Sunday, March 31, 2024

Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

what to pack for a cruise to alaska

Irrespective of luggage choice, it’s important to pack efficiently. The simple approach to rolling clothing in your luggage will reduce wrinkles and maximize space. You might be on a cruise, but you’ll find yourself on your feet more than expected. A trip through Southeast Alaska’s iconic Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise. It’s a genuinely mind-blowing ride filled with glaciers, landscapes, wildlife and activities, as well as Alaska Native heritage and Gold Rush history in distinct port communities. Seas on an Alaskan cruise can get spicy, particularly during September or for itineraries that cross the Gulf of Alaska.

SealLine Skylake Dry Pack Backpack

For example, instead of bringing one heavier coat in case it gets cold and windy, it’s a better idea to bring something lighter that can be worn with layers. This way you aren’t packing bulky items you’ll only wear once or twice. You'll likely encounter rain or take a water-based shore excursion on your trip up north, so bring a dry bag or dry pack to protect your equipment.

Gratuity Calculator & Tipping Amounts for Major Cruise Lines in 2024

Whatever Alaska cruise itinerary you choose, I’ve covered all of it in my Alaska packing list. I’ve also included a list of those incidental items that you might otherwise forget. I’ve cruised Alaska up and down the Inside Passage at least a dozen times plus four cross-Gulf voyages. My cruises to Alaska happened in every month of the cruise season.

Choosing the Right Accessories and Travel Gear

Your luggage will be delivered to your room in the evening, so keep anything you might need before that with you in a carryon. I recommend bringing a cardigan or shawl for ladies, as the dining rooms can be chilly as well as the walk to and from dinner. Bringing the correct documents is very important when you begin to pack for a cruise to Alaska. The rugged terrain and wild sense of adventure that Alaska inspires are sure to thrill even the most conservative traveler. Add extra storage space to your cabin by using super strong magnet hooks on your cabin walls (they’re usually metal).

A rain poncho should always be in your backpack for Alaska excursions and day trips. An Alaska cruise packing list wouldn’t be complete without waterproof shoes. Make sure your waterproof hiking shoes are comfortable, breathable and have support for your feet. For excursions in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and other Alaska port days, it’s a good idea to plan on wearing layers of clothing, with a warm jacket and/or rain-gear as the top layer.

How to avoid overpacking on an Alaskan cruise?

Odds are you’ll be taking a lot of photos and videos during your trip, which can quickly drain the battery on your phone. Remove all chances of running out of battery life just as you’re about to capture footage of a group of humpback whales splashing in the water by bringing a travel charger with you. We recommend packing a water-resistant bag just in case. Aside from packing a good sunhat and a bottle of sunscreen, don’t forget to bring along a pair of sunglasses to your cruise.

What should I pack for my Alaska cruise?

The cruise curiosity spike isn’t surprising for regulars, who love the unique experience. However, maximizing any cruise time comes with preparation, from booking the perfect trip to filling out your Alaska cruise essentials list. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack what to pack for an Alaska cruise, covering practical and personal necessities.

If you don’t have a camera or the one you have is really old, this cruise is a good time to invest in a new one. An Alaska cruise is really an unforgettable experience and you will want to preserve those precious memories. For me for Alaska, a regular backpack to haul on a day trip is too heavy and bulky. I bought two of these Bago Daypacks…one in hot pink for the Caribbean and a black and grey one for Alaska.

5 best luxury Alaska cruises for 2024 - The Points Guy

5 best luxury Alaska cruises for 2024.

Posted: Mon, 25 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Keeping Busy During Sea Days: Books and Games

Next, we’ll show a table that compares must-haves and things you don’t need. Packing efficiently is both an art and a science, especially for clothing. Selecting a few versatile pieces reduces the total number of items you need. Add different accessories to effortlessly switch your look from day to night. An Alaska cruise offers breathtaking views and fun activities. Pack things to relax, like swimwear for the pool and a good book.

what to pack for a cruise to alaska

Unlike a Caribbean cruise with steady warm temperatures, the weather in Alaska is unpredictable and can swing from 60˚ Fahrenheit to 30 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of hours. To start your Alaska cruise packing list, you’ll want to include an insulated jacket that will keep you warm in cold weather. You can never be sure what types of weather you’ll encounter on an Alaska cruise, so it’s good to have some options. PLUS we have a printable packing list for your Alaskan Cruise. On milder days in Alaska, you may be able to wear and t-shirt or long sleeve shirt. However, you’ll still want to dress in layers so you can put on a fleece sweatshirt or warm sweater as needed.

It’s about choosing what’s essential and what’s unnecessary. In turn, your travel experience becomes better and more flexible. Invest in travel-size toiletries and consider sharing items like shampoo or toothpaste if you’re traveling with others.

The roughly 22-liter capacity is the perfect storage size for day tour necessities, while the lightly padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh back paneling come in handy for long or hot excursions. The 75D Bluesign-approved, water-resistant ripstop polyester shell made from recycled water bottles weighs about as much as a football, and packs down into its own pocket carry case. You’ll also want a daypack, dry sack, and belt bag for carrying all your necessities on the ship and during trips ashore. Ideally these will be water-repelling, but definitely lightweight and packable.

