Alaska Cruise Packing Record – What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

How do you pack for an Alaskan cruise? That’s the query. When packing for our first Alaska cruise we needed to do some severe pondering. Since then, we’ve taken two different Alaskan cruises plus a cruise to Antarctica and Greenland, so we have now discovered so much about packing for polar areas. When touring to Alaska it’s important to be ready for each kind of climate. Like different cruises, there are formal nights and cocktail evenings, however in Alaska, days are extra informal and the dinner apparel is extra relaxed. Alaska climate modifications shortly, so you have to layers to tackle and off as wanted.

What To Pack For An Alaska Cruise

Packing for a cruise trip to Alaska is totally totally different than a Caribbean cruise. Caribbean cruises are straightforward to pack for. Throw in swimwear, beachwear flip-flops, and some good outfits for evenings and you might be good to go. When cruising to Alaska, you’ll have a mixture of sizzling climate and chilly climate, so it’s good to pack layers.

Climate in Alaska may be unpredictable, starting from heat and sunny to chilly and wet, usually throughout the identical day. Additionally, onboard the ship, you’ll have a mixture of informal and formal occasions, and it’s possible you’ll be collaborating in shore excursions that transcend strolling excursions. You may end up on a zodiac or kayak in the course of a Fjord.

We’ve taken three totally different Alaska cruises and our newest took us down the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia on the Nieuw Amsterdam ship by Holland America Cruise Line. This ship supplied the right mixture of luxurious with journey, nevertheless it makes packing slightly extra concerned since you’ll need journey and activewear, but in addition some formal and good informal clothes. Don’t fear, we’ve created the final word Alaska Cruise Packing record so you can be snug and look good.

Now we have additionally taken a cruise to Alaska with Princess Cruises and UnCruise. Princess Cruises is similar to Holland America Cruise Line, however if you need extra of an expedition cruise on a small ship to Alaska, take a look at our expertise with UnCruise.

Alaska Cruise Packing Ideas – Layering

When packing for an Alaska cruise, it is very important take into consideration layering. Southeast Alaska may be very heat through the cruise season, however you might be nonetheless going to be cruising Arctic waters near glaciers and icebergs so that you’ll need each shorts and t-shirts with a mixture of thermal layers and water resistant clothes.

Layered clothes: The climate in Alaska can change quickly, and layering will permit you to adapt to various situations. Take into account packing T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Waterproof Pants that convert to shorts are an amazing choice for Alaska as you’ll be able to change shortly.

Additionally keep in mind, in case you are cruising early or later within the Alaska cruise season, the climate can be cooler, so pack some heat wool socks and a heavier sweater in your mid-layer.

On Deck

Even when the solar is shining, there can be a really cool breeze. Standing on the deck you’ll want to have windproof and waterproof layers with a hat and gloves.

You’ll need to be snug so you’ll be able to actually soak up the fantastic thing about this once-in-a-lifetime scene. (don’t be that man in shorts coming out for less than 5 minutes as a result of he was too chilly)

On Shore

On land, it may be simply as unpredictable. When stopping at totally different Alaska cruise ports, you’ll encounter fully totally different climate and shore excursions.

The climate can change shortly all through the Alaska cruise season and it may be surprisingly moist within the summertime. Juneau could also be sizzling and balmy whereas Ketchikan could possibly be wet and chilly. In reality, Ketchikan is without doubt one of the wettest locations in North America. So, you’ll need to have an outer layer that’s each windproof and waterproof, you’ll need a mid-layer to maintain you heat on chilly days, however you’ll additionally need summer time garments for the odd lovely, and balmy day.

Alaska Cruise Packing Guidelines

So, now that we perceive the unpredictability of the climate in Alaska, here’s a record of prompt gadgets it’s possible you’ll need to pack in your Alaska cruise.

When packing for Alaska, take into account that you will have layered clothes, waterproof outerwear, heat clothes, formal apparel, and informal apparel and most significantly don’t neglect snug footwear. Plus, simply since you are in Alaska, doesn’t imply you gained’t be swimming or having fun with the new tub, so be sure that to pack a showering go well with!

Waterproof Jacket

An outer waterproof layer is crucial if you wish to get pleasure from your Alaskan cruise to the fullest. We’ve turn out to be large followers of Fjällräven and this Fjallraven Excessive Coast Jacket shouldn’t be solely wind and waterproof, it seems to be good as properly. So whether or not you’re going on a forest hike or sitting in a historic saloon, you’ll look nice.

