Going on a cruise is an amazing way to explore multiple different places without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. Alaska in particular is a destination where the weather can be quite unpredictable, even during the summer. It might feel overwhelming to think about what to pack for an Alaskan cruise, but don’t stress! We’ve got you covered with a list of what to pack for a summer Alaskan cruise.
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8 Essential Items to Pack for an Unforgettable Alaskan Adventure
1 | What Type of Rain Gear Should I Consider?
Alaska is known for its unpredictable weather, especially when it comes to rain. To stay dry and comfy, it’s crucial to pack reliable rain gear like a raincoat, rain pants, and a waterproof hat. We highly recommend having a lightweight, waterproof windbreaker handy whenever you get off the ship, as the weather can shift from sunny to a downpour in no time.
Our go-to combo of lightweight hiking pants and a windbreaker turned out to be just perfect for most of our excursions.
If you’re planning activities on the water, like kayaking or canoeing, bringing along rain pants is a smart move. For whale watching or hiking, consider packing waterproof hiking pants and layering thermal silkies underneath for extra warmth. If you have the right gear with you, you won’t miss out on the beauty of Alaska, no matter the weather!
2 | What Kind of Layers and How to Put it Together
Since Alaska’s weather can be a bit all over the place, it’s a good idea to prepare with an assortment of clothes to handle the fluctuations in temperature. You’ll want a warm and snug jacket, a moisture-wicking hoodie, waterproof hiking pants, and some short-sleeved athletic shirts to stay comfortable.
We did a lot of moderate intensity activities that required layers, so I did do laundry halfway through our cruise so I could pack less of each item.
Consider going for layers with water-wicking properties to stay dry. We personally loved the Smartwool items we brought along. We packed some lightweight wool socks, a Smartwool hoodie, an athletic tee, and leggings to pair with our hiking pants. Don’t forget a beanie and a waterproof hiking hat for those unexpected twists in the weather!
Some Layering Suggestions
– Hiking: Hiking pants, athletic shirt, wool hoodie, lightweight waterproof jacket, wool socks, and a hat
– Kayaking: Leggings, hiking pants, rain pants, athletic shirt, wool hoodie, puffer jacket, lightweight socks, wool socks, and a beanie
Adjust your layers as needed. During our trip, the weather was slightly overcast and drizzly. If it’s warmer, you may opt for fewer layers.
3 | What Shoes to Bring on an Alaskan Cruise
As you are exploring and taking in all the breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness, having comfy shoes is a must. Go for either waterproof sneakers or light, waterproof hiking boots to provide the support and cushioning you’ll need for those long walks.
Personally, I swear by waterproofing spray– it did wonders for my hiking sneakers!
If you’re not keen on waterproofing your shoes, think about bringing a second pair to give your shoes time to dry. Don’t forget to toss in some flip flops or lightweight shoes for those leisurely strolls around the cruise ship!
4 | Binoculars– So You Don’t Miss a Thing
Seeing wildlife from the ship during your cruise is highlight. Everyone on our cruise was thrilled whenever the captain made an announcement for an animal sighting. To make sure you don’t miss seeing anything, you should pack a pair of binoculars. Whether it’s majestic whales, playful otters, or awe-inspiring bears, you won’t want to miss a single moment.
We spotted a ton of animals right from our balcony and the ship, and those binoculars really made the views so much clearer and closer– it’s definitely worth throwing them in your bag!
5 | A Camera to Bring Home Tons of Memories
Bring along your camera to capture the beauty and grandeur of Alaska! You won’t want to miss out taking pictures of all Alaska is known for– stunning landscapes, magnificent glaciers, and the abundant wildlife. We have over a thousand pictures from our Alaskan adventure, and I was so glad to have an amazing camera to capture highlights from our time there!
6 | Do I Need Sun Protection on a Cloudy Day?
Even on cloudy days, the Alaskan sun can be pretty intense. Make sure you’re set to enjoy the outdoors by packing some sunscreen, cool sunglasses, and a hat with a wide brim to protect you from the sun. You can buy these items in port, but it’s definitely more expensive than just packing them with you.
7 | Bug Spray for Those Famous Giant Mosquitoes
When you’re traveling in Alaska, be ready for some encounters with big mosquitoes… they are the biggest I’ve ever seen! Bug spray is your best bet to keep them from bothering you while you are out exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Let’s make sure you’re armed and ready to enjoy your time in Alaska without any unwanted mosquito drama!
8 | Don’t Forget Your Travel Documents
Before you set off on your Alaskan cruise, take a moment to make sure you’ve got all the travel documents you need. Toss your passport, boarding pass, and any other important papers into your bag to make sure your journey goes off without a hitch.
- If you are doing a one-way cruise from Seward, AK or Vancouver, BC, you will need a passport to travel. Make sure it’s valid until 6 months AFTER the date of your return.
- If it’s a closed-loop cruise starting and ending in the US, you are not required to have a passport, but I find it much easier to travel with it rather than documentation.
Bonus Tip for What to Pack for Alaska
We found bringing along a small daypack made traveling in port easier. It was handy to have something that lets you carry all your essentials effortlessly during shore excursions, making sure you have everything you need right at your fingertips.
Drop a comment and share if there’s anything we missed on our packing list. If you’re ready to start planning your own Alaskan adventure without the hassle of dealing with stress, feel free to reach out to me. If you want a free, printable Alaskan cruise packing list, you can sign up here!
I’m here to assist you in crafting your dream vacation to Alaska! Let’s make it a trip to remember!
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Jess Peterman | Key to the World Travel
Putting together your dream vacation doesn’t need to be stressful or overwhelming. Let me handle the details, and I will make sure that you can focus on making amazing memories.
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