Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

Table Of Content

• Alaska Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Best Boots for an Alaska Cruise: A Guide for Spring, Summer, and Fall
• Women’s Convertible Hiking Pants
• Hanging Toiletry Bag
• Tips on Packing for Alaska Cruise
• Compression Packing Cubes for Travel – Luggage and Backpack Organizer
• What to Pack for Your Alaska Cruise: The Ultimate Packing List

Whether you’re looking to lounge on the deck or take a dip in the pool or hot tub onboard, you’ll want to be prepared and make sure it’s on your packing list for Alaska. It’s also good to have if you plan on doing any water activities such as fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding so you don’t get your everyday wear wet. Even if you’re heading to Alaska during the hottest months, don’t skip packing an insulating layer like this Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. I love it because it’s people-friendly, animal-friendly, and eco-friendly.

Alaska Cruise Packing List Essentials

If you are a brave soul, don’t forget to pack swimwear to enjoy these onboard amenities and take a dip in the heated pools while sailing through the Alaskan waters. Make sure your outer layers are waterproof, and consider bringing an umbrella or poncho if you plan to explore the ports on foot. Pack lightweight base layers, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a waterproof and windproof jacket. This way, you can easily adjust your clothing to accommodate temperature fluctuations throughout the day. Fresh off our incredible Alaskan cruise experience (thanks to Small World Vacations!), we’re thrilled to share our top packing tips for this bucket list adventure. As the popular Scandinavian saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” It’s true!

The Best Boots for an Alaska Cruise: A Guide for Spring, Summer, and Fall

After my own scare, these sleek trackers bring peace to every trip. Simply pop one into each piece of your luggage and you can track their whereabouts. A must for cruisers and fellow travelers, AirTags make luggage worries vanish. Maximize cruise cabin space with two-column over-the-door shoe organizers – a family essential. Perfectly fitting on closet or bathroom doors, these holders offer convenient storage, ensuring a clutter-free and enjoyable voyage for all members of your family.

Women’s Convertible Hiking Pants

Do yourself and the environment a favor and bring along a reusable water bottle like the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Wide Mouth with Flex Cap for your cruise. This is a cruise staple in general since you can fill it up from water or soda stations throughout the ship during your entire sailing. It’s indispensable in Alaska where excursions will take you out of the main towns and into nature. I specifically love Hydro Flask because they can take a beating and come out unscathed save for maybe a few scratches. You don’t have to worry about the cap breaking off or the bottle cracking if you drop it. Some people might skip the waterproof pants, but there’s no reason to skip the water protection for your legs after you’ve worked so hard to keep your head, body, and feet dry.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

Magnetic hooks prove invaluable for hanging coats and sweatshirts, maximizing limited space. Use packing cubes and travel organizers to keep cabins cozy and tidy, make essential items easy to find and in order, and streamline dressing for any occasion. It is your place to rest and reflect from an incredible day and charge up for the next day and a place to store your gear. Here are some tips for essential cruise items that will make your cabin feel like home. There’s a balance between packing particulars and considering big-picture factors every passenger strikes while drawing up their Alaska packing list for a fantastic cruise.

Tips on Packing for Alaska Cruise

The most popular months are during summer, when temperatures range from lows around 50 degrees to highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s. Whenever you choose to visit, it's a good idea to dress in layers. Even during the peak summer months, early mornings can be chilly. Include a few short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts that you can wear under a lightweight down vest or jacket. I prefer these to a fleece because they roll up to almost nothing and are easier to tuck away in a daypack rather than a bulkier fleece, but either option will do should the mercury dip. Consider also packing a multipurpose scarf, as it can transition from an accessory to keeping you warm as a head wrap, mini blanket or even a pillow on planes and buses.

At the very least, bring a reliable backpack that is large enough to fit your water bottle, wallet, some snacks, sunscreen, and extra layers. Look for one with multiple compartments or pockets so you can easily store all of those small items you’ll need during your excursions. One with a water-resistant rain cover is also a good option in case you find yourself caught in some unexpected rain. Bathing SuitA bathing suit is essential for any cruise, regardless of destination.

The best time to cruise Alaska - The Points Guy

The best time to cruise Alaska.

Posted: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

What to Pack for Your Alaska Cruise: The Ultimate Packing List

On our cruise, we went sea kayaking, and even though they provided some rain gear and boots, we still ended up soaked because it was pouring as we waited for our shuttle. And we also did a hike excursion and our hiking boots were muddy and wet afterward. One thing all three of our experts recommended bringing is a pair of binoculars. Don’t worry, you don’t have to break the bank or your neck for the perfect pair. This pair of Vortex Vanquish Compact Binoculars packs a punch for its small size, offering many of the same features you’ll find in a full-size pair.

For this reason, you’ll need to pack specific activewear clothes in your suitcase for a variety of experiences, such as kayaking through fjords, spotting wildlife outdoors, and ziplining through forest trees. We’ve organized our packing list into different sections, including essential documents, clothing, toiletries, specific items for Alaskan cruises, electronics, kids and family, miscellaneous items, and more. Pack thermal layers that can keep you comfortable in temperatures ranging from 30- to 80-degrees Fahrenheit.

The key is to wear layers of clothes you can put on and peel off to help you deal with temperature fluctuations. You can also take a look at this post for more ideas on cute Alaska cruise outfits. Taking an Alaskan Cruise is an epic adventure that everyone should get the chance to experience.

Make sure to get strong hooks that can hold a coat and not just slide down the door. Just keep in mind that these can leave marks on the door if you pull on them. In this next section, I’ll be answering some essential questions for your cruise around Alaska so you have everything you need before departing.

An Alaska cruise calls for a wide range of footwear, as you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes to wear in port and shoes to wear onboard. A pair of water-resistant sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes is recommended, as they tend to keep your feet comfortable and warm while providing enough support for a range of outdoor activities. Active sandals, such as Chacos, can be nice in the summer months as well. On an August cruise to Alaska, remember to pack all of your waterproof gear—rain jacket, poncho, waterproof shoes, and water-resistant pants—in order to come as prepared as possible. Consider bringing warmer sweaters, scarves, and hats, as there’s a heightened chance you’ll be exposed to colder weather, too.

If you want to go above and beyond and get some great shots, a travel tripod should make it into your cruise packing list, too. Aside from the comfortable and sports clothing you’ll wear during the day and on excursions, you’ll also want to pack dressier attire, too. During dinner in the ship’s main restaurant, cruisers will dress according to Celebrity Cruises’ dress code.