Packing for an Alaskan cruise is like getting ready for all four seasons at once! Picture this: one moment, you’re gazing at breathtaking glaciers and stunning landscapes, and the next, the weather completely changes. You might be fighting against wind and rain in the morning, only to be soaking up the sun by the afternoon. To truly enjoy Alaska’s incredible wilderness, you need the right gear—think layers, waterproofs, and everything in between. Get ready for an adventure where being prepared makes all the difference!
I’ll never forget getting absolutely drenched on a shore excursion in Ketchikan. The morning started sunny and clear, so I left my waterproof jacket in the cabin—big mistake! By midday, the clouds rolled in, and I got soaked. Lesson learned: Alaska’s weather is unpredictable, so always bring waterproof gear on excursions!
Trust me, having the right gear can make or break your Alaskan cruise. If it’s your first time visiting America’s Last Frontier, packing can be tricky. Essentials like waterproof shoes, layers, bug spray, and binoculars are a must—but there’s more to consider. In this post, I’m sharing my top packing tips and insider advice from seasoned cruisers who’ve experienced Alaska in every season.
Why a Packing List for an Alaska Cruise is Essential
Packing for an Alaska cruise is nothing like getting ready for a Caribbean getaway. In Alaska, you need to be ready for every kind of weather—expect rain at least once during your trip! One day might be filled with cold winds and rain, and the next could be all sunshine and blue skies.
Shore excursions in Alaska’s diverse landscape also require careful planning. For example, you need different gear for hiking in lush, damp forests, glacier trips, whale watching on Zodiacs, and cozy onboard evenings. Some premium cruise lines in Alaska also organize formal nights. Therefore, a well-planned Alaskan cruise packing list lets you enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Alaska’s cruise season runs from May through October. Its cool, damp climate means that packing a variety of clothing is crucial. Day temperatures range from 45°F (7°C) in May to between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C) in June and July, typically the warmest months. Regardless of the month, it rains a lot in Alaska.
It goes without saying that essential items for an Alaskan cruise include travel documents, travel insurance, cash, credit cards, and chargers for mobile devices. You want to avoid classic mistakes first-time cruisers make when traveling to Alaska.
Related reading: The best time for an Alaskan cruise.
What to Pack for Cruising in Alaska: Clothing
When deciding what to wear in Alaska, think “layers.” At any time of day, the weather can turn from cool and drizzly to bright sunshine, then back to brisk and breezy. Layers will help you prepare for all types of weather without packing bulky clothing.
Here are some of my top cruise packing tips to stay warm and dry in Alaska.
Base layers
Start with moisture-wicking base layers to stay warm and dry in damp drizzle or pounding rain. Pack lightweight, long underwear and thermal tops to keep warm during chilly mornings and evenings. This is your first line of defense against chilly Alaskan weather.
Remember to pack some long-sleeve shirts. I’ve found these invaluable when cruising Alaska in the summer to protect my skin from sunburn and bugs.
Mid Layers
Lightweight sweaters, vests, or fleece jackets are the best clothing for your mid-layers. They are easy to wear when enjoying time on the cruise ship deck or exploring cruise port cities like Skagway, Juneau, and Anchorage. You’ll appreciate the extra layers when the weather drops in the evening.
Outer layers
Wind and water-resistant clothing is a must for cruising in Alaska. The climate is notorious for sudden gusts of wind or heavy showers. Therefore, an easy-to-pack waterproof jacket protects you from all the elements—sometimes, experienced on the same day. A rain jacket also keeps you dry when it’s damp and misty.
Pants
Pack pants that work well for hiking, shore excursions, and hanging out onboard. The pants should be breathable, quick-drying, and comfortable. It’s also vital to remember water and wind-resistant pants for bushwhacking hikes, kayaking excursions, and exploring ports in a downpour.
Also, don’t forget to bring outdoor shorts. Although Alaska gets chilly, you can also enjoy warm, sunny days, especially in June and July. Outdoor shorts give you the flexibility to enjoy warmer days comfortably.
Footwear
Unlike a Caribbean cruise, where a pair of sandals and comfortable walking shoes suffice, you need a range of sturdy footwear for cruising Alaska. Ensure you have comfortable, waterproof hiking boots with good traction for walking in wet, muddy places. Also, a pair of sneakers is excellent for relaxing on board.
Many cruisers also recommend a pair of sandals for onboard the cruise ship. This gives your feet some time to breathe after hiking in damp places.
My advice is to check with the cruise line if you can rent Wellington-style boots. This can mean you don’t have to purchase them before your cruise. Also, don’t bring newly-bought footwear. The last thing you want is to miss shore excursions because you have sore blisters.
Socks
Pack plenty of wool, thermal, or moisture-wicking socks—I’d recommend at least eight pairs for a weeklong cruise. Socks will get wet and won’t dry as fast on board due to the damp Alaskan climate. A few extra pairs of socks never go amiss on a cruise in colder climates.