Fleece Midlayer

Even in the course of summer time, it may be cool, so having a sensible mid-layer is a good suggestion. I discovered that I wore my mid fleece layer on a regular basis, so having one which doubles as mid-layer however can be trendy sufficient to put on by itself is a superb concept and Fjällräven has selections for males and Girls’s Fleece.

Puffy Jacket

On the water, it’s possible you’ll need to go for one thing slightly hotter than a fleece mid-layer. We love our Canada Goose Hybridge puffy coat, however it’s costly. Dave additionally has this Marmot puffer jacket and it really works nice. Put on it below your windproof and water resistant jacket or into city, both method, it seems to be traditional. Purchase it on Amazon right here.

Trekking Pants

Whether or not you’re taking a whale-watching tour, mountaineering to a glacier, or strolling by means of city, trekking pants are nice for an Alaska cruise. We like these Fjällräven Pants as a result of they appear to be one million bucks whereas nonetheless having sturdiness, breathability, and fast dry of efficiency put on. See it on Amazon right here.

In the event you don’t have waterproof pants at the very least plan to have water resistant ones as a result of there’s nothing worse than being damp and moist. In the event you don’t have waterproof pants, these mountaineering trousers are light-weight and quick-dry.

Trekking Shirts

A great trekking shirt can double as good informal eveningwear. This trekking shirt by Fjällräven is breathable and wicks away moisture for extra adventurous excursions and actions whereas wanting adequate to put on to the restaurant at night time. You should buy it right here.

Mountain climbing Boots

In the event you plan to do a whole lot of glacier excursions, canine sledding, mountaineering within the Tongass Forest, or heading out on zodiacs, we extremely advocate waterproof mountaineering boots. Now we have additionally used waterproof sneakers in Alaska. These waterproof boots are our go-to. Carrying mountaineering boots provides you correct ankle help for uneven terrain, and when touchdown on a glacier or going canine sledding, you’ll be able to placed on some wool socks and keep toasty heat.

Waterproof Sneakers

You don’t must pack heavy mountaineering boots. In case you are strolling round city or on the ship, these work high-quality as properly. We’ve even worn simply waterproof sneakers on excursions like whale watching since we aren’t going into any muddy areas, nevertheless it nonetheless could also be moist on the boat. In the event you aren’t doing main actions, water resistant sneakers can be sufficient.

We like Merrill model and Moab 3 waterproof mountaineering shoe is what we put on and it’s all-around shoe that may hold your toes heat and dry.

Devices and Gear for Your Alaska Cruise

Binoculars

You’ll seemingly see wildlife like eagles, whales, and bears, and binoculars will help you get a better look. Even when you have a zoom lens, binoculars will actually assist profit from recognizing wildlife and taking in the fantastic thing about glaciers and icebergs up shut. We like these Tasco binoculars.

Digital camera There can be loads of lovely landscapes to {photograph}. We go into digital camera gear additional beneath, however keep in mind you’ll want to have greater than your smartphone in Alaska. You’ll need a zoom lens to seize wildlife and a large angle lens to seize the large glaciers and landscapes.

Lanyard for Cruise Ship Card

When happening a cruise, you’ll have a cruise card that you just use to buy all the pieces. Even when you have an all-inclusive package deal, you have to to swipe your cruise card. We discovered {that a} lanyard works nice to carry our playing cards so we don’t have to hold round a again whereas on board. This package deal gives 4 waterproof lanyards and baggage tags.

Magnet Hooks

There are by no means sufficient hooks in cruise cabins and when cruising in Alaska, you will have extra sweaters, jackets, and layers hanging round. Magnetic Hooks are an amazing concept as cruise ship partitions are made from metallic. You possibly can put them on a wall and hold your garments out of the way in which with ease.

Espresso Mug

A refillable mug is a should when on a cruise. Until you might be ordering a specialty espresso (or have a package deal) you’ll be utilizing the small mugs at eating places. With a mug, you’ll be able to replenish your espresso and carry it across the ship with you. Now we have discovered this to be invaluable for espresso or tea drinkers. This customized insulated espresso mug is nice for carrying on the ship because it captures the journey.

Hanging Organizer

Loos may be small on a cruise ship and we love this hanging toiletry bag. We put all the pieces in it and it retains our toiletries clear and out of the way in which. We merely hold it on the again of the door or on the magnifying mirror when in use. When completed we will zip it up and retailer it away. See extra particulars.

Lanyard for Cell Telephone

When on a ship, I actually love having a security hook on my cellphone or digital camera. This waterproof floating case is common and can hold your cellphone dry whereas having it safely hooked up to your neck or wrist.

