Packing For An Alaska Cruise

Essential Items Needed To Cruise

• Travel Documentation  -  (Passports, Valid Photo Identification, Visas, & Other Required Documents)
• Medication -  (Prescription, Needed Over-The Counter, & Medical Equipment)
• Insurance Information -  (Medical Coverage Info, Travel Coverage, etc.)
• Money -  (Cash and/or Credit Cards)
• Emergency Contact Information

Things to Bring For An Alaska Cruise

• Binoculars 
      Many people cruise to Alaska to see nature & wildlife. Bringing a pair of binoculars will allow you to zoom in on what you are seeing and these can help you spot wildlife that you otherwise would not have been able to see.
• Camera 
      Don't forget a camera!  You will probably have many opportunities to take great photos of scenery, maybe wildlife, ports of call, and people you are traveling with.  If you are bringing a camera you might want to bring a memory card that can hold a lot of pictures, extra batteries, and a battery charger to charge your batteries when they run out of power.  If you have zoom lenses for your camera don't forget these.
• Umbrella & Ponchos 
      Alaska is typically a wet & rainy place!  The weather is unpredictable and one minute you could be in sunshine and the next it could be pouring! 
• Scotch Guard Your Shoes
      This will help protect your shoes when they get wet.  Hopefully you will have nice sunny weather, but if it rains your shoes may get soaked. 
• Sunscreen
      You can still get sunburned in Alaska (personal experience)! Bring some sunscreen to help protect yourself from u/v rays and harmful rays.  You will especially want this if you plan on being outside a lot during the cruise or on scenic cruising days.

Clothing to Bring For An Alaska Cruise Vacation

As I mentioned above the weather for Alaska can be unpredictable.  The temperatures can be unseasonably high or low sometimes in Alaska.  To help yourself packing you can check many different weather forecasts before you leave to see what the expected chance of rain is and to see the expected highs and lows.  However, keep in mind a forecast is only a prediction.  You need to come prepared for cold & warm weather.  Remember you can layer clothing and remove layers that you don't need if the temperature is too warm.
Here are some items/things you might want to consider bringing with you:

• Hat/Cap
      You will want this to help protect your forehead if the sun is bright. You could also use these clothing items to help keep your head warm in cold weather.
• Jacket (Light or Heavy)
      When the weather is cold in Alaska you will want to wear a jacket. The heaviness of the jacket should depend on the temperature and your comfort in cold weather. If the weather is warm or hot you will probably want to leave your jacket in your suitcase or cabin closet.
• Shirts
      You should bring some shirts for warm & cold weather!  Pack some long-sleeved shirts for cold temperatures and bring some t-shirts for warm temperatures.  Bringing some of both type will allow you to be prepared for any temperature that you could be in.
• Shorts/Jeans
      You can bring some shorts for warm weather and some jeans for cold weather.  I consider these items to be casual wear.
• Formal Night Clothes
      Don't forget to pack for formal night!  How you pack for formal night is up to you.  Make sure you wear nice clothes.  Some men wear suits & ties and some women wear nice dresses. 
• Underwear
      Don't forget this!  Whether you bring regular or thermal is up to you.
• Shoes & Socks
      Bring shoes that are comfortable to walk in!  You might want to bring a pair of tennis shoes.  Bring some short and long socks so you can adapt to the weather.
• Ear Muffs & Scarfs 
      You will probably want to wear these if the weather is cold. 

Don't Overpack For Your Cruise!

    Make sure you do not pack what you do not need for your cruise.  If you are flying on an airplane keep in mind your airline's luggage weight and suitcase size restrictions.  Also make sure you are aware of your cruise line's suitcase size & weight policy.  

    This packing information is a general guideline and what & how you pack is up to you.  Packing will vary by person because of different interests, activities, shore excursions, and needs.

Other Blog Posts About Alaska That I've Written:
Should I Get A Balcony Stateroom For My Alaska Cruise?

Highlighting Juneau, Alaska: Attractions, Things to Do & See

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