What To Pack For Alaska Cruises
This post may contain affiliate links, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. See full disclosure here.
Are you wondering what things to pack for a cruise to Alaska?
I’ve got you covered with this all-inclusive “what to pack for a cruise to Alaska” Packing List!
You can click the links to shop right from here.
What to Pack on a 7-day Cruise to Alaska?
Taking an Alaskan Cruise is an epic adventure that everyone should get the chance to experience.
The rugged terrain and wild adventure that Alaska inspires will surely thrill even the most conservative traveler.
With that being said, the weather, the wilderness, and the unpredictability of Alaska offer a unique challenge to the age-old question, “What should I bring on an Alaskan Cruise?”
I struggled for sure the first time I traded my typical Caribbean Cruise Packing list for an Alaskan Cruise.
I’ve created this list so you don’t have to stress out about you what to pack for a Cruise to Alaska.
What to Bring to an Alaskan Cruise: Important Documents
The correct documents are essential when packing for a cruise to Alaska.
You don’t want to be unable to go on your trip!
Cruise lines require very specific documentation to board, so checking the requirements carefully is essential.
Also, your Alaska Cruise will have a stop in Canada.
This means there are even more requirements, such as passengers with DUIs or who are behind in child support being unable to visit Canada on their Alaska Cruise. So be sure to check to ensure you are compliant before you go!
You’ll also likely need to complete the ArriveCAN form before you depart.
- Identification. You’ll need either a valid passport (valid for at least six months before expiration) or a valid driver’s license PLUS an original birth certificate. A passport is the easiest.
- Credit Card for expenses. Let your bank know you are traveling ahead of time.
- Cruise boarding pass. Either on the cruise app or printed
- Luggage tags are printed (don’t attach them until after your flight). I love these luggage tag holders for cruising.
- Flight boarding pass, digital or printed
- Travel insurance information can be printed or downloaded, so you can retrieve it even if you don’t have service.
- Receipts or confirmations for your booked excursions, either printed or digitally saved.
Never Travel without Insurance! Find the best policy by clicking here.
What clothes to pack for a Cruise to Alaska
When you begin to pack for your Cruise to Alaska, you’ll need to think about being prepared for all different types of weather.
Layers are the best bet for your trip. Bring lightweight layers so you can transition warm days to cool evenings.
Extra socks and dry shoes are essential to pack for your cruise to Alaska if you are doing any excursions that might leave your feet wet.
I use packing cubes to help me stay organized and prevent overpacking. They were a total game-changer for me!
What to wear every day on an Alaskan Cruise
- Underwear, bras, and some long underwear are used as a base layer under your clothes.
- Socks (bring some merino wool socks for warmth) and a few extras to change into if you get wet in port.
- T-shirts, long-sleeved t-shirts, and sweatshirts (layering is key in Alaska!)
- Lightweight jackets– These are great because they are lightweight and easy to pack. They add warmth without adding a lot of bulk. A fleece jacket is perfect for layering.
- Pair of jeans (1-2)
- Pajamas
- Waterproof pants, depending on what you will be doing. I wore mine kayaking and it was nice to stay extra dry.
- Bathing suit for using the pool and hot tub
- Workout clothes
- Tennis shoes for walking around, flip-flops if you plan on using the pool or hot tubs, waterproof shoes for port days, or waterproof hiking boots if that’s your plan
Looking for epic excursions at a good price? Check this out!
What to wear to dinner on a Cruise to Alaska
Some cruises are fancier than others and will require you to dress more for dinner.
Nearly every cruise line has at least one formal night on cruises under 5 days and 2 formal nights on cruises over 5 nights.
One tip for first-time cruisers is to join a Facebook group for your cruise; this helps you learn how formal people plan on being and pick up on any events or special tips for your sailing.
The best way to find these groups is by searching Facebook like this:” Ship name+ date of sailing.” For example, I would have typed in “Majestic Princess August 24, 2021 for my cruise to Alaska.
Disney Cruises to Alaska may have certain theme nights during which the cast and guests can dress up. Check the Facebook groups for this information!
I recommend bringing a cardigan or shawl for ladies, as the dining rooms can be chilly, as well as the walk to and from dinner.
- Formal dress
- A Couple of semi-formal dresses for dinner could also do slacks and a nice sweater or shirt
- Stockings
- Dress shoes
- Men’s button-up dress shirt, jacket, tie
- Men’s slacks
- Dress socks
Accessories to pack on an Alaskan Cruise
- Sunglasses
- Reading glasses if needed
- Cross body purse
- Backpack to take to port and excursions
- Dry bag if you plan on kayaking or fishing
- Warm hat, or ball cap
- Lanyard for ship card
Toiletries to Pack for a Cruise to Alaska
Think of the things you use every day and be sure to include them in your packing.
All cruise lines will provide toiletries such as soap and shampoo, but if you are picky like me, bring your own.
Medication such as Tylenol, tums, and bandaids will be on board, but they can be expensive.
I usually bring a few of the common medications with me, just in case.
You can store them in a pill container rather than bringing full bottles of each.
Or grab a few travel-size packages if you don’t have bottles at home.
- Toothbrush/floss/paste (charge your electric toothbrush before you leave)
- Daily Medications
- Supplements: You want to stay healthy on your cruise, and the best way to do that is by boosting your immune system. ActivatedYou is my favorite Immune Complex.
- Hand sanitizer
- Body wash (there will be some in your cabin, but if you are particular about what you use bring your own)
- Lotion
- Lip Balm with SPF
- Shampoo/conditioner (there will be some, but if you want your favorite kind, bring it)
- Small first aid Kit
- Hairbrush/comb/hair ties
- Contacts and solution
- deodorant
- Razors/Shaving cream
- Makeup
- Makeup remover
- Feminine hygiene products
- Nail clippers/file
- Bandaids
- Tylenol
- Pepto Bismol
- Seasick medication
- Poopouri (you can thank me later )
- In the summer months, bringing insect repellent is a good idea too!
Electronics to pack before Cruising to Alaska
You’ll have incredible opportunities to see wildlife on your Alaska Cruise, sometimes right from your balcony!
If you don’t already have a telephoto lens for your camera, you can rent one for your vacation!
I did this, and it was an excellent way to get a great lens without spending a lot of money.
- Cell Phone and charger
- Camera/memory card/ extra battery/ charger/ tripod for capturing incredible Alaska cruise photos!
- Curling iron/flat iron
- E-Reader, be sure to have an active subscription and downloaded books! You can try Audible for free and get 2 free books here!
- Power strips (non-surge protectors) may not be necessary on newer ships, but older ships don’t have many outlets in the cabins.
- Go Pro if you use one. I really loved this GoPro hat that helped me be hands-free on our kayaking excursion! (side note, kayaking to Mendenhall Glacier was one of my all-time favorite shore excursions!)
Alaska Packing List: Miscellaneous items
Bring a carry-on bag and keep your essentials in it. Include any medications you need, sun protection, and a bathing suit if you want to swim. Your luggage will be delivered to your room in the evening, so keep anything you might need before that with you in a carryon.
There you have it! That is everything you need to pack for a cruise to Alaska.
Bring a great attitude, and a sense of adventure and you are all set to go!
You should also read:
‣Juneau Cruise Port
‣Sitka Cruise Port
‣Ketchikan Cruise Port
‣ Icy Strait Point
Alaska Cruise Packing Checklist
Now that you know what to pack on a 7-day cruise, you can check “pack for a cruise” off your to-do list and move on to more fun tasks!
Need help booking your cruise or excursions?
I can help! I offer free and low-cost options to help you have the best cruise with personalized itineraries curated just for you.
