15 Essential Items to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
Whether you've already booked an Alaska cruise or have it on your bucket list for some point in the future, you probably already know that Alaska offers a different experience from traditional tropical or Caribbean cruises. Instead of sun-splashed sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, you'll see towering mountain ranges topped with snow surrounded by emerald rainforests, glaciers moving through pristine waters, and abundant wildlife.
Packing for an Alaska cruise won't be like preparing for a typical cruise getaway. Here's what you need to pack so that you'll be ready for everything from chilly mornings on the deck to active shore excursions on warm afternoons.
01 Layered clothing
Alaska's weather is unpredictable even during summer, and it's possible that you'll experience several different outdoor conditions during the course of the day. Packing clothing that's easily layered ensures that you're ready for everything from warm, sunny interludes to rainy or windy spells. Layered clothing is particularly important during shore excursions because you won't be able to return to your cabin to adjust your attire to accommodate changes in the weather.
02 Sturdy, slip-proof footwear
Sturdy footwear is essential for enjoying an Alaska cruise. Visitors encounter a wide range of terrain, including slippery decks during or after a rainy patch and uneven trails during shore excursions. Boardwalks instead of traditional concrete sidewalks are common in certain ports of call, such as Skagway's main drag on Broadway Street and Ketchikan's Creek Street district, and these can be slick under wet conditions. Proper footwear ensures your comfort and safety, allowing you to fully enjoy exploring Alaska's port cities and shore excursions without worrying about slips, falls, and sore feet.
03 Warm socks and a hat
Warm socks and a hat are necessary items even during the summer months for those on an Alaska cruise. The weather can be surprisingly chilly, particularly when you're on the deck as the cruise ship sails through open waters. Pack high-quality thermal socks to keep your feet warm and dry while you enjoy long days of excursions and sightseeing. A cozy hat will protect you from the brisk winds and cooler temperatures of the evening hours.
04 A pair of binoculars
A good pair of binoculars enhances your ability to appreciate the stunning natural beauty the area offers. Your ship will pass within close proximity to a number of uninhabited islands, where you'll be able to see wildlife on the shores as well as marine life in the surrounding waters. Dolphins frequently follow cruise ships, and it's not unusual to see a whale breaching in the distance. Choose binoculars that are waterproof with a fog-resistant lens to ensure that you don't miss out on any of Alaska's awe-inspiring sights.
05 Mosquito repellant
The Alaska State Bird is actually the Willow Ptarmigan, although it's a running theme among Alaska residents that the honor actually belongs to the mosquito. You probably won't see much mosquito activity while on the ship itself due to the movement of the ship as it travels through the water. However, port cities can be a different story, especially if you're traveling during July or August. Keeping mosquito repellent handy ensures that you'll be able to enjoy an evening in port instead of having to hurry back to your cabin to prevent irritating bites.
06 Motion sickness aids
Alaska waters have the potential to be somewhat rough even during summer, so be sure to pack along your favorite motion sickness aids to help ensure a comfortable journey. Effective options include over-the-counter medications that prevent and alleviate typical motion sickness symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. If you prefer a more holistic, natural approach, consider packing peppermint essential oil or ginger tablets.
Some travelers find relief by wearing acupuncture wristbands that apply gentle pressure to specific points on the wrist. If you're prone to severe motion sickness while at sea, check with your physician to explore prescription options to make sure that you experience smooth and comfortable sailing while on your Alaska cruise.
07 Mineral sunscreen
Packing sunscreen for an Alaska cruise may seem counterintuitive given the cool, overcast weather that typically dominates Alaska's coastal communities, even during the summer. However, the sun's UV rays can be intense during an Alaska summer, particularly when reflected off the water or glacier ice. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which protect you by reflecting the sun's rays off of your skin.
Mineral sunscreens are especially appropriate for Alaska because they're considered safer than chemical sunscreens for marine life. One travel-sized bottle of mineral sunscreen per person is probably all that you'll need to shield your skin from the sun during your Alaska adventure.
