Normally when people think about packing for a cruise they think bikinis, cute floral dresses, jean shorts… but you’re going to Alaska! Depending on the time of year, you will still need to pack those things, but you’ll also need boots, and a rain jacket!
The bottom line is… this is not a trip to attempt to pack light. I had a fully stuffed large suitcase plus a carryon when I went on my Alaska cruise in June. To be fair I was gone for 10 days if you include my time in Seattle before and after the cruise. The weather also ranged from 85 and sunny to 45 and rainy!
Most people go on their Alaskan cruise between May and September, and packing should be fairly similar for those months. My cruise was in late June and I’d say our weather was “decent” at best. Find out below the 10 things everyone should pack for their cruise to Alaska! For details on what I did on cruise read my post on it here!
1. Rain Jacket
Everyone knows the cliche about Seattle being rainy…. well picture Alaska as a colder, even rainier version of that! I brought my lightweight North Face rain jacket so I could layer it on top of whatever I was wearing that day, but I think any rain jacket will do.
2. Rain Boots
While not completely necessary to pack, they are cuter and more fun than tennis shoes! I brought my LL Bean Duck boots and wore them on most of the excursions off the boat.
3. Sandals
So I just told you to pack rain boots, and now I’m telling you to pack sandals as well… I think you’re starting to understand why I had two suitcases! Sandals are very convenient to just slip on while walking around the boat, or to the pool if you’re lucky to have a warm sunny day.
4. Warm Layer
I brought one of my Patagonia pullovers, but I think any warm, fleece like layer would work, especially something you can layer under your rain jacket. I get hot really easily and would never wear a winter coat/jacket when it’s in the 40’s and 50’s, but if that sounds cold to you, you could consider a winter coat. For me, a fleece pullover and rain jacket was perfect.
5. Swimsuit
I know what you’re thinking…. I just told you it was in the 40’s and to bring a fleece pullover! The only day I got in the pool was the first day of the cruise, when the ship was still in port in Seattle. It was a nice and sunny 80 degree day. I also saw some slightly crazier people in the hot tubs when we were in Alaska. Even if you decide it’s too cold for you, it’s still a good option to have and doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase.
6. Jeans
I think I wore jeans during the day every day of the cruise. If you’re a “travel pants” kind of person, those would work too!
7. Dresses or Skirts
Does anyone else love any excuse to wear nice dresses?! Dinner on a cruise is the best excuse! I probably packed too many dresses (7), but I would definitely bring at least 3! They can be as casual or as formal as you want.
8. Light Sweater for Dinner
If any of the dresses you pack don’t have sleeves, I would recommend bringing a cardigan or two for dinners. You can get most places on a cruise ship without having to go outside, but I’d still recommend bringing them.
9. Casual Layers
Early morning breakfast buffet trip? Late night chicken wing trip? Both call for a casual sweater or sweatshirt. When you’re not at dinner you don’t need to look that fancy on the ship. For breakfast and walking around during the day I would normally throw on jeans, a sweatshirt, and *gasp* socks and sandals. I know. Glamorous right?! But I was very comfortable!
10. Camera
I unfortunately did not bring a camera on my trip, but I was lucky enough to be traveling with my family who all took many fabulous pictures! I didn’t have cell service most of the trip so I wasn’t always carrying my phone around… so I didn’t even get photos with my iPhone camera.
Have you been on a cruise to Alaska? Was there anything you thought was a necessity? Let me know in the comment section below!
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