What To Pack and Wear on An Alaskan Cruise

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The excitement of finally booking your dream Alaskan cruise is the best, isn’t it? Once the cruise is booked comes the planning and packing stage.

But how do you know what to pack for Alaska cruise vacations if you haven’t been to Alaska before?

After moving to Alaska, I quickly realized it has the craziest weather I’ve ever experienced. And I grew up in Florida, home of random afternoon thunderstorms and hurricanes!

There are ways to pack for your cruise and be prepared for any weather situation without going over the airline’s luggage weight limit. Read on for our Alaskan cruise packing list of items to bring on your cruise, plus some Alaska cruise tips!

When it comes to packing for an Alaskan cruise, knowing what to wear can be a bit tricky. The weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from chilly to mild, and rain is always a possibility. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure that you’re comfortable and stylish throughout your trip.

First and most importantly, dress in layers. This will allow you to adjust your clothing as the temperature changes throughout the day. Start with a base layer that will wick away moisture, such as a lightweight long sleeve shirt or thermal top.

Add a warm sweater or fleece for insulation, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof jacket. Don’t forget to bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf to keep your head, hands, and neck warm.

For excursions and outdoor activities, it’s best to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots or sneakers. If you plan on going on a glacier trek or a dog sledding adventure, make sure to bring waterproof and insulated boots.

When selecting footwear for your Alaskan cruise, be sure to choose waterproof shoes or rain boots. These will keep your feet dry and warm, even in wet conditions. Make sure your shoes have good traction for slippery surfaces.

By following these tips and packing the right clothing, you’ll be prepared for any weather conditions on your Alaskan cruise. Don’t forget to check your Alaskan cruise packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

And of course, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit if you plan on taking a dip in the ship’s pool or hot tub. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for your Alaskan cruise and ready to enjoy all of the best things the Last Frontier has to offer.

Understanding Alaskan Cruise Basics

If you’re planning an Alaskan cruise, it’s important to understand some basics before you start packing. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Best Time to Cruise to Alaska

The best month for Alaska cruise vacations actually varies depending on your preferences. The best time to take an Alaskan cruise is typically between May and September. This is when the weather is milder and the days are longer.

However, keep in mind that the peak season is in July and August, so prices may be higher and ports may be more crowded during these months.

Alaska cruise season runs from May to September. June, July, and August are typically the most popular months.

May and September are referred to as the shoulder season. They often have cheaper prices, but tend to be rainier and less warm.

If you’re looking to save some money on your Alaskan cruise, May and September would be the best way to accomplish that. While the weather can be wetter and cooler, that doesn’t mean it definitely will be!

We cruised in September, and I definitely booked it for that month since I’m pretty thrifty! We got exceptionally lucky and the weather was beautiful the entire cruise, but we had prepared for rain just in case.

If you want the best chances of warm weather during your cruise, plan for June, July, or August. The prices will be a little spendier since it’s peak season, but you have a better shot of getting warm sunshine.

It’s certainly not easy to afford to cruise as much as we want. Here are tips to save money on cruise vacations both before and onboard!

What’s the Weather Like on Alaska Cruises?

Even though May and September are typically the coolest and rainiest, all months have the potential to be quite damp and chilly. Alternatively, they can also be unbelievably warm!

Many spots in Alaska can reach over 80°F. And I feel like no one believes me when I tell them this, but 80 in Alaska actually feels WAY hotter than 80 in Florida, for example!

Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the most popular cruise ports. It’s also one of the rainiest. On average, Ketchikan gets over 140 inches of rain each year. In fact, some form of precipitation falls 234 days a year!

Alaska Weather Patterns

Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack layers and be prepared for a range of temperatures and conditions. Even in the summer, temperatures can vary from the 50s to the 70s, and rain is always a possibility. Be sure to bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walking on wet surfaces.

That’s why it’s key to be prepared. Even if it does rain on your vacation, you’ll still have an amazing time if you’re dressed appropriately so you aren’t miserably wet!

What to Wear on an Alaskan Cruise

Figuring out what to wear on your Alaska cruise can be super confusing. Here’s our suggestions to be covered no matter what the weather is like.

Layers, Layers, Layers

So basically every Alaska packing list says to wear layers. But what does that even mean? And doesn’t that make you feel bulky? Not necessarily!

