Comprehensive Guide: What to Pack for Alaska Cruise from May to August + Printable

How exciting is it that you are taking an Alaskan Cruise?

Whether you’re looking for an Alaska cruise packing list (July sailing) or want to know what to pack for an Alaska cruise in August, you’ll find weather-appropriate Alaska cruise clothing essentials and advice below. PLUS we have a printable packing list for your Alaskan Cruise.

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Packing for an Alaska Cruise

So, what do you need to pack for an Alaska cruise?

First things first, Layering is key. The Alaskan cruise season typically runs from May to September, with July and August being the peak months for Alaska cruises. Alaska’s weather during these times is very unpredictable. So, you’ll need to pack a variety of Alaska cruise clothing suitable for all types of conditions.

Secondly, Alaska is a very outdoorsy destination. You’ll want footwear you can be comfortable in and stand up to a little dirt. Be sure to pack some sunscreen and insect repellent. The mosquitos can be quite aggressive, so it’s best to come prepared.

Finally, don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure! Alaska is a land of vast wilderness and wildlife. You’ll want to have your camera and binoculars ready to capture all the stunning scenery and wildlife you’re bound to see.

Printable Packing List for Alaska Cruise

To help you remember everything, I’ve created these printable Alaska cruise packing lists. Together these packing lists include everything on this list, plus a few other items that you might want to bring.

One list covers what to pack in your carry-on bag and the other list covers what to pack in your checked luggage. Subscribe to the Little Family Adventure newsletter below and get these delivered straight to your Inbox.

Here’s a list of Alaska cruise packing essentials I recommend:

Before you go aboard, most cruise lines will tell you what to wear. Some cruises organize formal nights when attendees are required to dress up a little more, but for the most part, casual attire is acceptable. You should start here and read these Alaska cruise reviews to figure out what to bring, but more importantly what isn’t avoided onboard.

Insulated Jacket

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.

Lightweight, packable insulated jackets we love are the Patagonia AlpLight Down Jacket, United by Blue Bison Ultralight Packable Jacket, and The North Face Thermoball 3-in-1 Triclimate Jacket. Patagonia’s jacket is an 800-fill-power down with nylon fabric shell made with recycled fishing nets. The United by Blue jacket is half super-warm bison fiber and half wool with a 100% recycled polyester shell. The North Face jacket is a 3-in-1 with a recycled poly inner jacket and a waterproof outer shell.

Raincoat & Rainpants

Alaska is also known for its rainy weather. You’ll want to pack a raincoat, poncho, or waterproof coat plus rainpants. That way you can stay dry on rainy days while exploring Alaska’s beautiful landscapes.

The Torrentshell Jacket from Patagonia is a great all-around raincoat and a light jacket. It’s perfect for layering with a down jacket against Alaskan weather. Available in men, women, and children’s sizes. 

Sweaters or Fleece

For Alaska’s cooler nights and mornings, you’ll want to have a sweater, cardigan, or fleece on hand to keep you warm. I really like the TechFace line from Patagonia. It’s lightweight fleece designed to keep you warm in cool weather. 

Related: If you are heading to Alaska in August, see my clothing essentials for winter travel article. This is what I wore for the 10 days I was in Anchorage, Palmer, and Seward, Alaska. 

Shirts

T-shirts, blouses, button-downs, long sleeves, and short sleeves are all great options to pack. I would recommend packing a variety of Alaska cruise clothing so that you can mix and match to create different outfits. Choose shirts made from natural fibers like cotton or linen. These fabrics will help you stay cool and comfortable in Alaska’s warmer weather. For cooler weather,  you can layer with a thin wool long-sleeve or fleece pullover.

Note: Check to see what the attire is inside the ship dining rooms and make sure you are appropriately dressed. Men may be required to wear a collared shirt or tie and jacket.  Women may be required to wear a skirt, dress, or slacks with a blouse.

Shorts and Pants

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. I recommend packing two to three of each. Choose lightweight fabrics that are breathable like cotton or linen, as these will help prevent you from getting too hot on warm days.

