Packing for any trip usually comes with a mix of both excitement and apprehension. It can be hard to know exactly what you need for a trip. This is why it can be important to pack early and give yourself plenty of time to methodically choose what clothing and items you might need for your voyage.
I recently returned home from my first Alaska cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. Before sailing, I had read that in the middle of summer, Alaska, while thought of being a cold destination, can get rather warm. It can get complicated packing for a cruise destination with multiple climates.
Here are some of the items and clothing choices that I packed for my Alaska cruise. Some of these items can be found on Amazon through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. If you do choose to purchase through the links provided, we thank you for supporting Cruise Blog!
Now that I have returned from this cruise I am thankful for packing layers and preparing for anything for our Alaskan adventure in the Last Frontier!
Read: Alaska cruise guide
#10 - Rain Jacket And Rain Gear
While it might seem obvious, Alaska is a rainy destination. Therefore, packing proper rain gear can be very important regardless of the season or month you plan to visit.
During our week-long sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia to Seward, Alaska, it rained several times. While we were lucky enough to encounter some sunshine, we were thankful to have a good rain jacket to protect us from the elements.
In addition to a rain jacket, I would recommend packing a small travel-sized umbrella. A small umbrella that fits inside a backpack or bag is a great option and can be an added layer of protection against any downpours that might happen throughout your port visit.
#9 - Swim Suit
While it is often quite chilly in Alaska, the hot tubs and pools onboard the cruise ships can be a warm way to relax and unwind on your vacation. For this reason, I highly recommend bringing a swimsuit in addition to your warmer clothes and layers.
There will also more likely than not be a spa onboard your chosen cruise ship. The spa is a great way to pamper yourself during a sea day while sailing through the majestic Alaskan fjords.
#8 - Sweaters And Layers
Sweaters and layers will quickly become your outfit staples when cruising an Alaskan itinerary. The scenery of Alaska is truly breathtaking, and passengers will want to appreciate the views on the outside decks without getting too cold.
A couple good sweaters for layering can help you stay warm from the early morning whale watching to the late evening bald eagle spotting while onboard your Alaska cruise.
While Alaska is primarily known for its chilly temperatures, it can also get warm in locations such as south Alaska in the peak summer. For this reason, I recommend packing layers, perhaps long sleep shirts that a sweater and a rain jacket can be worn over, leggings and boots, jeans, and a pair of sneakers.
While it is important to consider all the different forms of weather you may face on an Alaskan cruise, I would caution against over-packing. Overpacking can be stressful when you are trying to manage luggage and it can lead to hefty baggage fees if you exceed the weight limit.
For this reason, I would recommend packing minimally and trying to only bring items that you know you will wear for a fact on your cruise.
#7 - Comfortable Walking Shoes
Something that is often important to bring on any trip is a good pair of walking shoes. However, on an Alaskan cruise, a comfortable pair of walking shoes can be especially important.
Oftentimes, many of the interesting sights are a bit of a walk from where the ship may dock. For example, onboard the Norwegian Jewel, we were always docked a little ways away from the main town area. This required us to do some walking, and at some ports, we had to walk over a mile to get to the main downtown area.
Additionally, some of the famous sights and attractions, such as the Mendenhall Glacier, require some walking to get to unless cruise passengers book an excursion or hire a car or helicopter to take them to the glacier.
We opted to take the public bus to see Mendenhall Glacier, and it dropped us off at a stop that required us to walk a mile and a half to get to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center. For these walks, I was thankful for a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
I would also recommend that cruise passengers also pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes that are at least somewhat waterproof. It does rain quite a bit in Alaska, even in the summertime. Waterproof footwear can help eliminate any midday uncomfortable wardrobe hassles.
These are the boots that I have worn on several cruise sailings to cold-weather destinations. They are very comfortable, and my favorite for most of my travels! These boots are warm and waterproof while not being too heavy, which makes them great for packing.
Read: Alaska cruises in 2024 guide
#6 - Two Nicer Outfits For Dinner
Commonly, cruise passengers will dress up for dinner each night of a cruise sailing. However, I was surprised to discover that guests onboard our Alaska sailing did not change for dinner as much as on warmer weather itineraries to regions such as the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Instead, guests tended to wear whatever they had been wearing all day to dinner. This meant fewer outfit changes.
Overall, I find this to be a more common occurrence on cold-weather cruises. I brought just two dresses specifically for dinner onboard our ship and found they were more than suitable for our week-long adventure. Some nights I would change into one of these dresses, while other nights I would wear the outfit to dinner that I had been wearing while we were out in port.
It all comes down to personal style, taste, and preferences of each traveler.
Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line, there is a relaxed dress code. According to signs posted outside some of the restaurants, guests are not usually permitted to wear things such as flip-flops, swimwear, or other forms of very casual clothing. However, overall the atmosphere onboard NCL is relaxed, and guests are permitted to wear relatively casual clothing to dinner.