Gloves, hat, and scarf
Don’t forget to pack a warm hat, gloves, and scarf—even if you’re cruising in summer. Many cruisers regret not packing these items as they got too cold on deck on chilly mornings while admiring the diverse landscapes and glaciers.
I find a pashmina scarf a versatile accessory for cruising in Alaska. It is stylish and exceedingly warm and can double up as a sunshade, light blanket, or small pillow.
Swimwear
Don’t think it’s strange to pack swimwear for your first Alaskan cruise—you’ll be glad you did. Most cruise ships in Alaska have heated pools, hot tubs, saunas, and a spa. You can warm up, relax, and unwind after a day of strenuous hiking. Some cruises also arrange polar plunges for fans of cold-water swimming.
Casual wear
Most cruise lines in Alaska have a casual dress code onboard. So, packing jeans, t-shirts, jogging pants, and cozy sweaters is ideal. You’ll have enough clothing to relax in and stay warm during cooler days.
Formal attire
Many Alaska cruise ships have at least one formal night, so pack something a little dressy. While the dress code may not be tuxedos and cocktail dresses, you’ll need smart evening wear to attend the main dining restaurant. Thermal underwear is also helpful for layering if you plan on spending time on deck.
Related reading: How much is a cruise to Alaska?
Packing List for Alaska: Gear and Technology
Always ensure you have the right gear in your luggage. Alaska has some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife, rugged landscapes, and glaciers. So, having the right equipment ensures you capture unforgettable moments on your cruise vacation.
Binoculars
Binoculars are a must-have item on a cruise in Alaska. I remember special moments when, from the deck, I watched a whale breach near Hubbard Glacier. I’ve also spotted brown bears, eagles, caribou, and moose, either from the ship or when hiking.
Alaska cruise ships provide binoculars in the cabin; however, I’d suggest bringing your own. The ship’s binoculars are OK, but I have a more compact, powerful set of binoculars. I also recently invested in high-quality digital binoculars that record video up close and take pictures.
Camera
Alaska is a photographer’s dream at any time of the cruise season. While you can take snapshots with your phone, a dedicated camera with zoom capabilities will let you capture stunning landscapes, glaciers, or wildlife. Remember to bring extra memory cards and batteries to ensure you can take as many photos as possible.
Good sunglasses
First-time cruisers in Alaska are surprised by how intense the sun’s glare can be. Therefore, pack a pair of good-quality, polarized sunglasses. When you’re in Glacier Bay National Park, you’ll be glad of the sunglasses to avoid squinting from intense reflection off the water and ice.
Many experienced cruisers recommend taking two pairs of sunglasses in case one pair gets lost or broken. The consensus is that Maui Jim and Costa Del Mar are the best brands if you can get a deal. Regardless of the brand, ensure they are polarized to reduce glare and eye strain.
Sleep mask
If you’ve never been on a cruise to Alaska before, you may not realize how the long daylight hours play havoc with sleep patterns. Mid-summer daylight hours range from 18 to 24, depending on your location. Therefore, a sleep mask is one of the essential cruise items for packing in your luggage.
Explore various designs and reviews of some of the most popular sleep masks, for taking on an Alaska cruise.
Daypack
You’ll find that a waterproof daypack is crucial for shore excursions to keep your gear dry and functioning. Even if it’s not raining, forests can get damp and misty, and you need to protect your camera, binoculars, phone, snacks, and extra clothing. And there’s always the possibility of a sudden downpour.
Waterproof bags
I find it handy to ensure my electronic gear and gadgets have individual waterproof bags. This adds an extra layer of protection from splashes, rain, or seawater spray.
Waterproof phone case
I discovered a helpful tip on several cruise forums: buy a waterproof floating pouch for your mobile phone. The phone case is perfect for keeping your mobile phone safe during boat excursions. It usually comes with a lanyard, making it easy to secure your phone around your neck and have it within reach.
Check out types and various sizes of waterproof bags that come complete with a phone case.
After hearing a horror story about one cruiser who dropped his mobile phone in the ocean on his first day, I decided to invest in a floating waterproof phone case. I was glad of it when I accidentally dropped my phone while kayaking.
Trekking poles or collapsible walking stick
Does your Alaska cruise itinerary include hiking in Denali National Park or glacier walks? If so, packing trekking poles can make the adventure more enjoyable. Trails in Alaska can be rugged and slippery. Therefore, having a walking stick or poles gives you extra stability. They’re also lightweight and don’t take up room in your daypack or luggage.
Foldable umbrella
A compact foldable umbrella is a great item to pack for an Alaskan cruise when sudden downpours can catch you out unexpectedly. It fits nicely in the mesh pocket on the side of your backpack and doesn’t take too much space.
Discover color and design options for a traveler’s foldable umbrella along with the cost.
