Table Of Content
- SealLine Skylake Dry Pack Backpack
- Gratuity Calculator & Tipping Amounts for Major Cruise Lines in 2024
- Choosing the Right Accessories and Travel Gear
- Ideal Alaska Cruise Packing List for 2024 (+Printable PDF Checklist)
- What should I pack for my Alaska cruise?
- Managing Luggage: Tips for Packing Light and Efficient
- Keeping Busy During Sea Days: Books and Games

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.

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.