Refillable Water Bottle

Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is vital, particularly once you’re lively and it’s an effective way to have water available whereas on a cruise as a substitute of continually needing to buy water.

Backpack or Daypack

A small day pack could be very helpful for carrying gadgets throughout shore excursions. We advocate a water-proof pack as it might rain so much and if you will do whale watching or different excursions on the water, it will hold your valuables secure from splashing. Buy it right here.

Sun shades

Sun shades and Sunscreen: The solar may be surprisingly robust in Alaska, particularly when mirrored off of snow and water. We love the traditional Aviators by Rayban. However the reality is, I simply put these in as a result of they’re what I put on, any sun shades with correct UV safety will work.

Chapstick and Hand Moisturizer

The fixed change in Alaska climate may be robust in your pores and skin and lips. We love this travel-size Burt’s Bees necessities equipment that

Jewellery Organizer

As we talked about above, Alaska cruises aren’t as formal as Caribbean Cruises or different cruises world wide, however there are nonetheless formal nights and you may costume up as a lot as you want. To spruce up cocktail attire or formal apparel, I like having a selection of jewellery, and preserving it organized is vital, particularly when staying in small cabins. Having storage and group is vital. See it right here.

Beauty bag

Identical to my jewellery case, I like having my make-up and lotions organized. Having all of it in an organized place makes preparing straightforward. Test it out on Amazon.

Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes have turn out to be a staple for all our travels. They hold clothes and equipment organized and we use them for storing laundry as properly. When you’ve traveled with packing cubes, you’ll by no means return. Buy them right here.

Hygiene and Disinfectant

In in the present day’s world of cruising, everybody could be very conscious of cleanliness. Holland America Line (and different cruises similar to Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean for that matter) are very conscious of hygiene and preserving passengers secure with servers handing out meals and plastic boundaries masking the buffet.

However it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to pack a couple of journey necessities for hygiene and cleansing. We like having this Antibacterial Spray – Lavender Scent available and Journey Dimension Lysol Disinfectant Wipes at all times come in useful.

Electronics packing record for Alaska Cruise

We stock a whole lot of electronics. However we’ve outlined what we expect most individuals ought to convey and can really feel snug with to seize these wonderful moments and keep linked. We’ve rounded up sure issues which might be particular for an Alaska cruise. 

Belkin Mini Surge 

It would be best to have your personal a number of shops to plug your electronics in as charging is proscribed in cabins. This Belkin has two USB ports and three plugs, so you’ll be able to cost a number of electronics whereas solely taking on one plug within the room.

Moveable Laborious Drive

It would be best to retailer your photographs nightly. I’ve seen folks lose their cameras on an Alaska cruise and all of their reminiscences went proper into the water. This Samsung moveable onerous drive is so tiny, you’ll barely discover it in your carry-on and it holds 1 terabyte of reminiscence.

iPhone

We’re iPhone customers and the iPhone 14 Professional does an amazing job getting pictures and video on the fly. It has zoom to seize wildlife and a 6.1-inch Tremendous Retina XDR show that includes At all times-On and ProMotion plus a 48MP Fundamental digital camera for as much as 4x larger decision.

Moveable Energy Financial institution and USB Moveable charger

A conveyable charger is a staple in our journey gear regardless of the place we go. I hold this in my bag always so I can cost my iPhone, cameras, and GoPros. Think about working out of battery whereas on an tour and also you see one thing wonderful like a bear feeding on salmon. I by no means have to fret when I’ve a conveyable charger with me. Purchase it right here now.

Digital camera Gear for Alaska Cruise

An Alaska cruise is a visit of a lifetime and a spot that you could be solely go to as soon as. You want greater than an iPhone in your digital camera gear for an Alaska cruise. You want at the very least a zoom lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for landscapes. I’m a Sony man, so I’ve a full record of digital camera gear that I take with me on my travels, however listed below are some fundamentals you will have for an Alaska cruise.

Digital camera Physique

We use a whole Sony System for journey and adore it. I take advantage of a Sony A1 however that’s ridiculously costly and never wanted if photographing isn’t your job (or when you have cash to burn). A great choice for a extra inexpensive Mirrorless digital camera is the Sony A7R IV. The dynamic vary and the decision of this digital camera will seize Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes fantastically.

Listed here are some beneficial gadgets to enrich your digital camera for this journey:

Lenses

Large-angle Lens: For capturing sweeping landscapes and expansive views from the deck of the ship. One thing just like the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM or the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM can be superb.

