Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

Table Of Content

• NOCS Provisions 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars
• Sports Camera
• Alaska Cruise Destinations and Cruisetours
• Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing
• A First Timer’s Guide To An Alaska Cruise Wrap Up
• Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 You’d Never Think Of)
• What to pack for an Alaska cruise in September

Bring at least one workout outfit in case you want to work up a sweat in between ports of call. As for shoewear, the only rule is that flip flops are never allowed during evenings on the ship. Bringing a swimsuit on your cruise to Alaska might sound unnecessary, but remember, all of our ships have solariums with heated pools, spas, and hot tubs. Bring at least one swimsuit just in case you feel like taking a dip during your vacation.

NOCS Provisions 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars

The Inside Passage, which is the inner route that takes you all around the southeast of Alaska, takes you right next to the stunning landscape all day long. On my Alaska cruise last June, it was nearly 80 degrees on several port days—I spent the day sweating while walking around Skagway. Having packed only long sleeve shirts and pants for my Alaska cruise, I regretted not bringing more lightweight clothing. If you’re unsure what to pack for an Alaska cruise, check out our comprehensive packing list. Things like umbrellas, ponchos, raincoats with hoods and extra socks are advisable in case you get caught in a downpour.

Sports Camera

But unlike cruising in other parts of the world, people don’t dress up quite as fancy on formal nights in Alaska. You don’t need to pack your tux or evening gowns—think more “dressy-casual”. Although jeans are versatile, once they get wet they take a long time to dry. That’s why I like to also pack at least one pair of quick-dry hiking pants for any active Alaska cruise.

Alaska Cruise Destinations and Cruisetours

Taking an Alaska cruise is one of the best ways to soak in the scenery of this incredible place, while still having the cozy home comforts of the cruise ship. There’s a disable switch so the alarm won’t accidentally ring if it gets bumped in your suitcase. Now I don’t have to double-check that my iPhone alarm is set every day or that I’ll hear it if the phone volume is off (yes you will). Whether you travel with a laptop or external drive, get in the habit of transferring and backing-up your day’s photos before you go to bed. Get one that can adapt to use with your smart phone and a camera. I always travel with my Joby Gorilla Pod for tabletop use that I mentioned above.

Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

I have a pair of sheer stockings/tights for dress-up to wear with the one black dress that I always bring along. Here’s what I might wear on a shore excursion in the Inside Passage, especially to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. Up close at Mendenhall Glacier may not only be icy-chilly but there’s also spray off the water.

A First Timer’s Guide To An Alaska Cruise Wrap Up

Consider that in the course of a day, you might wake up in the morning, and head to a hot tub in your swimsuit to take in the stunning views of Alaska. Then you might head back to the cabin to dress for a day that’s rainy and cool while you explore a port like Juneau. Remember, anything you pack you will need to get from home to the cruise port.

Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 You’d Never Think Of)

For this piece, she relied on her own experience packing for cruises, trips to Alaska, and cruises to Alaska. She also collected expert insights and tips on essential packing items for an Alaskan cruise from top Alaskan cruise operators Princess Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, and Holland America Line. Together, these cruise operators have over 170 years of experience cruising to Alaska. Princess’s Syme notes that guests will usually spend a lot of time out on the decks and outside ashore. Luckily, we’ve tested the best polarized sunglasses and the best travel sunscreens.

Why choose between a warm hat and a cap with a visor, when you can have both? This beanie will not only keep your ears toasty on chilly days, but the brim is helpful to shield you from the elements and your eyes from the sun. Alaska can be both cold and sunny on any given day, so this fleece-lined brimmed beanie in a wool knit will certainly see some action on your cruise. 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.

Figure out your transportation logistics to and from the airport, hotel, and cruise port

Plus, I lived in Alaska for almost two years and own everything on this list. Carnival cruises to Alaska are designed to take you safely off the beaten track to see America’s last frontier. Alaska may be a different type of cruise vacation, but it’s one you and your family will happily never forget. Here’s a complete list of what to pack on a cruise to Alaska, from clothing to gear and extras.

Even if your cruise is a short one, you’ll feel much better having them. One thing — even if they say they are flushable wipes, don’t put them down the toilet as they can cause issues with the ship’s plumbing. Instead, you can toss them in the trash can provided in the bathroom.

If you have already booked your cruise and know what dates you’ll be traveling, here are some extra tips on what to wear on an Alaska cruise during specific months of the year. Aside from the comfortable and sports clothing you’ll wear during the day and on excursions, you’ll also want to pack dressier attire, too. During dinner in the ship’s main restaurant, cruisers will dress according to Celebrity Cruises’ dress code.

Wear one underneath your jacket if you’re feeling chilly or just as easily shrug it off when the sun comes out and you start feeling warm. For outdoor excursions, we recommend packing a pair of wicking socks, which will keep your feet dry while you’re busy hiking or running outside. When you’re packing for a cruise to Alaska, make sure to bring all the essentials you would need on any other trip, like casual clothes, dinner attire, technology accessories, and toiletries. Figuring out what to pack for an Alaska cruise is a tricky endeavor. Unlike most cruises, which typically require you to bring clothes for a consistent temperature throughout the trip, on an Alaska cruise, you’ll encounter varying climates.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month - Cruise Critic

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month.

Posted: Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This section provides the building blocks on what to pack for your Alaska cruise for a memorable and comfortable voyage. The trusted travel pros at Alaska Tours appreciate the Alaska cruise ship travel attraction. The team of experts plan and match clients with their ideal cruise, from the opulence of Holland America’s fleet, the boutique vibes of small ship cruises on yachts, or the excitement of adventure cruises. And they help you sift through many on- and off-ship excursions and destinations.

While we have a full list of dozens of tips and things to know about sailing to Alaska, below we cover some of what we think are the most important items. As well, you’ll find a different crowd on a trip to Alaska than a trip to the Caribbean. Now, you might be under the impression that Alaskan cruises are filled with older passengers. While older passengers are well represented, you’ll likely find the crowd remarkably diverse. All ages are on the cruise, and passengers from all over the country and the world. In other words, if you’ve ever wanted to experience the state, there is no better way to do it than by cruise ship.

The month you sail can have a huge impact on what you need to pack as well. For cruises in June, July, and August, you may want to pack more short sleeve shirts than in May or September. And while wool socks and warm hats are recommended at any time of the year, it’s especially important to pack warm layers in the very beginning or end of the Alaska cruise season. Versatile Clothing Is GreatHave a jacket that really only goes with one set of clothing?