A Complete Printable Packing List for an Alaska Cruise
Cruising to Alaska is a once in a lifetime trip for many people and a thrilling adventure that you will remember for years. But, packing for a cruise is like packing for no other vacation. You cannot hop off the cruise ship and run to Target for something you forgot. (Although, you can take a free Walmart shuttle in Ketchikan if you must). This printable packing list will help you remember everything you need as you plan for your Alaska cruise.
I’ve been on two cruises to Alaska and both were amazing adventures. Like you, I at first was unsure what to bring. How do you dress for Alaska in the summer?
After thorough research and through my own experiences, I have created a complete and comprehensive packing list to help you prepare for your own fantastic vacation.
My Alaska printable packing list includes everything you need, including clothes and cabin items. The links below are items I bought solely for this trip and would 100% buy again.
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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.
Choose the Right Luggage
Packing smart begins with choosing the right lightweight luggage. Luggage with maneuverable wheels can greatly enhance your experience by allowing you to easily navigate ports and terminals.
Cruise Luggage Tags
In addition to the items below on the Alaska packing list, one item I found most helpful were these cruise luggage tags for less than $10.
The cruise line sends you printable identification tags for embarkation to attach to your luggage.
Don’t take a chance that the paper will rip off and your luggage will be lost. It rained on our embarkation day, and the wet tags could have easily ripped off. I didn’t worry, though, because ours were sealed.
You simply fold your cruise tags, slip them in the waterproof holder, and then attach them with a screw-top ring.
If you order them, select the ones specific to your cruise line, as the size of the printed tags varies.
Clothes to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
Summer weather during the Alaskan cruise season can be tricky making packing clothes for an Alaskan cruise challenging because of the unpredictable weather.
There might be days when you begin wearing sweatpants, a long sleeve shirt, and a jacket and other days where a tank top and shorts are more appropriate.
I checked the weather forecast for all our Alaska port cities beginning ten days before our cruise. Each day, the weather seemed to change.
Because of the unpredictability of the weather, not only did I include basic clothes like pajamas, underwear, socks, and swimwear, but I also listed the clothes I found most helpful.
Alaska cruise clothing to pack
- workout clothes
- t-shirts, tank tops, short/long sleeve shirts
- shorts/yoga pants
- waterproof pants/jeans
- waterproof jacket
- sweater/sweatshirt
- dress/dress pants/skirt
- blouse/dressy top
- scarf/baseball cap/hat/gloves
- shoes: tennis, flip-flops, dressy
- swimwear/cover-up
- sunglasses/eye mask for sleep
- backpack for ports
T-shirts, tanks, sweaters
Include tank tops, short sleeves, and long sleeve shirts for your base layer. I bought these baselayer shirts from a company called 32 Degrees.
The 32 Degrees heat gear is the perfect weight for a base layer. 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.
ORDER YOUR CRUISE SHIP SHIRTS
Waterproof Pants/Jeans/Shorts
I think my legs are too big for leggings, so I don’t wear them often. In Texas, I usually hang out in shorts, so I searched for a pair of great hiking pants for this trip.
If you are comfortable in leggings and need some recommendations, my friends over at Chasing Trail have a complete post on the best hiking leggings.
The best pair of women’s quick dry hiking pants to wear in Alaska can be found on Amazon.
In fact, after I received my first pair, I immediately ordered a second pair in a new color.
These pants come in many colors and sizes. They are waterproof and easy to layer over a pair of long underwear if it’s cold.
Besides being super comfortable, they have many zippered pockets to carry things like your I.D. or phone when out on shore excursions.
Check the size chart when you order them. I sized up for comfort.
TRIP TIP: Don’t make the mistake of wearing these hiking pants home on the plane. The hidden zippers set off the scanners in the airport.
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.
Make sure you pack at least one pair of shorts. If the temperatures reach the 80s, as they did for us on our second day, the shorts will come in handy.
Waterproof Flannel-Lined Jacket
The 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 does run a little small, so check the sizing chart; however, it is available in plus sizes.
Our cruise itinerary began with a day in Seattle, then included 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 ended with a beautiful evening in Victoria, BC.
The waterproof jacket is a must for all those places.
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.
Shoes
The shoes you bring on an Alaskan cruise should be comfortable as you will walk much more than you think.
Pack close-toed shoes for outdoor excursions, flip-flops or slides to roam the ship, and a dressy pair for dressy/gala nights or to wear to the main dining room.
You don’t necessarily need hiking boots, but I would take them if you own a pair and have room to pack them. If not, tennis shoes work just as well.
I love the Ryka brand. The company makes shoes, especially for women’s feet. I wore my Rykas on all our outdoor excursions. The athletic shoe bottoms worked perfectly along the trails and getting in and out of excursion boats.
Depending on your chosen excursions, your shoes may get wet or muddy. I bought an inexpensive pack of shower caps at the Dollar Tree to wrap them in for the way home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Packing Cubes
I had never used packing cubes before this trip. I purchased two of these sets from Amazon for our Alaskan cruise on others’ advice.
Looking back, I wish I purchased the packing cubes in two different colors: one for myself and one for my spouse.
The packing cubes are useful as they allow you to easily transfer all your clothes onto the cabin closet shelves just by transferring the cubes.
They also keep everything organized and easy to find.
What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise: Cabin Must-Haves
My printable packing list for Alaska includes several miscellaneous cabin items that I consider must-haves for an Alaskan cruise.
These items take up little space in your luggage and will make a huge difference in keeping you and your cabin organized.
Misc. Cabin Items Included on Your Printable Packing List
- magnetic hooks
- foldable clothes hamper
- lanyards for your cruise key cards
- Lysol wipes/hand sanitizer
- Downy wrinkle releaser
- Shout spot remover wipes
- phone chargers/cables
- portable phone charger
- waterproof phone case
- camera/memory cards
- binoculars
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 being organized in a small space goes a long way in 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 will remember to slip them on any time 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 a bit weird to include on the printable packing list for an Alaska cruise. Although it may be odd, it is so useful.
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!
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.
Looking to enhance your whale-watching adventure?
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.
Toiletries to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise
Forgetting small toiletry items can add up, especially on a cruise. 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.
I include the best traveling essentials for women that I take on all my trips.
Toiletries on your printable packing list for Alaska cruise:
- 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.
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!
