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Here are a few “must-have” items and cruise essentials to pack for an Alaska cruise. Our Alaska cruise was in May, which is one of the cooler and drier months to cruise in Alaska. If you’re going to Alaska in the summer, there are some things I brought that you can likely leave at home. Alaska cruises are more casual than Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises, both during the day and in the evening. Even though we cruised with Holland America, which is a more traditional cruise line, we still found this to be true. For men, a beanie paired with a light scarf will be a great addition to your Alaskan wardrobe.
Enjoy your Alaskan Cruise!
On an Alaskan cruise, the dress code typically ranges from casual to semi-formal. Daytime attire is casual with cruise outfits like jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters. Evenings might require smart-casual or semi-formal wear, especially for special events or formal nights. However, specific dress codes can vary based on the cruise line.
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Braving the changing weather is part of the experience, just embrace it. Expect to see a mix of dresses, dress pants, dress shirts, and blouses. Since you don’t want to have to pack too many shoes, stick with either sneakers, flip flops, hiking boots, or flats which can be interchanged between the gym, spa/pool, outdoors, and dinner.
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In total, I wore it for over a decade; it never shrank and always performed. Hats and gloves don’t take up a lot room to pack, and they’re worth bringing even if you’re cruising to Alaska in the summer or fall. Mornings and late nights can be frosty, especially on glacier viewing days.
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I had anticipated the towns in Alaska would be the coldest part of my trip but I was SO wrong. You also have time on the ship, both relaxing and for dressier times like formal night. My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is GetYourGuide. They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. We had people running around in athleisure and flipflops while others wore dresses and heels.
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Plus, it comes in multiple colors and is at an accessible price point, so you can easily get more than one. Merino wool is the perfect performance material for a trip to Alaska, where the temperatures can vary from day to day and even from place to place. The Icebreaker 200 Oasis Lichen Long Sleeve Crew gets top marks because it’s warming enough to make for an ideal base layer while being lightweight enough to be worn on its own during warmer days. Plus, merino wool has quick-dry, moisture-wicking properties that keep it breathable and cooling when you start sweating (clutch for summer days and physical excursions). Anti-microbial properties also translate into less odor and longer life between washes, so you can wear it worry-free and repeatedly on the same trip. My first Icebreaker base layer was a go-to when I backpacked around the world for three years, from European winters to Southeast Asian summers.
Cell phone dry bag
Packing for an Alaska cruise does not have to be a stressful experience. Yes, you will be visiting some places where the weather might be chillier than back home, but you will not encounter truly Arctic conditions. Away from the viewing sites of magnificent glaciers and icefields that brought you to Alaska, you might even encounter weather suitable for shorts and T-shirts. Compact umbrella – We decided not to use one, but lots of people had them. Refillable water bottle – Great for on and off the ship especially if water isn’t included in your drink package.
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It’s very important to consider the temperatures and precipitation levels depending on when you’re traveling to Alaska. If you’re like me, perhaps an Alaska cruise tops your family’s bucket list of places that you absolutely want to experience in your lifetime. When it comes to packing for an Alaska cruise, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. One of the questions that often comes up is whether it is suitable to wear sandals during certain parts of the cruise, or if closed-toe shoes are a better choice. On Lifestyle Fifty you’ll find fashion tips and products to help you look more stylish and feel more confident.
Cruise Cabin Essentials
A puffer or fleece vest is a small item of clothing that can make a big difference in keeping you warm and cozy during your cruise. Aside from varying temperatures, you might book Alaska shore excursions that are more adventurous than sightseeing and beach-oriented activities. Although Alaska cruises tend to be less dressy than Caribbean cruises, most Alaska cruises have formal nights, elegant or chic nights. For ladies, a longer sleeve cocktail dress, gown or pantsuit is perfect. On milder days in Alaska, you may be able to wear and t-shirt or long sleeve shirt. However, you’ll still want to dress in layers so you can put on a fleece sweatshirt or warm sweater as needed.
You should include everything from clothing and weather coverage — like a raincoat and sunscreen — to accessories and equipment that will complement your every adventure. Spending some time outdoors is par for the course during a trip to Alaska. While you might think the cold weather means you’ll be safe from mosquitos, think again. The Alaskan outdoors can be quite wet, so protect yourself from mosquito bites by packing a bottle of bug spray in your suitcase.
Sure, you can take pictures with your phone, but do you really want to photograph Alaska and its gorgeous landscapes and wildlife on a tiny phone? You’ll be thankful you packed your best camera on your trip to Alaska once you catch your first glimpse of a majestic glacier or humpback whale. Even on milder days, packing a light rain poncho in your backpack just in case, is a smart idea. This men’s puffer jacket is very lightweight and packs up small and tight, while still being insulated and warm. Bringing your own pair of compact travel binoculars is an Alaska cruise must-have!
With all of the warm winter clothes that are usually packed for an Alaskan cruise, you might not have as much room in your suitcase. If you don’t pack a rain jacket and find that the Alaskan weather is too cold for you to handle, every port will be selling fleece-lined, waterproof jackets that are embroidered with 'Alaska'. These also make a great souvenir because they are reasonably priced, some are sold as low as $9.99. I hope you’ve found our Alaskan cruise packing list useful in determining both what to bring, and what to wear on an Alaska cruise. Here are a few comfort items I recommend adding to your Alaska cruise packing list. To be safe, I recommend packing waterproof clothing year-round to prepare for the potential of rainy days.
I would say my first cruise in July was the coldest weather while my most recent cruise in May was slightly warmer, but still cold. From helpful extras to entertainment options, these items will help round off your packing list and ensure you have everything you could ever need. If traveling with Princess Cruises, they have a fairly strict dress code for these nights.
Pants – You will likely be wearing pants for most of your trip. Jeans were everywhere and our go to for most days on and off the ship. Hiking pants are great, not only for hiking, but on rainy days as well. Jeans take forever to dry and don’t feel great waterlogged and heavy walking around the town.
If you plan on participating in activities such as hiking or exploring the Alaskan wilderness, waterproof shoes are highly recommended. Walking through wet grass, muddy trails, or even shallow streams can quickly soak regular shoes, leading to uncomfortable and potentially blister-inducing conditions. In conclusion, packing for an Alaska cruise requires careful consideration of the various weather conditions and activities you'll encounter. Be sure to bring hiking shoes, sneakers or athletic shoes, waterproof boots or rain shoes, casual shoes, and sandals to ensure you are prepared for any situation. By packing a variety of shoes, you'll stay comfortable and ready to explore all the beauty Alaska has to offer. Remember to consider the time of year you'll be traveling to Alaska when packing your shoes.
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But if you do decide to dress up a little, keep your jeans on and just dress them up with a nice top and those black heels. A good pair of jeans took me from a scooter ride in Skagway to the dining room at night. The fleece-lined leggings were also thin enough to layer underneath a pair of jeans or jogger pants in case it got REALLY cold outside.