Waterproof hiking boots are great for exploring and staying safe on different grounds when you plan to go hiking or off the beaten path. For lighter days, waterproof sneakers are suitable for shore visits. Make sure your shoes fit well to make walking more enjoyable. Starting with the proper base layers is critical for staying comfortable.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise clothing, gear & essentials

what to pack for a cruise to alaska

Remember the Flight When PackingWhile cruise lines are more relaxed in what you can bring, many people fly into port cities like Vancouver or Seattle to head to Alaska. Due to their location in the northwest, driving simply isn’t an option for many travelers. In addition to clothes, you need to pack a few other items with you to make your cruise to Alaska a success.

Best Belt Bag

I specifically love Hydro Flask because they can take a beating and come out unscathed save for maybe a few scratches. You don’t have to worry about the cap breaking off or the bottle cracking if you drop it. Different weather conditions, ground conditions, and activities will require different types of shoes.

what to pack for a cruise to alaska

Alaska Cruise Packing Checklist

Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north - The Points Guy

Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north.

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:15:00 GMT [source]

That said, it’s a good idea to be extra careful using them and never leave them plugged in. Most people know that they need to pack some pants and warm clothes when they head to Alaska, so for the most part we’ve focused the list above on those items that aren’t as well-known. When you head to Alaska, you pack a lot more than just a few swimsuits and a hat.

Comfortable pants

You’ve found the right luggage combos and packed all the essentials. With extensive expertise in crafting unforgettable cruise experiences, Alaska Tours is committed to guiding travelers to the right trip. All offer the chance to explore this magnificent state in style and comfort, on and off the cruise ship. Alaska’s weather can range from hot to cold, so you’ll want to pack both shorts and pants for your Alaska cruise packing list. Choose lightweight fabrics that are breathable like cotton or linen, as these will help prevent you from getting too hot on warm days. Bathing SuitA bathing suit is essential for any cruise, regardless of destination.

Water bottle

What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist - Travel + Leisure

What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist.

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:11:15 GMT [source]

Alaska can have its hot days too in the summer, so be sure to leave room for a swimsuit, some shorts, and a couple of lighter outfits. No Alaska vacation is complete without photographing some of the most beautiful places on the planet. To make this comfortable, bring a small daypack or backpack (ideally waterproof) so that you can carry your phone, camera, any special lenses you want to bring, a refillable water bottle and some snacks.

Ready to Start Planning Your Trip? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

Hair ProductsWhile Alaska is stocked full of plenty of shops in the ports all selling hair supplies including shampoos, conditioners, oils, etc., it’s best to bring your own from home. The shops near the cruise terminals charge exorbitant prices for these basic necessities, so you can save yourself a lot of money by packing your own. Tall, Moisture-wicking SocksMoisture-wicking socks are essential for keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Select a pair that is tall enough to cover the ankle and made of breathable fabric. Wool or synthetic fibers are great choices as they will provide warmth while also wicking away sweat and moisture, ensuring you stay comfortable no matter what activity you’re taking part in.

Best Insulating Layer

Katherine Alex Beaven is a full-time travel writer who went on her first cruise in middle school. One of the most impactful and memorable trips from her childhood was a two-week cruise to Alaska. Since then, she’s returned to Alaska several times, venturing around the state by plane, by ship, and by car. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Alaska Cruises

I recommend packing a reusable water bottle that you can fill up with water at the beginning of each day. Power outlets in staterooms can be limited, so it’s a good idea to bring a power strip with extra ports. This will allow you to charge all of your devices at the same time without having to fight over outlets. Be sure to check with your cruise line to ensure they allow these, as not all do.

Also, look for rain jackets that can easily be rolled up and tossed into a backpack so you can bring them along to all of your outdoor excursions. Those traveling during the shoulder seasons (May and September) will want to bring a few more long-sleeved tees than short. 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.

I’ve also included some things you don’t want to forget to pack, as you may need them for shore excursions, days and evenings during your Alaskan cruise. Are you going on an Alaska cruise and wondering what to pack? Personally, I’d rather wear long sleeves and pants than use bug spray.

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. If you’re looking for something a little more formal to wear on your Alaska cruise, consider packing a dress. A casual sundress or maxi dress is a great choice for Alaska’s warmer weather. For cooler weather, you can layer with leggings underneath or a light sweater or scarf over the top. Something to note is that Alaska cruises tend be more casual than Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises.

We’d suddenly swapped sandy beaches and warm ocean water for glaciers and towering forests, pelicans for petrels, and grouper for King crab. If you're used to cruising around tropical islands, you'll find an Alaska cruise packing list is different from your Caribbean one. Spend some time learning about what you should pack for an Alaska cruise so you're prepared for the changeable weather and terrain of the 49th State.

Nature lovers might want to bring a compact pair of binoculars to spot breaching whales, bears and soaring eagles. A spare set of batteries is a good idea should your camera need them. Bring an extra charger as well, in case you leave one behind somewhere. This way, your phone is always ready to snap that once-in-a-lifetime memory. The most popular months are during summer, when temperatures range from lows around 50 degrees to highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s.

Voted Best Hair Salon in Athens, GA

Table Of Content MY HEART SALON STUDIO IS A QUEER OWNED + OPERATED SPACE IN ATHENS, GEORGIA. Salon Services PAGEBOY SALON our team A One-Sto...