Embarking on an Alaska cruise promises an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique cultural experiences. However, the success of your adventure hinges significantly on one crucial factor: your packing strategy. Our very first Alaskan cruise taught us this lesson the hard way. A last-minute decision left little time for meticulous planning, and our focus was primarily on camera gear, neglecting essential warm clothing. The result? A surprisingly cold trip that could have been far more comfortable. To spare you from similar chilly experiences and ensure your voyage is nothing short of spectacular, we’ve compiled this ultimate, comprehensive Alaska Cruise Packing List. Drawing from multiple trips and invaluable lessons learned, this guide is designed to help you prepare for every possibility, ensuring comfort, readiness, and maximum enjoyment from the moment you step aboard.
Navigating Alaska’s Climate: Essential Packing Strategies for Your Cruise
Preparing for an Alaskan cruise means embracing a wardrobe that is as versatile as Alaska’s weather itself. Even during the peak summer months, it’s entirely possible to experience all four seasons in a single day—from crisp mornings and rainy afternoons to bright, warm sunshine and chilly evenings. The key to staying comfortable and maximizing your enjoyment, regardless of the unpredictable conditions, lies in a strategic approach to clothing and gear.
One of the most critical elements of your Alaska cruise packing list is the inclusion of ample warm clothing. This was our biggest oversight on our inaugural trip, and we cannot stress enough the importance of items like gloves, scarves, and hats. We highly recommend packing at least two sets of these essentials. The reason is simple: when you’re out exploring glaciers, whale watching, or simply strolling through port towns, these items are prone to getting damp from rain, sea spray, or melting snow. Having a spare set allows one to dry completely while you wear the other, ensuring you never have to put on a cold, wet hat or pair of gloves again. Trust us, experiencing the majestic beauty of Glacier Bay is far less enchanting when your head feels like it’s freezing.
Our foremost packing tip for any trip to Alaska, and especially a cruise, is to plan on dressing in layers. This age-old advice is particularly pertinent here. Layering allows you to easily adjust your clothing throughout the day as temperatures fluctuate, moving from the warmth of the ship’s interior to the brisk deck or a windy excursion ashore. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating mid-layers like fleece or wool, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer shell.
Furthermore, if you plan on checking luggage, carrying a well-prepared carry-on bag onto the ship is a non-negotiable step. This ensures immediate access to your critical documents, any necessary medications, a change of clothes, and other essential personal items in case your checked bags are delayed. Our aim with this updated Alaskan Cruise Packing List is to make your journey significantly warmer, smoother, and far less stressful than our initial attempt. We’ve compiled these insights from multiple voyages to Alaska, and we genuinely hope our tips enhance your cruise experience.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.
Alaska Cruise Packing List – Clothing Essentials
When curating your clothing for an Alaska cruise, you’ll find the atmosphere generally leans towards a more casual comfort compared to Caribbean or European itineraries. While many guests still enjoy dressing up for dinner, the formality often isn’t as pronounced. This, of course, can vary slightly depending on your specific cruise line and ship. On a previous Princess Cruise to Alaska, we observed a wide array of cold-weather apparel available for purchase onboard, serving as a reminder of how many guests underestimate the climate. While convenient, these items are typically sold at a premium, making it far more economical and practical to pack wisely in advance.
A vital consideration for your personal Alaska cruise packing list is the time of year you plan to sail. Cruises during the shoulder seasons of April, May, and September are likely to encounter cooler temperatures, possibly even some snow, requiring heavier layers. Mid-summer voyages in June, July, and August often bring warmer, sunnier days where a t-shirt and a light jacket might suffice. However, even in mid-summer, be prepared for sudden shifts to rain, wind, or surprisingly cold temperatures.
- Warm Hats: Crucial for retaining body heat. We strongly recommend packing two winter hats—preferably made of wool or fleece. This allows one to dry thoroughly if it gets wet from rain or sea spray, ensuring you always have a warm, dry option.
