Alaska Cruise Packing Checklist – 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’ve discovered quite a bit 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 shortly, so you will want layers to tackle and off as wanted.

What To Pack For An Alaska Cruise

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

Climate in Alaska could be unpredictable, starting from heat and sunny to chilly and wet, typically throughout the similar day. Additionally, onboard the ship, you’ll have a mixture of informal and formal occasions, and you could be taking part 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 totally 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 provided the proper mixture of luxurious with journey, nevertheless it makes packing a bit of extra concerned since you’ll need journey and activewear, but in addition some formal and sensible informal clothes. Don’t fear, we’ve created the final word Alaska Cruise Packing listing 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 Ideas – Layering

When packing for an Alaska cruise, it is very important take into consideration layering. Southeast Alaska could be very heat through 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 assist you to adapt to various circumstances. Contemplate packing T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Waterproof Pants that convert to shorts are a terrific possibility for Alaska as you may change shortly.

Additionally keep in mind, if you’re cruising early or later within the Alaska cruise season, the climate will likely be cooler, so pack some heat wool socks and a heavier sweater on your mid-layer.

On Deck

Even when the solar is shining, there will likely 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 totally different Alaska cruise ports, you’ll encounter utterly totally different climate and shore excursions.

The climate can change shortly all through the Alaska cruise season and it may be surprisingly moist within the summertime. Juneau could also be scorching and balmy whereas Ketchikan may very well be wet and chilly. In truth, Ketchikan is without doubt 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 listing of advised gadgets you could need to pack on your Alaska cruise.

When packing for Alaska, remember that you will have layered clothes, waterproof outerwear, heat clothes, formal apparel, and informal apparel and most significantly don’t overlook 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 ensure to pack a washing go well with!

Waterproof Jacket

An outer waterproof layer is crucial if you wish to get pleasure from your Alaskan cruise to the fullest. We’ve grow to be huge followers of Fjällräven and this Fjallraven Excessive Coast Hydratic Jacket shouldn’t be solely wind and waterproof, nevertheless it additionally appears sensible as properly. So whether or not you’re going on a forest hike or sitting in a historic saloon, you’ll look nice. See it in girls’s as properly.

Fleece Midlayer

Even in the midst of summer season, it may be cool, so having a wise 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 also be fashionable sufficient to put on by itself is a superb concept and Fjällräven has Övik Fleece Hoodie and Ladies’s Kaitum Fleece.

Puffy Jacket

On the water, you could need to go for one thing a bit of 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 underneath your windproof and waterproof jacket or into city, both means, it appears traditional. Purchase it on Amazon right here.

Trekking Pants

Whether or not you’re taking a whale-watching tour, mountain climbing to a glacier, or strolling by way of city, trekking pants are nice for an Alaska cruise. We like these Abisko Lite trekking Trousers as a result of they appear to be 1,000,000 bucks whereas nonetheless having sturdiness, breathability, and fast dry of efficiency put on. There are types for right here girls as properly.

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

Trekking Shirts

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

A flannel shirt is a superb possibility as properly. I stay in my flannel when touring within the polar areas and this Övik Flannel Shirt for girls is much extra fashionable than what I had on my final cruise. I’m ordering it for myself!

Mountaineering Boots

When you plan to do a variety of glacier excursions, canine sledding, mountain climbing within the Tongass Forest, or heading out on zodiacs, we extremely suggest waterproof mountain climbing boots. We’ve additionally used waterproof sneakers in Alaska. These waterproof boots are our go-to. Carrying mountain climbing boots provides you correct ankle help 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 mountain climbing boots. In case you are strolling round city or on the ship, these work high quality as properly. We’ve even worn simply waterproof sneakers on excursions like whale watching since we aren’t going into any muddy areas, nevertheless it nonetheless could also be moist on the boat. When you aren’t doing main actions, waterproof sneakers will likely be sufficient.

We like Merrill model and Moab 3 waterproof mountain climbing shoe is what we put on and it’s a great all-around shoe that can hold 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 will help you get a better look. Even you probably 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.

Digital camera There will likely be loads of stunning landscapes to {photograph}. We go into digital camera gear additional beneath, however keep 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 simply use to buy all the pieces. Even you probably have an all-inclusive bundle, you will want 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 bundle provides 4 waterproof lanyards and baggage tags.

Magnet Hooks

There are by no means sufficient hooks in cruise cabins and when cruising in Alaska, you will have extra sweaters, jackets, and layers hanging round. Magnetic Hooks are a terrific concept as cruise ship partitions are product of steel. You possibly can put them on a wall and cling your garments out of the best way with ease.

