In the past I have mentioned ideas and suggestions on packing for an Alaska cruise vacation. However, I have never told nor described the areas of packing that I messed up in. When you are packing for a cruise or any vacation you need to start planning what you will pack in advance. The more thought you give packing the better you will be prepared for your cruise. As you decide what to pack for an Alaska cruise vacation, make sure you keep the weather forecast in mind. Also, remember the weather forecast is subject to change. Here are some of my Alaska cruise packing mistakes:
1. Too Many Long Sleeved Shirts; Few T-Shirts
The temperatures during my Alaska cruise turned out to be warmer than predicted in the weather forecast. All of the shirts I packed had long sleeves, except for one t-shirt. I didn't like having the shirts with long sleeves because of the warm temperatures and it was uncomfortable being outside. In the ports of call, I visited t-shirt shops to buy some discounted t-shirts to wear because it was too warm for me to be comfortable in long sleeved shirts.
2. Don't Forget Sunscreen!
Just because Alaska is not the Caribbean or the Bahamas doesn't mean you are safe from sunburns. Let me emphasize this: You CAN get sunburned in Alaska! I know from personal experience and it was not fun dealing with burned skin. I didn't bring sunscreen because I thought Alaska should be cold, wet, and cloudy. My cruise had high temperatures and a lot of sunlight. While I was outside on the public decks and on my balcony, I was exposed to u/v radiation that gave me a terrible sunburn. Make sure you bring sunscreen with you that will adequately protect you from the sun's rays and u/v radiation. If you bring sunscreen be sure to use it!
3. For Photographers: Bring Your Tripod
If you have read any of my published cruise reviews online you may realize that I enjoy taking many photographs during my cruise. I took many pictures from my cruise ship balcony and I wished later that I would have brought a fold-able camera tripod that my camera could rest on as I took pictures. If you have a portable tripod for your camera that would not take up too much room in your suitcase I recommend bringing it. You could take it outside with you on your balcony and when you go back inside your stateroom you can just fold it back up to store in your room until you decide to use it again.
4. Binoculars
I wish I would have brought binoculars with me. Having binoculars would have made it easy for me to spot wildlife that was pointed out by my ship's naturalist. I used my camera's zoom feature in place of binoculars, but I didn't like wearing down my camera's batteries just to try to get a closer view of scenery and wildlife.
Choose what you take on your Alaska cruise carefully! Be sure to pack wisely and with thought!
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1. Too Many Long Sleeved Shirts; Few T-Shirts
The temperatures during my Alaska cruise turned out to be warmer than predicted in the weather forecast. All of the shirts I packed had long sleeves, except for one t-shirt. I didn't like having the shirts with long sleeves because of the warm temperatures and it was uncomfortable being outside. In the ports of call, I visited t-shirt shops to buy some discounted t-shirts to wear because it was too warm for me to be comfortable in long sleeved shirts.
2. Don't Forget Sunscreen!
Just because Alaska is not the Caribbean or the Bahamas doesn't mean you are safe from sunburns. Let me emphasize this: You CAN get sunburned in Alaska! I know from personal experience and it was not fun dealing with burned skin. I didn't bring sunscreen because I thought Alaska should be cold, wet, and cloudy. My cruise had high temperatures and a lot of sunlight. While I was outside on the public decks and on my balcony, I was exposed to u/v radiation that gave me a terrible sunburn. Make sure you bring sunscreen with you that will adequately protect you from the sun's rays and u/v radiation. If you bring sunscreen be sure to use it!
3. For Photographers: Bring Your Tripod
If you have read any of my published cruise reviews online you may realize that I enjoy taking many photographs during my cruise. I took many pictures from my cruise ship balcony and I wished later that I would have brought a fold-able camera tripod that my camera could rest on as I took pictures. If you have a portable tripod for your camera that would not take up too much room in your suitcase I recommend bringing it. You could take it outside with you on your balcony and when you go back inside your stateroom you can just fold it back up to store in your room until you decide to use it again.
4. Binoculars
I wish I would have brought binoculars with me. Having binoculars would have made it easy for me to spot wildlife that was pointed out by my ship's naturalist. I used my camera's zoom feature in place of binoculars, but I didn't like wearing down my camera's batteries just to try to get a closer view of scenery and wildlife.
Choose what you take on your Alaska cruise carefully! Be sure to pack wisely and with thought!
Like RyG's Cruise Guide On Facebook!
Click Here To View Our Facebook Profile
Want more Alaska Cruise Information?
Click Here To View Our Alaska Cruise Guide