Note: For July sailings, you will likely need a least 1-2 pairs of shorts plus pants. After Labor Day, expect the weather to be much cooler where you’d need pants and possibly an insulating base layer like these from Patagonia.

For both men and women, I recommend packing hiking pants with stretch and weather-resistant fabric. These from Coalatree will be comfortable to wear, weather-resistant, and are ideal for exploring Alaska’s many trails. These pants dry quickly. As a result, you won’t have to be concerned about the rainy season.

Dresses

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.

Formal Wear

If your Alaska cruise line has formal nights, you’ll want to pack more formal attire; a dress or suit and the appropriate shoes.

Related: If you need reasons to take an Alaskan cruise from your bucket list to your to do list, see these 5 reasons to take an Alaska Cruise

Sandals, Sneakers, and Hiking Boots

For Alaska’s warmer weather, you’ll want to pack comfortable sandals like flip-flops or closed-toe hiking sandals. If you’re planning on doing some shore excursions with hiking during your Alaska cruise, I highly recommend packing a pair of sturdy hiking boots or joggers with excellent traction to keep your feet protected.

Related: Two Alaska excursions I did and highly recommend are the Musk OX Farm in Palmer, Alaska and Major Marine’s Resurrection Bay Cruise in Seward, Alaska. 

Socks

You’ll want to pack a variety of socks for your Alaska cruise, including thick wool socks for cooler weather and thinner socks for warmer weather. Smartwool Socks are a favorite of ours because they come in a range of colors and styles, and don’t slip down your heel inside your boots. Last year we got these for the whole family as an early Christmas gift to ourselves – well worth it!

Underwear

You should pack enough undergarments for the entire Alaska cruise, plus a few extras just in case. For women, I recommend packing seamless underwear and sports bras made from natural fibers like cotton or bamboo. For men,  cotton boxers or boxer briefs will be comfortable to wear and will help keep you cool and dry throughout your Alaska cruise. For cooler weather, a good base layer made from wool or synthetic fabric will help keep you warm.

Swimsuit

Alaska is known for its glaciers, but you’ll definitely want to pack a bathing suit so you can enjoy the onboard pools and hot tubs. If your Alaska cruise itinerary includes any beach time, you’ll be able to take advantage of that as well.

Warm Hat and Gloves 

A warm hat and gloves are essential Alaska cruise packing items, especially if you’ll be doing any outdoor activities. They’ll help to keep you warm and protect you from the sun.

Polarized Sunglasses 

Alaska is famous for its breathtaking views. To truly enjoy all that Alaska has to offer, you’ll need a good pair of polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays.

Binoculars

Binoculars are a must-have Alaska cruise packing item, especially if you’re interested in wildlife watching. They’ll help you to get a closer look at the amazing wildlife you’re bound to see on your Alaska cruise.

Digital Camera

Yes, you can take pictures with your cell phone, but I highly recommend bringing a dedicated camera. Anything can happen if your phone battery drains at the wrong time. Extra batteries for the camera are also a great idea! Don’t miss the opportunity to take the best photos with the help of a digital camera. When I visited in August 2021, I took thousands of photos between my smartphone and digital Nikon DSLR camera with a 24-105mm zoom lens.

Additional Memory Cards for Camera

To ensure that you capture as many Alaska cruise memories as possible, be sure to pack an extra memory card for your camera. This will prevent you from having to delete photos while on your trip.

Lanyard with ID Sleeve

A lanyard with an ID sleeve is great to have on any cruise. You can use it to store your room key and easily keep track of it. Plus, if you go on any shore tours, you can tuck the lanyard under your shirt to safeguard your valuables.

Want to read more about cruising? Start here:

• 7 Tips to Getting the Most Out of Your Alaskan Cruise
• Want multigenerational travel ideas? Here are 5 reasons to choose an Alaska Cruise
• Why Should I Go On A Cruise – 8 Reasons NOW is the Time to Set Sail

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

Portable Charger

It’s also important to pack a portable charger for your Alaska cruise. Between taking pictures and keeping up with social media, you’re bound to drain your battery at some point. Having a portable charger on hand will allow you to keep all of your devices charged throughout your Alaska cruise adventure.

