What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise

An Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you want to make sure you’re prepared for every weather condition. From the moment you step off the ship in Juneau, you’ll be greeted by cool, crisp air and stunning mountain views. But as you travel further north, the weather will change, and you’ll need to be prepared for rain, snow, and even fog.

In this article, we’ll discuss what to wear on an Alaska cruise, from packing layers to choosing the right footwear. We’ll also provide tips on how to stay warm and dry, no matter what the weather brings.

What To Wear When To Wear Additional Notes
Warm Jacket Spring, Summer, Fall Temperatures can vary greatly, so it’s important to have a warm jacket that you can layer with other clothing.
Long Pants Spring, Summer, Fall Long pants are essential for protecting your legs from the elements.
Shorts Summer Shorts are a good option for warmer days.
Sweater Spring, Fall A sweater is a good option for layering on cooler days.
T-Shirt Spring, Summer, Fall A t-shirt is a good option for warmer days.
Swimsuit Summer A swimsuit is a must-have for swimming in the ocean or hot tubs.
Waterproof Shoes Spring, Summer, Fall Waterproof shoes are essential for protecting your feet from the rain and snow.
Hat Spring, Summer, Fall A hat is a good option for protecting your head from the sun.
Sunglasses Spring, Summer, Fall Sunglasses are a good option for protecting your eyes from the sun.

What to Wear on the Ship

When packing for an Alaskan cruise, it’s important to consider the different activities you’ll be doing and the weather conditions you’ll be facing. Here’s a breakdown of what to pack for a comfortable and stylish cruise experience:

Casual wear

You’ll spend most of your time on the ship in casual clothing. This includes comfortable pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, and tops. You’ll also want to pack a few sweaters or sweatshirts for cooler weather, as well as a raincoat or waterproof jacket.

Formal wear

Most cruise ships have one or two formal nights, when passengers are expected to dress up. For men, this typically means a suit or tuxedo. For women, a cocktail dress or formal pantsuit is appropriate. If you don’t have a formal outfit, you can usually rent one from the ship’s onboard shops.

Activewear

You’ll want to pack some activewear for days when you’re planning on going on excursions or spending time in the gym. This includes athletic shorts, pants, shirts, and shoes. You may also want to pack a swimsuit if you plan on swimming in the ship’s pool or hot tub.

Swimwear

A swimsuit is essential for any Alaskan cruise. You’ll likely want to pack a few different styles, including a one-piece swimsuit, a bikini, and a cover-up.

Other essentials

In addition to the above items, you’ll also want to pack a few other essentials, such as:

  • A hat or visor to protect you from the sun
  • Sunglasses
  • A camera
  • A beach towel
  • A travel umbrella
  • A first-aid kit
  • Prescription medications
  • A copy of your passport

Packing tips

When packing for an Alaskan cruise, it’s important to be mindful of the weight and size of your luggage. Most cruise lines have strict weight and size restrictions for luggage, so it’s important to pack light. You can also save space by rolling your clothes instead of folding them.

It’s also a good idea to pack a few versatile items that you can mix and match. This will help you create different looks without having to bring a lot of clothes. For example, you can wear a dressy top with jeans or a skirt for a more casual look, or you can dress it up with a blazer or heels for a more formal occasion.

By following these packing tips, you’ll be sure to have everything you need for a comfortable and stylish cruise to Alaska.

What to Wear in Port

When you’re in port, you’ll want to dress for the weather and the activities you’ll be doing. Here are a few tips for dressing in port:

  • Wear weather-appropriate clothing. The weather in Alaska can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Pack layers so you can add or remove clothing as needed. In the summer, you can expect warm days and cool nights, so pack shorts, skirts, dresses, and tops for the day and a sweater or sweatshirt for the evening. In the winter, you’ll need to dress in layers for the cold weather. Pack pants, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, a coat, and a hat or scarf.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking in port, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes. Sneakers or walking shoes are a good option. If you’re going on a hike or other outdoor activity, you’ll need to wear sturdy hiking boots.
  • Wear culturally appropriate clothing. When you’re visiting a new place, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture. This includes dressing in a way that is appropriate for the destination. In Alaska, it’s generally considered polite to dress conservatively. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, or dresses that are too short or revealing.
  • Wear camera gear. If you’re planning on taking photos, you’ll need to pack your camera gear. This includes a camera, a lens, a memory card, and a charger. You may also want to pack a tripod if you plan on taking long exposures or taking photos in low light.
  • Other essentials. In addition to the above items, you may also want to pack a few other essentials, such as:
  • A hat or visor to protect you from the sun
  • Sunglasses
  • A water bottle
  • A small backpack or purse to carry your belongings
  • A first-aid kit
  • Prescription medications

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3. What to Pack for the Weather

The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack for a variety of conditions. Here are some of the things you should pack for the weather:

  • Warm layers. Alaska can be very cold, even in the summer months. You’ll need to pack warm layers, such as sweaters, jackets, and hats.
  • Rain gear. It rains a lot in Alaska, so you’ll need to pack rain gear, such as a raincoat, waterproof pants, and boots.
  • Sun protection. The sun can be very strong in Alaska, even in the summer months. You’ll need to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Insect repellent. Mosquitoes and other insects can be a problem in Alaska, so you’ll need to pack insect repellent.
  • Other essentials. You’ll also need to pack other essentials, such as a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a Swiss army knife.

