Wondering what to pack for Alaska Cruise? You’ve come to the right spot. Cruising to Alaska is not like cruising to Mexico or the Caribbean.
Cruises to Alaska only run May through September, which also coincide with the warmest months in the Northern Hemisphere (where Alaska is located). However, packing for an Alaskan cruise in the summer is not the same as packing for a Caribbean cruise in the winter.
Here are 6 Things you absolutely must pack for your Alaska cruise so that you have the best trip ever:
1. Sweater
When people get back from an Alaskan cruise, they often say that it wasn’t as cold as they thought it was going to be. When you hear that, you might question whether you really need to pack along a sweater. The answer is YES. Although a sweater is bulky to pack in luggage, it is an absolute must when packing for an Alaskan cruise!!!
Cruising to Alaska is cold. A sweater is necessary…especially, if you plan on spending anytime outside on the cruise deck. Since you are cruising all the way to Alaska, it’s highly likely that you will want to go out on deck and breathe in the crisp, clean air rather than being cooped up in your cabin the whole trip.
Pack along at least one sweater. You will wear it. If you naturally run a bit cold like me, you will likely wear a sweater every single day that your cruise is sailing just to keep the chill off.
The sweater that I’m wearing in the photo above is no longer available; however, here is a comparable sweater that is equally as cozy.
What I like about wearing a sweater with a zipper is that if you get too hot, you can easily unzip the sweater to allow for more airflow. Patagonia is another trusted brand name that I recommend.
For a more affordable option, you can stick with the classic zip-up hoodie sweatshirt. It’s basic and you will probably have many occasions to wear it even after your cruise. Here is one for under $30:
2. Toque
What is a toque? A toque is a winter hat. It keeps your head warm. Did you know that 90% of your heat loss is through your head. Therefore, be sure to keep your head warm so that the rest of your body stays warm as well. I prefer a wool toque lined with polyester fleece for maximum warmth. Toques that cover the ears are the best.
Okay, this toque might be a bit over kill for the cruise to Alaska. I typically wear this style of toque when the temperature drops to -30 degrees Celsius or below. It won’t be THAT cold on your cruise (thankfully). However, if you plan on going on a dog sled excursion, you may appreciate the extra warmth that comes with this style of toque.
A more appropriate toque is one that is a bit lighter. I do like merino wool for its softness and warmth. Unlike other types of wool, merino wool is not itchy. Here is a merino wool toque that is perfect for keeping the chill off both on the cruise ship and on land.
3. Two Jackets
There are lots of jackets in the marketplace. You will need to bring along two jackets when you pack for your Alaskan cruise. Here is what you’ll need:
(a) Feather-Down Jacket (Inner Layer)
I am a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to jackets. I live in a climate where we have all four seasons and a long winter season. Over the years, I have purchased multiple coats. I find (from personal experience) that real feather down is warmer than its synthetic counterpart. The jacket that I recommend folds into a small pouch so it will not take up much space in your luggage. It’s light weight and it won’t feel heavy when you wear it. Here it is:
(b) Wind & Water Resistant Jacket (Outer Layer)
The second type of jacket that you need to pack for your Alaskan Cruise is a wind and water resistant jacket. I am a brand snob when it comes to jackets. I live in a Northern climate and own more jackets than I would like to admit. There are some brands that are just plain better than others. The quality of fabric is not equal across brands. Some brands have proprietary fabrics and finishes on fabrics that outperform others.
For best overall value, the brands that I prefer are North Face and Helly Hansen. Sure, there are lots of other manufacturers out there that claim to have a good product and maybe it is true for some of them. If you have a big budget, I also recommend the brand Arc’teryx. The quality is amazing but, unfortunately, the price is not.
For a coat that gives great value at a decent price, I recommend getting a North Face jacket that sits right below the bum like this one.
Layer the two coats.
The best way to stay warm is to wear layers. For your insulation layer, wear the feather down coat (inner layer). On top of the feather down coat, wear the water- and wind-resistant jacket (outer layer). If you are still chilly, be sure to wear a sweater as well.
Bring two jackets along to Alaska (styles as mentioned above) rather than one heavy winter coat. You will get more versatility out of two coats and it will take up less space in your luggage as well. The temperature between onboard the cruise ship and on land in Alaska can vary 15-20 degrees Celsius or more. Dress in layers so that you can be equipped for whatever the temperature might be.
Don’t let the bright blue sunny skies deceive you. It is still chilly even when the sun is shining brightly.
4. Pants
Don’t leave home without them. You will need pants when you go on your cruise to Alaska. The temperature on the cruise ship will get chilly. If you plan on getting out on deck, pants are a MUST.
If you are cruising to a glacier in Alaska, do not expect warm weather conditions aboard the cruise ship. Sure, you may luck out and get a nice day, but I would say that most days are cool; otherwise, the glaciers would have melted a long time ago.
5. Swimming Suit
Put your swimming suit on your list of what to pack for Alaska cruise. You will not be sun-bathing on your Alaskan cruise. Let’s make that clear. In fact, all of the outdoor swimming pools will likely contain no water. (That was the case on my cruise to Alaska.)
However, chances are that your cruise ship will have a hot tub!! Bring along a swimsuit so that you can soak in the hot tub and enjoy the jets massage your back.
6. Binoculars
Perhaps your cruise will stop at a glacier. If it does, you will be glad that you brought along a pair of binoculars. Binoculars enable you to zoom into focus things you cannot see with just your natural eyesight.
Binoculars are great way to see whales in the distance and take a closer look at the beautiful scenery all around you. If you don’t have a pair of binoculars, I highly recommend that you purchase a pair before you cruise to Alaska. Like everything else in life, there are varying degrees of quality when it comes to binoculars. The quality of lens is what separates an okay pair from a great pair.
For less than $200, you can get a decent set of binoculars. Buy a pair of binoculars with a reputable brand name. Once you get a set of binoculars, you will want to bring them along everywhere you go. Binoculars aren’t just for cruises to Alaska. You will appreciate a quality pair of binoculars the next time you attend a sporting event such as a football game. They also come in handy when you attend a ballet or a musical production.
Cruising to Alaska is fun. You might see a glacier (depending on your cruise), a whale, or even a bear. Still wondering what to pack for Alaska cruise? Be sure to pack every single item on this list. You won’t regret it.
If you want a cruise where you can see penguins, you need to go to Antarctica. Learn more about an Antarctica Cruise in my article “Quark Expeditions Antarctica Cruise Review – Top 5 Secrets Revealed“.
Until next time,
Shelley