Alaska Cruise Packing List – What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

How do you pack for an Alaskan cruise? That is the query. When packing for our first Alaska cruise we needed to do some severe pondering. Since then, we’ve taken two different Alaskan cruises plus a cruise to Antarctica and Greenland, so we’ve discovered so much about packing for polar areas. When touring to Alaska it’s important to 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 rapidly, so you will have layers to tackle and off as wanted.

What To Pack For An Alaska Cruise

Packing for a cruise trip to Alaska is totally completely different than a Caribbean cruise. Caribbean cruises are simple 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’ll have a mixture of sizzling climate and chilly climate, so it is advisable to pack layers.

Weather in Alaska might be unpredictable, starting from heat and sunny to chilly and wet, typically throughout the similar day. Also, onboard the ship, you’ll have a mixture of informal and formal occasions, and it’s possible you’ll 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.

We’ve taken three completely 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 supplied the proper mixture of luxurious with journey, but it surely makes packing a little 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 comfy and look good.

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’d like extra of an expedition cruise on a small ship to Alaska, take a look at our expertise with UnCruise.

Alaska Cruise Packing Tips – 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 water resistant clothes.

Layered clothes: The climate in Alaska can change quickly, and layering will permit you to adapt to various situations. Consider 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 rapidly.

Also keep in mind, if you’re cruising early or later within the Alaska cruise season, the climate might be cooler, so pack some heat wool socks and a heavier sweater in your mid-layer.

On Deck

Even if the solar is shining, there might 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 comfy so you possibly can actually absorb the fantastic 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 completely different Alaska cruise ports, you’ll encounter fully completely different climate and shore excursions.

The climate can change rapidly all through the Alaska cruise season and it may be surprisingly moist within the summertime. Juneau could also be sizzling and balmy whereas Ketchikan might be wet and chilly. In reality, Ketchikan is likely 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 desire a mid-layer to maintain you heat on chilly days, however you’ll additionally need summer season garments for the odd stunning, and balmy day.

Alaska Cruise Packing Checklist

So, now that we perceive the unpredictability of the climate in Alaska, here’s a listing of steered objects it’s possible you’ll need to pack in your Alaska cruise.

When packing for Alaska, needless to say you will have layered clothes, waterproof outerwear, heat clothes, formal apparel, and informal apparel and most significantly don’t overlook comfy footwear. Plus, simply since you are in Alaska, doesn’t imply you received’t be swimming or having fun with the recent tub, so be sure that to pack a washing go well with!

Waterproof Jacket

An outer waterproof layer is important if you wish to take pleasure in your Alaskan cruise to the fullest. We’ve turn out to be massive followers of Fjällräven and this Fjallraven High Coast Jacket is just not solely wind and waterproof, it seems 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 season, it may be cool, so having a sensible 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 decisions for males and Women’s Fleece.

Puffy Jacket

On the water, it’s possible you’ll need to go for one thing a little 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. Wear it below your windproof and water resistant jacket or into city, both means, it seems basic. Buy it on Amazon right here.

Trekking Pants

Whether you take a whale-watching tour, climbing to a glacier, or strolling by means of city, trekking pants are nice for an Alaska cruise. We like these Fjällräven Pants as a result of they appear like 1,000,000 bucks whereas nonetheless having sturdiness, breathability, and fast dry of efficiency put on. See it on Amazon right here.

If you don’t have waterproof pants at the least plan to have water resistant ones as a result of there may be nothing worse than being damp and moist. If you don’t have waterproof pants, these climbing trousers are light-weight and quick-dry.

Trekking Shirts

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 adequate to put on to the restaurant at evening. You can purchase it right here.

Hiking Boots

If you propose to do lots of glacier excursions, canine sledding, climbing within the Tongass Forest, or heading out on zodiacs, we extremely advocate waterproof climbing boots. We have additionally used waterproof sneakers in Alaska. These waterproof boots are our go-to. Wearing climbing boots provides you correct ankle assist 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 Shoes

You don’t must pack heavy climbing boots. If you’re strolling round city or on the ship, these work advantageous 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. If you aren’t doing main actions, water resistant sneakers might be sufficient.

