What Should You Pack for an Alaska Cruise?
That question comes up fast once an Alaska cruise is booked. And it should. Packing for Alaska is not the same as packing for the Caribbean. The weather changes quickly. Excursions are active. And summer in Alaska still feels very much like Alaska.
I have cruised to Alaska twice. Once in June. Once in July. Both were beautiful. Both were different. And both taught me that packing smart matters more here than almost anywhere else I have cruised.
After two summer Alaska cruises, I know exactly what earned its place in my suitcase and what did not.
This guide improves on my original printable packing list for an Alaska cruise and fills in the gaps I learned the hard way.
You will pack with confidence. You will feel prepared. And you will not be stuck buying a fleece in port because the wind picked up.
This packing list is designed for first time cruisers heading to Alaska in summer. Think June, July, and August. Let’s get into it.
He Works So I Travel content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For full details, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.
Alaska Cruise Quick Tips
- Arrive to your cruise port one day early, especially if you are flying into Seattle/Tacoma International Airport. Check accommodation pricing on Booking.com.
- Find the top Alaska tours/excursions on Viator.com.
- Score the cheapest flights by comparing prices at Skyscanner.com.
Summer Weather on an Alaska Cruise
Alaska summer weather keeps you on your toes. Mornings can feel crisp. Afternoons can warm up. Evenings cool off fast. Rain can appear without warning.
There might be days when you begin wearing sweatpants, a long-sleeve shirt, and a jacket, and other days when a tank top and shorts are more appropriate.
On my June cruise, layers were essential every single day. July felt slightly warmer than I expected.
That is why this packing list for Alaska focuses on layers, comfort, and practical pieces you can mix and match.
Clothing Essentials for an Alaska Cruise
I checked the weather forecast for all our Alaska port cities beginning ten days before our cruise. Each day, the weather seemed to change.
Base Layers You Will Actually Wear
Start with comfortable basics. I would include tank tops, short-sleeve shirts, and long-sleeve shirts as your base layers. I bought these baselayer shirts from a company called 32 Degrees.
The 32 Degrees heat gear is the perfect weight. The prices are incredibly reasonable. The fabric is lightweight and easy to pack.
I also included a sweater to throw over my shirt and a hooded sweatshirt to throw on while hanging out on the cabin balcony. I used the sweater more than the sweatshirt.
Cotton works for casual wear onboard. For excursions, breathable fabrics are better. I packed both and used them daily.
ORDER YOUR CRUISE SHIP SHIRTS
Waterproof Outerwear Is Non Negotiable
Rain is part of the Alaska experience. I wore my rain jacket even when it was not raining. It blocked the wind and kept me warm on deck.
In Texas, I usually just wear shorts, so I needed hiking pants. I searched for a great pair for this trip and found these women’s quick-dry hiking pants. In fact, after I received my first pair, I immediately ordered a second pair in a new color.
They are waterproof and easy to layer over a pair of long underwear if it’s cold.
You may not think you need shorts for an Alaskan cruise, but think again. I brought one pair to wear while hanging out in the cabin, and I was glad I had them.
Warm Layers for Cool Days
A waterproof jacket is the essential item on the printable packing list for an Alaska cruise.
I have this Columbia fleece-lined waterproof jacket in black and navy. It is longer, has a warm lining, and repels water—all the things you need in Alaska.
You definitely need it for mornings, standing on the cruise balcony or running around cruise ports.
It runs a little small, so check the sizing chart; it’s also available in plus sizes.
With a cruise itinerary that begins with a day in Seattle, sailing the Inside Passage, a trip to Glacier Bay National Park, stops in Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, one of the rainiest cities in North America, and ends with a beautiful evening in Victoria, BC, the waterproof jacket is a must.
Don’t worry if you forget your rain jacket or don’t have one.
Every cruise port sells waterproof jackets like the blue and white one in the picture.
They cost around $30 each and are available in many colors and sizes, from small through XXL.
RELATED POST: Does your Alaskan cruise include a stop in Sitka? You will love the excursion, Sitka Zodiac Adventure to Beautiful Fin Island Lodge.
Hat/Baseball Cap
You will want to bring a hat or baseball cap. The weather can be damp, and you will appreciate being able to toss on a cap instead of trying to style your hair.
