plugs, so you possibly can cost a number of electronics whereas solely taking over one plug within the room.
Transportable Arduous Drive
It would be best to retailer your images nightly. I’ve seen individuals lose their cameras on an Alaska cruise and all of their recollections went proper into the water. This Samsung moveable onerous drive is so tiny, you’ll barely discover it in your carry-on and it holds 1 terabyte of reminiscence.
iPhone
We’re iPhone customers and the iPhone 14 Professional does an incredible job getting pictures and video on the fly. It has an excellent zoom to seize wildlife and a 6.1-inch Tremendous Retina XDR show that includes At all times-On and ProMotion plus a 48MP Important digital camera for as much as 4x higher decision.
Transportable Energy Financial institution and USB Transportable charger
A conveyable charger is a staple in our journey gear regardless of the place we go. I maintain this in my bag always so I can cost my iPhone, cameras, and GoPros. Think about working out of battery whereas on an tour and also you see one thing superb like a bear feeding on salmon. I by no means have to fret when I’ve a conveyable charger with me. Purchase it right here now.
Learn extra that will help you with Electronics and Digicam Gear
Digicam Gear for Alaska Cruise
An Alaska cruise is a visit of a lifetime and a spot that you could be solely go to as soon as. You want greater than an iPhone in your digital camera gear for an Alaska cruise. You want not less than a zoom lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for landscapes. I’m a Sony man, so I’ve a full listing of digital camera gear that I take with me on my travels, however listed here are some fundamentals you want for an Alaska cruise.
Digicam Physique
We use a whole Sony System for journey and like it. I take advantage of a Sony A1 however that’s ridiculously costly and never wanted if photographing isn’t your job (or when you have cash to burn). A great choice for a extra inexpensive Mirrorless digital camera is the Sony A7R IV. The dynamic vary and the decision of this digital camera will seize Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes superbly.
Listed below are some really useful objects to enhance your digital camera for this journey:
Lenses
Broad-angle Lens: For capturing sweeping landscapes and expansive views from the deck of the ship. One thing just like the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM or the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM could be splendid.
Telephoto Lens
Telephoto Lens: To seize wildlife at a distance, think about a lens just like the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS. For those who want much more attain, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5–5.6 GM OSS is likely to be a good selection.
To see extra about journey images gear and my full digital camera gear listing, see these articles beneath.
GoPro Hero 11 Black
We by no means journey with no GoPro and the GoPro Hero 11 Black is the most recent mannequin. GoPros are good for capturing images and movies when on the water or when doing any adventures. In case you are going dogsledding, doing a glacier touchdown, or kayaking, you want a GoPro. Nonetheless, I take advantage of my GoPro loads when filming, even strolling round city.
GoPro Hero 11: A water-proof digital camera is extremely really useful. Chances are high you can be out whale watching, zipping round Fjords, or just out on the deck within the rain and we by no means journey with no GoPro.
Dave’s Alaska Cruise Garments
Now that you’ve an outline of the necessities for packing for Alaska cruises, we need to break down precisely what we introduced with us. You don’t want to decorate up at night time for those who aren’t planning on reserving specialty eating places or becoming a member of the formal nights, however we are saying, “You might be on a cruise, why wouldn’t you get your fancy on for a night?” So we’re going to incorporate formal gown and dressing for land excursions for each women and men.
For Evenings
1 darkish go well with 1 Dinner Jacket or Vest 2 gown shirts to combine and match with fits. 2 ties 2 informal/gown pants 3 good shirts for dinners 1 pair of gown sneakers
For OnBoard
1 pair of denims 3 shirts swimsuit 1 set of exercise garments 2 pair shorts 2 t-shirts 1 pair flipflops 1 pair of informal sneakers or sneakers
For On Land
2 pairs of waterproof or waterproof trekking pants 1 pair of climbing sneakers or climbing boots (Waterproof or not less than water-proof) 2 trekking shirts
Outer Layers
Wool Hat Waterproof jacket mild pair of gloves Buff
Deb’s Alaska Cruise Garments
For Evenings
Alaska cruises are typically extra relaxed (formal attire-wise) than different cruises. They aren’t strict on gown code and also you don’t want to decorate up loads. However there are formal nights and for those who splurge on one of many specialty eating places you could need to gown up. For me, a part of the enjoyable of happening a cruise is with the ability to gown up so I packed cocktail attire and excessive heels besides!
2 cocktail attire 2 informal attire 2 pairs of gown pants 2 blouses 2 pairs of gown sneakers
On Board
2 informal shirts swimsuit flip flops 2 sarongs 1 set of exercise garments 1 pair of yoga pants
On Land
Fleece jacket 1 pairs shorts 2 T-shirts Waterproof Jacket Gloves Wool Hat 1 pair denims
Extra Packing Suggestions for an Alaska Cruise
The Above listing of packing for an Alaska cruise is particularly for a cruise portion down southeast Alaska. That is the principle route most cruise strains take and the route we took on all three of our Alaskan cruises.
It appears nearly not possible to pack mild for such a visit. It was a tough job cutting down our baggage to incorporate 1 suitcase every.
However general we had been fairly pleased with our packing selections. With just some changes, you should have the right packing listing for Alaska by studying from our expertise.
Closing Ideas
An Alaska cruise requires a bit extra planning than a Caribbean Cruise or perhaps a European River Cruise in relation to packing. You want many extra layers and you really want to consider waterproof and waterproof clothes.
You additionally need to be snug understanding within the gymnasium, hanging across the indoor swimming pool, sitting within the lounge having fun with espresso or a glass of wine, and looking out good when going to see a Vegas-style present.
Packing for our Alaska cruises was positively a studying expertise for us. However the one word we now have is you don’t have to fret about overpacking. That is the one time we are saying, it’s okay to convey an excessive amount of. All of your baggage is taken care of for you so you possibly can convey extra baggage.
When you get off the aircraft, you by no means have to fret about carrying it once more after which you’re in a single cabin at some point of your cruise, so you possibly can unpack and luxuriate in. So convey what you need and have a selection of clothes. Half the enjoyable of happening a cruise is dressing up. Observe: Simply you’ll want to examine along with your airline for baggage limits. The one factor you will have to fret about is having to pay for extra baggage.