Alaska Cruise Packing List – What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

How do you pack for an Alaskan cruise? That’s the query. When packing for our first Alaska cruise we needed to do some severe pondering. Since then, we’ve taken two different Alaskan cruises plus a cruise to Antarctica and Greenland, so we have now realized loads about packing for polar areas. When touring to Alaska it’s a must to be ready for each kind of climate. Like different cruises, there are formal nights and cocktail evenings, however in Alaska, days are extra informal and the dinner apparel is extra relaxed. Alaska climate modifications rapidly, so you’ll need layers to tackle and off as wanted.

What To Pack For An Alaska Cruise

Packing for a cruise trip to Alaska is totally completely different than a Caribbean cruise. Caribbean cruises are simple to pack for. Throw in swimwear, beachwear flip-flops, and some good outfits for evenings and you’re good to go. When cruising to Alaska, you should have a mixture of sizzling climate and chilly climate, so it’s worthwhile to pack layers.

Climate in Alaska could be unpredictable, starting from heat and sunny to chilly and wet, usually throughout the similar day. Additionally, onboard the ship, you’ll have a mixture of informal and formal occasions, and chances are you’ll be collaborating in shore excursions that transcend strolling excursions. You would possibly end up on a zodiac or kayak in the midst of a Fjord.

We’ve taken three completely different Alaska cruises and our newest took us down the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia on the Nieuw Amsterdam ship by Holland America Cruise Line. This ship supplied the right mixture of luxurious with journey, however it makes packing somewhat extra concerned since you’ll need journey and activewear, but in addition some formal and good informal clothes. Don’t fear, we’ve created the last word Alaska Cruise Packing checklist so you may be snug and look good.

We’ve additionally taken a cruise to Alaska with Princess Cruises and UnCruise. Princess Cruises is similar to Holland America Cruise Line, however in order for you extra of an expedition cruise on a small ship to Alaska, try our expertise with UnCruise.

Alaska Cruise Packing Suggestions – Layering

When packing for an Alaska cruise, you will need to take into consideration layering. Southeast Alaska could be very heat in the course of the cruise season, however you’re nonetheless going to be cruising Arctic waters near glaciers and icebergs so that you’ll need each shorts and t-shirts with a mixture of thermal layers and waterproof clothes.

Layered clothes: The climate in Alaska can change quickly, and layering will help you adapt to various circumstances. Contemplate packing T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Waterproof Pants that convert to shorts are an awesome possibility for Alaska as you may change rapidly.

Additionally bear in mind, in case you are cruising early or later within the Alaska cruise season, the climate can be cooler, so pack some heat wool socks and a heavier sweater in your mid-layer.

On Deck

Even when the solar is shining, there can be a really cool breeze. Standing on the deck it would be best to have windproof and waterproof layers with a hat and gloves.

You’ll need to be snug so you may actually absorb the fantastic thing about this once-in-a-lifetime scene. (don’t be that man in shorts coming out for less than 5 minutes as a result of he was too chilly)

On Shore

On land, it may be simply as unpredictable. When stopping at completely different Alaska cruise ports, you’ll encounter fully completely different climate and shore excursions.

The climate can change rapidly all through the Alaska cruise season and it may be surprisingly moist within the summertime. Juneau could also be sizzling and balmy whereas Ketchikan could possibly be wet and chilly. In truth, Ketchikan is likely one of the wettest locations in North America. So, you’ll need to have an outer layer that’s each windproof and waterproof, you’ll need a mid-layer to maintain you heat on chilly days, however you’ll additionally need summer season garments for the odd stunning, and balmy day.

Alaska Cruise Packing Guidelines

So, now that we perceive the unpredictability of the climate in Alaska, here’s a checklist of prompt objects chances are you’ll need to pack in your Alaska cruise.

When packing for Alaska, needless to say you will have layered clothes, waterproof outerwear, heat clothes, formal apparel, and informal apparel and most significantly don’t neglect snug footwear. Plus, simply since you are in Alaska, doesn’t imply you gained’t be swimming or having fun with the new tub, so make sure that to pack a showering go well with!

Waterproof Jacket

An outer waterproof layer is crucial if you wish to take pleasure in your Alaskan cruise to the fullest. We’ve change into huge followers of Fjällräven and this Fjallraven Excessive Coast Jacket is just not solely wind and waterproof, it appears to be like good as properly. So whether or not you’re going on a forest hike or sitting in a historic saloon, you’ll look nice.