Thin layers add up to nice levels of warmth, while allowing flexibility to remove a layer or two if warms up outside. On particularly brisk days, wear a thin undershirt like this one.

Layering is key to staying comfortable in the varying temperatures of Alaska. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin.

Add a fleece jacket for insulation and a rain jacket to protect against wind and rain. Thermal underwear and waterproof pants can also be added for extra warmth and protection.

Synthetic fabrics will keep you warmer while also whisking away moisture.

Add a long sleeve shirt on top, and a packable vest that you can take off and store if it warms up. If a jacket is needed, go for it.

A Windbreaker

A good quality wind breaker is essential to bring on any Alaska trip, especially a cruise. Those days sailing by icebergs and glaciers get quite gusty and cold!

Make it a waterproof one with a wide hood and you’ll be protected from rain during port days as well.

A Rain Poncho or Umbrella

If you don’t feel like carrying around your waterproof jacket on port days, make sure you toss a cheap rain poncho or umbrella into your port bag. We brought a pack like this so we each had one just in case!

Cozy Clothes for Relaxing

A favorite sweatshirt and comfy pair of leggings is a must for relaxing on your cruise. You want to be warm and snuggly to make the most out of your relaxing time onboard.

I swear, I’m practically addicted to adorable fuzzy socks! This is totally a non-essential item, so if you’re cutting it close on space, feel free to skip this one.

It does make for a fun little treat while lounging on the balcony with a warm cup of coffee..or a pizza! I mean, just check out how cute these little polar bear socks are! I got mine at Target, but here’s a similar pair on Amazon.

Pack The Essential Tech Gear

If there’s one item I won’t travel without, it’s my backup battery pack. I take so many pictures my phone seems to die much quicker than normal. This Anker battery pack can charge my iPhone around 4 times.

Binoculars are basically essential for Alaska cruises. There’s nothing like scoping out whales off the side of the ship! We brought these binoculars on our cruise and they worked great!

I also highly recommend bringing a good quality camera on your trip. Cell phones can take decent quick photos, but a high-quality DSLR camera will help you have gorgeous photos to remember your cruise!

I researched like crazy to pick the best camera for traveling. The Nikon D3500 has the longest battery life at around 1500 shots taken. It’s also one of the more compact DSLR cameras and is nice and light.

My favorite feature of the D3500 is the Guide Mode. It helps you take great photos without having to manually adjust the shutter speed and aperture. If those terms are confusing, don’t worry, the guide mode manages all that for you.

It’s great to learn how to shoot manually for optimal control over how your photos turn out, but it can be a little overwhelming. The guide mode makes sure you can take fantastic photos right out of the box.

Bring a Few Summer Clothes

While you’re preparing to stay warm, you’ll also want to make sure you’re covered for days that are much hotter than you expect. Pack a t-shirt and some shorts just in case summer weather decides to make an appearance!

A Few Nice Dinner Outfits

Alaska in general tends to be very laid back and casual, and that extends to cruise line attire. We noticed much less formality on our cruise.

While people looked nice and still dressed up, it’s not necessary to haul the fancy formal dresses and tuxes unless you absolutely want to.

And if you do, awesome! Rock that formal wear! If you want to go easy on the fancy clothes and save that luggage space for hiking boots, go for it.

My bestie has preached the benefits of a LBD (little black dress) to me for YEARS. I resisted as I prefer colorful dresses.

Until I wore this simple yet gorgeous black dress for a wedding, and it’s perfect for cruising. I packed it in my bag and when I arrived for the wedding, it was perfect and wrinkle-free.

A few different accessories, such as a dressy scarf or a glitzy wide belt and you have a completely different look if you want to wear it more than once. Plus, it’s super affordable & comes in a bunch of other colors too! I actually loved it so much that I bought it in pink sparkle for my birthday party and my next cruise!

Comfy, Pretty Flats

Cruises can be a little rocky when sailing the ocean, and Alaska cruises are no exception. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m basically a baby moose when I wear heels.

Add the rocking motion of the boat and I should just basically crawl everywhere to be safe! Cute flats are a perfect way to look great while keeping your balance.

Tieks ballet flats are perfect for cruising since they fold up nice and small. They have incredible reviews for being super comfy and pretty! I also love these ankle wrap flats I got a few years ago. They’re surprisingly comfortable and affordable!

