The Alaska cruise season is officially ramping up, and so is our Alaska content here at Cruise Conversations.
In fact, this coming Wednesday, we’ll be releasing our first Alaska cruise recap of the year. As we’ve been interviewing fellow cruisers and hearing their Alaska stories, it’s hard to believe that this time last year we were in full preparation mode for our own Alaska adventure.
Listening to guests share their favorite ports, excursions, wildlife encounters, and the food they ate along the way has brought back the excitement we felt before sailing. It also reminded us of all the last-minute preparations that come with getting ready for an Alaska cruise.
Like many cruisers heading to Alaska for the first time, we found ourselves making last-minute trips to Sierra and REI, while also filling our Amazon carts with gear we thought we’d need. Unlike a Caribbean cruise, packing for Alaska feels like solving a puzzle. One minute you’re planning for 50-degree temperatures and rain, and the next you’re seeing forecasts near 70 degrees.
Looking back, there are several items we’re glad we packed and a few lessons we learned along the way. Check out Episode 105 to hear us talk all about packing!
Why Packing for an Alaska Cruise Is Different
When most people think about cruising, they picture sunny beaches, swimwear, and tropical weather. Alaska is a completely different experience.
Instead of beach days, you may find yourself:
- Whale watching in chilly conditions
- Hiking through the Tongass rainforest
- Exploring glacier viewpoints
- Riding scenic railways
- Walking through historic port towns in the rain
Because of this, your Alaska cruise packing list needs to be much more versatile than a typical Caribbean packing list.
The keyword is simple: layers.
Alaska Cruise Packing Tip #1: Dress in Layers
If there’s one piece of advice we heard repeatedly before our cruise, it was to dress in layers.
Now that we’ve experienced Alaska firsthand, we completely agree.
Temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day. During our research before sailing, we saw forecasts ranging from the low 50s to nearly 70 degrees, depending on the port and time of day.
A good layering strategy includes:
- Moisture-wicking base layer
- Long-sleeve shirt or lightweight pullover
- Hoodie or fleece
- Waterproof rain jacket
This setup allows you to adjust throughout the day without carrying bulky winter clothing everywhere you go.
Alaska Cruise Packing Tip #2: Bring Waterproof Outerwear
One thing we quickly learned while planning our trip was that rain is simply part of the Alaska experience.
Ports like Juneau and Ketchikan are known for receiving frequent rainfall throughout the season. That doesn’t mean your vacation will be ruined. In fact, some of our favorite views happened during light rain and mist.
However, you’ll want to be prepared.
A quality waterproof jacket should be near the top of your Alaska cruise packing list.
Additionally, consider packing:
- Waterproof pants
- Water-resistant backpack
- Rain cover for camera equipment
- Extra dry socks
Trust us, being cold is one thing. Being cold and wet is something else entirely.
Alaska Cruise Packing Tip #3: Invest in Comfortable Waterproof Shoes
If you’re planning excursions, footwear matters.
Unlike Caribbean itineraries, where sandals often work perfectly, Alaska excursions frequently involve:
- Uneven trails
- Gravel paths
- Wet boardwalks
- Forest terrain
- Glacier viewing areas
Before our cruise, we specifically looked for comfortable waterproof shoes that could handle a variety of conditions.
Good footwear helps you enjoy the experience rather than worry about sore feet or wet socks.
Alaska Cruise Packing Tip #4: Don’t Forget a Day Backpack
A small backpack became one of our most-used items during the trip.
Every day seemed to require carrying a few essentials, including:
- Rain jacket
- Water bottle
- Camera gear
- Extra layers
- Gloves or a hat
- Snacks
Since weather conditions can change quickly, having a backpack makes it easy to adapt throughout the day.
Alaska Cruise Packing Tip #5: Pack for Excursions, Not Just the Ship
One mistake first-time Alaska cruisers often make is packing primarily for onboard activities.
While you’ll still enjoy dinners, entertainment, and relaxing sea days, Alaska is heavily destination-focused.
When building your Alaska cruise packing list, think about the excursions you’ve booked.
Are you:
- Taking a helicopter tour?
- Visiting a glacier?
- Going whale watching?
- Hiking local trails?
- Riding the White Pass Railway?
Your excursions should influence many of your packing decisions.
Last year, we were running to Sierra, REI, and Amazon
Looking back, one of the funniest parts of preparing for Alaska was the number of last-minute purchases we made.
We spent weeks researching gear recommendations and weather forecasts.
Like many travelers, we found ourselves:
- Making runs to Sierra for outdoor clothing
- Browsing REI for rain gear and accessories
- Ordering “must-have” items like binoculars on Amazon
- Lying everything out across the house, trying to figure out what would actually fit in a suitcase
At the time, it felt overwhelming.
Now, it’s one of our favorite memories leading up to the trip.
The anticipation of experiencing Alaska for the first time was part of the adventure.
Our Alaska Content Returns This Week
As the Alaska cruise season gets underway again, we’re excited to start sharing the experiences of fellow cruisers who recently sailed Alaska. Through our recap interviews, we’ll be highlighting real-world tips, memorable excursions, favorite ports, and the moments that made these sailings unforgettable.
While these stories come from our guests, they also take us back to the excitement of planning our own Alaska cruise and all the lessons we learned along the way.
This Wednesday, we’ll release our first Alaska cruise recap of the year, kicking off a new series of Alaska-focused content.
If you’re planning your own Alaska cruise this season, stay tuned. We’ll be sharing what worked, what we’d do differently, and the experiences that made Alaska one of the most memorable cruise destinations we’ve ever visited.
And if you’re currently making those last-minute runs to Sierra, REI, or Amazon like we were a year ago, don’t worry, we’ve been there too.
The countdown to Alaska is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. If you have some time to spare or want to see what we did, check out our vlogs on board Quantum of the Seas!
What Are Your Must-Have Alaska Cruise Packing Tips?
Have you sailed Alaska before?
Let us know your favorite Alaska cruise packing tips and must-have items. We’d love to hear what made your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.