What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

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If you are like me, then Alaska is on your bucket list. I think the best way to see Alaska is by going on a cruise and adding a land tour to maximize the experience. When planning my ultimate Alaska vacation, I had trouble deciding what to pack despite reading all the “What to Pack for a cruise to Alaska” information available on the internet. I was worried I would pack too much or too little. 

After I came back from the cruise, I decided to put together the ultimate packing list for an Alaska cruise in August to make it easier for you! While you may use this list for other months you may be cruising Alaska, remember that August is one of the warmer months to visit and adapt your packing list accordingly. 

I have to admit that this is one vacation that packing too much is better than packing too little. I could have worn shorts in some ports but always felt as though I needed long sleeves and pants while on the cruise ship. The temperature is usually in the 60-70s Fahrenheit during the day but with the cool wind from the cruise it felt much colder. It drops to the 40s at night when you may be checking for the Northern Lights (possibly visible in mid-late August). Dressing in layers is a staple for an Alaska cruise because the weather is unpredictable. 

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Fleece lined leggings (3)– The soft lining in these leggings keep you warm while you cruise. It was a staple of my cruise vacation attire. My favorite were the Under Armour ColdGear leggings. I actually bought 2 pair to wear and they are good to wear as a base layer, too.

Waterproof pants– It rained a few days of our cruise and I especially wish that I had some windproof/waterproof pants when it was raining and I was outside trying to get a good view of the glaciers calving.

Jeans– Bring at least one pair of jeans to dress up or down during the vacation.

Shorts– While I did bring them, I never used them. I have heard of people that could have worn shorts every day in Alaska. Shorts are such a small item to pack you may just want to add them in your suitcase just in case!

Shirts– You will want to bring a variety of tops to layer, including tank tops, short-sleeved shirts, and long-sleeved shirts. I waited to purchase my t-shirts in Ketchikan at a souvenir store. I suggest bringing polyester over cotton shirts to keep you warm. I really liked my Under Armour ColdGear long sleeve shirt.

Sweatshirt/Hoodie– You can also buy while in port or during one of the cruise ship sales if you do not pack one.

Sweater– You definitely are going to be in sweater weather on this cruise. Pick one that compliments many of your outfits.

Water proof jacket with hood– Make sure it has a hood on it because rain is inevitable! You don’t want to be cold AND wet! If you buy one thing for this cruise, make it a good jacket. I used a waterproof jacket in addition to a fleece jacket that I already had. I would suggest a jacket that unzips in layers so that if it’s hot and rainy you don’t have to wear the inside layer. I found this Columbia 3 in 1 jacket on Amazon that would be perfect for a cruise.

Fleece jacket-I absolutely loved my fleece jacket. It was so comfortable and I could tie it around my waist when I was too hot.

Dress/Sport coat & dress pants for men– While not everyone dresses up for formal night (especially on an Alaska cruise), I advise wearing something a bit dressier than the other nights on the cruise. A simple dress or slacks/tunic are nice for the ladies. I went all out and dressed up for our formal nights because I booked a photo package early. (Check it out- we got all pictures AND digitals for $99 as a special that was running about 8 months prior to the cruise. This was the cheapest price I saw.)

Thermal underwear– needed for colder days as a base layer. This really comes in handy on sea days when exploring the glacier regions where it can get really cold.

Pajamas– Something warm to put on after a long excursion day.

Underwear/Bras/Socks– Include wool socks as they keep you warmer than cotton socks. I would recommend hand and toe warmers. They came in handy quite a few times. My favorite socks are the rechargeable heated socks. You can thank me later for this tip! I even used them on my trip to Lapland.

Gloves – I recommend gloves that still allow you to take photos and use your cell phone. I also advise an extra pair of waterproof gloves.

Scarf– I was thankful to have a scarf when walking around the outside deck looking at the scenery. You may think you will stay and watch inside, but you will want to get out and hear the glacier calving. So, don’t forget your scarf to stay warm!

Hat– It gets cold out on the water. So, whether you are on the cruise watching the glacier calving or on a whale watching excursion, you will want to keep your head warm as that’s where your body heat is lost.

Belt-I didn’t bring a belt myself but my husband always wears one so I thought I would remind you.

