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 critical pondering. Since then, we’ve taken two different Alaskan cruises plus a cruise to Antarctica and Greenland, so we’ve got discovered quite a bit about packing for polar areas. When touring to Alaska you must be ready for each sort 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 adjustments rapidly, so you will have 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 good outfits for evenings and you might be good to go. When cruising to Alaska, you’ll have a mixture of scorching 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 identical day. Additionally, onboard the ship, you’ll have a mixture of informal and formal occasions, and it’s possible you’ll be taking part in shore excursions that transcend strolling excursions. You may 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 right mixture of luxurious with journey, but it surely makes packing slightly extra concerned since you’ll need journey and activewear, but additionally some formal and good informal clothes. Don’t fear, we’ve created the last word Alaska Cruise Packing checklist so you can be snug and look good.

Now we have additionally taken a cruise to Alaska with Princess Cruises and UnCruise. Princess Cruises is similar to Holland America Cruise Line, however if you’d like 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, you will need to take into consideration layering. Southeast Alaska could be very heat throughout the cruise season, however you might be 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. Take into account packing T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Waterproof Pants that convert to shorts are an excellent choice for Alaska as you possibly can change rapidly.

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

On Deck

Even when the solar is shining, there might be a really cool breeze. Standing on the deck you’ll want to have windproof and waterproof layers with a hat and gloves.

You’ll need to be snug so you possibly can actually soak up the great 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 rapidly 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. Actually, 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 time garments for the odd lovely, and balmy day.

Alaska Cruise Packing Guidelines

So, now that we perceive the unpredictability of the climate in Alaska, here’s a checklist of advised gadgets it’s possible you’ll need to pack to your Alaska cruise.

When packing for Alaska, understand 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 recent tub, so ensure that 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 turn out to be huge followers of Fjällräven and this Fjallraven High Coast Jacket shouldn’t be solely wind and waterproof, it appears to be like good as effectively. 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 time, 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 also be trendy sufficient to put on by itself is a good concept and Fjällräven has choices for men and Women’s Fleece.

Puffy Jacket

On the water, it’s possible you’ll need to go for one thing slightly 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 method, it appears to be like basic. Buy it on Amazon here.

Trekking Pants

Whether or not you take a whale-watching tour, mountain climbing to a glacier, or strolling by means of city, trekking pants are nice for an Alaska cruise. We like these Fjällräven Pants as a result of they appear like one million bucks whereas nonetheless having sturdiness, breathability, and fast dry of efficiency put on. See it on Amazon here.

In the event you don’t have waterproof pants a minimum of plan to have waterproof ones as a result of there’s nothing worse than being damp and moist. In the event you don’t have waterproof pants, these mountain climbing trousers are light-weight and quick-dry.

Trekking Shirts

An excellent 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 trying adequate to put on to the restaurant at evening. You can buy it here.

Climbing Boots

In the event you plan to do numerous glacier excursions, canine sledding, mountain climbing within the Tongass Forest, or heading out on zodiacs, we extremely suggest waterproof mountain climbing boots. Now we have additionally used waterproof sneakers in Alaska. These waterproof boots are our go-to. Carrying mountain climbing boots offers you correct ankle assist for uneven terrain, and when touchdown on a glacier or going canine sledding, you possibly can placed on some wool socks and keep toasty heat.

Waterproof Sneakers

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

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

Devices and Gear for Your Alaska Cruise

Binoculars

You’ll seemingly see wildlife like eagles, whales, and bears, and binoculars may also help you get a more in-depth look. Even when you’ve got a zoom lens, binoculars will actually assist profit from recognizing wildlife and taking in the great thing about glaciers and icebergs up shut. We like these Tasco binoculars.

Camera There might be loads of lovely landscapes to {photograph}. We go into digital camera gear additional under, however keep in mind you’ll want 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 happening a cruise, you’ll have a cruise card that you just use to buy the whole lot. Even when you’ve got an all-inclusive bundle, you will have 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 affords 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 an excellent concept as cruise ship partitions are fabricated from steel. You’ll be able to put them on a wall and grasp your garments out of the way in which with ease.

Espresso Mug

A refillable mug is a should when on a cruise. Except you might be ordering a specialty espresso (or have a bundle) you’ll be utilizing the small mugs at eating places. With a mug, you possibly can replenish your espresso and carry it across the ship with you. Now we have discovered this to be invaluable for espresso or tea drinkers. This personalized insulated coffee 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 the whole lot in it and it retains our toiletries clear and out of the way in which. We merely grasp 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 more details.