We like Merrill model and Moab 3 waterproof climbing shoe is what we put on and it’s a very good all-around shoe that may preserve your ft heat and dry.

Gadgets and Gear for Your Alaska Cruise

Binoculars

You’ll probably see wildlife like eagles, whales, and bears, and binoculars may also help you get a more in-depth look. Even in case you have a zoom lens, binoculars will actually assist take advantage of recognizing wildlife and taking in the fantastic thing about glaciers and icebergs up shut. We like these Tasco binoculars.

Camera There might be loads of stunning 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 desire a zoom lens to seize wildlife and a large angle lens to seize the large glaciers and landscapes.

Lanyard for Cruise Ship Card

When occurring a cruise, you’ll have a cruise card that you just use to buy every little thing. Even in case you have an all-inclusive bundle, you will have 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’re going to have extra sweaters, jackets, and layers hanging round. Magnetic Hooks are an incredible concept as cruise ship partitions are fabricated from metallic. You can put them on a wall and hold your garments out of the way in which with ease.

Coffee Mug

A refillable mug is a should when on a cruise. Unless 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. We have discovered this to be invaluable for espresso or tea drinkers. This customized insulated espresso mug is nice for carrying on the ship because it captures the journey.

Hanging Organizer

Bathrooms might be small on a cruise ship and we love this hanging toiletry bag. We put every little thing in it and it retains our toiletries clear and out of the way in which. We merely hold 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 Mobile Phone

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 preserve your telephone dry whereas having it safely connected to your neck or wrist.

Refillable Water Bottle

Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, particularly if you’re lively and it’s an effective way to have water readily available whereas on a cruise as an alternative of continually needing to buy water.

Backpack or Daypack

A small day pack could be very helpful for carrying objects throughout shore excursions. We advocate a water-proof pack as it may well rain so much and if you’re going to do whale watching or different excursions on the water, it will preserve your valuables secure from splashing. Purchase it right here.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses and Sunscreen: The solar might be surprisingly robust in Alaska, particularly when mirrored off of snow and water. We love the basic Aviators by Rayban. But 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 robust in your pores and skin and lips. We love this travel-size Burt’s Bees necessities equipment that

Jewelry Organizer

As we talked about above, Alaska cruises aren’t as formal as Caribbean Cruises or different cruises world wide, however there are nonetheless formal nights and you may gown up as a lot as you want. To spruce up cocktail attire or formal apparel, I like having a alternative of bijou, and retaining it organized is vital, particularly when staying in small cabins. Having storage and group is vital. See it right here.

Cosmetic bag

Just like my jewellery case, I like having my make-up and lotions organized. Having all of it in an organized place makes preparing simple. Check it out on Amazon.

Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes have turn out to be a staple for all our travels. They preserve clothes and kit organized and we use them for storing laundry as properly. Once you’ve traveled with packing cubes, you’ll by no means return. Purchase them right here.

Hygiene and Disinfectant

In at this time’s world of cruising, everybody could be very conscious of cleanliness. Holland America Line (and different cruises corresponding to Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean for that matter) are very conscious of hygiene and retaining passengers secure with servers handing out meals and plastic obstacles protecting the buffet.

But 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 Travel Size Lysol Disinfectant Wipes at all times come in useful.

Electronics packing listing for Alaska Cruise

We carry lots of electronics. But we’ve outlined what we predict most individuals ought to convey and can really feel comfy 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 

You will need 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.

Portable Hard Drive

You will need to retailer your pictures nightly. I’ve seen folks lose their cameras on an Alaska cruise and all of their reminiscences went proper into the water. This Samsung moveable laborious drive is so tiny, you’ll barely discover it in your carry-on and it holds 1 terabyte of reminiscence.

iPhone

We are iPhone customers and the iPhone 14 Pro does an incredible job getting pictures and video on the fly. It has a very good zoom to seize wildlife and a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR show that includes Always-On and ProMovement plus a 48MP Main digital camera for as much as 4x larger decision.