Sunglasses/Sunscreen
Believe it or not, you should bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellant. We had more sunny days than wet days. The sun is intense, hitting off the water too.
If you stay near the port cities, you most likely won’t need insect repellant. However, applying it is a good idea if you go hiking or on excursions.
Follow He Works So I Travel on YouTube to see videos from the verandah and from Alaska.
Dressy/Formal Clothes
Most Alaska cruises have gala nights or formal nights where the dress code is dressy/fancy.
I brought two long gowns that I already owned, and my husband brought a suit that he wore twice, just changing out the button-down shirt.
Although you don’t have to dress formally, many people enjoy having the opportunity to dress up.
On formal nights, some people wear black tie attire, others wear black pants and a nice blouse, and others are very casual.
It’s your vacation, so go as you wish.
I will say that I thought we were given special treatment on the nights we dressed up. We were seated on the top floor of the dining room and given tables overlooking the water. I don’t know if this was intentional, but I think the staff appreciated our efforts.
The same dress code applies to the main dining room. The cruise ship recommends passengers dress for dinner; however, you will see all types of clothes.
On a night when we returned late from an excursion, the employees let passengers eat in the dining room with baseball caps. Overall, the cruise wants to avoid a flip-flops and shorts atmosphere.
Shoes to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
The shoes you bring on an Alaskan cruise should be comfortable as you will walk much more than you think.
Best Shoes for Excursions
Pack close-toed shoes for outdoor excursions.
Waterproof tennis shoes or hiking boots work just fine for ports. If you have room in your bag, I would bring two pairs, in case one gets wet.
If you need a recommendation for a pair of tennis shoes, my New Balance 327s have literally saved my feet. I have three pairs!
Shoes for Onboard and Evenings
I brought easy slip on slides to roam the ship, and a pair of flats for dressy/gala nights or to wear to the main dining room. You don’t need more than that.
Alaska Cruise Accessories You Will Be Glad You Packed
Cruise Luggage Tags
Before your cruise, your cruise line sends you printable identification tags for embarkation to attach to your luggage. You print them from your home computer and then attach them to your luggage.
One item I find most helpful in preparing for my cruises are these cruise luggage tags for less than $10.
It rained on our embarkation day, and the wet tags could have easily ripped off. I didn’t worry, though, because ours were sealed inside these pouches.
You simply fold your cruise tags, slip them in the waterproof holder, and then attach them with a screw-top ring to your lightweight luggage.
Purchase ones specific to your cruise line, as the size of the printed tags varies.
Packing Cubes
Before our Holland America Alaska cruise, I had never used packing cubes. On the advice of others, I purchased two of these sets from Amazon..
Looking back, I wish I purchased the packing cubes in two different colors: one for myself and one for my spouse.
The packing cubes help you easily transfer all your clothes to the cabin closet shelves by simply moving the cubes.
They also keep everything organized and easy to find.
Magnetic Hooks
I didn’t believe others when I read that cabin walls on most cruise lines are magnetic, but I bought magnetic hooks just in case. I’m glad I did.
Cruise cabins are not very large, so organization in a small space is key to keeping the room livable.
These wall magnet hooks work well in keeping accessories organized.
Use the magnetic hooks to hang up your lanyards for your cruise key cards, hats, scarves, and other small items.
Bring a poly-pocket to hook on the wall to have a place to hold the many papers you undoubtedly will receive throughout the cruise.
My husband used his for his tie, belt, cap, and jacket.
Lanyard for your Cruise Keycards
During your cruise, you will use your cruise keycard for any onboard purchases. To keep from carrying a wallet, slip your keycards into a lanyard for easy accessibility.
Keep them hanging by the door so you remember to slip them on whenever you leave the room.
Honestly, we were repeatedly asked about our lanyards during the cruise.
You can buy these lanyards on Amazon, or if you are like us, you can use lanyards from previous conferences or conventions.
Foldable Clothes Hamper
You might think a pop-up laundry hamper is weird to include on the printable packing list for an Alaska cruise. Although it may be odd, it is so helpful.
Cruise cabins are not very large. The suitcases slide under the bed, leaving no place to throw dirty clothes except the floor.
The inexpensive collapsible pop-up hamper fits perfectly in the cabin closet.
The hamper keeps your dirty clothes off the floor until you send your laundry bag off to be cleaned or until you are ready to disembark.
