Your Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing Guide

Your Ultimate Guide: What to Pack for an Unforgettable Alaska Cruise Adventure

You’ve secured your dream Alaska cruise, and now the excitement is building! This incredible journey to the Last Frontier promises breathtaking glaciers, abundant wildlife, and stunning natural beauty. However, ensuring you have the right gear is paramount to fully enjoying every moment of your adventure. This comprehensive guide will equip you with an essential Alaska cruise packing list, offering practical advice and insider tips to prepare you for the diverse weather and activities you’ll encounter. From crucial clothing layers to essential gadgets, we’ll cover everything you need to pack for an Alaska cruise, making sure you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime with Princess Cruises!

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This post detailing what to pack for an Alaska cruise has been brought to you through a sponsorship with Princess Cruises, marking the fifth installment in our series chronicling our Alaskan journey. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own. This article also contains affiliate link(s), meaning I may earn a small commission on purchases made through them at no extra cost to you.

The anticipation for our Alaska cruise was almost unbearable! I literally counted down the days until we could escape the triple-digit temperatures of home and embrace the cooler climate of the north. While I generally prefer warmth, the extreme heat we experienced just before our departure had me yearning for the crisp Alaskan air. My partner, Kurt, and I were incredibly thrilled about embarking on our 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers. Departing from the vibrant city of Vancouver, we knew that despite it being May, northern temperatures could be unpredictable, necessitating a thoughtful selection of winter and transitional clothing.

SAVE THIS ESSENTIAL ALASKA CRUISE PACKING LIST TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Prepare to be mesmerized by this cruise! The Alaskan scenery is genuinely beyond beautiful, offering panoramic views that will etch themselves into your memory.

Last year, my daughter Alex and I embarked on a Panama Canal Cruise, and packing for that tropical adventure was a breeze. Sandals, shorts, and light clothing dominated our packing list. However, figuring out what to pack for an Alaska cruise presented a unique challenge. For starters, our wardrobes typically don’t include robust winter jackets or thermal wear suitable for colder climates. Secondly, the notoriously unpredictable Alaskan weather means you need to be prepared for everything from sunshine to rain, and even snow, sometimes all within the same day.

Essential Tips for What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

• Create a Detailed Packing List: Before any trip, whether for business or pleasure, a meticulous packing list is your best friend. This ensures you don’t overlook any crucial items, especially the essentials. While you might be able to purchase forgotten items at your destination or on the ship, it’s always more cost-effective and convenient to bring everything you need from home. Think of it as your roadmap to a stress-free departure.
• Embrace the Power of Layers: This is arguably the most important piece of advice for an Alaska cruise packing list. The Alaskan weather can change dramatically and quickly – from chilly mornings and evenings to surprisingly warm afternoons, often with sudden rain showers. The key to comfort is layering:
  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking tops and bottoms (e.g., merino wool or synthetic materials) help regulate body temperature by pulling sweat away from your skin.
  • Mid Layer: Fleece jackets, sweaters, or down vests provide insulation and warmth.
  • Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket is non-negotiable. For a Zodiac excursion, for example, it might start chilly on the water, but the sun could emerge, making it quite warm. Having layers allows you to add or remove clothing as needed, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout your activities. I was grateful for my layers on one excursion, easily stashing extra items in my backpack as the day warmed up beyond expectation.
• Pack a Savvy Carry-On Bag: A well-packed carry-on is incredibly useful. This bag should contain your immediate essentials: a change of clothes (especially after a long travel day), essential toiletries, any necessary medications, your swimsuit, and important documents. Since checked luggage delivery to your cabin can take several hours after embarkation, having these items handy allows you to freshen up, relax, or even take a dip in the hot tub immediately. Furthermore, on the final night, you’ll place your main luggage outside your cabin for collection, making your carry-on indispensable for packing items like pajamas, toiletries, chargers, and any last-minute essentials you’ll need for disembarkation morning.

*First and foremost – Crucial Documents:
Passports, Boarding Passes, and Luggage Tags: Your passport is, of course, absolutely essential for international travel (if departing from Canada, for example). You’ll also need to print out your cruise boarding passes and luggage tags, which can typically be accessed and completed through your cruise personalizer account on the Princess Cruises website. Ensure these are prepared well in advance. Additionally, you will need to register a credit card on file for any onboard purchases, as your personal credit/debit cards are generally not used directly on the ship. Instead, your key card will serve as your wallet for all purchases and access to your cabin and ship facilities, with all charges linked to your registered credit card.

