What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: A Complete Guide

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

What I Wore on My Alaska Cruise

An Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one of the most important things to consider is what to pack. The weather can vary greatly from day to day, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. In this article, I’ll share what I wore on my Alaska cruise, from warm layers for chilly days in port to waterproof gear for excursions in the rain. I’ll also provide tips on how to pack light and avoid overpacking.

Whether you’re planning your own Alaska cruise or just curious about what to wear, read on for all the details!

Day Clothing Notes
Day 1 Long-sleeved shirt, pants, light jacket It was cool in the morning, but warmed up by afternoon
Day 2 Short-sleeved shirt, shorts, sandals It was sunny and warm
Day 3 Raincoat, waterproof shoes It rained all day

An Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you want to make sure you look your best. But with so many different ports of call and activities to choose from, it can be hard to know what to pack.

This guide will help you create a packing list for your Alaska cruise that will keep you comfortable and stylish in all weather conditions. We’ll cover everything from what to wear in Ketchikan to what to wear for formal nights on the ship.

So whether you’re planning a summer cruise or a winter cruise, read on for all the information you need to pack for your Alaska adventure.

Clothing for the Ports of Call

The climate in Alaska can vary greatly depending on the time of year you’re visiting. In general, the summers are mild and the winters are cold. However, it’s important to be prepared for anything, as the weather can change quickly.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is located on the southern coast of Alaska, and it has a maritime climate. The summers are warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 55F to 75F. The winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from 25F to 35F.

For a summer cruise to Ketchikan, you’ll want to pack light layers that you can easily remove as the weather warms up. A comfortable pair of walking shoes or sandals is essential, as you’ll be doing a lot of exploring. You’ll also want to pack a swimsuit, as there are several opportunities to go swimming in Ketchikan.

For a winter cruise to Ketchikan, you’ll want to pack warm layers, such as a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. You’ll also want to pack waterproof boots, as it’s likely to rain or snow during your visit.

Juneau

Juneau is located on the southeast coast of Alaska, and it has a maritime climate. The summers are cool and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 50F to 65F. The winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from 20F to 30F.

For a summer cruise to Juneau, you’ll want to pack light layers that you can easily remove as the weather warms up. A comfortable pair of walking shoes or sandals is essential, as you’ll be doing a lot of exploring. You’ll also want to pack a swimsuit, as there are several opportunities to go swimming in Juneau.

For a winter cruise to Juneau, you’ll want to pack warm layers, such as a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. You’ll also want to pack waterproof boots, as it’s likely to rain or snow during your visit.

Skagway

Skagway is located on the northern coast of Alaska, and it has a subarctic climate. The summers are short and cool, with average temperatures ranging from 45F to 60F. The winters are long and cold, with average temperatures ranging from 10F to 20F.

For a summer cruise to Skagway, you’ll want to pack light layers that you can easily remove as the weather warms up. A comfortable pair of walking shoes or sandals is essential, as you’ll be doing a lot of exploring. You’ll also want to pack a swimsuit, as there are several opportunities to go swimming in Skagway.

For a winter cruise to Skagway, you’ll want to pack warm layers, such as a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. You’ll also want to pack waterproof boots, as it’s likely to rain or snow during your visit.

Sitka

Sitka is located on the west coast of Alaska, and it has a maritime climate. The summers are cool and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 50F to 65F. The winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from 20F to 30F.

For a summer cruise to Sitka, you’ll want to pack light layers that you can easily remove as the weather warms up. A comfortable pair of walking shoes or sandals is essential, as you’ll be doing a lot of exploring. You’ll also want to pack a swimsuit, as there are several opportunities to go swimming in Sitka.

For a winter cruise to Sitka, you’ll want to pack warm layers, such as a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. You’ll also want to pack waterproof boots, as it’s likely to rain or snow during your visit.

Clothing for the Cruise Ship

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Other Things to Consider

In addition to the clothes you’ll wear on your Alaska cruise, there are a few other things you’ll need to consider when packing.

