Cruises with a more adventurous element have become more popular in recent years. Alaska is one such place that offers these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
It’s a place of wild beauty with magnificent glaciers, snow-capped mountains and glimpses of incredible wildlife. But one question always asked is what to pack for a cruise to Alaska.
Of course, Alaska is not your typical Caribbean or Mediterranean destination. While you don’t need to go out and buy loads of specialist, expensive equipment, you do need to be prepared for the variable climate you’ll find in Alaska.
Our guide below provides all you need to know when planning what to pack for a 7-day Alaska cruise or longer.
The cruise season in Alaska
The first thing to address about cruises to Alaska is the season is relatively short – typically May to September. So, there’s no need to worry about what to pack for Alaska cruises between October and April. There are no mainstream cruises sailing there.
This short season is mainly due to the daylight hours, the lack of accessibility caused by the winter ice and the rather harsh weather conditions, limiting explorations of this stunning landscape.
Deciding what to pack for Alaska cruises in July and August will vary slightly from packing for Alaska cruises in June and September.
Daytime temperatures are coldest in September, at around 35-55 °F or as cold as 28-33°F if you are planning an arctic tour. Therefore, be sure to pack some extra layers and winter coats.
July is the hottest month in Alaska, with daytime temperatures between 50-70°F. You’ll still need warm layers, but you may be able to enjoy time in t-shirts and shorts now and again.
How should I pack for an Alaska cruise?
When planning what to pack for your luxury Alaska cruise, we suggest splitting your list into two: clothes and non-clothing essentials.
You’ll also need to consider what items you’ll want to wear on the ship. For example, you’ll need suitable clothes for dinner, working out at the gym or using the swim and spa facilities.
We also haven’t included items you’d ordinarily pack for any other trip in our guide below. These include toiletries, medication, underwear and sleepwear, accessories, special snacks, entertainment and, most importantly, your travel documents.
What clothes to pack for an Alaska cruise
If you’re wondering, do I need warm clothes for an Alaska cruise, the short answer is yes, no matter what month you visit.
Alaska’s temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and with your chosen activities. Therefore, the best approach is flexibility, using layers so you can be comfortable whether it warms up in the sunshine or gets chilly towards the end of the day.
Let’s take a closer look at a list of clothes to pack.
Waterproof layers
Rain or snow is likely even in the warmer months, so pack clothes to stay dry. We recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket, preferably one that can easily be rolled up and packed in your bag.
It’s also worth investing in some comfortable, water-resistant trousers that you can wear for hiking or other outdoor activities.
Warm layers
With fluctuating temperatures, layers are the best option for keeping you warm or cool as needed. Pack a variety of T-shirts with long and short sleeves.
For bottoms, consider comfortable leggings, trousers or shorts (if you’re quick to wear them when at home) and maybe a pair of jeans. Just remember, denim does not dry easily.
Base layers are extremely useful too. These tops and bottoms are made of special insulating, moisture-wicking fabric and are thin enough to wear comfortably underneath your clothes.
Add a fleece jacket or vest that is easy to wear over clothes as an extra layer of warmth to throw on when needed and a snug sweater or two. Remember extras, such as hats, scarves and gloves.
Keeping your head and neck covered when it gets chilly can make a big difference.
For your feet
Having warm feet can mean the difference between enjoying your trip and feeling miserable, so pack various socks and invest in some good-quality boots.
You’ll need simple warm, cosy socks to wear onboard and some more technical wicking socks to help keep your feet dry when you go on outdoor excursions.
For boots or shoes, make sure they are waterproof and comfortable. Whether hiking, kayaking or fishing, these will keep your feet dry, helping you to enjoy everything you do.
What other essential items you’ll need
Depending on what activities you’re hoping to experience while you’re cruising in Alaska, you’ll need to pack a few other non-clothing items:
Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sunhat
A camera or smartphone that takes high-quality photos
Relevant chargers and portable versions (often needed when you’re taking lots of pictures or videos)
A phone dry case or bag
Outlet adapters
A pair of binoculars
Insect repellent
A day backpack and a dry bag to keep your items dry
Hiking poles or sticks (if you plan to do a lot of hiking)
An umbrella
Water bottle(s)
Consider your cruise lines when packing for Alaska
When considering what to pack for an Alaska cruise in 2023, 2024 or even as far ahead as 2025, you may also want to think about the cruise line with which you are travelling.
Most of the leading cruise lines offer Alaskan itineraries. With some being more formal than others and each offering various activities, what you pack for your Alaska cruise may differ.
For example, when deciding what to pack for Cunard’s or Silversea’s Alaska cruises, you may want to include some more formal attire for evening dinners.
On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line is more informal, so you can take a more relaxed approach when packing for an Alaska cruise with NCL. The same applies to packing for sailing with Disney.
Royal Caribbean International and Princess Cruises are somewhere in between, offering formal nights and relaxed dining.
A cruise holiday to Alaska is an amazing experience and one you will never forget. Pack all the necessary items, and it will be even more enjoyable!