- Gloves/Mittens: Protect your hands from the chill. Opt for waterproof gloves that offer enough dexterity to operate your camera or phone without needing to remove them. Alternatively, mittens provide superior warmth.
- Scarves: A versatile accessory that provides extra warmth for your neck and face against biting winds. A long, cozy scarf that can be wrapped multiple times is ideal.
- Insulated Jacket: A high-quality, water-resistant, and windproof jacket is paramount. Look for one that provides excellent insulation and allows for comfortable layering underneath.
- Rain Jacket: A separate, lightweight, and fully waterproof rain jacket is indispensable. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll encounter rain at some point, and being prepared means staying dry and comfortable. Consider packable travel rain ponchos as a convenient backup.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Many Alaskan cruise ports are incredibly walkable, offering opportunities for shore excursions or independent exploration. Pack sturdy, waterproof, and comfortable shoes with good traction. Hiking boots or waterproof trail shoes are excellent choices for shore excursions.
- Sweaters/Fleece Jackets: Essential mid-layers for warmth both onboard and during shore excursions. Pack a mix of cozy sweaters and lightweight fleece jackets that can be easily added or removed.
- Swimsuit: While counterintuitive for Alaska, a swimsuit is a must for enjoying the ship’s indoor pools, saunas, and especially the hot tubs. There’s nothing quite like soaking in a steamy hot tub while watching glaciers glide by or whales breach. Just remember to bring a warm robe or extra towels for the chilly dash back to your cabin.
- Nice Outfits for Dinner: Check your specific cruise line’s dress code. Many dining rooms appreciate “smart casual” attire. A versatile black skirt or trousers paired with various stylish tops often works well for multiple evenings.
- Formal Night Attire: If your cruise includes a formal night, pack a cocktail dress or dressier business casual attire. Researching past guests’ photos on social media (e.g., Instagram) for your specific cruise ship can provide excellent insight into the typical level of formality.
- Comfortable Loungewear: You’ll likely spend several sea days relaxing, gazing at the stunning scenery. Pack comfortable clothes like soft leggings, track pants, or relaxed jeans. Avoid anything too restrictive or uncomfortable, as you’ll want to fully enjoy the views without distraction.
- Base Layers: Thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) made of merino wool or synthetic materials are excellent for retaining warmth and wicking moisture, especially on colder days or for active excursions.
- Wool Socks: Multiple pairs of warm, moisture-wicking wool socks are crucial to keep your feet dry and warm in cold or damp conditions.
For more detailed clothing advice, resources like “What to Wear on an Alaskan Cruise” can offer additional perspectives.
Alaska Cruise Packing List – Camera & Tech Gear
Alaska is a photographer’s paradise, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. When it comes to your Alaska cruise packing list, bringing your best camera gear and suitable lenses is highly recommended. While smartphone cameras have made incredible advancements, a dedicated digital camera will provide superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions or for capturing distant subjects. For general tech, the choice is yours, but having a laptop or tablet can be beneficial for reviewing photos, staying connected, and sharing your journey.
- Camera Body: If you own a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring it! Phone cameras are convenient, but a dedicated camera will yield significantly better results for the awe-inspiring vistas and wildlife you’ll encounter. We personally use a Canon 5D Mark IV for its robust performance and image quality, alongside a smaller digital camera and our phones for casual shots around the ship.
- Telephoto Lenses: This is perhaps the most crucial item for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Alaska is teeming with humpback whales, seals, bald eagles, and bears. A telephoto lens allows you to zoom in and capture incredible detail without disturbing the animals. We always carry a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens, and while it’s a substantial lens to handhold, the resulting photographs are more than worth the effort.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Complementing your telephoto, a wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the immense scale of Alaskan fjords, glaciers, and mountainous landscapes.
- Binoculars: An absolute must-have. Whether you’re scanning for wildlife on distant shores or marveling at the intricate details of a calving glacier, binoculars enhance your viewing experience exponentially. We learned this the hard way after forgetting ours and buying a pair on our last cruise—they made all the difference.