Portable Power Bank and USB Portable charger

A transportable charger is a staple in our journey gear regardless of the place we go. I preserve this in my bag always so I can cost my iPhone, cameras, and GoPros. Imagine operating 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 transportable charger with me. Buy it right here now.

Camera 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 will need greater than an iPhone in your digital camera gear for an Alaska cruise. You will need at the least 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 will have for an Alaska cruise.

Camera Body

We use a whole Sony System for journey and adore it. I take advantage of a Sony A1 however that’s ridiculously costly and never wanted if photographing isn’t your job (or in case you have cash to burn). choice for a extra reasonably priced Mirrorless digital camera is the Sony A7R IV. The dynamic vary and the decision of this digital camera will seize Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes fantastically.

Here are some advisable objects to enhance your digital camera for this journey:

Lenses

Wide-angle Lens: For capturing sweeping landscapes and expansive views from the deck of the ship. Something 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, contemplate a lens just like the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS. If you want much more attain, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5–5.6 GM OSS could be a sensible choice.

To see extra about journey pictures gear and my full digital camera gear listing, see these articles beneath.

GoPro Hero 11 Black

We by no means journey with out a GoPro and the GoPro Hero 11 Black is the newest mannequin. GoPros are excellent for capturing pictures and movies when on the water or when doing any adventures. If you’re going dogsledding, doing a glacier touchdown, or kayaking, you will have a GoPro. However, I take advantage of my GoPro so much when filming, even strolling round city.

GoPro Hero 11: A water-resistant digital camera is very advisable. Chances are 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 out a GoPro.

Dave’s Alaska Cruise Clothes

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 evening when you aren’t planning on reserving specialty eating places or becoming a member of the formal nights, however we are saying, “You are on a cruise, why wouldn’t you get your fancy on for an evening?” 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 water resistant or waterproof trekking pants
• 1 pair of climbing sneakers or climbing boots (Waterproof or at the least waterproof)
• 2 trekking shirts

Outer Layers

• Wool Hat
• Waterproof jacket
• gentle pair of gloves
• Buff

Deb’s Alaska Cruise Clothes

For Evenings

Alaska cruises are usually extra relaxed (formal attire-wise) than different cruises. They aren’t strict on gown code and also you don’t want to decorate up so much. But there are formal nights and when you splurge on one of many specialty eating places it’s possible you’ll need to gown up. For me, a part of the enjoyable of occurring a cruise is having the ability to gown up so I packed cocktail attire and excessive heels as well!

• 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

More Packing Tips for an Alaska Cruise

The Above listing of packing for an Alaska cruise is particularly for a cruise portion down southeast Alaska. This is the primary route most cruise traces take and the route we took on all three of our Alaskan cruises.

It appears virtually not possible to pack gentle for such a visit. It was a tough job cutting down our baggage to incorporate 1 suitcase every.

But general we have been fairly pleased with our packing decisions. With only a few changes, you’ll have the proper packing listing for Alaska by studying from our expertise.

Final Thoughts

An Alaska cruise requires a little bit extra planning than a Caribbean Cruise or perhaps a European River Cruise with regards to packing. You want many extra layers and you actually need to consider waterproof and water resistant clothes.

You additionally need to be comfy understanding within the fitness center, 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 undoubtedly a studying expertise for us. But the one observe we’ve is you don’t have to fret about overpacking. This is the one time we are saying, it’s okay to convey an excessive amount of.  All your baggage is taken care of for you so you possibly can convey extra baggage.

Once you get off the airplane, you by no means have to fret about carrying it once more after which you’re in a single cabin in the course of your cruise, so you possibly can unpack and revel in. So convey what you need and have a alternative of clothes. Half the enjoyable of occurring a cruise is dressing up. Note: Just remember to examine together with your airline for baggage limits. The solely factor you will have to fret about is having to pay for extra baggage.