  • Footwear

You’ll need a variety of footwear for your Alaska cruise, including:

  • Comfortable walking shoes or boots for exploring the ports of call.
  • Waterproof shoes or boots for rainy days.
  • Flip-flops or sandals for wearing around the ship.
  • Slippers for wearing in your cabin.
  • Accessories

You’ll also want to pack a few accessories to complete your outfits, including:

  • A hat or cap for sunny days.
  • Sunglasses.
  • A scarf or pashmina for cool weather.
  • A bathing suit or cover-up for swimming.
  • A camera to capture your memories.
  • Luggage

You’ll need to pack a suitcase or duffel bag for your Alaska cruise. When choosing a luggage, consider the following factors:

  • Size: You’ll need a suitcase that’s large enough to hold all of your clothes and other belongings. However, you don’t want to pack too much, as you’ll have to carry your luggage around the ship.
  • Weight: The weight of your luggage is limited by the airline, so be sure to check the weight restrictions before you pack.
  • Durability: Your luggage will be subjected to a lot of wear and tear during your cruise, so it’s important to choose a suitcase that’s durable.
  • Sun protection

The sun can be very strong in Alaska, even in the summer months. Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.

Packing Tips

Here are a few packing tips to help you get organized and pack efficiently for your Alaska cruise:

  • Start packing early. This will give you plenty of time to think about what you need and to make sure you don’t forget anything.
  • Make a packing list. This will help you keep track of what you need to pack and ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
  • Pack light. You won’t need to pack as much for an Alaska cruise as you would for a cruise to a warmer destination. The weather is cooler in Alaska, so you won’t need as many warm-weather clothes.
  • Layer your clothes. This will help you stay warm and comfortable in the varying temperatures of Alaska.
  • Pack versatile clothes. You’ll want to pack clothes that you can wear for multiple occasions. This will help you save space in your luggage.
  • Pack comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on your Alaska cruise, so it’s important to pack comfortable shoes.
  • Pack a reusable water bottle. This will help you stay hydrated and reduce your environmental impact.
  • Pack a first-aid kit. This will come in handy in case of minor injuries or illnesses.
  • Pack a camera. This will help you capture your memories of your Alaska cruise.

By following these packing tips, you’ll be sure to have a comfortable and stylish trip to Alaska.

What should I pack for an Alaska cruise?

  • Warm weather clothing, including a waterproof jacket, fleece, and pants.
  • Layering pieces, such as a t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, and sweater.
  • Comfortable shoes that can be worn in wet weather.
  • Swimwear and a cover-up.
  • Hats and sunglasses.
  • Camera and other electronics.
  • Medications and toiletries.
  • A copy of your passport and other important documents.

What is the best time to go on an Alaska cruise?

The best time to go on an Alaska cruise is between May and September. During this time, the weather is mild and there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.

What are the most popular ports of call on an Alaska cruise?

The most popular ports of call on an Alaska cruise include:

  • Juneau, Alaska
  • Ketchikan, Alaska
  • Sitka, Alaska
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • Glacier Bay National Park
  • Hubbard Glacier
  • Kenai Fjords National Park

What are some of the things I can do on an Alaska cruise?

There are many things to do on an Alaska cruise, including:

  • Visiting national parks and glaciers.
  • Taking a whale watching tour.
  • Going kayaking or rafting.
  • Hiking or biking.
  • Fishing.
  • Shopping.
  • Dining at local restaurants.

What are some of the challenges of taking an Alaska cruise?

Some of the challenges of taking an Alaska cruise include:

  • The weather can be unpredictable.
  • The cost of a cruise can be high.
  • There can be a lot of people on board a cruise ship.
  • It can be difficult to get around in some ports of call.

What are some tips for planning an Alaska cruise?

Here are some tips for planning an Alaska cruise:

  • Start planning your trip early.
  • Set a budget and stick to it.
  • Choose a cruise ship that is right for you.
  • Do your research on the ports of call you will be visiting.
  • Book your flights and accommodations in advance.
  • Get travel insurance.

    the clothes you pack for an Alaska cruise will depend on the time of year you’re traveling, the activities you plan on doing, and your personal style. Be sure to dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing weather conditions, and don’t forget comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to stay warm, dry, and comfortable on your Alaska cruise.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Pack warm layers for the cold weather, including a waterproof jacket, fleece, and hat.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.
  • Consider packing a swimsuit and beachwear if you plan on visiting hot springs or taking a dip in the ocean.
  • Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery!

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.