Power strip with extra ports

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.

Sunblock and Lip Balm 

The Alaska sunshine is very strong and can easily damage your skin. Be sure to pack plenty of sunblock and lip balm, both with a high SPF level. This will help prevent painful burns and keep your lips moisturized in cold weather.

Backpack or Day Pack

When going hiking or outside on the cruise, you must have a lot of stuff with you. You can’t hold everything in your hands. So you’ll need a backpack to transport everything. This backpack will also keep your belongings dry if it rains.

Waterproof Smartphone Bag 

Not all smartphones are waterproof. So you need a waterproof bag with you that will save your smartphone from water and you can easily use it under the water and capture photos and videos. 

Dry Bag

A dry bag is great for Alaska because it will keep your belongings safe and dry, even if you get caught in a rainstorm or end up taking a dip in the ocean. This can be your backpack or a smaller dry bag for your phone and camera.

First Aid Kit 

You should always travel with a first aid kit, no matter where you’re going. But it’s especially important to pack a first aid kit on an Alaska cruise, where you may be doing some outdoor activities in remote areas. Your first aid kit should include bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and any other items that you think might come in handy. You can create your own first aid kit or buy a preassembled one.

Snacks 

Packing snacks is always a good idea, no matter where you’re going. But it’s especially important to pack snacks on an Alaska cruise, where meals may not always be available when you’re hungry. Some of my favorite Alaska cruise snacks include granola bars, trail mix, and fruit.

Reusable Water Bottle 

Staying hydrated is important no matter where you are. When you travel, it’s easy to become dehydrated. Having water always on hand keeps you hydrated. I recommend packing a reusable water bottle that you can fill up with water at the beginning of each day.

Other Important Items for Any Trip

Of course, there are also your prescriptions, basic toiletries, money, credit card(s), travel insurance,  driver’s license or passport, and other important items you always travel with.

Bottom Line An Alaskan cruise is, for many, a trip that occurs just once in a lifetime. You should not let any opportunity pass you by. You can appreciate it more if you plan ahead and have all of the necessary items with you. Be sure to check Alaska cruise reviews before leaving. Then pack your luggage and be ready to have the time of your life while creating memories.

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

• AIRFARE
  • Find low fares with airfarewatchdog, Skyscanner, and WayAway.com.
  • Get airfare deal alerts up to 90% off from Dollar Flight Club (free & paid membership options)
  • Book your plane ticket with  Expedia or Kayak
  • Book your Airport Parking Reservations and save money.
• ROAD TRIP/CAR RENTAL
  • Take the scenic route and rent an RV from RVShare
  • Get packed for an epic road trip and don’t forget the Road Trip Games to Play in the Car Need more space? Get a rental car thru Discovercars.com.
• LODGING
  • From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or booking.com.
  • For camping and RV campgrounds, find the ideal location with Campspot.
• PACKING
  • Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from Away and Eagle Creek.
  • For packing cubes, we love these from Eagle Creek and these reusable silicon bags for a 3-1-1 bag from Stasher.
• TRAVEL PLANNING
  • Looking to start travel hacking and want a place to keep track of it all? There’s the free TravelFreely site.
  • For budgeting help, get our road trip budgeting tips here.
• ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES
  • Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with
    • Tiqets for cultural events, museums, Broadway shows, etc.
    • CityPASS for multi-day attraction passes at up to 55% off in select cities
    • Get Your Guide and Viator for guided tours/excursions, day trips, and activitties
    • Groupon for discounted local attractions and event tickets
    • Undercover Tourister for discounted theme park tickets
  • Find guided outdoor activities led by local guides at 57Hours.
  • Find information on local trails with the AllTrails App.
• LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
  • We use and recommend Rosetta Stone to learn a new language. We bought the $179 lifetime option with unlimited access to ALL 25 of their languages.
• Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners.

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