Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

Table Of Content

• Must-Have Travel Accessories
• Is it necessary to bring rain gear for an Alaska cruise in May?
• Base layers
• Alaska Cruises: Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Bucket-List Adventure
• The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List for 2024
• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Non-Clothing Essentials
• Other Important Items for Any Trip

Sure, you can take pictures with your phone, but do you really want to photograph Alaska and its gorgeous landscapes and wildlife on a tiny phone? You’ll be thankful you packed your best camera on your trip to Alaska once you catch your first glimpse of a majestic glacier or humpback whale. Now that you know what you need to bring from your closet, it’s time to go through all the other items you won’t want to leave out from your Alaska cruise suitcase.

Must-Have Travel Accessories

Alaska’s weather is notorious for its unpredictability, and sudden rain showers are not uncommon, even during the summer months. A good, waterproof rain jacket will keep you dry during those unexpected downpours, allowing you to continue your exploration comfortably. Furthermore, most rain jackets are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around during your on-shore excursions. Opt for a versatile style that is large enough to be layered over warm clothing during colder weather, ensuring that you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

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Is it necessary to bring rain gear for an Alaska cruise in May?

An Alaska cruise calls for a wide range of footwear, as you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes to wear in port and shoes to wear onboard. A pair of water-resistant sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes is recommended, as they tend to keep your feet comfortable and warm while providing enough support for a range of outdoor activities. Active sandals, such as Chacos, can be nice in the summer months as well.

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Base layers

Standup paddleboarders swear by these light and long-sleeved shirts with high UV protection. And I think you will too when you’re sightseeing for hours under the Midnight Sun. I like that they come in a variety of women’s sizes from petite and long to wide. (The men’s version is sized by waist and inseam.) No matter the size, the fabric is thin, so it packs down to nothing in your suitcase. If only they gave out prizes for the most efficient packer.

Alaska Cruises: Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Bucket-List Adventure

A good pair of wicking socks can help pull moisture from your feet while out hiking, keeping you feeling comfy on you excursion. When you head to Alaska, you pack a lot more than just a few swimsuits and a hat. And when you are out and about, there is usually plenty to bring along with you like a camera, extra layers, and more. Luckily, you can bring adapters to add more plugs and they are relatively cheap (read more about bringing adapters here). We are always sure to pack one of these when we sail and they don’t take up hardly any space. Even if you’ve taken a cruise before, you might be surprised to realize that your cabin door and ceiling are actually metal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Alaska Cruises

Clinically tested, these ginger chews should not only save you from seasickness, but with a lemon-honey flavor, you also might be able to convince gullible kiddos it’s only candy. Mosquitos aren’t colloquially known as Alaska’s state bird for nothing. I’ve been to parts of Alaska where the mosquitos were nowhere to be found, and others where they swarm and poke you through your pants. This stylish hoodie is not only handy as an underlayer but will also protect you from unsuspecting sunburn under those sneaky Alaskan rays.

The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List for 2024

That said, you only need to bring one pair of waterproof pants — as long as they actually work. We’re turning to the Trailmade Rain Pants from REI Co-op. For starters, they come from a tried and trusted brand, and are made from a reliable, breathable, waterproof, and windproof fabric that is both rip-resistant and Bluesign-approved. These pants can be worn on their own or slipped on over leggings or jeans. The elastic waist and ankle cuffs are both adjustable, and there are three zippered pockets and a hook for hanging to quickly drip dry after a wet hike.

Lastly, bring a good camera or smartphone with a high-quality camera to capture the incredible sights you'll see on your Alaska cruise. In conclusion, the key to packing for a cruise to Alaska in May is to prepare for changing weather conditions and outdoor activities. By packing layered clothing, warm accessories, binoculars, a camera, a waterproof bag, sun protection, and necessary medications, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your Alaskan adventure. So, grab your packing list and get ready to embark on an unforgettable cruise through the stunning landscapes of Alaska. Moylan made sure to note that bringing a small dry bag is “invaluable” for a trip to Alaska so you can keep essential items safe and dry while you’re exploring in wet conditions.

There should be enough room in your denim jean’s legs if you need to put on a pair of silk or silk-like long “underwear” underneath. I hope my Alaska cruise packing list and tips help you to be prepared for one of the most incredible cruise and land experiences of a life time. For a 7-day cruise to Alaska, you should prioritize packing layers to adjust to the varying temperatures. Start with thermal underwear and socks, followed by a base layer of moisture-wicking t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts. Include one or two fleece jackets or wool sweaters for added warmth.

Instead of packing bulky items like towels or blankets, confirm beforehand if these will be provided on the ship. For clothing, opt for materials that are lightweight, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant to save space and reduce the need for laundry services. Avoiding overpacking for a cruise can be achieved through careful planning and prioritization. Start by checking the weather forecast for your destinations and the duration of your trip as your departure date approaches to help you determine the type and amount of clothing you need. Focus on multipurpose items that can be worn in multiple outfits and layering pieces for different weather conditions.

Sandals or these thin, easy to pack flip-flops are always good for the pool and don’t take up much space. One pair of shorts is sufficient in case of a few warm days. You’ll be comfortable on a warm day but a good target for those pesky Alaska mosquitoes, A.K.A the National Bird. Last year, I also picked up a pair of stretchy black fleece-lined yoga/leggings pull-on pants at, of all places, Walgreens.

If you’re more of a vest person and are already thinking of all the outfits you can layer with it, then consider purchasing a style like this sweater-knot Patagonia fleece vest. Fairtrade certified and no doubt a high-quality item, this vest is still more than double the price of the full fleece jacket. Make sure to choose something you know you’ll wear throughout your cruise and not just for one day. The numbers (8x25) refer to the field of view, which for this pair is about 357 feet away. There are binoculars with a much farther range, but they begin to double in price. The lenses are fully multicoated which protects them from glare, and a cool feature is that the eyepieces are designed to be used in tandem with a phone camera so you can “hack” that faraway photo.

While Alaska isn’t hot, it’s still easy to get dehydrated — especially if you decide to do a strenuous excursion like hiking. It’s a good idea to keep a water bottle with you on your trip. The cruise ships don’t have bottles for you to take ashore and bottled water isn’t always available if you get off the beaten path. When it comes to packing, there’s a big difference between the classic Caribbean cruise and what you’ll experience in Alaska.

Wet weather aside, late summer months bring the best chances of seeing wildlife on expeditions. These months are also your best bet if you want active fishing trips on a shore excursion. Overall, it is important to research and familiarize yourself with the specific rules and restrictions of the cruise line you will be traveling with. They will often provide a list of prohibited items on their website or in pre-cruise documentation. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience to Alaska in May. I normally travel with a Tide pen, but found that the great big outdoors of Alaska has the potential to make great big marks on my clothes.

The combination of cold air and warm ocean currents often leads to the formation of rain clouds, which can result in sudden downpours. As a result, it is not uncommon for Alaska to receive more rainfall than many other parts of the United States. By bringing rain gear, you can protect yourself from getting wet and uncomfortable during these rain showers.

The adjustable wrist cuff helps to seal in warmth and keep out snow and water, and there are tech-touch coated fingertips on your thumb and forefingers. Chun recommends packing thermal layers to keep comfortable in temperatures that can range from 30 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A surefire way to keep your core warm without overheating is a classic fleece jacket. This fitted, hip-length jacket is made of a polyester filament fleece that hits our two Alaska-packing keywords of “warm” and “dry” (a.k.a. “water-resistant” and a “layer). I like the two-tone color scheme of these men’s fleece jackets, as well as zippered pockets that ensure your phone won’t fall overboard.