I won’t be traveling anywhere without a hamper again. It is a great way to keep clean and dirty clothes separated.
By the way, if you haven’t discovered the laundry package on board your cruise ship, you need to ask about it. It’s the best onboard purchase ever!
Must-Have Tech Gadgets
You won’t need a ton of tech gadgets for your Alaskan cruise since you will be out in nature, exploring and enjoying the sights. However, you will need a few.
Power Bank or Portable Charger
I always pack a power bank for my phone on excursions, especially because I use my phone often for photos.
The last thing you want is your phone’s battery to die. I have always used Anker Power Banks, and they have never let me down.
Binoculars
On an Alaskan cruise, you can see an abundance of wildlife. Trust me when I tell you that you want a pair of binoculars.
Your binoculars don’t need to be super expensive.
Check out my latest blog post, which features recommendations from an Alaskan naturalist on the best binoculars for an unforgettable whale-watching experience.
Waterproof Phone Case
You will want to invest in these waterproof phone cases if your Alaskan shore excursions include outdoor activities.
Many excursions, like the Sitka excursion which took us on a ride in zodiac military boats to a secluded island in the rain will involve some type of water.
Protect your phone in these pouches and still use them to take photos like those below.
Personal Items to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise
Forgetting small toiletry items can add up, especially on a cruise. Some of these things may seem obvious, but use my list to ensure you don’t forget a thing.
Use a hanging toiletry bag like the hanging toiletry bag shown below to keep your toiletries within reach.
The built-in hanger works perfectly on the back of the cabin bathroom door.
On my printable packing list, I include the best traveling essentials for women that I take on all my trips.
Toiletries/Personal Items
- shampoo/conditioner/shower gel
- razors/shaving cream
- make-up remover/face cleanser
- make-up/moisturizer
- feminine products/manicure kit
- medications (including Dramamine)/vitamins
- toothbrush/paste/floss/mouthwash
- deodorant/perfume
- first aid kit/cotton balls/ear swabs/earplugs
- bug spray/sunscreen
- air freshener for the bathroom
Your cruise cabin, like ours on Holland America, may have hanging wall containers of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel in the tub, and soap and lotion by the sink.
Check with your specific cruise line to see if these toiletries are included in your cabin bathroom. It will help you to save room in your luggage if similar products are provided.
A hairdryer and magnified make-up mirror are also provided on some cruise ships.
When packing your medications, most cruise lines recommend you pack at least two weeks’ worth in case of delay or an unforeseen emergency.
If you forget seasickness medication, the medical center can provide this, usually free of charge.
Eye Mask
You cannot believe how long the sun stays out in the summer in Alaska.
It will totally mess up your sleep pattern. You can expect to see the sun as early as 4 AM.
Bring a comfortable eye mask to sleep. It will help with your sleep cycle.
I didn’t bring one on our first Alaska cruise, but our Juneau whale watching captain told me the Universities give them to the new freshmen to help with sleep, so I brought one on our second Alaska cruise, and it was super helpful.
Documents to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise
Don’t forget to prioritize essential documents in your packing list. With most documents available in a digital format, you may think you won’t need printed copies of your documents on your Alaskan cruise.
Given the often unreliable WiFi coverage in remote Alaskan areas, having hard copies is a smart move.
Ensure you have your passport, vaccination card (if required), and any necessary excursion receipts with company contact information if you booked independently.
These documents are your gateway to seamless travel and memorable shore excursions.
Finally, my last suggestion on what to pack for an Alaskan cruise is a pack of thank you cards.
This extra touch of gratitude goes a long way in showing your appreciation for the hard working crew you are bound to encounter on your cruise.
Bon Voyage!
As you get ready for your Alaskan cruise, equipped with the right gear and essentials, you’ll be set for an adventure of a lifetime. Enjoy the awe-inspiring glaciers, majestic wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.
Remember, the key is to pack thoughtfully. Layer up for rainy weather in Ketchikan, whale watching in Juneau, adventures in Sitka, and lots of walking in Victoria BC.
Prioritize comfort and practicality, and you will have a fantastic time.
Keep in mind the unpredictability of Alaskan weather and diverse activities, ensuring your suitcase holds a little bit of everything.
Lastly, enjoy your cruise, delight in the beauty of Alaska, and create unforgettable memories. Bon voyage!