4. What to Pack for Your Trip

In addition to packing for the weather, you’ll also need to pack for your trip. Here are some of the things you should pack for your trip:

  • Passport and other identification. You’ll need your passport and other identification when you arrive in Alaska.
  • Money and credit cards. You’ll need to bring money and credit cards to pay for your expenses in Alaska.
  • Medications. Make sure you pack any medications you take regularly.
  • Travel insurance. Travel insurance can help you cover costs if you have to cancel your trip or if you experience any medical problems while you’re in Alaska.
  • Other essentials. You’ll also need to pack other essentials, such as a swimsuit, a camera, and a guidebook.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to pack everything you need for your Alaska cruise. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

What should I wear on a cruise to Alaska?

The best clothes to pack for an Alaska cruise will depend on the time of year you’re sailing, but there are some general tips that apply to all cruises.

  • Layers are key. The weather in Alaska can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for a variety of conditions. Pack a mix of light and heavy layers that you can easily add or remove as needed.
  • Comfort is essential. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on your cruise, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes that you can wear for extended periods of time.
  • Dress for the weather. Even if you’re sailing during the summer months, it’s important to dress for the cooler weather in Alaska. Pack a warm jacket or sweater, as well as a hat and gloves.
  • Be prepared for rain. It rains frequently in Alaska, so be sure to pack a raincoat or waterproof jacket.
  • Consider your activities. If you plan on doing any hiking or exploring, pack appropriate clothing for those activities.

Here is a more detailed packing list for an Alaska cruise:

  • Clothing:
  • Comfortable shoes (for walking, hiking, and exploring)
  • A warm jacket or sweater
  • A hat and gloves
  • A raincoat or waterproof jacket
  • A swimsuit
  • Casual clothes for evenings
  • Dressier clothes for formal nights (if applicable)
  • Other items:
  • A camera
  • A hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • A first-aid kit
  • A water bottle
  • A travel adapter
  • A guidebook

What is the dress code on an Alaska cruise?

The dress code on an Alaska cruise will vary depending on the cruise line and the time of year you’re sailing. However, there are a few general guidelines that you can follow.

  • During the day, casual attire is generally acceptable. This includes jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers.
  • In the evening, dressier attire is required for formal nights. This typically means a suit for men and a cocktail dress for women.
  • On days when you’re exploring the ports of call, you’ll want to dress for the weather. This may mean wearing layers, a raincoat, or a swimsuit.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the dress code on an Alaska cruise:

  • Dress code for formal nights:
  • Men: Suit, tuxedo, or dinner jacket
  • Women: Cocktail dress, evening gown, or formal pantsuit
  • Dress code for casual nights:
  • Men: Jeans, khakis, dress pants, or slacks
  • Women: Skirts, dresses, pants, or capris
  • Dress code for days in port:
  • Men: Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or polo shirts
  • Women: Skirts, dresses, shorts, or capris

What are some of the best places to shop in Alaska?

There are many great places to shop in Alaska, from small boutiques to large department stores. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Juneau: The Alaska State Museum has a small gift shop with a variety of Alaskan souvenirs. The Discovery Alaska store also has a good selection of books, clothing, and gifts.
  • Ketchikan: The Creek Street shops offer a unique shopping experience, with many stores located in historic buildings. The Tongass Historical Museum has a small gift shop with a variety of Alaskan souvenirs.
  • Sitka: The Sitka Historical Society Museum has a small gift shop with a variety of books, clothing, and gifts. The Sheldon Jackson Museum also has a gift shop with a good selection of Alaskan art and artifacts.
  • Wrangell: The Wrangell Visitor Center has a small gift shop with a variety of Alaskan souvenirs. The Wrangell Museum also has a gift shop with a good selection of books, clothing, and gifts.

What are some of the best things to do in Alaska?

Alaska is a beautiful state with a lot to offer visitors. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Alaska:

  • Explore the wilderness: Alaska is home to some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the world. You can go hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
  • Visit the national parks: Alaska is home to six national parks, each with its own unique attractions. Denali National Park is home to Mount Denali,

    there are many factors to consider when packing for an Alaska cruise. The time of year, the type of activities you plan on doing, and the weather conditions all play a role in what you should pack. By following these tips, you can ensure that you are prepared for anything that comes your way on your Alaska cruise.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly.
  • Bring comfortable shoes that are waterproof and can handle rough terrain.
  • Pack warm weather clothing, even if you are traveling during the summer months.
  • Don’t forget your swimsuit and a beach towel.
  • Be prepared for rain and snow, even if you are not planning on doing any outdoor activities.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
  • Most importantly, have fun!

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.