Fleece Midlayer

Even in the midst of summer season, it may be cool, so having a sensible mid-layer is a good suggestion. I discovered that I wore my mid fleece layer on a regular basis, so having one which doubles as mid-layer however can be fashionable sufficient to put on by itself is a good concept and Fjällräven has selections for males and Ladies’s Fleece.

Puffy Jacket

On the water, chances are you’ll need to go for one thing somewhat hotter than a fleece mid-layer. We love our Canada Goose Hybridge puffy coat, however it’s costly. Dave additionally has this Marmot puffer jacket and it really works nice. Put on it beneath your windproof and waterproof jacket or into city, both method, it appears to be like basic. Purchase it on Amazon right here.

Trekking Pants

Whether or not you’re taking a whale-watching tour, climbing to a glacier, or strolling via city, trekking pants are nice for an Alaska cruise. We like these Fjällräven Pants as a result of they appear to be 1,000,000 bucks whereas nonetheless having sturdiness, breathability, and fast dry of efficiency put on. See it on Amazon right here.

In case you don’t have waterproof pants at the least plan to have waterproof ones as a result of there may be nothing worse than being damp and moist. In case you don’t have waterproof pants, these climbing trousers are light-weight and quick-dry.

Trekking Shirts

A superb trekking shirt can double as good informal eveningwear. This trekking shirt by Fjällräven is breathable and wicks away moisture for extra adventurous excursions and actions whereas wanting adequate to put on to the restaurant at evening. You should buy it right here.

Climbing Boots

In case you plan to do quite a lot of glacier excursions, canine sledding, climbing within the Tongass Forest, or heading out on zodiacs, we extremely suggest waterproof climbing boots. We’ve additionally used waterproof sneakers in Alaska. These waterproof boots are our go-to. Sporting climbing boots provides you correct ankle assist for uneven terrain, and when touchdown on a glacier or going canine sledding, you may placed on some wool socks and keep toasty heat.

Waterproof Footwear

You don’t have to pack heavy climbing boots. In case you are strolling round city or on the ship, these work nice as properly. We’ve even worn simply waterproof sneakers on excursions like whale watching since we aren’t going into any muddy areas, however it nonetheless could also be moist on the boat. In case you aren’t doing main actions, waterproof sneakers can be sufficient.

We like Merrill model and Moab 3 waterproof climbing shoe is what we put on and it’s a superb all-around shoe that may maintain your ft heat and dry.

Devices and Gear for Your Alaska Cruise

Binoculars

You’ll probably see wildlife like eagles, whales, and bears, and binoculars may help you get a better look. Even in case you have a zoom lens, binoculars will actually assist profit from recognizing wildlife and taking in the fantastic thing about glaciers and icebergs up shut. We like these Tasco binoculars.

Digicam There can be loads of stunning landscapes to {photograph}. We go into digicam gear additional under, however bear in mind it would be best to have greater than your smartphone in Alaska. You’ll need a zoom lens to seize wildlife and a large angle lens to seize the huge glaciers and landscapes.

Lanyard for Cruise Ship Card

When occurring a cruise, you should have a cruise card that you just use to buy all the things. Even in case you have an all-inclusive package deal, you’ll need to swipe your cruise card. We discovered {that a} lanyard works nice to carry our playing cards so we don’t have to hold round a again whereas on board. This package deal presents 4 waterproof lanyards and baggage tags.

Magnet Hooks

There are by no means sufficient hooks in cruise cabins and when cruising in Alaska, you’ll have extra sweaters, jackets, and layers hanging round. Magnetic Hooks are an awesome concept as cruise ship partitions are fabricated from steel. You possibly can put them on a wall and hold your garments out of the way in which with ease.

Espresso Mug

A refillable mug is a should when on a cruise. Until you’re ordering a specialty espresso (or have a package deal) you’ll be utilizing the small mugs at eating places. With a mug, you may replenish your espresso and carry it across the ship with you. We’ve discovered this to be invaluable for espresso or tea drinkers. This customized insulated espresso mug is nice for carrying on the ship because it captures the journey.

Hanging Organizer

Loos could be small on a cruise ship and we love this hanging toiletry bag. We put all the things in it and it retains our toiletries clear and out of the way in which. We merely hold it on the again of the door or on the magnifying mirror when in use. When completed we are able to zip it up and retailer it away. See extra particulars.

Lanyard for Cellular Telephone

When on a ship, I actually love having a security hook on my telephone or digicam. This waterproof floating case is common and can maintain your telephone dry whereas having it safely connected to your neck or wrist.

