Alaska Cruise Packing List: Perfect For Any Time Of Year

Looking for an Alaska cruise packing list?  Are you excited about your upcoming cruise to Alaska? Look no further because I love Alaska!

I visited there several times, and have put together a packing list for your cruise to Alaska.

It is important to bring the proper clothes, shoes, and necessities to be prepared for unpredictable Alaskan weather.

Choosing what to put on your Alaska Cruise packing list need not be overwhelming.

You simply want an idea of what you need. And for your convenience, just about everything can be purchased online.

If this is your first visit to Alaska, or even if not, read about the 9 things to know before traveling to Alaska!

    The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List                 

Let’s Talk Essentials For Your Alaska Cruise Packing List

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items to add to your Alaska cruise packing list. This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and available in several colors.

These color-coded RFID sleeves will be handy to prevent identity theft.

I tend to keep my luggage locked when I travel. Even my carry-on I store in the overhead bin I keep locked. These TSA-compatible durable luggage locks have easy-to-read numbers.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.

If you are planning to spend some time in Anchorage, here are 21 of the best things to do in Anchorage that everyone will love!

Top Clothing For Your Alaska Cruise Packing List

Waterproof And Windproof Jacket

Alaskan cruises typically sail from late April through early October.

So you need to take into account Alaska’s unpredictable and unfamiliar summer weather when considering your Alaskan cruise packing list.

The temperatures along Alaska’s Inside Passage usually hover in the 50s/60s to low 70s at best during the daytime. And in the 40s to 50s at night. Think windproof and waterproof.

I like this jacket from Columbia because it comes in many colors, has a hood, is waterproof, and comes with Omni-tech technology.

I also like this Columbia jacket because it is a bit more affordable, but still is waterproof with all the technology Columbia has to offer.

Great additions to your packing list for a cruise to Alaska!

Thermal Long Underwear

Long underwear has come a long way in the last few years and is a must on your Alaska cruise packing list.

This 32 degrees scoop-neck thermal top when added to your Alaska cruise packing list, is a great option. It is exactly the kind I wear.

These women’s HEAT base layer leggings would pair perfectly.

They would keep your core and legs warm when worn as your base layer so def put them on your Alaskan cruise packing list! These are what I wear as well.

Add these when packing for Alaska cruising!

If you are cruising to Seward, here are 11 things to know before visiting Seward Alaska. 

You do not want to miss out on the opportunity to visit Exit Glacier when visiting Seward. Here are 15 important things to know before visiting Exit Glacier Alaska

Waterproof Pants

On your packing list for a cruise to Alaska, you want to put waterproof clothing. Alaskan weather can be chilly, misty, and rainy.

These windproof waterproof outdoor hiking pants perfectly fit the bill.

Whether you are hiking a glacier, on the open water whale watching, or taking an evening walk after dinner on your cruise ship, I believe they will protect you from the elements.

Another option is these lightweight waterproof pants that pack well and will stand up to the elements.

Poncho For Rainy Weather

This reusable unisex raincoat poncho is a great item to add to your Alaska cruise packing list.

I like that it folds down into its pouch. Great for packing!

Here is a family pack of reusable rain ponchos that is very affordable. This way everyone in the family is covered.

On your cruise, you will be able to choose the best Alaska Cruise Shore excursions that may be chilly and a poncho will come in handy!

These are great additions to your Alaska cruise packing!

Sweater For The Chilly Evenings

Alaskan spring and summertime weather is so unpredictable!

A neutral-colored sweater like this one would be perfect to wear with the 32 Degrees base layer under it for a day trip shopping in port.

Or with your outer jacket when hiking the glacier. Plus, because it is neutral, it will match all of your other clothing pieces nicely.

Top And Blouse

This tunic is so pretty and flowy. It would be perfect for dinner or if you are fortunate enough to have a warm afternoon during your cruise.

This beautiful long-sleeved blouse would be a fabulous addition to your packing list for your cruise to Alaska. It would be great with leggings.