Bathing suit– You may want to relax in the hot tub or take a swim in the ship’s pool. Sitting in the hot tub is a relaxing way to check out the beautiful scenery as you pass by.

Bathing suit cover up– I always bring one because I never know if the hotel I’m staying in or cruise will have a robe.

Flip flops– Nice to have for when you go to the hot tub or pool.

Dress shoes– I recommend bringing dressy shoes that match the most of your dressy clothes for the dinners onboard the ship. Just make sure they are comfortable. My days of looking good over comfort are long gone on a cruise!

Shoes– I brought a pair of tennis shoes for my normal exploring days and hiking boots for my adventurous days. If you can get some waterproof boots, especially if hiking, that would be a plus.

Toiletries– Don’t forget shampoo (if you don’t want to use the ship’s shampoo), conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrush (I buy the kind that folds over and closes so that no one can touch it when cleaning the room!). I also bring hand sanitizer and wipes to clean the light switch, door handles, remote, etc. (OCD, I know! I clean my seat on the plane, too!) It wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring some Downy wrinkle remover as there are no irons in the rooms.

Small Purse– This is handy to put your room key, small camera, and other small incidentals you may have. I also recommend my anti-theft bag for when you are in the pool or hot tub so you don’t have to worry about your belongings getting stolen. Simply wrap it around a chair, lock it, and enjoy your activities. There’s no way anyone is going to steal your items. I actually bring it with me as a purse everywhere I go because it holds my wallet, GoPro, camera, etc.

Sunglasses– I recommend a pair of polarized sunglasses to block the sun and its UVA/UVB rays. The first time I used polarized sunglasses was like a whole new world for me! I kept taking them off and putting them on saying “before, after.”  They certainly improve visibility and make things appear crisper.

Sunscreen– Even though you are in Alaska, you can still get sunburned! I personally used a lotion that had sunscreen in it and applied throughout the day. 

Binoculars– This is one trip you will want to purchase a good pair of binoculars. It was all I asked for Christmas the year prior to our Alaska cruise vacation. Chris was pretty smart and got me a used pair of Steiner binoculars from the local pawn shop that stabilized and all. Everyone that we shared them with bragged about how well they could see the bears catching fish or glaciers calving.

Camera and gear– don’t forget your zoom/wide angle lens, GoPro, tripod (if you want), or extra camera batteries and SD card. If you prefer to take pictures from your cell phone, I suggest getting a wide angle lens to use with your camera phone. Then, you can edit your photos using the free app Snapseed. I find that using this wide angle makes for some good selfies, too. I found a great camera rain cover that was handy when I wanted to take pictures of the glaciers but it was sprinkling. (Don’t forget to keep your batteries in your carry on in a fireproof bag.)

Cell phone battery charger– I take a lot of photos and videos with my camera so my battery drains rather quickly. I use the Anker PowerCore charger and never leave home without it!

Multi-USB charger-Perfect for charging your cell phone, camera batteries, and other electrical items at the same time.

OTC medication/Motion sickness prevention medication– Notice I mentioned “prevention.” It is important to start using whatever method you use at least 2 hours before getting on the cruise. If you wait, it won’t be as effective. Sure, there’s medication available on the cruise, but by that point you are already miserable. 

I suggest getting a scopolamine patch from your doctor, if not contraindicated. Just don’t do like I did and touch it repeatedly throughout the day to make sure it’s there. I started having poor vision and realized it was because I kept touching the patch. 

I always bring Aleve, Excedrin migraine, Dramamine (non-sleepy), Imodium, and Zofran on every cruise I take. Don’t forget to bring your other prescription medications, too.

Extra fold up bag– Just in case you need it to haul back souvenirs. They don’t take up much room in the suitcase and I always bring it with me. Comes in handy when the airline breaks a wheel off and you need to move over some luggage! (Yea….that happened to me in Paris!) Some of the cruise ports would no longer exist if it was not for the cruise line industry. Try to purchase items at the family owned businesses.

Passport– Please don’t forget this as all the Alaskan cruises stop in at least one international port. Here’s a cute RFID blocking passport wallet to keep everything in one place.

Well, I think that’s all the items I would suggest to bring on a cruise to Alaska in August. The good thing is that most ships have laundry on board. So, you can wash your clothes before leaving on a land tour. Are there any other items you would suggest?