Essential Supplies to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
Beyond suitable clothing and tech gear, packing the proper personal items and supplies makes your Alaska cruise more comfortable and enjoyable. The combination of cool weather, wind, and long days outdoors means you’ll want to prepare for all sorts of conditions.
Sunscreen
Although Alaskan summers are cooler and damper than you’re used to, the sun’s rays are surprisingly strong. UV radiation reflects off the crystal clear waters and icy-blue glaciers. Therefore, you need to have a good sun protection with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and a high SPF of at least 30.
On one cruise discussion forum, I read that it’s possible to get sunburned even at 10 p.m. Other cruisers talked about their experiences of sunbathing at 2 or 3 a.m. So, the threat of sunburn is real day and night.
Don’t forget to pack Aloe Vera gel if you get sunburned. Some studies suggest that aloe vera can help reduce skin redness caused by UV light exposure. Alternatively, you could bring OTC cream to treat skin burns.
Lip balm
Remember to pack moisturizing lip balm with a high SPF factor. Alaska has the perfect climate for dry, chapped lips—wind, cold air, and sunshine. Keeping your lips moist helps you enjoy shore excursions and your time on deck.
Moisturizer
The cold, damp Alaskan air, saltwater spray, and strong wind can be harsh on your skin. Most cruisers recommend bringing a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Even if you typically don’t use it, you may find that your facial skin suffers in Alaska’s climate.
Some cruisers recommend a quality moisturizer with strong SPF protection. This reduces the risk of sunburn and keeps skin hydrated, soft, and free from blemishes. It also acts as an effective barrier against the cold.
Bug spray
Insect repellent must be on your Alaskan cruise packing list if you’re cruising in the summer. Mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying insects are a significant nuisance in forests and hiking trails. And the last thing you want is to scratch itchy bites for the duration of your cruise vacation.
Apply insect repellent liberally on clothing before disembarking, and reapply as needed for a bug-free adventure.
Medications
Don’t forget to pack essential prescription and over-the-counter medicines. I usually pack first-aid essentials like painkillers, antihistamines, and Imodium for unforeseen events. Remember to keep prescription meds in their original packing to avoid issues at security.
However, you may want to take seasickness remedies. Many cruisers say that the waters around Alaska are rougher than those on a typical cruise in the Mediterranean or Caribbean. Although the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay waters are protected, some areas still get large swells.
Alaska Cruise Packing Tips for Different Months and Seasons
Knowing what to pack for an Alaska cruise is challenging because the entire cruise season is relatively short, and each month has different weather conditions.
Here’s what to expect during each part of the cruise season and what to include on your cruise packing list.
Early season (May – June)
Expect the weather to be chilly with plenty of rain. However, don’t expect every day to be overcast. Days can be surprisingly sunny, especially at the end of May and the beginning of June. Pack plenty of layers, rain gear, and a good fleece jacket.
The early cruise season in Alaska is the best time to spot bears from the deck. They are usually at lower elevations, scavenging for food after the long winter.
In June, you enjoy the longest days, with northern Alaska experiencing 24 hours of daylight. Therefore, packing a sleep mask is essential.
Peak season (July – August)
Peak cruise season in Alaska is July and August, the warmest months. Temperatures can hit 75°F (24°C), and you enjoy long summer days. You don’t have to bring so many warm layers because the weather is more pleasant. Some days, you’ll enjoy exploring cruise ports in a T-shirt and a pair of shorts.
Remember, the constant chance of rain means that a small, folding umbrella and rain gear are essential items for daypacks. And don’t forget the bug spray. Pesky mosquitoes are everywhere in forests, lakes, and on hiking trails.
Late season (September – October)
As the cruise season in Alaska comes to an end, you’ll see fewer crowds in port cities. It’s also when you can pick up fantastic deals or book a repositioning cruise. Expect temperatures to drop to 50°F to 40°F (10°C to 4°C), strong winds, rain, and even a flurry of snow.
Fall in Alaska is one of the most beautiful seasons, with foliage turning shades of orange, red, and yellow. It’s also when wildlife sightings are at their peak. If you’re fortunate, you may get to see the Northern Lights, so bring a camera equipped for taking nighttime photos.
Final Thoughts and Extra Resources for Your Alaskan Cruise Adventure
Packing for an Alaskan cruise is all about being prepared for any kind of weather and adventure. With the right layers, waterproof gear, and essential items, you’ll be set to fully enjoy your time in America’s Last Frontier. Don’t forget to think ahead and consider what you’ll need for both shore excursions and relaxing onboard.
If you’re planning to dive deeper into what makes an Alaskan cruise special, you might want to explore small ship cruises for an epic Alaska adventure or learn about the critical mistakes cruisers make on their Alaska adventure. And, if you’re still deciding when to go, check out the best time for an Alaska cruise: a monthly breakdown. Happy cruising, and may your Alaskan journey be one for the books!