Perfect for you who are road-tripping after your Alaska cruise, here are 13 of the best stops on the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Seward!

Cardigan As A Stylish Throwover 

A cardigan sweater is a must to add to your Alaska cruise packing list. I have both a black and a white open-front drape cardigan similar to this one and they both have served me well.

I like this one that is affordable and comes in many colors.  

One thing is for sure: On your Alaska cruise, you will visit picturesque Alaska towns!

Jeans/Leggings Especially For Chilly Weather

Worried about what to pack for your cruise to Alaska if the weather is chilly?

Leggings are always fashionable and so very comfortable. They are pretty much all I wear in the cold.

These extra soft leggings are in a variety of colors and are so are low-priced, so you can get a few pairs to wear.

I like these Levi Strauss-shaping bootcut jeans. Not only are they fashionable and inexpensive, but they also shape you.

Dressy Attire For Dinner

This loose flare tunic top would be a splendid choice to add to your Alaskan cruise packing list.

Another option is dressier long-sleeved tops, such as this long-sleeved tunic top. I love all the colors it is available in, and the price is great as well.

They should be on your packing list for your Alaska cruise. You can accessorize to add even a bit more flare.

Who wouldn’t love this Kate Spade personalized necklace? It would be great to wear on your cruise to Alaska.

This flared tunic dress would be a wonderful addition to your packing list for your Alaskan cruise! The lace hemline gives it an elevated look.

This sleeveless casual dress, paired with a cardigan would work perfectly. It has pockets and comes in lots of colors. I can not believe that price.

This long flowy casual maxi dress would be a great addition to your Alaska cruise packing list.

This chic maxi dress is a great item to add to your Alaska cruise packing list because it is affordable and it comes in many colors.

Looking for a shorter style? This knee-length A-line cocktail dress may interest you. I like how affordable it is.

Especially if you are planning a cruise with your best girlfriends!

Swimsuit For The Pool Or Spa

One of the first things I go to check out after boarding a cruise ship is the pool or pools, and the hot tub.

If so, certainly add a bathing suit to your Alaskan cruise packing list. This one-piece tummy control suit is beautiful, available in many colors, and is affordable.

If you want something a bit more modest, this one-piece with a swim skirt fits the bill perfectly.

You definitely will not go wrong with this shirt bathing suit coverup.

This beach bikini coverup with embroidery is also an excellent addition to your Alaska cruise packing list. You will look smashing poolside!

Look here: My 15 Best Tips For Visiting Exit Glacier

Top Shoes For Your Alaska Cruise Packing List

Waterproof Walking Shoes

Supportive shoes should top your packing list for a cruise to Alaska. And it is a good idea to invest a bit more if you can and make sure they are waterproof as well.

This waterproof trail shoe is an excellent choice to add to your Alaska cruise packing list.

If you have selected a more rigorous itinerary these waterproof hiking boots may be a better choice for you.

Athletic Shoes/Walking Shoes

You might consider adding a pair of walking shoes to your Alaskan cruise packing list.

These Skecher’s Women’s Go Walk Joy do not even need to be laced up!!

These Air Run High Fashion sneakers. They are a bit more affordable and are good-looking walking shoes with great support.

They would make an excellent addition to your packing list for your cruise to Alaska.

Comfortable Sandals For Warmer Weather

These iconic Vionic flip flops,  which I own in several colors, are so comfortable and pretty that they don’t even LOOK like orthotic sandals!

If flip-flops, with their toe post, do not interest you, maybe you will like these Vionic sandals. They are the exact kind I wear.

My ultimate sandals, the SOLE sport slide sandals, are my constant companions and I never leave home without them because they are unbelievably comfortable.

Check this out next: My List Of Unique Things To Do In Homer, Alaska

Alaska Cruise Packing List “Extras”

Hat Or Beanie

You lose the majority of your body heat through your head, so you will want to put a hat like this chunky beanie hat on your Alaska cruise packing list.

