Mount Roberts Tramway above the forest, Juneau, Alaska

What To Pack For A Cruise To Alaska

This guide provides you with packing tips to help you make the most of your Alaska vacation.

By Mary Luz Mejia | Published on January 3, 2024

Alaska's wild and rugged terrain, coupled with its ever-changing weather, makes deciding what to pack for a cruise to Alaska crucial to making the most of this epic adventure. Whether you're hiking through Denali National Park and Preserve, biking along Anchorage's Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or enjoying a day sightseeing in Juneau, this guide provides you with packing tips to help you make the most of your Alaska vacation. Read on to learn what to stash in your suitcase in order to stay warm, dry and comfortable, and how best to capture those priceless moments. Let's get packing!

Beautiful Mountain View in the National Park, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Pack carefully for summer in Alaska, as the temperature can vary wildly throughout the day.

Layer On The Basics

Most Alaska cruises sail from spring through to fall. The most popular months are during summer, when temperatures range from lows around 50 degrees to highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s. Whenever you choose to visit, it's a good idea to dress in layers. Even during the peak summer months, early mornings can be chilly. Include a few short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts that you can wear under a lightweight down vest or jacket. I prefer these to a fleece because they roll up to almost nothing and are easier to tuck away in a daypack rather than a bulkier fleece, but either option will do should the mercury dip. Consider also packing a multipurpose scarf, as it can transition from an accessory to keeping you warm as a head wrap, mini blanket or even a pillow on planes and buses.

Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Camp\Family Gold Mining in Alaska, Juneau ,Alaska — Family Gold Mining in Alaska, Juneau ,Alaska

Wondering what to pack for a cruise to Alaska? Layers will keep you warm on chilly mornings on deck.

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Gearing up for a spectacular cruise to Alaska? With so many stunning ways to see one of Mother Nature's greatest gifts, you can't go wrong!

Stay Cozy and Dry

Bring a daypack and hiking shoes if you plan to get out and explore the wilderness.

When packing for an Alaska cruise, you'll want to bring quick-dry pants, good moisture-wicking socks in case you encounter more wet-weather conditions than you expected, and a pair of comfortable hiking shoes. You can bring hiking boots if you prefer, but boots are bulkier to pack, and hiking shoe technology has come a long way in providing style, comfort and support on uneven terrain. If the idea of spending early mornings onboard as your ship glides past majestic glaciers appeals to you, you'll want a warm hat and tech-friendly gloves, so you can still snap that perfect shot. Bring a sun hat, too, for when temperatures heat up.

Whether you are whale watching in Icy Strait Point or hiking the region's lush rainforests, a rain trench should also be on your "what to pack for Alaska" checklist. The idea is to stay warm and dry. July and August, the most popular months to see Alaska, also happen to be the state's rainiest. Preparing for quick rain showers, so you can see the sights in comfort, is recommended. For those going on a serious, full-day hike, bring rain pants for extra comfort. If you're visiting Anchorage or Juneau and want to walk around the city, a compact umbrella is a good idea, as is a lightweight waterproof bag or backpack and a phone case. Finally, if you're planning on packing casual shoes, those should have a waterproof coating, too.

Capture Special Moments

No Alaska vacation is complete without photographing some of the most beautiful places on the planet. To make this comfortable, bring a small daypack or backpack (ideally waterproof) so that you can carry your phone, camera, any special lenses you want to bring, a refillable water bottle and some snacks. Nature lovers might want to bring a compact pair of binoculars to spot breaching whales, bears and soaring eagles. A spare set of batteries is a good idea should your camera need them. Bring an extra charger as well, in case you leave one behind somewhere. This way, your phone is always ready to snap that once-in-a-lifetime memory. An extra SD card for your camera is a fine idea, too.

Don't miss a single wildlife moment — have your camera ready when bears or eagles come into view.

Whenever you choose to visit, it's a good idea to dress in layers. Even during the peak summer months, early mornings can be chilly.

Think Ahead

Midnight Sun by a Resort, Alaska, Girwood

The midnight sun means your day will be longer in Alaska, but it also means you'll probably want to stash a sleeping mask in your bag.

Knowing what to pack for a cruise to Alaska includes some forethought into what weather-related issues might arise. For a comfortable Alaskan vacation, you'll want to bring sunblock, sunglasses, a UV-blocking lip balm and bug spray or mosquito-repellent patches. Because this is the land of the midnight sun, you should consider a sleeping mask for a good night's sleep. If you're prone to seasickness, bring medications with you so you're set in case you need them, especially while on shore excursions in smaller boats to explore glaciers or go fishing.

Bring Key Personal Items

What is most important when considering what to pack for a cruise to Alaska? Whatever items are most important to you. As a result, one of the best packing tips for all vacations, but especially trips to Alaska, is to make sure you bring your favorite toiletries and all of your prescriptions with you. From shampoo and toothpaste to your toothbrush and beyond, it pays to make sure you bring items from home, as it's much more expensive to buy these things in Alaska and can eat up precious time in port.

Scenic View of Downtown in Sitka, Alaska.

Don't waste a single moment in gorgeous Sitka, Alaska trying to hunt down your favorite conditioner.

Pack Just The Right Amount

Finally, if you're wondering how much to pack, the rule of thumb would be one top for every two days of travel and one pair of pants for every three days. Bring extra undergarments and socks in case you find yourself needing them — a rainy day can leave you with soggy socks, and changing into a fresh pair is a comforting moment. By bringing extras with you, you can spend your trip focusing on the beauty of Alaska.

Family watching out for whales on an Alaskan Cruise

Get excited — and ready — for your cruise to Alaska.

Mother and Daughters by the Beach with Blanket, Juneau, Alaska

Bringing everything you need from home — including extra sunglasses — will prevent you from needing to track down replacements on your trip, a good tip for packing for any vacation.

Written By
MARY LUZ MEJIA

Colombian-born, Canadian raised Mary Luz Mejia is a twice NATJA nominated freelance food/travel journalist, Gemini-nominated former food TV producer and Level II Certified Chocolate Taster. Her work has been published in Saveur Magazine, the Toronto Star, The Globe & Mail, The Latin Kitchen, Rodale's Organic Gardening and Toronto Life to name a few. Former Saveur Editor-In-Chief James Oseland calls her "One of Toronto's most passionate food journalists" and her personal goal is to master iconic Latin American dishes, one plate at a time. And por supuesto, se habla Español!

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