08 A camera and accessories
Alaska's pristine forests, abundant wildlife, towering glaciers, and snow-capped peaks provide travelers with substantial opportunities to capture the memorial moments of their cruise to revisit and share with others. While most travelers find that their phone cameras do an acceptable job of taking quick selfies for social media posts, they aren't really up to the job of doing Alaska's majestic landscapes and quaint port cities justice.
A DSLR camera that provides superior resolution, zoom capabilities, and customizable settings is far more suitable for documenting the many highlights of your Alaska cruise. Be sure to pack along a waterproof camera bag, a lens-cleaning kit, and extra batteries.
09 A small first-aid kit
Packing along a small first aid kit is a practical precaution that prepares you for minor injuries or health issues that may arise. Include essential items such as bandages, antibacterial wipes, antiseptic ointment, over-the-counter pain relievers, and any prescription medications that you need. Scissors, tweezers, and topical blister treatments can address any discomforts experienced during shore excursions. Although cruise ships are typically well-stocked with basic first aid items, packing your own small kit provides immediate access to the specific supplies that you need, especially if you take them with you on shore excursions.
10 A sturdy daypack
A sturdy daypack is just what cruise ship travelers need to slip their small first aid kits, extra clothing, water bottles, and other important items into when exploring Alaska's port cities, participating in shore excursions, or even hanging out on the deck of the ship. Look for one made of waterproof material with features such as padded straps for comfort and multiple compartments to keep things well-organized and easy to find.
11 A light windbreaker
A light windbreaker will help you feel comfortable in the cool, breezy coastal climate conditions that you'll likely encounter during your cruise. Alaska summer sunsets are long and lingering, but outdoor temperatures usually cool down significantly during the evening hours. Additionally, light rains and chilly winds can crop up at any time of the day in Alaska, only to be replaced an hour later by a warm, sunny interlude. A windbreaker featuring a lightweight, packable design keeps you prepared for these fluctuations.
12 A microfiber travel towel
Microfiber travel towels are lightweight, compact, and dry very quickly, making them ideal for including on your packing list for your Alaska cruise. These towels are highly absorbent, allowing you to dry off quickly after an unexpected rain shower. Unlike their traditional counterparts, these towels take up minimal space in your luggage, which leaves you with more room for other important items.
Their quick-drying properties ensure that you won't be left having to deal with damp, musty towels in your daypack or cabin. As an added bonus, microfiber travel towels can easily be converted into makeshift blankets or cushions for extra comfort during outdoor activities.
13 A waterproof phone pouch
Alaska's unpredictable weather and frequent proximity to water during shore excursions make packing a waterproof phone pouch both smart and practical. Typical excursions such as whale watching, hiking near creeks and waterfalls, and kayaking will be more enjoyable if your phone is protected from splashes, rainfall, and even accidental drops into the water. Many modern phone pouches are designed to allow touchscreen functionality, allowing users to navigate their phones to make calls, check maps, etc., without removing it from the pouch.
14 An empty piece of luggage
There are several reasons why taking an extra piece of luggage along on your Alaska cruise is a smart strategy. As you explore the various ports of call, you're likely to come across a variety of unique souvenirs and gifts that you'll want to take home with you, and an extra bag will provide you with the necessary space to accommodate them. Cruise travelers frequently find themselves overstuffing their existing luggage, resulting in disorganization and even damage to fragile and otherwise vulnerable items.
An extra bag also gives you a convenient place to stash your dirty laundry separately from your other items. Collapsible bags that fold down to a compact size are good choices for cruises because they take up minimal space until they're needed.
15 A sense of adventure
A sense of adventure is the most important thing you can take with you on an Alaska cruise. An adventurous spirit allows travelers to embrace unpredictable weather patterns, soak up the incredible scenery, and take full advantage of opportunities to explore. Whether you're ocean kayaking through icy waters, going on a whale watching tour, or boarding a train for White Pass for a firsthand look at the route traveled by fortune seekers during the Klondike Gold Rush, stepping out of your comfort zone enriches your journey and lets you live in the moment.
You'll engage more easily with fellow travelers and local residents as well as fully appreciate Alaska's pristine beauty by cultivating a sense of adventure — and unlike the previous suggestions, it won't take up any room in your luggage.
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