- Backup Phone Charger / Power Bank: Your phone will be working overtime for photos, videos, and navigation. Cold weather can also significantly drain battery life. A portable power bank ensures your devices stay charged, saving you from a dead phone halfway through an excursion, a mistake we made on our first cruise.
- Extra Camera Batteries and SD Cards: Similar to phones, cold temperatures can affect camera battery performance. Pack at least two extra batteries for your camera. Additionally, with so many photo opportunities, you’ll fill up memory cards quickly. Bring multiple high-capacity SD cards.
- Cruise-Approved Outlet Adapter/Power Strip: Cruise cabins notoriously have limited electrical outlets. A small, cruise-approved (non-surge protector) outlet adapter, like the Belkin Outlet Adapter with a rotating plug, is invaluable for charging multiple devices simultaneously.
- Dry Bag or Waterproof Camera Bag: Given the likelihood of rain or sea spray, protecting your valuable electronics is paramount. A small dry bag or a waterproof cover for your camera bag will keep your gear safe and dry during excursions.
Alaska Cruise Packing List – Miscellaneous Essentials
Beyond clothes and tech, a few miscellaneous items can significantly enhance your Alaska cruise experience, offering convenience, comfort, and preparedness for various situations.
- Alaska Inside Passage Wildlife Guide: To truly appreciate the rich biodiversity of Alaska, a compact wildlife identification guide is invaluable. These guides help you identify the myriad of birds, marine mammals, and other creatures you’ll spot.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important. Bringing your own water bottle allows you to refill easily on the ship and reduce plastic waste.
- Travel Coffee Mug: For coffee or tea lovers, a large travel mug is a game-changer. It means fewer trips to the beverage station and a longer-lasting hot drink while you’re enjoying the views from your balcony or a comfortable lounge. If you’re particular about your brew, consider packing Starbucks VIA packs or your favorite instant coffee, as ship coffee, while plentiful, isn’t always gourmet. Chai tea fans might love the convenience of Oregon Chai single packets with just hot water.
- Travel Laundry Soap: For longer cruises or if you prefer to pack light, doing a small load of laundry can be very useful. Travel laundry sheets are ideal as they are flat, lightweight, and mess-free.
- Wrinkle Release Spray: Since irons and steamers are typically prohibited in cabins (though communal irons are usually available), a wrinkle release spray is a quick and easy solution to refresh clothes and remove creases, saving you time and effort.
- Cruise Lanyard: Keep your cruise card, which functions as your room key, ID, and onboard charge card, easily accessible and secure around your neck with a lanyard. This prevents misplacing it and offers convenient hands-free access.
- Water-Resistant Day Pack: A small, packable, water-resistant backpack is essential for shore excursions. It’s perfect for carrying layers, snacks, water, your camera, and souvenirs, keeping your essentials dry even if it rains.
- Small Bills for Tipping: While onboard gratuities are usually automatic, having a stash of $1-$5 bills is great for tipping tour guides, local vendors, and taxi drivers in port, where cash is often preferred.
- Travel Alarm Clock: Many cruise ship staterooms lack clocks. Given that Alaskan summers feature extended daylight hours, a travel alarm clock is helpful for keeping track of time and ensuring you don’t miss any excursions or dinner reservations.
- Ziploc Bags: Always useful! Gallon-sized Ziploc bags can serve as impromptu dry bags for wet items, storage for snacks, or to protect small electronics.
- Wine Diapers / Bottle Protectors: If you plan on purchasing wine, spirits, or other liquid souvenirs from duty-free shops or ports, reusable wine diapers are excellent for protecting bottles from breakage and preventing leaks in your luggage.
- Foldable Backup Duffel Bag: It’s common to accumulate more souvenirs or unique Alaskan finds than anticipated. A lightweight, foldable duffel bag tucked into your luggage provides extra space for bringing home all your treasures without stress.
- Luggage Scale: To avoid unexpected overweight baggage fees on your flight home, a small digital luggage scale is a wise investment, allowing you to check your bag’s weight before heading to the airport.