This unisex chunky slouch beanie is fashionable. It is lined to keep you warm!

If the weather is scheduled to be warmer, when you are packing for your Alaskan cruise, you can include this unisex breathable mesh quick-dry baseball sun cap.

This wide-brimmed waterproof unisex hat would be great to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. It is waterproof, packable, and comes in several colors.

Ear Mitts

These earmuffs are affordable and come in a very wide variety of colors. Space is a premium when packing and these can substitute for a beanie.

These unisex foldable earmuffs are another option. They are affordable, adjustable, and come in a variety of colors.

Thermal Headband

Another additional item to consider wearing is a thermal headband.

This thermal headband is not expensive and perfect for what to wear on an Alaskan cruise!

Gloves

These cold weather windproof thermal gloves are inexpensive and waterproof, and you can even text while wearing them.

I like these warm touch screen gloves because they are unisex and affordable.

Hand And Toe Warmers

These long-lasting warmers are fairly cheap and work for both hands and toes.

If you are like me, and disposables are a concern, these unisex rechargeable hand warmers are just the thing to keep your hands warm.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses do not have to be expensive either, and these polarized retro-round sunglasses are a great choice to add to your Alaska cruise packing list!

Aviator-style glasses are all the rage these days. So these 100% polarized unisex aviator sunglasses will keep your Alaskan packing list trendy!

Sunscreen

This Neutrogena ultrasheer sunscreen stick would be a great option for your Alaska cruise packing list. Stick sunscreens are very convenient as there is no lotion or spray to worry about spilling while traveling.

I think these Banana Boat SPF 30 travel packets would be a breeze to pack away in your luggage.

When packing for an Alaskan cruise, a daily facial moisturizer with sunscreen already in it is a wise option.

Motion Sickness Options

These anti-nausea wristbands are worth a try, as well as these non-drowsy motion sickness patches.

Your cruise ship will probably have Benadryl for sale in one of its shops should you need it.

If you are flying into Alaska or the Pacific Northwest to begin your Alaska cruise, and want to arrive healthy, read how to avoid getting sick on a plane.

Nondisposable Water Bottle

MY entire family and I never leave home without our Bobble water bottles. We like the 18.5-ounce size because it is just the right size.

The replaceable carbon filters ensure fresh clean water whenever you want it.

If you are flying to your destination city to begin your Alaska cruise, perhaps you will be interested in this collapsible water bottle. they are so lightweight.

These insulated double-walled stainless steel flasks. They come in loads of colors.

Umbrella

I like this windproof travel umbrella. It can withstand powerful wind gusts which is important.

Binoculars

Watching a glacier calve and searching for exotic Alaskan wildlife are but two situations where you might wish you had a pair of binoculars

These compact waterproof binoculars have large eyepieces so you can keep your eyeglasses or sunglasses on when you use them. They are unisex and suitable for both adults and kids.

Your children would love to have their pair of binoculars and these shockproof and splashproof binoculars would be perfect.

Staying Healthy During Your Alaska Cruise

It is difficult to keep up with the latest viruses or illnesses in the world.

You may feel comfortable wearing an N95 protective facemask.

Or you may want to consider this pack of 3 ply disposable blue facemasks.

This configuration of six 2-ounce travel sizes of Purell Advance hand sanitizer is a great choice for travel. And there would be one to give to everyone traveling!

If you are interested in wiping your hands or furniture in the cabin of your Alaska cruise ship, these Purell hand sanitizer wipes would fit the bill.

So do not forget to add these to your packing list for a cruise to Alaska!

Luggage And Bags For Your Alaska Cruise Packing List

Luggage

How much luggage to bring is always a personal decision. Carry on? Checked?

I have learned a few tricks on packing for extended trips using only a carry-on wheeled aboard bag. You can read my tips and tricks on how to pack lightly in just a carry-on here.

These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use now on every trip. I cannot believe how organized I am now!