Refillable Water Bottle

Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, particularly whenever you’re lively and it’s an effective way to have water readily available whereas on a cruise as an alternative of continually needing to buy water.

Backpack or Daypack

A small day pack could be very helpful for carrying objects throughout shore excursions. We suggest a water-proof pack as it might probably rain loads and if you’ll do whale watching or different excursions on the water, this may maintain your valuables protected from splashing. Buy it right here.

Sun shades

Sun shades and Sunscreen: The solar could be surprisingly sturdy in Alaska, particularly when mirrored off of snow and water. We love the basic Aviators by Rayban. However the fact is, I simply put these in as a result of they’re what I put on, any sun shades with correct UV safety will work.

Chapstick and Hand Moisturizer

The fixed change in Alaska climate could be powerful in your pores and skin and lips. We love this travel-size Burt’s Bees necessities package that

Jewellery Organizer

As we talked about above, Alaska cruises aren’t as formal as Caribbean Cruises or different cruises world wide, however there are nonetheless formal nights and you’ll gown up as a lot as you want. To spruce up cocktail attire or formal apparel, I really like having a alternative of bijou, and preserving it organized is vital, particularly when staying in small cabins. Having storage and group is vital. See it right here.

Beauty bag

Identical to my jewellery case, I like having my make-up and lotions organized. Having all of it in an organized place makes preparing simple. Test it out on Amazon.

Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes have change into a staple for all our travels. They maintain clothes and equipment organized and we use them for storing laundry as properly. When you’ve traveled with packing cubes, you’ll by no means return. Buy them right here.

Hygiene and Disinfectant

In at the moment’s world of cruising, everybody could be very conscious of cleanliness. Holland America Line (and different cruises reminiscent of Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean for that matter) are very conscious of hygiene and preserving passengers protected with servers handing out meals and plastic limitations protecting the buffet.

However it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to pack a number of journey necessities for hygiene and cleansing. We like having this Antibacterial Spray – Lavender Scent readily available and Journey Dimension Lysol Disinfectant Wipes all the time come in useful.

Electronics packing checklist for Alaska Cruise

We supply quite a lot of electronics. However we’ve outlined what we predict most individuals ought to deliver and can really feel snug with to seize these superb moments and keep linked. We’ve rounded up sure issues which can be particular for an Alaska cruise. 

Belkin Mini Surge 

It would be best to have your personal a number of retailers to plug your electronics in as charging is restricted in cabins. This Belkin has two USB ports and three plugs, so you may cost a number of electronics whereas solely taking over one plug within the room.

Transportable Onerous Drive

It would be best to retailer your pictures nightly. I’ve seen folks lose their cameras on an Alaska cruise and all of their reminiscences went proper into the water. This Samsung moveable onerous drive is so tiny, you’ll barely discover it in your carry-on and it holds 1 terabyte of reminiscence.

iPhone

We’re iPhone customers and the iPhone 14 Professional does an awesome job getting pictures and video on the fly. It has a superb zoom to seize wildlife and a 6.1-inch Tremendous Retina XDR show that includes All the time-On and ProMotion plus a 48MP Foremost digicam for as much as 4x larger decision.

Transportable Energy Financial institution and USB Transportable charger

A transportable charger is a staple in our journey gear regardless of the place we go. I maintain this in my bag always so I can cost my iPhone, cameras, and GoPros. Think about working out of battery whereas on an tour and also you see one thing superb like a bear feeding on salmon. I by no means have to fret when I’ve a conveyable charger with me. Purchase it right here now.

Digicam Gear for Alaska Cruise

An Alaska cruise is a visit of a lifetime and a spot that you could be solely go to as soon as. You want greater than an iPhone in your digicam gear for an Alaska cruise. You want at the least a zoom lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for landscapes. I’m a Sony man, so I’ve a full checklist of digicam gear that I take with me on my travels, however listed below are some fundamentals you will have for an Alaska cruise.

Digicam Physique

We use a whole Sony System for journey and find it irresistible. I exploit a Sony A1 however that’s ridiculously costly and never wanted if photographing isn’t your job (or in case you have cash to burn). A superb possibility for a extra inexpensive Mirrorless digicam is the Sony A7R IV. The dynamic vary and the decision of this digicam will seize Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes fantastically.

Listed here are some really helpful objects to enhance your digicam for this journey:

Lenses

Huge-angle Lens: For capturing sweeping landscapes and expansive views from the deck of the ship. One thing just like the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM or the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM could be ultimate.