Lanyard for Cellular Telephone

When on a ship, I actually love having a security hook on my telephone or digital camera. 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 once you’re energetic and it’s a good way to have water available whereas on a cruise as a substitute of regularly needing to buy water.

Backpack or Daypack

A small day pack may be very helpful for carrying gadgets throughout shore excursions. We suggest a water-proof pack as it may well rain quite a bit and if you will do whale watching or different excursions on the water, this may maintain your valuables protected from splashing. Purchase it 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 reality 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 essentials package that

Jewellery Organizer

As we talked about above, Alaska cruises aren’t as formal as Caribbean Cruises or different cruises all over the world, however there are nonetheless formal nights and you may gown up as a lot as you want. To spruce up cocktail attire or formal apparel, I really like having a alternative of knickknack, and conserving it organized is essential, particularly when staying in small cabins. Having storage and group is essential. See it 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. Check it out on Amazon.

Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes have turn out to be a staple for all our travels. They maintain clothes and equipment organized and we use them for storing laundry as effectively. When you’ve traveled with packing cubes, you’ll by no means return. Purchase them here.

Hygiene and Disinfectant

In at this time’s world of cruising, everybody may be very conscious of cleanliness. Holland America Line (and different cruises similar to Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean for that matter) are very conscious of hygiene and conserving passengers protected with servers handing out meals and plastic limitations 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 Travel Size Lysol Disinfectant Wipes all the time turn out to be useful.

Electronics packing checklist for Alaska Cruise

We stock numerous electronics. However we’ve outlined what we expect most individuals ought to convey 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 

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 possibly can cost a number of electronics whereas solely taking over one plug within the room.

Moveable Exhausting Drive

You’ll want 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 portable 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 Pro does an excellent job getting pictures and video on the fly. It has a great zoom to seize wildlife and a 6.1-inch Tremendous Retina XDR show that includes All the time-On and ProMotion plus a 48MP Major digital camera for as much as 4x better decision.

Moveable Energy Financial institution and USB Moveable 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 transportable charger with me. Buy it 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 to your digital camera gear for an Alaska cruise. You want a minimum of a zoom lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for landscapes. I’m a Sony man, so I’ve a full checklist of digital camera gear that I take with me on my travels, however listed here are some fundamentals you will have for an Alaska cruise.

Digicam Physique

We use an entire 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 when you’ve got cash to burn). An excellent choice 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 superbly.

Listed here are some advisable gadgets to enrich your digital camera for this journey:

Lenses

Extensive-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 splendid.

Telephoto Lens

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

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

GoPro Hero 11 Black

We by no means journey with out a GoPro and the GoPro Hero 11 Black is the newest mannequin. GoPros are good 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. Nevertheless, I exploit my GoPro quite a bit when filming, even strolling round city.

GoPro Hero 11: A water-proof digital camera is extremely advisable. Likelihood is you can be out whale watching, zipping round Fjords, or just out on the deck within the rain and we never travel without a GoPro.

Dave’s Alaska Cruise Garments

Now that you’ve an summary 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 for those who 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 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 mountain climbing sneakers or mountain climbing boots (Waterproof or a minimum of 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 typically 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 for those who splurge on one of many specialty eating places it’s possible you’ll need to gown up. For me, a part of the enjoyable of happening a cruise is having the ability to gown up so I packed cocktail attire and excessive heels in addition!

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

It appears nearly unattainable to pack gentle for such a visit. It was a tough job cutting down our baggage to incorporate 1 suitcase every.

However total we have been fairly proud of our packing decisions. With just some changes, you’ll have the right packing checklist for Alaska by studying from our expertise.

Remaining Ideas

An Alaska cruise requires slightly extra planning than a Caribbean Cruise or perhaps a European River Cruise in the case of 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 health club, 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’ve got is you don’t have to fret about overpacking. That is the one time we are saying, it’s okay to convey an excessive amount of.  All of your baggage is taken care of for you so you possibly can convey extra baggage.

When you get off the aircraft, you by no means have to fret about carrying it once more after which you might be in a single cabin at some point of your cruise, so you possibly can unpack and luxuriate in. So convey what you need and have a alternative of clothes. Half the enjoyable of happening a cruise is dressing up. Be aware: Simply remember to test together with your airline for baggage limits. The one factor you might have to fret about is having to pay for extra baggage.