Clothing Essentials for Your Alaska Cruise:

• Pants: Bring a variety of comfortable and versatile options. Several pairs of jeans are ideal for casual wear, while hiking pants (preferably quick-drying) are perfect for excursions and active days. Consider waterproof over-pants if you plan on wet weather activities.
• Leggings: A fantastic item for layering. While I didn’t bring them, fellow traveler Jenn from Princess Pinky Girl highly recommended fleece-lined leggings, especially if you’re planning on active excursions like glacier scaling. They provide excellent warmth without bulk.
• Short Sleeve Shirts: These are great as a base layer under warmer tops, especially if they are moisture-wicking. Pack 3-4 for daily wear.
• Long Sleeve Shirts: Essential for layering. Include several cotton or synthetic long-sleeve tops. I also brought one thermal long-sleeve shirt; although I didn’t wear it, I was glad to have it as a “just in case” option for particularly cold days.
• Dresses, Skirts, or Pantsuits: You’ll need at least two outfits for the two formal nights typically held on a 7-day cruise. Formal nights are a cherished tradition on Princess Cruises, offering a chance to dress up. Women often opt for elegant cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or dressy pantsuits. Men are expected to wear a suit, tuxedo, or at least a sport coat with slacks and a tie. Do note that strict dress codes are enforced in the main dining rooms on these evenings, so appropriate attire is necessary for entry. My personal packing mishap serves as a cautionary tale: always double-check that your garment bag with formal wear isn’t accidentally left hanging on a closet door at home! Fortunately, friends were kind enough to lend me dresses and a suit jacket, but it’s best to be prepared!
• Tuxedo, Suit, or Jacket and Tie: Gentlemen, formal nights require you to be dapper as well. While bringing your own is ideal, Princess Cruises does offer formal wear rentals. If you’re interested in this service, make sure to arrange the details before embarkation.
• Raincoat and Small Umbrella: Alaska is known for its precipitation, so a high-quality, waterproof (not just water-resistant) raincoat is non-negotiable. A small, packable umbrella is also handy for quick dashes or light drizzles in port towns.
• Winter Coat: Even in summer, you’ll need a warm, insulated winter coat, especially for glacier viewing and colder excursions. Look for one that is waterproof, windproof, and insulated, yet light enough to pack without excessive bulk. Mine was similar to this and provided ample warmth while remaining easy to carry.
• Hangers: While cabins typically have some hangers, I always bring a few extra travel-friendly hangers. They can be incredibly useful for organizing clothes or hanging damp items.
• Bathing Suits: Yes, even for an Alaska cruise! I recommend bringing two so you always have a dry one. Imagine relaxing in a warm hot tub on deck, surrounded by snow-capped mountains – it’s an iconic Alaskan cruise experience you won’t want to miss.
• Sneakers and/or Hiking Boots: Comfortable, sturdy, and ideally waterproof footwear is essential. You’ll likely do a lot of walking on shore excursions, whether exploring charming port towns or embarking on nature hikes. Hiking boots with good ankle support are highly recommended for more rugged terrains. Remember to pack comfortable socks as well (wool or synthetic are best for moisture-wicking).
• Dress Shoes: Don’t forget a pair of dressier shoes to complement your formal night attire.
• Warm Hat, Gloves/Mittens, and Scarf: These accessories are vital for protecting against cold winds, especially on deck, during glacier viewing, or on chilly excursions. Waterproof gloves are a good idea for wet conditions. A brimmed hat can offer protection from both sun and light rain.

As a final clothing tip, try to pack mostly wrinkle-free items, as there are no irons permitted in cabins due to fire safety regulations. Some ships offer self-service laundry rooms with irons, but who wants to iron on vacation? A wrinkle-release spray can also work wonders.

