Alaska Cruise Outfit Ideas
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The hardest part of taking a cruise to Alaska is figuring out what to wear. It’s so much easier when heading to the Caribbean: grab a swimsuit, a coverup, and a few sundresses, and you’re ready to go. That’s not the case in Alaska.
You don’t want to overpack, and you don’t want to forget anything important, either! When preparing your outfits for your Alaskan cruise, consider a few factors carefully.
- What is the weather forecast? Obviously, this can change (and in Alaska, it can change quickly), but checking the extended forecast can give you a good starting point.
- What month is it? Like the forecast, this can vary significantly from year to year, but researching when you are going is a good place to start. July and August have the nicest weather, but you should be prepared for more volatility before and after that.
- What excursions are you doing? You should plan these well ahead for Alaska, and once you know your plan, you can choose your outfits more appropriately. If, like me, you are going kayaking and hiking through the forest, you’ll want to be sure you have appropriate shoes for both those activities. If you are just walking around town, you won’t need to be as prepared as you do if you are heading out into the wild.
Alaskan Cruise Outfits for Women
No matter what month you cruise to Alaska or your planned excursions, one thing will remain true. You need layers. Layers. Layers. Layers. The weather can change quickly, but you’ll also be going from ship to outside, to stores and restaurants to outside, to busses, and back onto the ship.
You don’t need to be dressed like you are going to the Arctic. Yes, its Alaska, but its Southern Alaska, not the North Pole. Don’t overdo it on the heavy, bulky clothes. Just pack a few smart layers so you can adjust as needed.
You Need A Good Base Layer
The most critical layer is the one closest to you. A base layer made of merino wool is a great choice. It wicks moisture, keeps you dry and warm, and keeps you cool when needed. It’s also lightweight and not bulky.
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Merino Wool Choice
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Fleece Lined Choice
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Don’t forget your socks!
Nothing ruins a day of exploring quicker than wet or cold feet. Remember to grab some good, thick socks, especially when hiking or on the water.
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Our Pick
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Build Your Outfit
You can add your middle layers now that you have a good base. Knowing what you will do on your port day can be handy. Fleece-lined leggings or jeans are good options. I wore waterproof pants when we went kayaking, but they were unnecessary. They were bulky and annoying all day, and the tour company provided us with dry suits anyway. Just dress comfortably.
Wear a cute and comfy top. To embrace the Alaskan vibe, think flannel tops or a cute hoodie and jeans. If you don’t want to wear a heavy coat, you can bulk up this layer a bit, but I like to have a thinner layer here and then wear a coat that I can take on and off.
I’m no fashionista, but I can tell you that you won’t go wrong wearing Judy Blue jeans. They fit cute but stretch enough to be comfortable while active all day. They don’t stretch out and get weird by the end of the day.
Top it off
You will need a coat. I like to bring a little variety. I always go to Alaska with a fleece jacket. They don’t take up much space and can be worn as a mid-layer. I also bring a heavier, water-resistant coat. Sometimes, being on deck can be windy and cold, and if you plan on going on any whale-watching or fishing excursions, you’ll want something to cut the cold and keep you dry.
I also bring a beanie to keep my head warm and a baseball hat for sea days when I don’t feel like fixing my hair.
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My Fave!
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Shoes
Depending on what activities you have planned, you’ll likely want a couple of pair of shoes. Dress shoes for dinner, tennis shoes for exploring, and maybe a pair of hiking boots if you plan on doing any of that.
I wore these booties all around Scotland, and they kept me dry.
Don’t forget to check out our perfect Alaska Cruise Packing List, too!