Telephoto Lens

Telephoto Lens: To seize wildlife at a distance, contemplate a lens just like the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS. In case you want much more attain, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5–5.6 GM OSS may be a good selection.

To see extra about journey images gear and my full digicam gear checklist, see these articles under.

GoPro Hero 11 Black

We by no means journey and not using a GoPro and the GoPro Hero 11 Black is the newest mannequin. GoPros are excellent for capturing pictures and movies when on the water or when doing any adventures. In case you are going dogsledding, doing a glacier touchdown, or kayaking, you will have a GoPro. Nonetheless, I exploit my GoPro loads when filming, even strolling round city.

GoPro Hero 11: A water-resistant digicam is extremely really helpful. Chances are high you may be out whale watching, zipping round Fjords, or just out on the deck within the rain and we by no means journey and not using a GoPro.

Dave’s Alaska Cruise Garments

Now that you’ve got an outline of the necessities for packing for Alaska cruises, we need to break down precisely what we introduced with us. You don’t want to decorate up at evening in case you aren’t planning on reserving specialty eating places or becoming a member of the formal nights, however we are saying, “You’re on a cruise, why wouldn’t you get your fancy on for a night?” So we’re going to incorporate formal gown and dressing for land excursions for each women and men.

For Evenings

• 1 darkish go well with
• 1 Dinner Jacket or Vest
• 2 gown shirts to combine and match with fits.
• 2 ties
• 2 informal/gown pants
• 3 good shirts for dinners
• 1 pair of gown sneakers

For OnBoard

• 1 pair of denims
• 3 shirts
• swimsuit
• 1 set of exercise garments
• 2 pair shorts
• 2 t-shirts
• 1 pair flipflops
• 1 pair of informal sneakers or sneakers

For On Land

• 2 pairs of waterproof or waterproof trekking pants
• 1 pair of climbing sneakers or climbing boots (Waterproof or at the least water-proof)
• 2 trekking shirts

Outer Layers

• Wool Hat
• Waterproof jacket
• gentle pair of gloves
• Buff

Deb’s Alaska Cruise Garments

For Evenings

Alaska cruises are usually extra relaxed (formal attire-wise) than different cruises. They aren’t strict on gown code and also you don’t want to decorate up loads. However there are formal nights and in case you splurge on one of many specialty eating places chances are you’ll need to gown up. For me, a part of the enjoyable of occurring a cruise is having the ability to gown up so I packed cocktail attire and excessive heels as well!

• 2 cocktail attire
• 2 informal attire
• 2 pairs of gown pants
• 2 blouses
• 2 pairs of gown sneakers

On Board

• 2 informal shirts
• swimsuit
• flip flops
• 2 sarongs
• 1 set of exercise garments
• 1 pair of yoga pants

On Land

• Fleece jacket
• 1 pairs shorts
• 2 T-shirts
• Waterproof Jacket
• Gloves
• Wool Hat
• 1 pair denims

Extra Packing Suggestions for an Alaska Cruise

The Above checklist of packing for an Alaska cruise is particularly for a cruise portion down southeast Alaska. That is the primary route most cruise traces take and the route we took on all three of our Alaskan cruises.

It appears nearly unimaginable to pack gentle for such a visit. It was a troublesome process cutting down our luggage to incorporate 1 suitcase every.

However general we have been fairly pleased with our packing selections. With just some changes, you should have the right packing checklist for Alaska by studying from our expertise.

Remaining Ideas

An Alaska cruise requires somewhat extra planning than a Caribbean Cruise or perhaps a European River Cruise with regards to packing. You want many extra layers and you really want to consider waterproof and waterproof clothes.

You additionally need to be snug figuring out within the gymnasium, hanging across the indoor swimming pool, sitting within the lounge having fun with espresso or a glass of wine, and looking out good when going to see a Vegas-style present.

Packing for our Alaska cruises was undoubtedly a studying expertise for us. However the one be aware we have now is you don’t have to fret about overpacking. That is the one time we are saying, it’s okay to deliver an excessive amount of.  All of your baggage is taken care of for you so you may deliver extra baggage.

When you get off the aircraft, you by no means have to fret about carrying it once more after which you’re in a single cabin at some stage in your cruise, so you may unpack and revel in. So deliver what you need and have a alternative of clothes. Half the enjoyable of occurring a cruise is dressing up. Word: Simply you’ll want to examine together with your airline for baggage limits. The one factor you could have to fret about is having to pay for extra baggage.