- Travel Jewelry Organizer: Keep your jewelry safe, tangle-free, and organized. We love organizers that can hang in the closet for easy access.
- Travel Umbrella: In addition to a rain jacket, a compact travel umbrella can provide quick shelter from unexpected showers while exploring port towns.
- Sunglasses: Even on cloudy days, the glare off water and snow can be intense. Sunglasses offer protection and enhance visibility.
Alaska Cruise Packing List – Toiletries & Personal Care
When it comes to toiletries and personal care items, a slight tendency to “overpack” can save you significant money and stress. While cruise ships typically stock basic essentials in their onboard stores, these items are often sold at premium, non-discounted prices. It’s always best to bring what you anticipate needing, especially for medications.
We make it a point to carry a comprehensive range of personal medications, including remedies for colds, headaches, stomach issues, and a supply of band-aids. The last thing you want is to be feeling unwell and have to visit the ship’s medical center for common ailments that could have been easily prevented or treated with items from home. Though, it’s worth noting that cruise ship medical centers, in our experience, provide excellent care when genuinely needed. I can personally attest to their amazing service when I contracted pneumonia on a Carnival Cruise; you can read about my cruise ship medical center experience.
- Antacids: Indulging in delicious cruise ship food often means eating more than usual. Having antacids on hand can prevent discomfort and ensure you enjoy every meal.
- Feminine Products: This is a crucial one. Pack enough supplies for your entire cruise, plus a little extra, even if there’s only a slight chance you’ll need them. Avoid the high cost and limited selection of onboard stores; we once paid $7.99 for just 10 tampons!
- Anti-Nausea Bands / Patches: While modern cruise ships are quite stable, the seas can occasionally get rough, particularly in certain passages. Having sea bands or patches offers peace of mind and relief if motion sickness strikes.
- Dramamine: Non-drowsy Dramamine is a valuable addition for unexpected bouts of seasickness. They also offer Dramamine for Kids, making it suitable for families.
- Poo-Pourri: Let’s be frank, cruise staterooms are compact. A travel-sized bottle of Poo-Pourri can discretely manage odors, ensuring comfort for everyone in your cabin.
- Hairbands / Headbands: The Alaskan winds can be quite strong. Hairbands or headbands are perfect for keeping your hair tamed and out of your face, especially on deck or during excursions.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medication for headaches, muscle aches, or minor discomforts.
- Travel First Aid Kit: A small kit containing band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal allergy medication is essential. We once paid $3.99 for a tiny pack of band-aids on a cruise – a small kit saves money and hassle.
- Lip Balm with SPF: Cold, dry air and sun exposure (even indirect) can chap lips. Lip balm with sun protection is key.
- Sunscreen: Don’t underestimate the sun’s intensity, especially with reflective surfaces like water and snow. Apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
- Deodorant: A standard personal hygiene item.
- Hairbrush / Comb: Another everyday essential.
- Makeup and Makeup Remover Wipes: Bring your preferred makeup and wipes for easy removal.
- Cold Medication: Pack your preferred cold and flu remedies, especially important given fluctuating temperatures.
- Bug Spray: While not always an issue on the ship, mosquitoes and other biting insects can be present during shore excursions, especially in wooded areas. Consider pre-treating clothes with permethrin spray for added protection.
- Shampoo / Conditioner / Body Wash: Most cruise lines provide basic shampoo and body wash in the shower. However, if you have specific preferences or sensitive skin, pack travel containers of your favorite products.
- Hand Sanitizer: A small bottle for use after excursions and before meals can help prevent the spread of germs.
Cruise Cabin Packing List – Enhancing Your Stateroom Comfort
While cruise cabins are well-designed for efficiency, a few clever items can significantly enhance your comfort and organization within your stateroom.
- Magnetic Hooks: Cruise ship walls (and doors) are typically metal, making magnetic hooks incredibly useful. Hang jackets, hats, wet towels, or small bags off the door or walls, keeping your space tidy and allowing damp items to air dry without dripping on other clothes.