Essential Equipment and Gadgets to Pack for an Alaska Cruise:

• Camera Gear: Alaska is a photographer’s paradise!
  • Camera Body: For serious photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera (like my Canon DSLR) is ideal, but for travel convenience, a high-quality compact camera (like my Panasonic Lumix) is lighter and still takes excellent photos. Many of the pictures from our Alaska cruise were taken with my Lumix or iPhone 7 Plus.
  • Accessories: Don’t forget multiple SD cards for ample storage, extra charged batteries, and all necessary battery chargers. A small tripod can be beneficial for stable glacier shots or low-light conditions.
• Waterproof iPhone Case: This was a game-changer for me. Since I was hesitant to expose my main camera to water on a Zodiac tour and worried about rain on other excursions, I invested in a waterproof phone case. It was fantastic – not only waterproof from rain and capable of going underwater, but also snowproof, shockproof, and dirtproof. I never worried about my phone’s safety, even when doing live Facebook videos of the glaciers. I particularly appreciated the built-in loop, which allowed me to secure my hand through it, adding an extra layer of security, especially around water.
• Binoculars: This is one item you absolutely MUST pack for an Alaska cruise. They are indispensable for spotting distant wildlife like bears on the shore, eagles soaring overhead, or whales breaching in the fjords, as well as getting a detailed view of glaciers. Kurt and I regretted not bringing our own, but luckily borrowed a small set. You can purchase them onboard, but they are not available for rent, and prices might be higher. Save money and enhance your viewing experience by bringing a pair.
• Waterproof Backpack/Daypack: For shore excursions, a backpack is far more practical than a purse. I specifically chose a waterproof one to protect my camera and other belongings from potential rain. Even a small backpack is sufficient to carry essentials like a couple of water bottles, sunscreen, your camera, passports, wallet, and any layers of clothing you might need to shed.
• Non-Surge Protector Power Strip: This is a crucial item! Cabins typically have very few electrical outlets. With multiple phones, a hairdryer, curling iron, Kindle, iPad, and laptop, you’ll quickly run out of charging spots. It’s important to bring a *non-surge protector* power strip, as surge protectors are often prohibited on cruise ships due to fire safety concerns. I make it a habit to pack one for every trip, ensuring all my devices stay charged.
• Portable Phone Charger (Power Bank): Keep this charged and take it with you on all excursions. It’s invaluable for maintaining battery life when you’re constantly taking photos and videos, especially during long glacier viewing sessions. You wouldn’t want your phone to die just as a glacier calves!
• Over-the-Door Pocket Shoe Organizer: While cabins offer drawers, cupboards, and shelves, an over-the-door shoe organizer is a fantastic space-saving and organizational tool for cruising. I always bring one to keep small toiletries, my curling iron, sunscreen, medications, and other miscellaneous items neatly organized and easily accessible, freeing up counter and drawer space.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste by bringing a reusable water bottle. You can refill it at water stations on the ship.
• Small Laundry Bag: Keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones.
• Book or E-reader: For relaxation during sea days or quiet evenings in your cabin.

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Toiletries and Health Essentials to Pack for an Alaska Cruise:

• Sunscreen: Don’t underestimate the sun in Alaska! UV rays can be surprisingly strong, especially with reflection off the water and ice. Protect your skin by bringing and regularly applying sunscreen with a high SPF.
• Motion Sickness Remedies: While the waters on an Alaska cruise are generally calmer due to being surrounded by islands and fjords, there can be days on the open sea where waves are more noticeable. Some passengers may experience mild seasickness. It’s always wise to be prepared with Dramamine, motion sickness wristbands, ginger candies, or patches. While these are usually available for purchase onboard or at the medical facility, having your preferred remedy on hand is ideal. Remember that Princess Cruises also offers many onboard facilities to help you relax and stay fit, which can contribute to overall well-being during your trip.
• Basic Toiletries: Pack your preferred shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. Travel-sized options are great for saving space, or you can purchase full-sized versions once you arrive at your departure city.
• Lip Balm with SPF: Cold, dry air and sun exposure can lead to chapped lips. A good lip balm with SPF will keep them protected and moisturized.
• Prescription Medications: Crucially, pack all prescription medications in their original containers in your carry-on bag, along with a copy of your prescriptions. It’s also a good idea to bring common over-the-counter remedies like pain relievers, allergy medication, antacids, and band-aids.
• Insect Repellent: For shore excursions, especially those involving hiking or forested areas, insect repellent can be very useful against mosquitoes and other biting insects.

With this comprehensive Alaska cruise packing list, you’ll be well-prepared for any weather and every adventure that the stunning Alaskan wilderness throws your way. Enjoy your unforgettable journey!

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