Sailing to the Last Frontier: Packing Tips and Essentials for an Alaskan Cruise

Sure, you’re an experienced traveler. An experienced cruiser, even! You’ve been on plenty of the big boats, and you’ve got your routine down pat. But have you been on an Alaskan cruise? They’re a whole different animal from their immensely popular Mexican, Caribbean, or Hawaiian cruise cousins. Everything from the ideal season to the weather conditions are different, and that means almost everything you think you know about cruise packing has to change.

Don’t panic! Just because you can’t simply throw some shorts and t-shirts in your suitcase and be off to the races doesn’t mean Alaskan cruise packing has to be difficult. While we’re not going to walk you through a full and comprehensive step by step A-Z of packing, we can give you some information, tips, and recommendations to help make things a little easier. If you’ve never been on any cruise before, start here with our first timers’ guide, then come back for some Alaska specifics.

When Should You Go on an Alaskan Cruise?

The Alaskan cruise season runs from May to October, and many feel June through August are the best months to go in terms of weather, wildlife, and daylight. But there are pros and cons to any month–shoulder season months like May and September are colder, but often a bit easier on the wallet, for example; while some do love a spectacular luxury cruise, they’re not in everyone’s budget.

Why Alaska?

If you’re a big lover of cruises to warm locales, making the shift to an Alaskan cruise might not make sense to you. It’s often cold, there aren’t any palm trees, no beachy island excursions.

But an Alaskan cruise is stunning in its own unique way, much like a Great Lakes cruise experience. Both of these cruise options focus more tightly on nature and wildlife excursions. They also offer opportunities to see things you wouldn’t on a warmer weather cruise; in the case of Alaskan cruises, you might see glaciers and icebergs, snow-capped mountains, and, if you’re very lucky, the Aurora Borealis! If you’re a honeymoon cruiser, that is a possibility for an incredibly beautiful and romantic moment.

Alaskan cruises aren’t necessarily being touted as better than island cruises, but they are different, so a great opportunity for you to try something new.

What’s the Weather Like?

Weather conditions on an Alaskan cruise don’t just vary by month, they can change on a dime during the day! Even the summer months tend to be on the brisk side, with temperatures dipping into the 40’s (single digits in Celsius) and often maxing out in the low 70’s (20’s in Celsius). In terms of precipitation, May is thought to be the driest month, August and October the wettest. 

Learn to Love Layers

The best way to pack for the mercurial weather patterns on Alaskan cruises is to plan to layer your outfits. Don’t pack anything that’s too heavy, thick, or bulky–the thickest thing you might want to bring is a good, warm sweater. Overall, try to keep it to items you can mix and match and that are easily removable. The best way to be prepared is to make sure you can change things up quickly.

What’s Up With Wool?

Many items that we’re going to recommend are constructed from wool. This is because wool has a lot of great properties that make it an excellent travel material for cooler weather conditions.

Wool is warm, even when it is wet, and it’s also fire-resistant. Some wool varieties, like merino, are very lightweight, making items made from it perfect for layering. It’s moisture-wicking and tends to repel smells, so unless you spill something on it, you can wear a piece a few times before needing to give it a deep wash.

These qualities really make wool items a valuable addition to your travel wardrobe. They can be pricey, but good pieces will last you for a while; wool is a good investment.

How to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: Toiletries, Accessories & Clothing

1. Toiletries

Motion Sickness Remedies: No matter the season, you can encounter rocky waters on your cruise to Alaska. There are many tips to help mitigate it, including scopolamine patches or seasickness bands.

Sunscreen: Even in the cooler, darker months, you will need UV protection; the sun reflecting off of the water and light-colored ice still causes burns.

Lip balm with SPF: Alaska’s cool air is humid, but your lips can still dry out and crack painfully; plus, even lips can get sunburned! Lanolips has a super moisturizing SPF 30 untinted balm for $14 USD; for those of us with a lanolin sensitivity, Bondi Sands offers a delicious coconut lip balm that rocks up with an SPF of 60.

Mosquito repellant: The running joke is that mosquitos are Alaska’s unofficial state bird. Itchy bites are less funny. Be sure to pack the repellant of your choice!

Bar of laundry soap: Excursions can get a bit messy, and spills can happen anywhere. It might be worth it to pack a bar of laundry soap like the classic Fels Naptha so you can quickly take care of any major messes in your sink.

2. Accessories

Sunglasses: We repeat–the sun reflection on Alaskan cruises is no joke. Keep your eyes safe with some high polarized sunglasses while you’re outside.

Waterproof Floating Phone Pouch: Anyone can be a butterfingers at any time, and phones are expensive. Bring a floating waterproof pouch and keep your phone safe and dry.

Lightweight Day Pack: Pack a light folding day pack so you have a hands-free bag to take on excursions to hold your stuff. As a bonus, you can use it for carrying fragile souvenirs home.

Magnetic Hooks: Most cruise room doors are metal, so having some magnetic hooks on hand can give you an extra bit of space to hang jackets and hats.

Water Bottle: Stay hydrated! Especially if you like those long hiking type excursions. We love the Yeti Rambler insulated water bottle range, they keep your drinks cool for ages, and with a carabiner you can easily attach them to your day pack.

Dry Bag: As the name indicates, dry bags help keep your important things, well, dry. Maps, snacks, electronics–toss ‘em in one of these and go on your merry way.

High-Capacity Battery Bank: You’re probably going to take lots of photos and videos on your phone, and cold weather saps battery life. Keep an external battery and cables on hand.

Earplugs & Eye Mask: Cruises can be a bit noisy in general

e-Reader: Don’t bring heavy books! Pack an e-reader full of digital books to stay occupied on sailing days.

Microfiber Towel: You don’t need a big one, but these fast-absorbing towels can be a big help to dry off quickly after excursions or accidents.

3. Clothing Items for Excursions

Lightweight Jacket: Part of the layering scheme should include a lightweight, packable warm jacket. Preferably one that’s waterproof or water resistant, and with a hood.

Sturdy Hiking Footwear: If you’re the sporty hiking type, make sure you pack supportive footwear that, again, is preferably waterproof.

Wool Beanie: While it’s a myth that you lose more heat out of your head than anywhere else, you should still keep your noggin well-wrapped and cozy warm.

Gloves: Hands, too, should stay warm. Pack a thin pair that’s well insulated and has tech-touch capability so you don’t have to take them off while you’re outdoors.

Merino Base Layers: Warm, lightweight, and moisture-wicking, merino base layers will keep you dry and comfortable while you’re taking glacier walks, whale watching, or fishing.

Waterproof/Water Resistant Pants: You’re probably going to get wet on your excursions, and walking around with cold wet legs is no fun at all. Minimize that discomfort, pack the water-resistant trousers!

Wool Socks: Like the merino base layers, good wool socks keep your feet dry and comfortable while you’re out and about.

4. On Board Items

One Nice Outfit: Cruises have formal nights sometimes, or at least a restaurant that’s a bit of a nicer class than most of the others. Bring a cute outfit for nice occasions.

Comfy Slip On Shoes: You can’t live in your hiking boots! Bring some comfy shoes, but something easy to slip on and off and with a bit of tread in case of slippery or uneven conditions. Closed toe is probably a good idea as well.

Bathing Suit: You’ll need it for hot tubs and sauna time!

Happy Traveling!

Cruising, as with any form of travel, is an opportunity to create some amazing, unforgettable memories. Why should it also be a source of stress? Let our list give you a head start on packing so you have more time for the fun stuff. Bon voyage!