Read: What should I wear on a cruise? Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line’s dress code
#5 - A Hat And Scarf
Along the same line of packing layers, bringing a couple cold weather accessories can make a big difference when cruising to Alaska. I brought with me one scarf and one beanie-style hat for our cruise. These two cold-weather accessories proved to be the perfect combination for our week-long voyage through Alaska.
The chilly breeze off the ocean water and glaciers can cause the outside temperature to feel colder than it is. For this reason, I ended up wearing my beanie more than I initially thought that I would. I was especially grateful for my scarf and hat during evenings onboard the ship.
Walking around the outside of the ship and taking in the gorgeous views is a big draw of any Alaskan cruise. Having a hat and scarf can help ensure that you stay warm enough, so you can stay outside longer and spot some of the local wildlife such as whales while you enjoy the sunset.
This is the beanie that I bought just before our trip. It proved to be the perfect amount of warmth, style, and comfort for me during our cruise.
#4 - Portable Phone Charger
I was pleasantly surprised to find that each day we were stopped in port, we had upwards of 8 hours ashore each day. Some ports we had over 12 hours, which was an amazing opportunity to explore and fully discover everything Alaska has to offer!
Because we had so much time available, I was excited to take advantage of the ability to spend all day off the ship exploring the stops of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Straight Point.
While having long days in port is definitely a good thing when cruising, it does mean that passengers should be prepared for long days and bring with them items they might need to take with them. One of the items I never leave the ship without is a portable phone charger.
In today’s age, cell phones are essential when it comes to travel. From Google Maps and navigation to making emergency calls, taking photos, and more, a cell phone has become a necessary tool when going out and about during a port stop. Having a portable charger with you means you will never run into a situation where your cell phone is dead and you need it.
This is the portable charger that I have used on many cruise sailings. It works great and has several charging capabilities including a USB port, USB-C port, and more.
Read: 20 Alaska cruise must-do excursions
#3 - First Aid Kit And Emergency Items
Something that I learned on my first cruise was the importance of bringing a small emergency and first aid kit with you.
Packing some basic items such as Vitamin C, band-aids, cough drops, nasal spray, decongestant, hand sanitizer, and more will help keep you healthy and able to combat sickness should it strike during your cruise vacation.
Being sick on vacation is never fun. For this reason, I usually will take Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin D each day of my cruise. This has helped me from getting sick many times when other members of my travel party have caught a small cold.
Nearly every trip, some item in my first aid and emergency kit has come in handy, and it is now my number one most recommended packing item! Each person’s emergency kit will be different and cater to their needs and desires to best help them during their cruise sailings should they need it.
#2 - Book, Cards, Entertainment
As with any travel experience travelers will often be confronted with time spent on airplanes, cars, trains, and more. Additionally, most Alaskan cruises have at least one sea day in their itinerary.
I highly recommend bringing a book, a deck of cards, and downloading some TV shows and movies on your phone or tablet. I personally enjoy bringing a Kindle with me, especially on cruises, and this came in handy during our train rides through Alaska and our days spent at sea.
I personally enjoy reading books about the places I am traveling to while I am there. While on our Alaska cruise, I read a book about the women of the Klondike and the gold rush, and it was very interesting!
A deck of cards can also be a great option to pack for any cruise. Playing a game of cards with family and friends on the pool deck while taking in the beautiful Alaskan scenery sounds like a great morning or afternoon at sea!
Read: Is Norwegian Cruise Line good? 10 surprising reasons I think this cruise line is worth it
#1 - Small Backpack
During our Alaskan cruise, I found it especially helpful to have a small backpack with me. This backpack was a great resource for storing my phone, portable charger, small water bottle, and any other small items I might need during a long port day. A small backpack is also great for storing any purchases made throughout your visit around the port towns.
Because some cruise passengers will do a lot of walking during their visits to Alaskan ports, I recommend a small backpack over a large backpack or a crossbody bag. Having a comfortable option will allow guests to walk further distances while not being encumbered by large bags.
This is the exact backpack I have used on several cruises now. I appreciate that it can easily be cleaned, has plenty of storage, and has a designated pocket in the front for easy access to my phone for taking pictures while we are exploring around town.
Read: Where to keep your cruise card, phone, and cash during a shore excursion?
Packing for any trip can be exciting and nerve-wracking
When traveling to a destination for the first time it is important to do some research on exactly what you may or may not need in order to best prepare and be best equipped to have a great cruise vacation.
We had a wonderful time on our first cruise to Alaska. It is definitely somewhere that I would visit again. With a little planning and thought packing for a trip can be exciting, it means you are one step closer to a great cruise sailing!
Read: I went on a 12 night Transatlantic cruise and only packed in a carryon
Hayley Phillips
Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning.