Here is a hardshell set of luggage that is lightweight and has TSA-approved locks. It comes in many configurations and colors to select from.

This spinner softshell set of luggage is very lightweight and comes in several colors to choose from.

Backpack/Daypack

You will need a place to hold that extra sweater or a pair of socks or gloves. Add to that some snacks and your water bottles for hydration when you leave your cruise ship and go on your excursions.

If you are flying, and space is at a minimum, consider adding this to your Alaskan cruise packing list: this ultra-lightweight packable water-resistant backpack/daypack folds up into its own small carrying case to tuck away in your luggage.

This Columbia Backpack/Daypack is a great option for you as it is a bit more durable.

If there’s more than one in your party that needs a daypack, this packable lightweight backpack is foldable as well. It fits in its own case and comes as a set of two!

READ NEXT: How To Pack Lightly For Any Trip

Best Camera Gear To Pack For Your Alaska Cruise

Of course one of the top reasons to take an Alaska cruise is for the epic scenery! Those calving glaciers and wild animals you will encounter may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

So you will want to be ready with your photography equipment.

Camera

If you want your kids to make their memories, this camera with a lanyard made just for kids might be what you are looking for!

This Kodak digital camera is waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. Maybe give your cell phone a rest!

Go Pro

So check out this GoPro Hero 11 Digital Camera with a Value Bundle Pack. Here you will have the latest technology in the Go Pro series with all the accessories you will need on your cruise to Alaska.

If you are planning to road trip to Alaska here are my 12 stops to include on the perfect Alaska itinerary!

Selfie Stick And Tripod

So sometimes it is just not feasible to ask others to snap a picture of us. This portable and very lightweight FugeTek Bluetooth tripod is certainly a consideration. 

Extra SD Cards

If you choose the Sony a6400, this Gigastone 256 MG Micro SD Card is great as a backup memory card for all those precious pictures.

The above-mentioned SD card adapts to many camera models. The takeaway is no matter what make or model camera you are packing for Alaska cruise, bring along an extra SD card for insurance.

This San Disk 32GB memory card would be great to add to your Alaska cruise packing list if you intend to bring along a GoPro. 

Waterproof Phone Case

Alaskan weather is unpredictable at best. and it is an excellent idea to bring along a waterproof phone case.

This two-pack universal waterproof case dry-pouch bag is very affordable and fits a wide variety of phone models.

If you desire something more colorful when packing for your Alaska cruise get these universal waterproof phone pouches in a three-pack come in a variety of colors!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases.

Best Time Of Year For Your Alaska Cruise

There are a lot of variables to consider when selecting the best time to take an Alaskan Cruise.

First off, the price. If you choose your Alaska cruise in July, know that it is the busy season and will be more expensive.

Attractions will also be more crowded if you choose your Alaska cruise during the high season.

Secondly, the weather. While the shoulder seasons of early spring to late fall will offer the most affordable prices, the weather will undoubtedly be chillier.

If you refer to my Alaskan cruise packing list and suggestions, you will not have to worry about the weather!

Thirdly, your family and friends traveling with you will probably need to arrange time off work, and this is certainly a huge consideration in the early planning stages of an Alaskan cruise.

What is most important is that everyone is able to accompany you on your dream Alaskan cruise, so giving credence to others’ schedules is of paramount importance!

Getting To Alaska For Your Dream Alaska Cruise

There are many kinds of Alaskan cruises. Many sized cruise ships set sail from all over the Pacific Northwest with a variety of itineraries.

Likely, you will fly into either Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, British Columbia. These are the most popular origination destinations. Departing from Seattle will not require a passport.

However, if you wish to plan an add-on (before or after) segment in conjunction with your Alaskan cruise, then you most likely may need a passport to show the Canadian officials.

Some cruises leave out of Anchorage as well, and if you fly directly into Anchorage, you will not need a passport.

If you are looking for Alaska accommodations here are 12 best Airbnbs in Alaska that everyone will love.

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