Espresso Mug

A refillable mug is a should when on a cruise. Until you’re ordering a specialty espresso (or have a bundle) you’ll be utilizing the small mugs at eating places. With a mug, you may refill 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 pieces in it and it retains our toiletries clear and out of the best way. We merely cling it on the again of the door or on the magnifying mirror when in use. When completed we will zip it up and retailer it away. See extra particulars.

Lanyard for Cell Cellphone

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

Refillable Water Bottle

Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is vital, particularly while you’re lively and it’s a good way to have water available whereas on a cruise as a substitute of continually needing to buy water.

Backpack or Daypack

A small day pack could be very helpful for carrying gadgets throughout shore excursions. We suggest a water-proof pack as it may possibly rain quite a bit and if you will do whale watching or different excursions on the water, it will hold 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 traditional 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 robust in your pores and skin and lips. We love this travel-size Burt’s Bees necessities equipment 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 like having a alternative of knickknack, and holding 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 grow to be a staple for all our travels. They hold clothes and kit 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 immediately’s world of cruising, everybody could be very conscious of cleanliness. Holland America Line (and different cruises comparable to Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean for that matter) are very conscious of hygiene and holding passengers protected with servers handing out meals and plastic obstacles overlaying 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 available and Journey Dimension Lysol Disinfectant Wipes at all times turn out to be useful.

Electronics packing listing for Alaska Cruise

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

Belkin Mini Surge 

You’ll want to have your personal a number of shops 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 on one plug within the room.

Transportable Onerous Drive

You’ll want to retailer your images nightly. I’ve seen individuals lose their cameras on an Alaska cruise and all of their recollections 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 a terrific job getting images and video on the fly. It has a great zoom to seize wildlife and a 6.1-inch Tremendous Retina XDR show that includes At all times-On and ProMotion plus a 48MP Essential digital camera for as much as 4x better decision.

Transportable Energy Financial institution and USB Transportable charger

A conveyable charger is a staple in our journey gear irrespective of the place we go. I hold 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 transportable charger with me. Purchase it right here now.

Digital camera 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 will have greater than an iPhone on your digital camera gear for an Alaska cruise. You will have at the very least a zoom lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for landscapes. I’m a Sony man, so I’ve a full listing of digital camera gear that I take with me on my travels, however listed below are some fundamentals you will have for an Alaska cruise.

Digital camera Physique

We use a whole Sony System for journey and adore it. I exploit a Sony A1 however that’s ridiculously costly and never wanted if photographing isn’t your job (or you probably have cash to burn). possibility for a extra reasonably priced Mirrorless digital camera is the Sony A7R IV. The dynamic vary and the decision of this digital camera will seize Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes fantastically.

Listed below are some really useful gadgets to enhance your digital camera for this journey:

Lenses

Large-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 can be perfect.

Telephoto Lens

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

To see extra about journey pictures gear and my full digital camera gear listing, see these articles beneath.

GoPro Hero 11 Black

We by no means journey with no GoPro and the GoPro Hero 11 Black is the most recent mannequin. GoPros are excellent for capturing images 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 quite a bit when filming, even strolling round city.

GoPro Hero 11: A water-proof digital camera is extremely really useful. Likelihood is you may be out whale watching, zipping round Fjords, or just out on the deck within the rain and we by no means journey with no 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 night time if you happen to aren’t planning on reserving specialty eating places or becoming a member of the formal nights, however we are saying, “You might be 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 sensible 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 mountain climbing sneakers or mountain climbing boots (Waterproof or at the very least waterproof)
• 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 quite a bit. However there are formal nights and if you happen to splurge on one of many specialty eating places you could 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 besides!

• 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 Ideas for an Alaska Cruise

The Above listing 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 virtually unimaginable to pack gentle for such a visit. It was a tough process cutting down our luggage to incorporate 1 suitcase every.

However general we had been fairly pleased with our packing decisions. With just some changes, you should have the proper packing listing for Alaska by studying from our expertise.

Closing Ideas

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

You additionally need to be snug understanding 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 word we’ve 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 during your cruise, so you may unpack and luxuriate in. So deliver what you need and have a alternative of clothes. Half the enjoyable of occurring a cruise is dressing up. Notice: Simply make sure to examine together with your airline for baggage limits. The one factor you might have to fret about is having to pay for extra baggage.