Telephoto Lens

Telephoto Lens: To seize wildlife at a distance, think about a lens just like the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS. In the event you want much more attain, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5–5.6 GM OSS is perhaps a good selection.

To see extra about journey pictures gear and my full digital camera gear record, see these articles beneath.

GoPro Hero 11 Black

We by no means journey with out a GoPro and the GoPro Hero 11 Black is the newest mannequin. GoPros are good for capturing photographs and movies when on the water or when doing any adventures. In case you are going dogsledding, doing a glacier touchdown, or kayaking, you will have a GoPro. Nevertheless, I take advantage of my GoPro so much when filming, even strolling round city.

GoPro Hero 11: A water-resistant digital camera is extremely beneficial. Chances are high you can be out whale watching, zipping round Fjords, or just out on the deck within the rain and we by no means journey with out a GoPro.

Dave’s Alaska Cruise Garments

Now that you’ve got an outline of the necessities for packing for Alaska cruises, we need to break down precisely what we introduced with us. You don’t want to decorate up at night time in case you aren’t planning on reserving specialty eating places or becoming a member of the formal nights, however we are saying, “You’re on a cruise, why wouldn’t you get your fancy on for a night?” So we’re going to incorporate formal costume and dressing for land excursions for each women and men.

For Evenings

• 1 darkish go well with
• 1 Dinner Jacket or Vest
• 2 costume shirts to combine and match with fits.
• 2 ties
• 2 informal/costume pants
• 3 good shirts for dinners
• 1 pair of costume sneakers

For OnBoard

• 1 pair of denims
• 3 shirts
• swimsuit
• 1 set of exercise garments
• 2 pair shorts
• 2 t-shirts
• 1 pair flipflops
• 1 pair of informal sneakers or sneakers

For On Land

• 2 pairs of water resistant or waterproof trekking pants
• 1 pair of mountaineering sneakers or mountaineering boots (Waterproof or at the very least water-proof)
• 2 trekking shirts

Outer Layers

• Wool Hat
• Waterproof jacket
• gentle pair of gloves
• Buff

Deb’s Alaska Cruise Garments

For Evenings

Alaska cruises are usually extra relaxed (formal attire-wise) than different cruises. They aren’t strict on costume code and also you don’t want to decorate up so much. However there are formal nights and in case you splurge on one of many specialty eating places it’s possible you’ll need to costume up. For me, a part of the enjoyable of happening a cruise is having the ability to costume up so I packed cocktail attire and excessive heels in addition!

• 2 cocktail attire
• 2 informal attire
• 2 pairs of costume pants
• 2 blouses
• 2 pairs of costume sneakers

On Board

• 2 informal shirts
• swimsuit
• flip flops
• 2 sarongs
• 1 set of exercise garments
• 1 pair of yoga pants

On Land

• Fleece jacket
• 1 pairs shorts
• 2 T-shirts
• Waterproof Jacket
• Gloves
• Wool Hat
• 1 pair denims

Extra Packing Ideas for an Alaska Cruise

The Above record of packing for an Alaska cruise is particularly for a cruise portion down southeast Alaska. That is the principle route most cruise strains take and the route we took on all three of our Alaskan cruises.

It appears nearly unattainable to pack gentle for such a visit. It was a troublesome job cutting down our luggage to incorporate 1 suitcase every.

However total we had been fairly pleased with our packing selections. With just some changes, you’ll have the right packing record for Alaska by studying from our expertise.

Closing Ideas

An Alaska cruise requires slightly extra planning than a Caribbean Cruise or perhaps a European River Cruise with regards to packing. You want many extra layers and you really want to consider waterproof and water resistant clothes.

You additionally need to be snug figuring out within the gymnasium, hanging across the indoor swimming pool, sitting within the lounge having fun with espresso or a glass of wine, and looking out good when going to see a Vegas-style present.

Packing for our Alaska cruises was undoubtedly a studying expertise for us. However the one be aware we have now is you don’t have to fret about overpacking. That is the one time we are saying, it’s okay to convey an excessive amount of.  All of your baggage is taken care of for you so you’ll be able to convey extra baggage.

When you get off the airplane, you by no means have to fret about carrying it once more after which you might be in a single cabin throughout your cruise, so you’ll be able to unpack and luxuriate in. So convey what you need and have a selection of clothes. Half the enjoyable of happening a cruise is dressing up. Observe: Simply make sure to verify together with your airline for baggage limits. The one factor you could have to fret about is having to pay for extra baggage.