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When traveling to your embarkation port, pack essential items like medications, travel documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage. If you’re a first-time cruiser, the question of what to wear for dinner may be causing some stress. However, you’ll be relieved to know that the expectations for dinner attire on cruise ships have become much more relaxed in recent years, even more so on an Alaskan sailing. To keep your belongings safe and dry, invest in a waterproof or water-resistant backpack or a dry bag. It will protect your essentials from rain or splashes during kayaking, ziplining, or boat tours. Protect your skin with a high SPF sunscreen and don’t forget to pack a lip balm with sun protection to keep your lips hydrated and shielded from the elements.
Lightweight Jackets and Sweaters
Footwear might depend on the type of excursions you are going to do. If you see yourself doing more adventurous activities, having a pair of waterproof shoes might be necessary. Conversely, many cruise lines have a dress code for formal nights on board at some of the nicer restaurants. Therefore, it can be nice to bring along a few nicer outfits to dress up at night.
REI Co-op Rainier Long Line Rain Jacket
Alaska temperatures in May typically range from lows in the mid 30’s to highs in the mid 50’s F. You’ll get about hours of daylight in Alaska during the month of May. It doesn’t mean you are safe from mosquito bites because it is cold.
Waterproof Shoes
In that case, you want to keep the flight in mind when packing. That means bringing less stuff to avoid baggage fees, being careful of liquid rules, and resisting the temptation to pack heavy suitcases as you’ll be carrying them around an airport. Lastly, consider the shore excursions you plan to participate in. If your excursion is hiking, you may want to pack some hiking attire.
Alaska Cruise Packing List – Our Experiences
For this reason, you will need to pack specific activewear to match the tours you book, such as kayaking through the fjords, hiking through the mountains, and ziplining through the forest. Yes, bringing a water bottle is a good idea to stay hydrated during your excursions and while onboard the cruise ship. Knowing what to pack for an Alaska cruise can make your journey to new lands even more seamless, allowing you to make the most of your vacation.
What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise, According to People Who've Taken Them - New York Magazine
What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise, According to People Who've Taken Them.
Posted: Mon, 23 Sep 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]
And, at just under 13 ounces, they won’t weigh down your neck and are easy to carry on long excursions off the ship. I have laced my Moabs up for walks across frozen lakes, hikes on glacial moraines (leftover rock and dirt deposited by moving glaciers), shallow stream crossings, and across soggy forest floors. They’ve kept my feet dry, my gait steady, and my feet incredibly comfortable and warm. I’m suggesting the mid-height boot because I’ve got the shorts, and I think the extra ankle support of the mids is worth it since Alaska can have a lot of rocky or uneven terrain.
Rain JacketHaving a rain jacket at your disposal is vital when embarking on an Alaskan cruise. 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.
Luggage for Alaska Cruise
It may seem unnecessary to your packing list when packing your suitcase, but it will come in handy on those cool, windy days. The best part is that they can easily be rolled up and stored in our dry bag on extended port visits. Many waterproof jackets and windbreakers can be rolled up and stored in your purse or bag, which is great for days in port. And you definitely won’t want to leave home without bringing a couple of warm sweaters.
This guide provides you with packing tips to help you make the most of your Alaska vacation.
Even if you’re not an avid hiker, having grippy and waterproof footwear in Alaska will come in handy. An over-the-ankle fit provides more overall support to your foot and soles are designed with advanced materials for shock absorption and stability. A sturdy pair of hiking boots typically does not come cheap, but they make up for it with durability and reliability.
A camera with a zoom lens or a cellphone that takes good quality photos is probably already on your list, but make sure you have chargers and enough memory for the hundreds of photos you will likely take. A portable charger is useful for full-day trips where you might burn through your cellphone battery. Some lines take the always-casual approach to eveningwear in Alaska. The next thing you want to make sure you have on hand is a good pair of tennis shoes that are comfortable. On days when there is no rain in sight it’s good to opt for some nice walking shoes you can happily explore in without the concern of getting blisters. Packing for an Alaska cruise can be complex, but we’re here to make it easier for you.
However, there are no strict weight limits, but be mindful of airline restrictions if flying to your embarkation port. The actual complete list of prohibited items is quite long, so we’re only listing some of the most common items we see people mistakenly try to bring on-board. Disney Alaskan Cruises have a Frozen themed night instead of the usual Pirate themed night you find on the Caribbean cruises. If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to pack the appropriate medication. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can be intense in Alaska. And a warm stocking cap was perfect for keeping our heads warm while we were enjoying the amazing views.
Think of it while going through the beautiful views of The Last Frontier. Here are some must-have items for your printable packing list for Alaska cruise to make your cabin comfortable. While fantasizing about the taste of fresh-caught Alaska halibut or daydreaming about the glory of the great glaciers, many travelers wonder what to pack for an Alaska cruise. The items you choose to bring can make your dreams an even better reality. You should include everything from clothing and weather coverage — like a raincoat and sunscreen — to accessories and equipment that will complement your every adventure.
A convenient little clip keeps the pair together when not in use. These gloves are only available in unisex sizing but feature spandex at the wrist for an improved fit. As we’ve learned, Merino wool will wick away any moisture from your digits, keeping them warm and dry — two all-important things during a day in port. On brisk, cool days, especially out on the water when kayaking, you might be surprised to find your hands snug in your pockets. However, if you’re committed to taking photos with your giant camera, a warm and functional pair of gloves is probably a worthwhile item to have.
If you take pictures with a camera – rain protection for your camera is a must. During the last cruise, we took a lot of shore excursions, including whale watching from the fast zodiac boat. The water splashed intensively, plus it was heavy rain at the end of the trip – only thanks to this Camera Rain Cover that our equipment was dry.
Generally, summers (June to August) in Alaska are mild with temperatures ranging from degrees Fahrenheit, but it can drop lower, especially in the evenings. Each excursion may have specific requirements or suggestions on what to bring, so it’s always a good idea to check the details of the activity and confirm with the tour operator beforehand. Lastly, carry all necessary toiletries, medications, and personal items in your carry-on. You can also do a quick search before departing to see if your ship has laundry services available, which may also allow you to bring less clothing than what I’ve mentioned below.
Even on an Alaska cruise, consider reliable, versatile outdoor gear a necessity. You might be on a cruise, but you’ll find yourself on your feet more than expected. If you already have a trusty backpack on hand but want to make sure it doesn’t get soaked through on your various Alaskan adventures, consider a rain cover like this one from Osprey. For $45, this large cover will seal over your backpack (from 50 to 75 L). When you’re not using it, the rain cover packs into itself and weighs 4.4 ounces. I’m positive that the majestic, untamed beauty of Alaska will fill you with wonder and awe quite unlike any place you’ve been before.