Waterproof Hiking Boots

A good quality pair of hiking boots will keep your feet warm and dry. If you want to look like a true Alaskan, grab a pair of Xtratufs! They’re a bit bulky though, so you may want to wear them on the plane to save luggage space.

Packable Backpack

This backpack is perfect for traveling, and especially so in Alaska! If it warms up, you’re going to take off a layer or two. Running back to the ship to drop off your extra clothes is inconvenient. With this bag you can unpack it, stow your stuff and keep going on your adventures!

Bathing Suits

There’s nothing better than warming up in a hot tub after a long, busy day of hiking and exploring. Bringing a bathing suit will let you soak away your worries and aches.

All The Accessories

Accessories go a long way to making you comfortable with the cooler weather. Your outerwear should be durable and waterproof to withstand the elements.

A high-quality rain jacket is a must-have, as well as waterproof shoes or rain boots to keep your feet dry. Don’t forget to bring a hat and a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the cold if you have a surprise cold front.

The summer sun in Alaska can be pretty brutal. While it’s not quite the midnight sun, which is 24 hours of daylight and happens much further north closer to the Arctic Circle, the days are still unbelievably long and bright.

In Skagway, Alaska they receive 18 hours and 39 minutes of daylight on summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and sunglasses!

Dressing for Onboard Activities

When it comes to dressing for onboard activities on your Alaskan cruise, it’s important to strike a balance between comfort and style. Here are some ideas for what to wear during different types of activities:

Formal Night Attire

Most Alaskan cruises have at least one formal night, where passengers are encouraged to dress up for dinner and other events. For men, dress pants and a button-up shirt are usually sufficient, but a suit or tuxedo is also appropriate. Women can opt for a cocktail dress or formal pantsuit.

Casual Outfit Ideas

During the day, casual attire is the norm on most Alaskan cruises. Comfortable clothing is key, especially if you plan to participate in activities like hiking or kayaking. Flannel shirts and long-sleeved shirts are great options for layering, and jeans or khakis are always a safe choice.

Active and Outdoor Wear

If you plan to participate in outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking, it’s important to wear appropriate clothing. This may include moisture-wicking clothing, hiking boots, and a waterproof jacket. Don’t forget to pack a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

Overall, the key to dressing for onboard activities on your Alaskan cruise is to strike a balance between comfort and style. By packing a variety of outfits for different types of activities, you’ll be prepared for anything your cruise has to offer.

Packing for Excursions and Weather Variations

When packing for your Alaskan cruise, it’s important to consider the variety of weather conditions you may encounter during your trip. To ensure you are prepared for any situation, pack a mix of warm and cold weather gear, as well as waterproof layers and shore excursion gear.

Shore Excursion Gear

When planning for your shore excursions, it’s important to consider the activities you will be participating in. For example, if you plan on going hiking, make sure to pack comfortable and sturdy shoes, as well as appropriate clothing for the terrain. If you plan on going kayaking, make sure to pack a waterproof bag to keep your belongings dry.

Adapting to Changing Conditions

Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for changing conditions. Pack layers that can easily be added or removed as needed. For sunny days, pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. For rainy days, pack a waterproof jacket and pants to keep yourself dry.

When packing for your Alaskan cruise, it’s important to consider both the weather and the activities you will be participating in. By packing a mix of warm and cold weather gear, waterproof layers, and shore excursion gear, you can ensure that you are prepared for any situation that may arise during your trip.

Accessories and Miscellaneous Items

Gadgets and Electronics

When packing for your Alaskan cruise, it’s important to bring the right gadgets and electronics to ensure you capture all the breathtaking scenery and stay connected with loved ones. Don’t forget to bring your cell phone and a portable charger to keep it charged throughout your trip. You may also want to consider bringing a zoom lens for your camera to capture wildlife from a distance.

Personal Comfort Items

Alaskan cruises can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared with personal comfort items. A refillable water bottle is a must-have, as you’ll want to stay hydrated throughout the day. Insect repellent is also a good idea to protect against pesky mosquitoes and other bugs. Lastly, bringing plastic bags can be helpful for storing wet or dirty clothes.

Overall, these accessories and miscellaneous items will ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable Alaskan cruise.

If you’re taking an Alaskan cruise, which ports are you visiting? Share below and pin this for later!