- Stateroom Door Magnetic Dry Erase Board: A fun way to leave messages for your cabin steward, fellow travelers in nearby cabins, or family members. It adds a touch of personalized fun to your cruise experience.
- Cruise Luggage Tag Holders: These reusable, clear plastic holders protect your printed luggage tags from damage during transit (especially if it rains) and feature a sturdy metal ring to securely attach them to your suitcase handles.
- Night Light: Cruise cabins can be incredibly dark at night. A small, plug-in night light can be helpful for navigating the room without stubbing your toes or waking your travel companions.
- Small Clothesline with Suction Cups: Ideal for drying swimsuits, socks, or small hand-washed items in your bathroom or shower.
The Indispensable Carry-On Bag: Your Cruise Survival Kit
When you arrive at the port, your checked luggage will be collected by porters and delivered to your cabin later. To ensure a smooth embarkation and immediate access to crucial items, packing a well-equipped carry-on bag is absolutely essential.
- Passports/IDs: Absolutely non-negotiable. Keep all vital identification documents with you at all times.
- Cruise Documentation: Boarding passes, booking confirmations, and any other necessary cruise-specific paperwork.
- Copy of Your Luggage Tags: A photo on your phone or a physical copy can be helpful if there’s any confusion with your checked bags.
- Travel Insurance Documents: Have these readily accessible in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
- Camera and Essential Tech Gear: Your most valuable electronics should always be in your carry-on to prevent damage or loss.
- All Prescription Medications: Never pack these in checked luggage. Keep them in their original containers with you.
- Backup Set of Clothes: Include a change of clothes (underwear, socks, shirt, pants) in case your luggage is delayed.
- Charging Cables for Phone and Camera: Ensure your devices stay powered up from the moment you board.
- Basic Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other immediate personal care items.
- Valuables: Jewelry, cash, credit cards, and any other high-value items should be in your carry-on.
- Entertainment: A book, e-reader, or tablet can be a lifesaver during embarkation, safety drills, or for relaxing on sea days.
We hope this detailed Alaska Cruise Packing List addresses all your concerns and prepares you thoroughly for an extraordinary adventure. If there are any other essentials you believe we’ve missed, please let us know. Our goal is to ensure you have a truly amazing and comfortable cruise experience!
Additional Alaska Cruise Resources to Plan Your Adventure
To help you further plan your ultimate Alaskan getaway, explore these additional resources:
- 9 Essential Tips for an Alaska Cruise
- First-Time Cruise Questions Answered
- Common Cruise Terminology for Your Vacation
- Cruising to Alaska’s National Parks: Ports of Call Guide
Exploring Tracy Arm Fjord
- Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier Explorer Excursion
Glacier Bay: A Majestic Cruise Experience
Discovering Juneau, Alaska
- An Evening at the Iconic Red Dog Saloon, Juneau Alaska
- Visiting Mendenhall Glacier Just Outside Juneau, Alaska
- Our Memorable Day in Juneau on Our Alaska Cruise
Adventures in Skagway, Alaska
- Wildlife Expedition Excursion: See Bears in Skagway on Your Alaska Cruise
- Driving to the Yukon Territory from Skagway During Our Alaska Cruise
- A Stop at Yukon Brewing in Whitehorse During Our Alaska Cruise
- The Historic Red Onion Saloon, Skagway Alaska
- Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center in Skagway Alaska
Experiences in Ketchikan, Alaska
- The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan
Departing from Seattle, Washington
- Leaving Seattle on Our Alaska Cruise
Insight into Popular Alaska Cruise Ships
- Carnival Freedom – A comprehensive photo and video tour, plus essential information on this fantastic cruise ship.
- Carnival Miracle – Photo and video tour of the ship coming soon. In the meantime, discover our Carnival Miracle Alaska Cruise 2021 experience.
- Tour of theHolland America Westerdam
- 10 Things We Loved on the Golden Princess Cruise Ship
Post originally shared August 7, 2013, updated on February 24, 2020